CENTRAL NEW YORK -- What were the biggest stories in local radio from the past year? If you read our "Year in Review" posted earlier today, you know there was plenty of radio-related news here. We just checked our stats to see which stories had the most hits over the past 365 days, and we present to you now, the top 10 stories of 2009.
CENTRAL NEW YORK -- There's no question this was a busy year for the radio industry in Central New York. Plenty of format flips, quite a few station sales, some great achievements to be proud about, and perhaps most infamously memorable, the economy's impact on the entire broadcasting industry. Today, as per our tradition, we recap all the big stories of the year, broken down month-by-month.
ROCHESTER -- Former WTLB/Utica personality Matt Rinaldi is the focus of a recent column published in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
UTICA-ROME -- After a few weeks of all-Christmas country music, the Roser Communication Networks' duo of Bug Country (WBUG/WBGK) stations is ready to unveil a "more contemporary" playlist tomorrow morning at 9am.
SYRACUSE -- Merry Christmas, everyone! Last week, we announced we wanted to go with a Christmas theme for today's Picture of the Week... so Tom Herbert sent in some photos from the Mars Hill Network's Christmas broadcast, held last week in Liverpool.
ITHACA -- There's been no shortage of big stories for journalists this year, both on the national/world level and on the state/local level. For the next two weekends, News/Talk 870 WHCU will take some time to recall the biggest stories and some of the most interesting interviews from 2009.
WATERTOWN -- Reginald James Pettiford, perhaps better known by his on-air nickname "Jimbo," has passed away. The afternoon drive personality from Classic Hits Z93 (WCIZ) was 56 years old. Updated 12/24 at 11am with arrangements.
UTICA -- Calling hours for longtime local radio host Joe Graziano are set for today (Tuesday) from 3-6pm at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes at 2222 Genesee Street. According to the Utica Observer-Dispatch, a Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life with military honors will follow the visitation. As reported earlier, Graziano died on Friday at the age of 74. He spent the last several years of his career hosting the Cuppa Joe Show on WRUN, and later on WUTQ/WADR.
SYRACUSE -- The trio of stations going by the "Kiss-FM" name in Syracuse, Oswego and Constantia aren't as new as most people might think -- but station officials say renewed efforts to promote the station have been garnering more attention lately. A few days ago, CNYRadio.com posted an article about the "mystery" behind these stations, and tonight, we're glad to share some answers after a discussion with station management.
SYRACUSE -- Plenty of local musicians will have the chance to spread some holiday cheer over the airwaves during Big Mike's "28th Annual Live Christmas Broadcast" this Tuesday morning. You can attend the show in person at Driver's Village in Cicero (admission and breakfast are free) or listen on Sunny 102.1 (WZUN).