SYRACUSE -- The website and on-air promos said it would happen in February, but the local news product ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) launched its new high-definition look a few days early, starting with tonight's 6:00pm newscast. The new look includes new graphics, a brand new studio set, a new logo and updated music. Updated 1/30 with photos from the first broadcast.
UTICA/ROME -- Yes, too much time was invested in the title for our latest Picture of the Week. She's known for spinning country tunes... but earlier this week, Big Frog 104 (WFRG) morning co-host Polly Wogg got a lesson in spinning basketballs, from Buckets Blakes of the Harlem Globetrotters.
ITHACA/CORTLAND -- WHCU is among several new affiliates airing "The Wall Street Journal this Morning with Gordon Deal," according to a report published Wednesday. The news/talk station, owned by Saga Communications, is one of ten new affiliates for the 30-minute show, which airs locally at 5:30 weekday mornings.
UTICA/ROME -- Still no word on what Bill Keeler's up to following his departure from 92.7 The Drive (WXUR) last month, but it appears there are now some concrete plans in the works. Last night, Keeler announced he has hired "Hary Rock Harry" Enea, who subsequently resigned from his weeknight (7p-Mid) hosting duties at WXUR.
SYRACUSE -- When WSYR's news/talk format first started simulcasting at 106.9FM three weeks ago, staffers said it was actually the other way around -- the station moved to 106.9 and was simulcasting on 570. All mentions of 570 disappeared. But, a week after anchors and hosts started calling it "FM Newsradio 106.9 and 570 WSYR," there's an explanation.
Welcome to the newly redesigned CNYRadio.com and CNYTVNews.com! Over the past two months or so, your editor has been working behind the scenes to give the site a facelift. Those of you who've "liked" our Facebook page have already had the chance to preview the new design while it was under construction. Those of you who have a subscriber login (so you can post comments) will notice the login link in the main menu at the top of the page has been replaced by a new login area in the far-right sidebar. That's also where you can register for a FREE subscriber account, if you don't already have one.
SYRACUSE -- Almost a year since "Yo! Sunny Joe" Allen exited Foxfur's MOViN 100.3/96.5 (WMVN), he's back on the air again. According to AllAccess, he just started this week doing afternoons for Saga-owned WKNE, a top-40 station in Keene, New Hampshire. In Syracuse, Allen also served as production director for sister stations New Country WOLF 105.1 and Radio Disney (WOLF 1490AM).
SYRACUSE -- You've heard her on the radio, you've seen her on television, and for the next few weeks, you'll even see the smiling face of 93Q (WNTQ) morning co-host Amy Robbins all over the area -- in supermarket checkout lanes, on newsstands, and elsewhere. She's featured on the cover of the premiere issue of a new local magazine.
ASHEVILLE, NC -- Cleve Mathews, whose career highlights include helping to create NPR's All Things Considered and nearly 15 years as a professor and administrator at Syracuse University's Newhouse School, has died. Mathews was 84, when esophageal cancer claimed his life in North Carolina late last week.
SYRACUSE -- While Time Warner is the only cable TV option for most of Central New York, two Syracuse suburbs are about to have three cable companies to choose from. In addition to TWC and Verizon FiOS, a locally-based company that already offers high-speed internet and digital phone service is about to begin offering cable TV too.