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).
As of 7:45pm Monday, we're hearing the Syracuse/Georgetown game (currently in halftime) simulcast on W249BC, WTLA, and SU Sports Network flagship TK99 (WTKW). But it's not just for the game -- an anonymous CNYRadio.com reader told us about the switch yesterday, and it was also reported today in Scott Fybush's NorthEast Radio Watch.
Galaxy announced in early December that it would be taking over the Syracuse market's affiliation with ESPN Radio, effective March 5. Galaxy says it will carry the network on WTLA and WSGO, along with the aforementioned FM translator in Mattydale and another FM translator in Oswego (100.1 - W259AX).
Updated 1/27 at 4:00pm - Thanks to a CNYRadio.com reader who confirms the Oswego translator is also now simulcasting WTLA. The reader reports receiving the signal, though relatively weak, outside of the Great Northern Mall in Clay.
The market's current ESPN affiliate is Citadel's WNSS (1260). So far, Citadel has only said it would be retaining its local afternoon drive show, On the Block with Brent Axe. No further details about the future plans for WNSS have been revealed as of yet.
Updated 11am on 1/26/09 - Thanks to a CNYRadio.com reader who points out we were off by one digit on the proper call sign for translator W249BC.