SYRACUSE -- There are some new voices delivering weather forecasts for four of Clear Channel's six local radio stations. As of Monday, FM Newsradio 106.9 and 570 WSYR plus two other stations started using meteorologists from AccuWeather.com, ending a three-year affiliation with The Weather Channel's radio services.
The first hint of the change came last month, when syndicator United Stations Radio Networks announced it has added 120 new affiliates since the start of 2012. The release didn't name all 120 new affiliates, but it did mention Clear Channel rhythmic CHR Hot 107.9 (WWHT) by name.
In addition to WWHT and the WSYR AM/FM pair, urban AC Power 620 (WHEN) is the fourth station picking up AccuWeather.com. Kenneth E. Prehl, Director of AccuWeather.com's Radio Services Division, tells CNYRadio.com the agreement went into effect this past Monday.
There appear to be no changes in forecasting arrangements for Clear Channel's other two stations. NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) chief meteorologist Dave Longley continues to forecast for market leader country B104.7 (WBBS). Former channel 9 chief met Dave Eichorn remains in place providing forecasts for adult contemporary Y94FM (WYYY). Eichorn picked up the gig in early 2009, just a few weeks after leaving the TV station in late 2008.
On a side note, Long Island-based Pat Pagano, who voiced WSYR's forecasts for the 34 years prior to The Weather Channel's 2009 arrival, has since returned to the market by way of public station Classic FM (WCNY-FM).