[Updated with statement from Bill Keeler] UTICA-ROME — Longtime Mohawk Valley radio personality Bill Keeler has been abruptly removed from the lineup at 950 WIBX, after more than 13 years hosting mornings for the Townsquare Media news/talker.
After getting some anonymous tips from CNYRadio.com readers this morning, CNYRadio noticed Keeler’s name was wiped from the schedule on the WIBX website sometime between 10am and noon today, which happens to be National Radio Day.
Keeler had been live weekdays from 6-9am, preceded by a “Best Of” show at 5am.
Update: Keeler provided the following to CNYRadio.com:
I was informed today, following my program, that the morning show on WIBX has been cancelled by corporate. As a result, my last day with Townsquare Media was today, although I was told I could apply for other positions that might be available with the company outside the market.
Based on what I’ve seen happening throughout the radio industry nationwide, I knew a day like this could eventually come, although I certainly didn’t expect it to happen today.
I’m extremely thankful for the nearly 13 years I’ve spent at the Marcy studios, and especially grateful for the people I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. These are some of the most talented people in the industry, and many of them have become very close friends.
I also can’t say enough about what I believe has been the greatest audience in radio. Every day, that audience inspired me to get up in the morning and do the work I’ve been passionate about since I was 17 years old. I will always be grateful for that relationship and for the incredible support listeners have given me over the years.
As for what comes next, plans for my next career move have actually been underway for the last six months, and the thought of going down a different road has been incredibly exciting.
Please stay tuned. I’ll have much more to say about the future sometime next week.
Remainder of original story follows:
The WIBX schedule now lists syndicator Westwood One’s “The Guy Benson Show” filling the 5am to 9am timeslot, in addition to the 7-10pm timeslot it already occupied. According to Westwood One, Benson airs live 3-6pm Eastern, so the prospect of re-running “yesterday’s” show leads us to believe this could be a temporary measure.
CNYRadio.com has reached out to Townsquare management, but no response as of this writing. If we hear back, we’ll update the story.
Keeler joined WIBX in January 2013, about three years after Arjuna Broadcasting replaced him with the syndicated Bob & Tom show on 92.7 The Drive (WXUR). We know we’re skipping a few stops along the way, but longtime Mohawk Valley residents (including your editor, growing up in Rome) may recall when Keeler held down the morning show at the former Rock 107 (WRCK) in the 80s.
We also hear from sources that Keeler show executive producer and longtime Townsquare staffer Davey Smith was part of this morning’s cuts. Smith was awarded the Boilermaker Road Race’s Les Diven Media Award in 2025 for his 30 years of involvement with WIBX’s coverage of the event.
If our “back of the envelope” accounting is correct, this leaves Townsquare’s Utica-Rome cluster with just three local on-air talent: Lite 98.7 (WLZW) morning host Rachel Davis and Big Frog 104 (WFRG) morning co-hosts Stacey “Polly Wogg” McAdams and Brett Hall.
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.
John Williams says:
Shocked. But, not surprised. I kind of figured Townsquare would turn in WIBX’s license and shut down the 950 frequency after the 100th anniversary celebrations were over. Afterall, they shut down WDOS and WDLA already.
Gail Belden says:
I’ve been listening to Bill Keeler for years and always enjoyed his shows. I will NOT be listening to The Guy Benson Show.