February 2010

OSWEGO — National Public Radio affiliate WRVO announced plans to launch a new locally-produced show co-hosted by Morning Edition host Jason Smith and reporter Jasmyn Belcher. Weekly Edition is set to debut on March 19.

SYRACUSE — Regular fans of Gomez & Dave in the Morning on Syracuse’s TK99/105 (WTKW/WTKV) and Utica’s WOUR may recall recently hearing co-host Dave Coombs had thyroid surgery.  If you haven’t seen, here’s Dave in post-op recovery:

SYRACUSE — Online sports columnist and radio talk show host Brent Axe will be getting some national TV time this coming weekend, covering the historical outdoor AHL game at the State Fairgrounds.

SYRACUSE — Congratulations once again to Ted Long and Amy Robbins — the morning show duo at Citadel’s 93Q (WNTQ) have another award to add to their display case. Ted and Amy are among eight people in the community named as winners of the 2010 Post-Standard Achievement Awards.

UTICA-ROME — A recent “human billboard” stunt during Bill Keeler’s morning show on 92.7 The Drive (WXUR) was quickly brought to a halt after a National Grid employee witnessed the gag and called the police.  It’s a story that could serve as a good lesson to any other stations considering similar stunts.

ITHACA — Fans of Jimmy Fallon are in for a special treat Monday morning… the comedian and late night TV talk show host will be part of the Valentine’s Day Special on “Mikey Mike’s Monday Morning Madness” this coming Monday on Ithaca College’s WICB (91.7 FM).

DETROIT — After 45 years on the air in the Motor City, Buffalo native and SU graduate Dick Purtan is getting ready to call it a career.  Purtan — who used some other names on-air in Syracuse — announced his retirement plans on his morning radio show this week.  Updated 2/14 with comment from Jay

UTICA-ROME — The Galaxy Communications cluster in Utica (well, technically, the Washington Mills area of New Hartford) is looking for a new local sales manager, according to a job posting we spotted today.

ITHACA/CORTLAND — For 12 hours tomorrow, you’ve got the chance to request virtually any song you want on any of three radio stations in the Cayuga Radio Group owned by Saga Communications.  It’ll cost you — but the money’s going to a good cause.  It’s “Tunes for Tails” to benefit the SPCA of Tompkins County.

SYRACUSE — Health insurance, paid vacation and a retirement plan are nice benefits found at most jobs… but how about a free trip to a resort in the Bahamas?  You might call Mary & Shannon of Hot 107.9 (WWHT) the luckiest morning show co-hosts in town after seeing the pictures from their latest adventure beyond