SYRACUSE -- With Halloween just around the corner, many listeners likely suspected it was just a comedy bit on the 95X (WAQX) morning show yesterday morning. But the "zombie attack" on co-hosts Hunter Scott and Josh Grosvent was more than just a gag -- after their shift ended, the pair submitted their resignations to management.
WASHINGTON, DC -- For many years, cable TV customers who didn't want to pay the extra fee to rent or buy a set-top box could still see plenty of channels by connecting a cable directly to their TV sets. Even today, it's possible to see most of Time Warner's analog channels and local broadcast digital channels without a set-top box engaging with your employees. But soon, converter boxes may be required for all channels, thanks to recent FCC action.
SYRACUSE -- The summer Arbitron book is out for the Syracuse radio market. As has been the policy for quite some time, Arbitron is only releasing Persons 12+ ratings information for stations which subscribe to its full report. With several stations not subscribing, the data released to the public offers an incomplete picture of the market.
UTICA-ROME -- You probably won't hear Psy's "Gangnam Style" on any of Townsquare Media's Utica-Rome stations (it would be way out-of-format). But that doesn't keep the staff from enjoying the breakout hit -- and mimicing the South Korean singer's trademark moves off-the-air.
NEW YORK CITY -- Syracuse University graduate and former Hot 107.9 on-air personality Ralphie Aversa is headed for the Big Apple. Starting Monday, he'll be the new night host on the legendary 95.5 WPLJ. "The Ralphie Show" will continue to be heard on Cumulus-owned stations in other markets in three other states.
LODI -- Aside from his daughter getting married, Glenn Beck has another reason to remember his trip to the Finger Lakes this past weekend. The nationally-syndicated radio host's SUV slid down a slippery hill, just moments after his wife and son got out of the car.
Updated 4:40pm with more schedule details -- SYRACUSE -- There's now an official launch date for the delayed arrival of "MeTV" on WSYR-TV digital channel 9.2. The ABC affiliate says the network's lineup of classic programs will make its debut on Monday.
ITHACA -- The conference room at the Cayuga Radio Group has a shiny new nameplate on the door. Last week, the Saga-owned cluster dedicated that conference room to Rudy Paolangeli, who has served at various capacities with news/talk WHCU for more than half a century.
SYRACUSE -- News/Talk 106.9 and 570 program director Jason Furst is headed south. Not careerwise, but geographically -- to program Charlotte, North Carolina's WBT-AM and FM simulcast.
SYRACUSE and UTICA-ROME -- Plans for a one-hour, two-market televised debate between the two candidates for the 22nd Congressional District have been cancelled, amid controversy in which one candidate, who was refusing to appear for the debate, is being accused of threatening to pull his advertising dollars from Utica's WUTR.