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.
SYRACUSE -- As reported right here earlier this month, several local television stations will be putting aside competition for one hour tomorrow night, joining forces to raise awareness about child abuse in Central New York. Protecting Our Children will air in three different timeslots tomorrow night -- the most-prominent being at 7:00pm, when six TV stations and three online streams will simulcast the special.
BINGHAMTON -- It's been a rough three years for Sonny King. After being let go from Homer's Oldies 101.5 (WXHC) in 2009, he eventually helped to launch classic hits Big 107.5 (WBBI) in Binghamton. But, today, King tells CNYRadio.com that Clear Channel has replaced his shift with a syndicated host. He's hoping CNYRadio.com readers can help him find his next opportunity.
SYRACUSE -- Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of longtime Syracuse radio and TV broadcaster Alan Milair, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 81. Milair worked at WSYR radio and television (channel 3 at that time) for 30 years, after starting his broadcast career in Cortland. Calling hours will be held tomorrow.
ITHACA/CORTLAND -- After three months, the search to find a new Morning Newswatch host for News/Talk 870 and 95.9 WHCU has ended. The station announced today that Lee Rayburn will take over as host on April 30. Rayburn comes to Ithaca from KNWZ in Palm Springs, CA, where a local newspaper says Rayburn and station management are in the midst of being sued by a local business owner.
SYRACUSE -- As reported here earlier this month, former longtime WSYR radio host Jim Reith has joined the staff at public broadcaster WCNY. He's been blogging on the station's website since then, and starting Monday, fans (and perhaps some opponents) will be able to hear to Reith's voice again, as he begins producing daily podcasts. WCNY revealed more details about what listeners can expect to hear.