Utica

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.

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 — 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

UTICA — Just a few months shy of her second anniversary at NewsChannel 2 (WKTV), reporter Lexie O’Connor is packing her bags and moving north.  Friday was O’Connor’s last day with the NBC affiliate.  She has accepted a new job with CBS affiliate WGME in Portland, Maine.

UTICA-ROME — Could the prolonged mystery surrounding the status of Rome’s WKAL be reaching an end?  The station — which faced a May 7 deadline to begin broadcasting or lose its broadcast license — appears to be up and running.

SYRACUSE — Three people will share the honor of being named the “Best News Source” at the Syracuse Press Club’s annual awards dinner this Saturday. Additionally, the Press Club officially confirmed the previously-leaked winner of the Best Newcomer Award.

UTICA-ROME — Sixty-six years ago today, on May 2, 1947, federal regulators gave WIBX the green light to move to its current home at 950AM. Thanks to a former WIBX broadcaster, we’re pleased to share an aircheck of the switch from 1230AM to 950AM.

SYRACUSE — While it’s not officially a “done deal” yet, Galaxy Communications is reportedly expected to hold onto the radio rights for Syracuse University football, basketball and lacrosse for at least another five years.  Both sides have spoken favorably about each other, and it appears an official deal could be announced sometime this week.

UTICA — Although Bill Worden received plenty of accolades during his final newscast prior to retiring from NewsChannel 2 (WKTV) last November, there’s still at least one more on the way. Worden, who was the NBC affiliate’s primary anchor for 35 years, will recieve the Syracuse Press Club’s Career Achievement Award next weekend.