SYRACUSE -- Good news for Vince Spicola, one of at least two top-level managers sidelined in a significant staff house-cleaning at NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) last December, right after Nexstar Broadcasting Group closed on its purchase of the ABC affiliate. Spicola has a new managerial position with one of the region's most recognizable not-for-profit organizations.
According to the "Company News" column on syracuse.com today, Spicola has been named director of marketing and communications for the United Way of Central New York.
In his most-recent capacity at channel 9, Spicola was programming manager for WSYR-TV and co-owned stations in several nearby markets such as Rochester, Binghamton, Elmira and Watertown.
Former WSYR-TV owner Newport Television (and even earlier owners Clear Channel and The Ackerley Group) had centralized programming and other functions -- like accounting, traffic and human resources -- for all of these stations in Syracuse. But Nexstar Broadcasting already has these functions centralized elsewhere, so when Nexstar closed on the purchase, it decided to eliminate the "redundant" positions in Syracuse.
Prior to serving as regional programming manager, Spicola's tenure at channel 9 included positions as promotion and marketing director, chief news photographer, video editor, producer and studio production, dating back to the mid 1980s.
Your editor at CNYTVNews.com wishes to extend congratulations to Vince, and best wishes for success in the new job.
I went to OCC with Vince in the Radio-TV program and I want to congratulate Vince on his new position at the United Way. Congratulations again Vince.
Steve Zalewski
Syracuse, NY