WASHINGTON, DC -- For years, the FCC has allowed television stations to reduce operating expenses by forming duopolies or other agreements where multiple stations are operated under one roof. We have examples of this here in Syracuse and Utica. And soon, there could be another chance to save more money: the FCC has announced a policy which would allow TV stations to share the bandwidth of a single digital channel.
SYRACUSE -- The lineup for 93Q's annual "Summer Jam on the Island" concert has been announced. National recording artists Havana Brown, Neon Hitch, Chris Rene and Outasight will be performing at the June 4 concert. As has been the tradition since the first "Summer Jam" in 2009, tickets are free, but the only way to get 'em is to win 'em.
GREENWICH, CT -- No changes are expected at Cumulus radio stations in Syracuse, nor at Townsquare stations in the Utica-Rome market, following a major 13-market station swap announced this morning between the two companies. Just outside of the CNYRadio.com coverage area, the five-station Cumulus cluster will be going to Townsquare.
Updated 7:55pm -- SYRACUSE -- From the "better late than never" file, a familiar face has returned to Today in Central New York on NBC3 (WSTM). Anthony Adornato, who left the anchor desk in 2007, has been back to fill-in for Megan Coleman, as she takes some time off after giving birth to a baby boy.
SYRACUSE -- Not too many people can say they've had the opportunity to climb on top of the Carrier Dome -- but CNY Central Chief Meterologist Wayne Mahar and reporter Chris McGrath are among the handful of Central New Yorkers who can make that claim. Our thanks to Wayne for sending in our latest Picture of the Week installment.
UTICA-ROME -- Do you own a rock station? Would you like to legally identify it as WRCK, just like the former "Rock 107" did for decades? After acquiring the heritage call letters in March, locally-owned Roser Communications moved them to from 100.7FM to 1480AM in Remsen, and the company is now reportedly entertaining offers to transfer the call sign elsewhere.
SYRACUSE -- The first quarter of 2012 "was flat overall" for Galaxy Communications, which owns several radio stations here and in the Utica-Rome market. "Local is fairing better ... but national continues to circle the drain," Galaxy CEO and President Ed Levine said in Wednesday's edition of the Taylor on Radio-Info newsletter.
SYRACUSE -- There's a change coming to the Saturday night lineup at Clear Channel's Hot 107.9 (WWHT). A Philadelphia-based voicetracker is being replaced by a live program... syndicated from Philadelphia. Saturday Night Online Live, distributed by SupeRadio, claims to be "the first uniquely interactive radio show."
SYRACUSE -- There's a brand new look for the website of New Country WOLF 105.1 (WOLF-FM Syracuse / 96.7 WWLF-FM Oswego). Along with a brand new design, the site is noticeably beefed-up with many features. A look at the site also confirms what some CNYRadio.com readers have been telling us -- there's a new midday talent on the lineup.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA -- Charles "Chuck" McFadden, a former owner of Fox 68 (WSYT) in Syracuse, passed away on Monday at the age of 79. After more than three decades in various television sales and management jobs, McFadden formed his own company in the late 80s and bought WSYT in 1991, operating the station until selling to present-day owner Sinclair Broadcasting in 1997.