March 2012

SYRACUSE — “AJ” is the new program director at Clear Channel Rythmic CHR Hot 107.9 (WWHT), according to AllAccess.com.  His move to Syracuse will wrap-up a 12-year run at Cumulus-owned WBHT in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he’s been serving as PD/MD and afternoon host.

Updated 3/31 — SYRACUSE — The “jockless gap” between the syndicated Bob and Tom Morning Show and local host Dave Frisina’s afternoon show will soon be history at Cumulus rocker 105.9 The Rebel (WXTL). CNYRadio.com has learned Syracuse NewTimes music editor Jessica Novak has been hired to host middays.

UTICA — After six weeks in a row of Pictures of the Week from Syracuse, we didn’t want our friends in the Mohawk Valley to think we’d forgotten them.  This week, a double-feature from two of Utica’s newest television stations.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — National radio industry trade websites are reporting Clear Channel, the nation’s largest radio company, issued layoffs in multiple markets today.  But, to the best of our knowledge, it appears the company’s six-station cluster in Syracuse was spared this time around.

SYRACUSE — He’s been filling in most mornings since Chris Barnes left for Washington in January… and now “Big Jim” Donovan has been officially named morning news anchor at Clear Channel’s FM Newsradio 106.9 and 570 WSYR.  The title also comes with a promotion from part-time to full-time status for the veteran Syracuse radio personality.

SYRACUSE — She has appeared on other local TV stations and in various local print publications.  Starting this weekend, Julie Taboulie will have her very own weekly program to share her favorite Lebanese and Middle Eastern recipes.  “Cooking with Julie Taboulie” debuts this Saturday at 1:30pm on PBS affiliate WCNY-DT 24.1.

SYRACUSE — The private equity firm which owns NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) could be looking to sell the ABC affiliate and the other 55 stations it owns under the Newport Television umbrella. That’s according to sources who say Newport’s parent, Providence Equity Partners, has retained the services of a firm to “explore” options for Newport’s future

UTICA-ROME — Although listeners first discovered WUTQ’s expansion to the 100.7FM frequncy about ten days ago, Roser Communications Network officially announced the changes Monday night.  In addition, the company says it has hired Taylor Harris to host the music hours heard middays on the four-frequency simulcast.

Updated 8:05pm — SYRACUSE — Public stations WRVO and WAER dominate the list of radio winners for the 2011 Syracuse Press Club Professional Recognition Awards Contest.  On the TV news side, cablecaster YNN and Syracuse ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9 were neck-and-neck for bragging rights on picking up the most awards.  The list was released just

SYRACUSE — Can you name all the Channel 3 (WSTM) news staffers in this photo from nearly 25 years ago?  It’s just one photo from an entire album of archived photos entitled “CNY Central History,” posted online earlier this week.