SYRACUSE -- New Country WOLF 105.1 midday hostess and promotions director Courtney Taylor Smith won't have to pay a dime to attend the 2013 Country Radio Seminar this coming February. She's one of three nationwide winners of the Rusty Walker Scholarship, which covers her registration for the seminar, along with travel to and from Nashville.
Updated 12/5 at 7:50pm -- SYRACUSE -- There's new information about the NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) back office layoffs we first reported on Monday, and apparently some additional layoffs involving the ABC affiliate's newsroom. Trusted sources, speaking on a condition of anonymity, tell CNYTVNews.com that the station dismissed all part-time photographers yesterday.
SYRACUSE -- Brent Axe has been talking sports as host of On the Block every weekday afternoon for most of the past decade -- first at the former SportsRadio 620 (WHEN) for Clear Channel, and since 2008, at Cumulus Media's The Score 1260 (WSKO). But in less than two weeks, Axe will be stepping off the block. "The Axeman" opened today's show by announcing his last day hosting the program will be next Friday, December 7.
Updated 12/3 with a correction -- SYRACUSE -- Barrington Broadcasting, the owner of NBC3 (WSTM) and CW6 (WSTQ-LP), is reportedly nearing a deal to sell all 24 of its television stations in 15 markets nationwide. But it's unclear how the deal could impact the two Syracuse stations -- one national trade publication says the leading bidders include two companies which already have a presence in the Syracuse market.
UTICA -- Even though Bill Worden's retirement from TV news is no surprise -- he announced it earlier this month -- there were plenty of surprises during the "Bill Worden Farewell Celebration" which spanned through most of WKTV's early evening newscasts last night.
HOMER -- Oldies 101.5 (WXHC) is looking to fill a vacancy in its sales department. John Eves -- who you may recall as an Emmy award-winning sportscaster from WTVH -- has owned the station since 1991. Here's the job description he sent to CNYRadio.com today:
SYRACUSE -- Plenty of accolades this week for longtime channel 3 (WSTM) news anchor Jackie Robinson, who retired in September. Tonight, she's being honored in New York City as an inductee to the New York State Broadcasters' Association Hall of Fame. Tomorrow, many will gather for a $75-per-ticket retirement celebration at the Oncenter in Syracuse. And on Friday, part of James Street near the CNY Central studios will be renamed "Jackie Robinson Way."
Updated 12/2 with email address for applicants. ITHACA -- After seven years overseeing news and programming for News/Talk 95.9 and 870 WHCU and Progressive Talk WNYY 1440, Geoff Dunn is leaving radio. Dunn has accepted a new position with Tompkins County, prompting the Cayuga Radio Group to begin accepting applications for News Director candidates at WHCU. We've got more about Dunn's accomplishments, plus the official job posting within this story.
SYRACUSE -- We're back from some rest and relaxation out-of-town over Thanksgiving with a recap of two stories from the latter part of the week. The legal action between K-ROCK's morning hosts and their former employer appear to be over. And television viewers are mourning the passing of longtime syndicated chef and upstate New York native "Mr. Food."
UTICA-ROME -- It's been a little over a year since Mark Piersma and Frank Elias started co-hosting WUTQ's midday talk show, Talk of the Town. Last week, the station celebrated the milestone with a special edition of the program, featuring plenty of special guests and donations were collected for the Utica Food Bank.