May 2013

SYRACUSE — After several days of operating at reduced power, it appears Clear Channel CHR Hot 107.9 (WWHT) has resumed broadcasting at its full allotted power of 50,000 watts.  Since our May 10 story about a lack of reception in areas farther from Syracuse, we’ve heard through the grapevine there was an equipment malfunction at

Updated 2:10pm — UTICA — One of the original reporters from the 2011 launch of Eyewitness News on WUTR (ABC-20) and WFXV (Fox-33) is moving on.  Chelsea Rarrick announced yesterday was her last day on the job in Utica.  She’s got a new job lined up at the CBS affiliate in Richmond, Virginia.

UTICA-ROME — Last month, Shaun Andrews marked his 15th anniversary at 97.9 and 105.5 Kiss-FM (WSKS/WSKU).  Earlier this week, the former intern who worked his way up to program director was recognized with a cake and a personalized plaque.

SYRACUSE — Ann Marie Buerkle, who served one term as a U.S. Representative from 2011 to 2013, says she’s going to debut a one-hour weekend talk show on Newsradio 570 and 106.9 WSYR.  The new show, which is actually paid programming, begins on May 25.

SYRACUSE — Recent changes at the Syracuse Post-Standard have resulted in a “stunning” increase in revenue for local radio stations. That’s according to Galaxy Communications CEO/President Ed Levine, who says the newspaper’s changes have helped not just his own stations, but the entire Syracuse radio market as a whole.

BUFFALO — Bill Ransom, a former General Manager of Syracuse CBS affiliate WTVH, says he’s ready to call it a career. Ransom, who has been GM at sister station WKBW in Buffalo for the past 18 years, says he’ll retire at the end of June.

ALBANY — Several radio and television news operations from Central New York are finalists for New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association awards.  We’re told the professional finalists were announced last week, and NYSAPBA announced finalists for college-level categories today.  And in the college TV categories, it’s a battle between two Central New York institutions.

SYRACUSE — Multiple CNYRadio.com readers say they’ve had trouble listening to Hot 107.9 (WWHT) over the past few days. It appears that Clear Channel has temporarily reduced the power at the transmitter in order to perform some engineering work.

SYRACUSE — Longtime NewsChannel 2 (WKTV) anchor Bill Worden, who retired last November after 35 years with the Utica NBC affiliate, received the Syracuse Press Club’s Career Achievement Award this past weekend.  Thanks to one of his former co-workers, we’ve got a few photos to share.

SYRACUSE — Gary Michaels and Galaxy Communications have parted ways, as the company continues its search for a permanent new PD / Brand Manager for classic rockers TK 99 and TK 105 (WTKW/WTKV).  Michaels, who had been serving as midday host and Interim PD for the past few months, was relieved of his duties on