SYRACUSE -- It's a moment many broadcasting students at Syracuse University have been eagerly awaiting for nearly two years. Plans to expand the facilities of Z89 (WJPZ-FM) and CitrusTV were first announced in early 2011. And just a little over a week ago, Z89 flipped the switch to begin broadcasting from its brand new studio.
SYRACUSE -- Insiders tell CNYRadio.com there's a new program director at News/Talk 106.9 and 570 WSYR. Aaron Trimmer, who has several years of experience programming news/talk radio stations, replaces Jason Furst, who left in October. And just as Furst did in the past, we hear Trimmer is also programming Rochester news/talker 1180 WHAM and sports talk 1280 WHTK.
SYRACUSE -- Earlier this month, acclaimed singer and songwriter Benny Mardones tweeted that he had plans to visit Syracuse. And last week, he made good on that promise, stopping by a few radio stations for live interviews. Galaxy classic rocker TK99 (WTKW) was on the itinerary, and the singer posed for a photo with the "Gomez and Dave" morning show.
SYRACUSE -- Former WSTM-TV sports director Roger Springfield, who has most-recently been working as media director for Syracuse University athletics, has been removed from his post at the university. This, after local authorities confirmed Springfield is under investigation by Syracuse Police and the Onondaga County District Attorney's office.
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.