Following last month's scheduling changes over at 570 WSYR, station management received over 100 complaints from loyal Dr. Laura Schlessinger fans, upset over the decision to move the show from the morning hours to late evening. WSYR's general manager, Joel Delmonico, said that while Schlessinger's show has seen a drop in the ratings nationwide, including a dip in Syracuse, ratings were not what prompted the move.

'Hopalong Cassidy' is leaping off the afternoon lily pad at Utica's WFRG 104.3 FM. Cassidy, known to his friends and family as John Raspante, is leaving Big Frog 104 after nine years to hop down to Harrisburg, PA to pursue a degree in law. Look for other frogs at the station to fill in until they find a replacement.

Following Clear Channel Communications' buyout of the Ackerley Group, restructuring of the radio giant resulted in the elimination of 630 jobs in the month of June. Company officials say another 170 jobs are on the chopping block as well. Clear Channel reports that the June merger set it back $40 million in restructuring expenses.

Kevin Klose, president and chief executive officer of National Public Radio (NPR), was in Syracuse on Tuesday to meet with managers of the three area public radio stations: WAER, WCNY, and WRVO. Among other topics, he addressed charges of liberal bias in the media and the aging of public radio's audience.

The 12+ rankings for Syracuse's spring Arbitron book finds 5 of the top 9 stations bunched up in two different spots. In numbers released yesterday, 93Q is tied with 570 WSYR for the number 2 spot, and there's a log jam at seventh place between Oldies 92.1, TK99, and K-Rock.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of Rush Limbaugh joining the ranks of syndicated radio talk show hosts. Limbaugh, who commands over $30 million a year for chatting up the conservative line for three hours each day, is currently heard on more than 600 stations across the country including 570 WSYR in Syracuse.

Memorial services in memory of Judy Krauss will be held Saturday, August 3 at the Mexico United Methodist Church on Church Street in Mexico. Calling hours are scheduled for 3 p.m. with a 4 p.m. service to follow. Krauss was WRVO's donor services manager and wife of station manager John Krauss. She died in early July after a long battle with cancer.

Syracuse University has a long history of producing some of the nation's best sportscasters. In the summer edition of Syracuse University Magazine, David Marc gives us an in-depth look at the long list of names including Costas, Albert, Parton and Tirico.
Source (link may no longer work):
sumagazine.syr.edu/summer02/features/feature3/index.html

A popular message board focusing on Central New York radio news, gossip, and general bickering will shut down for a few days beginning this afternoon. Radio-Info.com, a national radio information site which hosts web boards for a number of different radio markets, is switching service providers and will be offline for the remainder of the week.

The dust from last week's K-Rockathon has settled as the city of Oswego focuses on this weekend's Harborfest activities. For a colorful take on the K-Rock event which attracted "punks and goths, preps and fogies," check out this week's Syracuse New Times.
Source (link may no longer work):
newtimes.rway.com/2002/072402/chatter.shtml