January 2010

SYRACUSE — For the first time since the “Irish Power Hour” debuted on Lite Rock 105.9 (WLTI) last March, the show is hitting the road for a live broadcast at Tipperary Hill’s Blarney Stone Tavern this weekend.

ITHACA — Just how popular is Z95.5 (WFIZ) morning host Birdman?  According to Arbitron’s latest ratings, he may be doing well on the air, but getting known online seems to be taking a little longer.  But you don’t have to take our word for it — the proof is in the pictures.

WATERTOWN — The Fall 2009 ratings are out for the Watertown market, and there are no big surprises: perennial leader Froggy 97 (WFRY) and its country format continue to lead the pack. CHR “The Border” (WBDR) appears to be gaining steam, but remains a distant second.

ITHACA/CORTLAND — Stations owned by Saga Communications hold four of the top five spots in the latest public ratings data released by Arbitron. Leading the pack, Q-Country 103.7 (WQNY), posting more than a full-point gain since last spring, going from a 13.8 to a 14.9 among persons age 12+ in the Fall 2009 survey.

Updated 1/27 at 4:00pm -SYRACUSE — It appears that both FM translators that will soon be part of Galaxy Communications’ ESPN Radio affiliation are ready for the change, more than a month in advance.  The translator at 97.7FM (W249BC/Mattydale) has switched from simulcasting K-Rock (WKRL) to simulcasting future ESPN Radio anchor WTLA (1200).

SYRACUSE — There are changes in the air at Clear Channel’s Newsradio 570 WSYR.  The station is changing the way it delivers news during morning drive, including the addition of a co-anchor.

SYRACUSE — It’s been decades since “Happy Jack” Macnamee sat behind the microphone at WNDR, but his familiar voice returned to the airwaves for a short time this past weekend.

UTICA-ROME — Virtually every radio station in the country has informed listeners how to donate towards relief efforts in Haiti, but Utica’s Big Frog 104 (WFRG) is giving listeners an added incentive to donate — a free specially-designed t-shirt.

WATERTOWN — From the better late than never file, good news for C. Lee Hinkleman, Sr.; the local snowmobiling enthusiast’s weekly IROC and Beyond Snowmobile Show is picking up plenty of steam. Reports say the show’s affiliate base recently expanded to six stations, and that number will soon double.

WATERTOWN — For the second time in about two weeks, we’ve got another sales-related job opening to pass along. This time, word comes from Sports Media Group, LLC, the company behind the Spadora on Sports radio show.