NEW YORK CITY -- According to press releases issued by both companies, television ratings giant Nielsen "has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Arbitron," the leader in radio ratings data.

SYRACUSE -- Alan Furst, who once oversaw programming at Y94 (WYYY), 570 WSYR and B104.7 (WBBS) when the Clear Channel stations were owned by NewCity Communications, is on the move once again.  After nearly three years in Indianapolis, Furst has lined up a new programming gig in Houston.

SYRACUSE -- The nationally-syndicated public radio game show Says You! has been known to visit Central New York from time to time.  The latest trip was last month, when Oswego's WRVO brought the show to Syracuse to tape four episodes.  This week, WRVO learned one of those episodes will air tomorrow, on dozens of affiliate stations nationwide.  This week, a few pictures from those tapings.

SYRACUSE -- While you normally don't think of 93Q (WNTQ) as a Christmas music station, the Cumulus-owned CHR is going all-out for a few hours tomorrow during "Ted and Amy's Christmas Spectacular."  The morning co-hosts will emcee four hours of live holiday music, all broadcast live from the Destiny USA shopping mall.

SYRACUSE -- There aren't many traditions in local broadcasting that have lasted for 31 years, but next Wednesday, longtime local radio morning man "Big Mike" Fiss will host his 31st annual live Christmas broadcast.  Big Mike's entire morning show will feature live vocal performances from nearly 20 community groups including school choruses and church choirs.

SYRACUSE -- For people with a "normal" nine-to-five workday, taking an evening side job is called moonlighting.  It's just the opposite for NewsChannel 9's Christie Casciano.  Before she arrives in the newsroom for her nightside shift, she spends many mornings daylighting -- as an advice columnist for fellow "hockey moms" all over the country.  And, in an indirect way, the advent of high-definition TV helped make it possible.

SYRACUSE -- After filling-in as Interim Program Director at 95X (WAQX) since October, Joe Detomaso has been named the active rock station's permanent PD. Detomaso, who goes by "Joe D" during his midday on-air shift, has been with the station for nine years.

SYRACUSE -- There's been plenty of press about this Wednesday's star-studded "12.12.12 Concert" to benefit for Hurricane Sandy victims.  The big show is taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Supporters in Syracuse will be able to enjoy the concert on radio or TV for free... but those in other parts of Central New York may have to make a bit of an effort to find the performances.

HARTFORD, CT -- For more than 40 years, he was known as WTIC sports talk host Arnold Dean. But on WKRT in his hometown of Cortland -- and on Syracuse's former WAGE radio and WHEN-TV -- he used his given name, Arnold D'Angelo. Whichever name you prefer to go with, the legendary "Dean of Sports Talk" passed away over the weekend at the age of 82.

SYRACUSE -- As Mimi Griswold prepares to retire after 20 years with Galaxy Communications -- starting as the program director for K-Rock in 1992, and serving as VP of Programming for the entire company since 1998 -- the programmer received a very special honor today.  Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney issued a proclamation declaring today to be "Mimi Griswold Day" throughout Onondaga County.