UTICA — There will be a new face behind the anchor desk at Utica’s Eyewitness News by the middle of the month. Thomas Payeur says his last shows at ABC affiliate WUTR-20 and FOX affiliate WFXV-33 will be Friday, June 12.
Payeur announced his departure on Facebook on Monday. (We happened to spot the post by pure chance today.) In his message, Payeur wrote, “This community has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect when I first arrived in the Mohawk Valley. I’ve covered breaking news, severe weather, and everyday stories that matter deeply to this region—and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to do that work here.”
Payeur, a native of Michigan, says he (and his service dog Griswold, who has his own biography on the station website) are headed back to the Midwest, specifically to NBC affiliate WEAU in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
CNYTVNews.com has reached out to the contacts listed on the WUTR/WFXV website to inquire about the staffing plans moving forward. The station’s “Meet the Team” page shows Payeur as the only anchor. It might be reasonable to guess Louie Genovese, the only MMJ listed, will become anchor, at least on an interim basis. If we hear anything more definite from station management, we’ll either update this story or post a new one.
The only other on-camera talent listed are chief met Jordan Reed and sports director Dorian Alerte, with digital content coordinator Josh McMullen rounding out the roster. The station website doesn’t list the name of the current News Director.
Nexstar Broadcasting owns WFXV and controls Mission-owned WUTR through a shared services agreement. Since reopening its newsroom in 2011, the pair of stations has only produced weeknight newscasts at 6pm (WUTR), 10pm (WFXV) and 11pm (WUTR). Prior to that, WUTR produced a full schedule of newscasts (including mornings, noon, 5-6:30pm, 11pm, weekends) before the news operation was abruptly shuttered by former owner Clear Channel in 2003.
Covering the happenings at dozens of TV and radio stations in two markets is no easy task! We’re always grateful for your “official” station announcements and “unofficial” insider tips. Anytime you’ve got news to share about local radio or TV, use our Contact Form. You can choose whether to include your own contact info, or remain anonymous.
No comments yet. Leave a reply to start a conversation.