NEW YORK CITY -- Jeff Rossen, former reporter for ABC affiliates in Utica (WUTR) and Syracuse (WSYR-TV, though it was WIXT then), has been named "National Investigative Correspondent" for NBC's Today show. Rossen will also be producing investigative pieces for NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and Dateline.
UTICA/ROME -- The locally-owned Roser Communications Network is one big step closer to picking up another radio station. The FCC announced today that it has approved Roser's plan to buy WRCK 100.7 from Educational Media Foundation. The $425,000 deal was first revealed in November.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Contrary to a report CNYRadio.com published on January 25, it looks like Cranesville Block Company isn't ready to give up on plans to bring a new AM station to St. Johnsville. Cranesville has filed a "petition for reconsideration" with the FCC, likely blaming the non-launch of WKAJ on factors beyond the company's control.
SYRACUSE -- After founding and hosting Financial Fitness on WCNY-TV for the past 20 years, J. Daniel Pluff has recently resigned from the program. According to an email Pluff sent out to former guests and obtained by CNYTVNews.com, Pluff says he walked out over a disagreement with station management.
ITHACA/CORTLAND -- Dave Vieser has resigned from his post as APD and co-host of the Morning News Watch on Ithaca news/talker WHCU. Although some fans were displeased with the brief announcement made by the station on Friday morning, possibly fearing Vieser was laid off, GM Susan Johnston tells CNYRadio.com that Vieser resigned on his own accord.
Updated 2/3 -- SYRACUSE -- The Mars Hill Radio Network is looking for a new program director, according to a job posting which appeared online Friday. Between full-power stations and translators, the network's religious programming is broadcast on more than 20 frequencies stretching from Syracuse west to Rochester, south to Long Island and north to the Canadian border.
Updated 12:45pm with station confirmation. UTICA -- Most TV program directors usually aren't "known" to the public, but it's a safe bet anyone who has ever watched WKTV has at least heard the voice of Tom Coyne, and if you watched enough, you may have actually seen him appearing on-camera. CNYTVNews.com has learned from multiple sources that, after 17 years, Coyne has exited the NBC affiliate.
SYRACUSE -- Hey, I don't care what you think about Amy, that's no way to refer to her! Just kidding, of course -- even if you're not a fan of Jersey Shore, chances are pretty good you know "The Situation" is the nickname of Mike Sorrentino, one of the stars of the hit MTV series. He appeared at any event hosted by 93Q (WNTQ) at Turning Stone Resort and Casino's Lava night club.
SYRACUSE -- Cumulus top-40 station 93Q (WNTQ) is hosting "Five Dates in Five Days" to find a Valentine for Town of Salina supervisor Mark Nicotra. After all five dates, listeners get to vote for who they feel was the most compatible date.
SYRACUSE -- Congratulations again to Clear Channel's B104.7 (WBBS) for showing up twice on the list of nominations for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards. One nomination is for the station as a whole; the other is for the station's morning show.