SYRACUSE -- It's something that doesn't happen often in radio (but we wish it did) -- air talent restored after previous rounds of cost-cutting. More than a year after he was replaced as morning host at the former Oldies 1390, Bob Brown is once again clocking-in every day at the Smokey Hollow Road studios of Leatherstocking Media Group in Baldwinsville.
Our thanks to an observant CNYRadio.com reader who pointed out Brown is now hosting middays on Classic Hits 92.1 (WSEN-FM). A quick trip to the WSEN-FM website late this afternoon confirms Brown wasn't just filling in for the day -- he's now the permanent host.
Brown officially took over the 10am-3pm shift today, according to GM Judy Kelly. He replaces Floyd Wright, who had been voicetracking the shift remotely from Buckley-0wned WDRC-FM in Harford, CT since Buckley let go of Diane Wade in March 2009. (Don't feel bad for Floyd -- he still has his "home gig" in Hartford.)
Kelly tells CNYRadio.com Wright did a great job during his 15 months of voicetracking, but "I’m thrilled for us to have Bob Brown back on board doing mid-days." She says Leatherstocking, who bought WSEN-AM/FM and WFBL(AM) from Buckley last August, "is locally owned and operated and we want to provide local talent whenever we can."
Ms. Kelly also reminds us of something else we first reported last February -- Brown was never completely let go; he had remained on the cluster's part-time roster for weekends and vacation relief all along.
Our thanks again to the CNYRadio.com reader who provided the tip to get this story going. Our tipster remained anonymous by leaving the name and email address fields blank on our Contact Form, and you can do the same if you choose. Even if you want to include your name on the form, or if you prefer to email cnyradio@cnyradio.com, all you have to do is ask -- and we'll honor your request for anonymity.
Good to see, they must be doing well enough if they can add staff.
Any word on a new host for the noon slot on WFBL?