Clear Channel announced the sale of it's television division for $1.1 billion Friday, ending months of guessing while the deal was in limbo. Even though we don't really get into TV-related news here, we're reporting it because there's a lack of radio news the past couple of days, and it is somewhat related to CNY Radio.
The numbers are in from America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk from Utica this past weekend. More than $1.2 million was raised in total, and Newsradio 950 WIBX is proud to report this year's Heart Radiothon accounted for $17,000 of that total.
Ithaca news/talker WHCU 870 is celebrating it's 85th Anniversary by expanding the news department. The station is hoping to add a full-time position to take on afternoon anchoring and evening reporting duties.
The National Association of Broadcasters says Newsradio 570 WSYR is among the 50 finalists for the 2008 Crystal Radio Awards. The awards recognize stations for their committment to community service. We'll find out of WSYR is one of the ten winners next month.
According to Scott Fybush in this week's NorthEast Radio Watch, Sunny 102 (WZUN Phoenix) will soon be shining brighter over Central New York. The station has received FCC permission to increase the height of its broadcast antenna, effectively boosting its signal strength.
Arrangements for "Uncle" Fred Horton have been set for this Saturday, March 15, at 1pm, at Calvary Chapel in Liverpool [Google Map]. Horton, whose career included stops at WSEN, WYYY and WRUN, died March 4th in Erie, Pennsylvania. His obituary appeared in today's Syracuse Post-Standard.
UTICA-ROME - The FCC has "admonished" -- but it will not formally punish -- the Roser Communications Network for failure to meet Equal Employment Opportunity filing requirements between 2003 and 2005.
Echoing what has been reported in many national trades lately, small-market radio is often doing better than large-market radio. And that holds true for Regent Communications. In the company's Q4 2007 Earnings Conference Call this week, CEO Bill Stakelin cited growth for several of the company's markets, including Utica-Rome. In fact, Stakelin specifically gave the market "special kudos."
Sunny 102 (WZUN) morning host Big Mike is featured on a new CD being released by the Wise Guys Comedy Club. "Meet the Wise Guys" is a compilation of Big Mike's on-air conversations with more than 21 comedians who've performed at the club.
Update (3/9/08): Service Arrangements and obituary
"Uncle" Fred Horton passed away Tuesday morning in Erie, PA, according to AllAccess.com. Horton most recently worked for WXTA there, and formerly worked at WSEN. His family has established a memorial fund to cover medical expenses.