SYRACUSE -- The money CBS affiliate WTVH-TV saved by shutting down its newsroom and moving in with channel 3 has apparently been piling up -- enough for Channel 5 to take over the market's affiliation contract for Live! With Regis and Kelly away from longtime affiliate NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV).
UTICA-ROME -- Even though Arbitron didn't release its Spring 2010 ratings estimates to the general public (the market's actually been embargoed since the Fall 2008 book), Arbitron's Fair Use policy says media can report on certain ratings data -- as long as the data is provided by subscribers. That's just what happened, so for the first time in over a year, we have a snapshot of the radio battle in the Mohawk Valley.
LOWVILLE -- You probably don't hear about the Lewis County Fair unless you actually live in Lewis County, but this year's fair managed to attract many country music fans, along with Watertown's leading radio station, Froggy 97 (WFRY).
SYRACUSE -- He's been a regular guest with Ted & Amy on 93Q (WNTQ) for a few years, even stepping in as substitute co-host (with Chris Xaver) whenever Ted & Amy are on vacation. Starting next month, comedian Josh Grosvent will hosting his own morning show on sister station 95X (WAQX).
UTICA-ROME -- Mike Walsh is on the move again, this time hosting a brand new talk show on Roser Communications Network's Beautiful Music B95.5 (W238CA) and WUTQ/WADR. The new show is already on-air, weekdays from 8-10am.
LOS ANGELES -- Just a week after an incident where she said "the n-word" live on-the-air several times in a row, Dr. Laura has announced she's going to end her radio show when her current contract ends this December. Formerly heard on prominent news/talkers in Central New York's two largest markets, Dr. Laura's show is now only heard on one station on the fringe of our coverage area.
SYRACUSE -- The predominantly online Kiss-FM based in Syracuse and operated by Brad Stone, has closed down. But as Stone describes on his website, it's just the end of a "chapter," as he plans to launch "a new station, with a new name, new music and new talents" later this year.
SYRACUSE -- You've no doubt heard about various concert tours postponing shows or calling them off altogether, citing lack of ticket sales (likely due to consumers getting fed up with high prices). But one local PD says, "we just want to show if you do it right, [look] what happens."
Updated 8/14 at 1:35pm - SYRACUSE -- It's now confirmed: former Hot 107.9 (WWHT) morning co-hosts Marty and Shannon are still part of the station's weekday lineup after the syndicated "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show" debuted on the Clear Channel CHR today. But they won't be together: Shannon's solo for middays 10a-2p, and Marty follows until 7pm.
ITHACA -- It's not often we hear about news from ESPN Radio 1160 (WPIE) in Ithaca -- but multiple reports say owner Pembrook Pines is selling the station for $150,000. Incoming owner Taughannock Media hasn't closed on the deal yet, but they're already taking over sales efforts for the station.