SYRACUSE -- No major surprises at the very top of the latest radio ratings released by Nielsen Audio... but plenty of movement among stations on the rest of the chart. Nielsen Audio, formerly Arbitron, released its Summer 2013 radio audience estimates this week.
Updated 3:35pm -- SYRACUSE -- Could heritage rocker 95X (WAQX) be flipping from rock to country? Or is someone out there just playing a prank on the interwebs? A new website -- along with a newly-launched and suddenly-removed Twitter account -- is raising question as to whether Cumulus Media is bringing it's "Nash" country music branding to Syracuse.
SYRACUSE -- Former WSYR radio host Tara Howard Knauff has died. According to Geoff Herbert on syracuse.com, the former morning show co-anchor passed away following a battle with cancer. Howard worked at WSYR from 1991 to 2000. Howard spent the final years of her career at ABC News Radio in New York City.
UTICA -- The WUTR/WFXV Eyewitness News HD newsroom has a new leader. Veteran journalist Don Dudley will fill the position that's been vacant since Joe Parker exited the operation a few months ago.
Back in July, I announced this site would be taking an extended summer hiatus due to a number of personal events. At the time, I stated a desire to get CNYRadio.com and CNYTVNews.com back up and running in October. That's still the plan, but it's going to take some help from willing volunteers to avoid any future hiatuses. If you're interested in joining this website as a volunteer writer, please continue reading this post.
Updated 10/13 -- SYRACUSE -- Multiple trusted sources, speaking on a condition of anonymity, tell CNYRadio.com that midday news anchor Nia Carter has exited Newsradio 570 and 106.9 (WSYR / WSYR-FM). By our count, that leaves the Clear Channel-owned newsroom with just three staff members -- a marked contrast from staffing levels just a few years earlier.
SYRACUSE -- For the past several years, Central New Yorkers have come to expect all-Christmas music to hit the radio on November 1. This year, a new record -- as of late Saturday night, October 5 -- there are two FM frequencies where you can hear holiday hits around the clock. "Holly-FM" is up and running at 95.3 in Syracuse, and 103.9 in Oswego.
Updated 7:10pm -- UTICA-ROME -- The fans spoke, and Galaxy listened. After being fired last Friday, longtime radio sportscaster Ed O'Brien is back on the payroll at Galaxy Communications. That's according to Galaxy CEO/President Ed Levine this morning.
SYRACUSE -- There's going to be a new radio home for Syracuse Crunch hockey when the AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning takes to the ice this season. The team is partnering with ESPN Radio 97.7/100.1, owned by Galaxy Communications. The deal ends a three-year run with Cumulus Media-owned The Score 1260 (WSKO).
SYRACUSE -- Former WAER-FM sportcaster and WOLF 1490 news reporter John "Jack" Hessmiller, Jr., has died. An obituary published today reports the former broadcaster passed in May at the age of 58, following an illness. A memorial service is planned for August 3.