UTICA/ROME -- As reported here earlier, the call letters at WYFY/Rome will be changing before Bible Broadcasting Network officially hands the keys over to Tune In Broadcasting. Now, we know those calls: the station, sold in February for $90,000, is now WRUY. According to this week's edition of NorthEast Radio Watch, BBN swapped the calls with a station it owns in Ohio.
ITHACA/CORTLAND -- Look for some personality changes on the Ithaca radio dial. "Hits Girl Katie" from Hits 103.3 (W277BS) is heading south to New York City, as the station announces the search for its next Hits Girl. Meantime, sister station Lite Rock 97.3 (WYXL) is adding syndicated host Tom Kent to its weekend lineup.
NEW YORK CITY -- CBS News national correspondent Jim Axelrod has a new book, released earlier this week. Axelrod, formerly of Syracuse's WSTM and Utica's WUTR, describes how the memory of his late father inspired him to turn things around -- for his marriage, his career and his personal health.
SYRACUSE -- From the "better late than never" file, we've been remiss in mentioning the fact that award-winning radio news reporter Ellen Abbott has changed stations. Abbott has traded in her WSYR business cards for a new stack featuring the call letters of NPR affiliate WRVO.
SYRACUSE -- Afternoon host Jim Reith at FM Newsradio 106.9 and 570 WSYR will conclude his week-long auction to benefit the McMahon Ryan House today. Every cent raised will be donated to the organization, which provides services to physically and sexually abused children.
SYRACUSE -- After a week off, the Picture of the Week is back with a combo you don't see together every day. Former NewsChannel 9 anchor-turned-"Bridge Street" co-host Julie Abbott came out of retirement to join WSYR radio afternoon host Jim Reith to host the Syracuse Press Club's annual scholarship and awards dinner last weekend.
ITHACA -- Former Ithaca Journal sports editor Brian Delaney has traded in print for electronic media, joining the staff at Taughannock Media's ESPN Radio 1160 (WPIE). His official title of Reporter and Account Manager includes duties co-hosting the station's afternoon talk show, Between the Lines.
Updated 5/19 -- SYRACUSE -- According to multiple sources, Jim Tortora has exited NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) after more than a decade at the station. We're told General Manager Theresa Underwood sent an email memo to staff on Monday afternoon, thanking Tortora for his time with the station, and wishing him well in the future.
Updated 5/10 at 11:00pm - CNYcentral says the WTVH 5.1 transmitter is back in operation tonight, but it's just temporary. To complete the repairs, additional parts will be installed at the transmitter on Wednesday. As a result, WTVH 5.1 will sign off again on Wednesday morning, but engineers hope to have it back online -- for good, this time -- by Wednesday night. WSTM-DT 3.3 continues to simulcast WTVH in standard definition. WTVH-HD remains available on its usual channel number for cable and FiOS customers.
UTICA/ROME -- An employee of Galaxy Communications has been sent to the Oneida County Jail after police say he stole more than $3,000 from the company. Michael Hance, 32, is facing two felony charges -- one for allegedly taking the money and one for trying to cover it up.