UTICA -- A little over a month since Vic Vetters announced plans to leave NBC affiliate NewsChannel 2 (WKTV) for a new job in Providence, the station's parent owner has named a new GM -- who comes to Utica from Providence. While Vetters went to Providence's NBC affiliate (WJAR), Steve Doerr comes to WKTV from the market's ABC affiliate (WLNE).
SYRACUSE and UTICA/ROME -- When this year's Heisman Trophy winner is announced, Dave Coombs will be able to say he had a hand in the decision. The co-host of the Gomez and Dave morning show on Syracuse's TK99/105 (WTKW/WTKV) and Utica's 96.9 WOUR has been selected to take part in voting for this year's Heisman Trophy voting process.
SYRACUSE -- Earlier today, we reported Jim Reith has exited WSYR radio, after 27 years at the news/talk station. It appears Reith's departure is among many nationwide, ordered by WSYR's owner, Clear Channel Communications. Since this afternoon, the tips have poured in, and we've learned at least three others received pink slips in Syracuse today.
Update 6:00pm - We've learned 4 people have been laid off at Clear Channel Syracuse. Click here for the newer story.
SYRACUSE -- Longtime local radio fixture Jim Reith has exited FM Newsradio 106.9 and 570 WSYR. In place of his weekday 3-7pm talk show, the Clear Channel station's website now says syndicated host Sean Hannity will air from 3-5pm, followed by "Daily Wrap with Joe Galuski" for the 5pm hour. Syndicated host Michael Savage begins at 6pm, going for the next seven hours.
SYRACUSE -- "You'd never know it by looking at the picture," says WSYR-TV Assistant News Director Roger Mirabito, but a scary-looking scene involving the ABC affiliate's satellite truck late last week -- was all caused by a simple mechanical problem that cost less than ten bucks to fix.
UTICA/ROME -- When WUTR and WFXV revived local news last month, they only hired one meteorologist. So what happens when Jeff Matthews needs a night off? We found out tonight, when former WKTV chief meteorologist Amanda Gabeler appeared in his place.
SYRACUSE -- A friendly wager between two local broadcasters resulted in some public humilation for NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) reporter Keith Kobland. Kobland, who also provides morning news updates for Classic Hits Sunny 102 (WZUN), lost a bet against Sunny morning show co-host Melissa Midgley.
AUBURN -- A private middle school has been granted FCC approval to sell its construction permit for a new radio station to a religious broadcaster from the Buffalo area. But federal regulators say the OK comes with some conditions. Among them, the CP's new owner won't get any extra time to get the new station at 88.7FM on the air.
UTICA/ROME -- As you read here yesterday, current WIBX News Director Jules Thompson has handed in his notice after accepting a new gig as the nightside assignment desk editor at NewsChannel 9 in Syracuse. That means WIBX needs someone else to run the newsroom, and Ops Manager Bill McAdams sends the following job posting to CNYRadio.com:
WARSAW, NY -- Former Central New York radio programmer and personality Rick "RJ" Jordan is back in the Empire State, after spending a year programming in Pennsylvania. He's now programming "CJ Country," located between Rochester and Buffalo in Wyoming County.