UTICA/ROME -- We're a week behind on this one, but with all the big news going on last week (and all sorts of holiday festivities), we simply ran out of time to write a Picture of the Week article. So, for a moment, let's all pretend it's Christmas time once again, as one Utica/Rome radio personality shares one of his family's favorite holiday traditions.
SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse Press Club is now accepting entries for its annual awards competition. There are several different categories within TV, radio, various forms of print media, and online. There are also some categories just for college students. You don't have to be an SPC member to submit entries, and the competition is open to all journalists in a total of 21 upstate counties.
UTICA/ROME -- The recent release of Eastlan's Fall 2010 ratings estimates for Utica/Rome have drawn light on some problems with an earlier story published here on CNYRadio.com back in July 2010. In the interest of full disclosure, I would like to take this chance to explain the errors made here, and the corrective action which has been taken.
SYRACUSE -- The recently-rebranded "FM Newsradio 106.9 WSYR" really is WSYR-FM now, according to the FCC's FM Query database. Although Clear Channel had filed last month to swap the old WPHR calls with the former WSYR-FM in Florida, 106.9 had to keep WPHR as its legal ID until the FCC OK'd the changes. A clip of the "WPHR Solvay, WSYR-AM Syracuse" ID was recently posted on tophour.com. The FCC lists the change as effective 1/3/11, even though 106.9 was still ID'ing as WPHR later into the week.
ITHACA -- Plenty of good news at the end of 2010 for WHCU evening news anchor Syl Kacapyr is not-so-good news for the Saga-owned news/talker. Syl got engaged and got a new job, so now the station is looking to hire a replacement.
SYRACUSE -- ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) says it will become Syracuse's first TV station to produce local programming in high-definition, starting next month. Viewers can also look for a brand new studio set, a few anchor lineup changes and a different logo.
CNYRADIO.COM -- For many people, a new year represents a clean slate. Here at CNYRadio.com, your editor is trying to make some improvements to the site in the new year. The changes already started: a new Facebook page launched late in 2010, and work is underway (when the news slows down enough) on a new layout design for the website. Concurrently, I'm doing some housecleaning: after much consideration, I've decided to terminate the CNYRadio.com Station Wiki.
SYRACUSE and UTICA-ROME -- Eastlan Ratings just released their Fall 2010 audience estimates today. Those expecting major shakeups may be disappointed -- the top three stations in both Syracuse and Utica/Rome held their respective ground. But in both markets, you won't have to look any further than the top 5 to see changes.
UTICA/ROME -- Since we first reported longtime Utica personality Bill Keeler was fired from 92.7 The Drive (WXUR) on New Year's Eve, fans have been showing their support in many ways. Message boards have been abuzz, and word is spreading on Facebook and other social media sites about a "Bring Back Keeler" rally set to take place this Saturday night.
UTICA/ROME -- Calling hours will take place tomorrow evening for Tom Burke, a former radio personality who owned his own Utica-area advertising agency and DJ business. Burke, known for singing many of his clients' jingles himself, was 45 years old. He leaves behind a wife and two children.