SYRACUSE/UTICA -- Once again, the first Monday in November means the beginning of 24/7 Christmas music on the radio in Central New York. As of midnight, Galaxy Syracuse AC Sunny 102 (WZUN) and Utica-Rome Hot AC Mix 102.5 (WUMX) started playing holiday hits.
Suspecting the change just might happen, your humble editor was listening to Sunny 102 at midnight, as Kid Kelly wrapped up his syndicated "Backtrax 80s" show, and the station promptly rolled into "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays" without any jingles or other fanfare announcing the all-Christmas format.
Both stations' websites have also received some Christmas decoration: both feature rotating photos of the stop-motion renditions of popular characters like Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Abominable Snowman.
Sunny 102's website features a graphic branding itself as "Central New York's Christmas Music Station" and the station logo is now wearing a Santa hat. Over at Mix 102.5's website, you'll find a live countdown to December 25th, reminding you the holiday is still 52 days away.
Regardless of whether you think 52 days out is too soon, it should be of no surprise -- both stations also started early in November last year too. And, similar to last year, it looks like the competition isn't following suit -- just yet. Last year in Syracuse, Clear Channel's Y94FM (WYYY) didn't go all-Christmas until later in November, but offered a 24/7 feed of holiday favorites exclusively online.