SYRACUSE -- The Fall 2011 ratings report from Eastlan Ratings has been released for the Syracuse market. After several books where talk stations ruled the market, B104.7 is back at #1. And did Cumulus make a mistake in flipping "The Big Talker" to classic rock last week?
UTICA-ROME -- "Superior 95.5" sounds like the name of a new radio station, but it's actually the name of a new Spanish-language program airing on WUTQ 95.5 (WUTQ/WADR). The one-hour show, produced and hosted by Adolfo Cova, airs Saturdays at noon.
SYRACUSE -- By the end of the week, Verizon FiOS television customers could see NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) disappear from their lineups. Verizon's rights to retransmit WSYR-TV expire on Thursday, January 12. As of Sunday night, WSYR-TV says talks are underway, but "we do not believe" a deal will be reached soon enough to avoid a blackout for FiOS customers.
Whether or not you're among our 700+ Twitter followers (and thank you all!), we wanted to let you know about a new Twitter "list" we just started. @cnyradio/CNY-alumni gives you a convenient one-click way to follow broadcasters who used to work at radio or TV stations in Syracuse, Utica or Ithaca. But we know it's far from complete, so we're asking for your help in building the list.
Updated 1:10pm -- SYRACUSE -- There's another choice for rock radio in Central New York. Cumulus Media killed "105.9 The Big Talker" this morning... and after a few hours of stunting, "105.9 The Rebel" launched at 1:05pm. Cumulus Ops Manager Tom Mitchell says the station was inspired by "hundreds of rock music fans throughout Central New York, who kept telling us that they were tired of hearing the same 150 classic tracks over and over."
SYRACUSE -- A handful of former Clear Channel Syracuse employees (mostly from WSYR radio) gathered for an impromptu "reunion" on New Year's Eve. We'll borrow a phrase commonly used by one of the attendees to say the gathering took place at "an undisclosed location" within Onondaga County.
SYRACUSE -- The same week Rob Cartwright joins NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) as the station's next news director, comes word that two staffers are leaving the ABC affiliate. News reporter Jan Carabeo and Bridge Street executive producer Maggie Sliter are both moving onto new jobs in other markets.
OSWEGO -- After 18 years on staff, Mathew Seubert is leaving WRVO Public Media, station management confirmed Wednesday night. Seubert, currently the station's Director of Development and Underwriting, is leaving to take a similar position with another non-profit organization outside of broadcasting.
SYRACUSE -- Dave Frisina, who was suddenly fired last week from TK99/105 (WTKW/WTKV) after eight years with the classic rocker, says he's going to stay active in his efforts to promote the local music scene. "The only thing that's changing is I'm not on the radio right now," he tells the Syracuse NewTimes, in an article published today.
SYRACUSE -- If you live, work, shop or dine anywhere in or near Syracuse this week, there's a good chance you'll see the smiling face of WCNY President and CEO Robert Daino. He's on the cover of this week's edition of the Syracuse NewTimes. Inside, you'll find out more about Daino's career and his vision for WCNY's future.