UTICA/ROME -- As reported here earlier this week, staffers at ABC affiliate WUTR and Fox affiliate WFXV are feverishly preparing for the September 12 launch of "Eyewitness News." Aside from learning how to use all their spiffy new HD gear, reporters and anchors have been logging plenty of miles around the area, getting themselves familiar with local landmarks, newsmakers... and even some other media outlets.
FULTON -- Students who attend the Fulton Branch Campus of Cayuga Community College have one more way to feel like they're right on the main campus in Auburn. The FCC recently granted "license to cover" status to a new FM translator in Fulton, which is simulcasting the programming of student-operated Win-89FM (WDWN/Auburn).
Updated 5:10pm with much more info and a look at the studio. UTICA -- When local news returns to ABC affiliate WUTR following an eight-year hiatus, it'll be making a big splash. Station management today revealed that those newscasts -- on WUTR (Channel 20) and on Fox 33 (WFXV) -- will air in high-definition when they debut on September 12. And viewers will see a familiar face occupying one of the seats at the anchor desk.
SYRACUSE -- Registration is now underway for the 6th Annual Kickball Tournament to benefit the Bill Leaf and Samantha Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Funds. New this year, organizers hope a lower registration fee and some rule changes will entice more teams to sign up. The tournament is set for September 17, but the deadline to register is Labor Day, September 5.
SELINSGROVE, PA -- It's another "where are they now" edtion of Picture of the Week, as former local radio programmer and personality Rick "RJ" Jordan checks in. Since last September, he's been working as PD for country station B98.3 (WWBE Mifflinburg), which has been trimulcasting on 92.3 WLGL and 100.5 WYGL-FM. This week, Jordan has some updates and some photos to share with his former colleagues back here in Central New York.
UTICA/ROME -- Until now, the Buffalo Bills Radio Network has had a gap in coverage between Syracuse and Albany. That gap will be at least partially filled this season as Roser Communications Network's 95.5FM (WUTQ/WADR/W238CA) becomes the network's newest affiliate.
UTICA -- Today is WKTV reporter/anchor Pat Bailey's last day at the NBC affiliate. Where's he headed next? He's staying right in town to take a new job outside of broadcasting. According to the station, Bailey will be running a new sports bar co-owned by recently-retired pro wrestler Matt Hamill.
SYRACUSE -- ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9 is giving viewers the chance to voice their opinions about three new series set to debut on the ABC network lineup this fall. For three nights during the New York State Fair, fans will have a chance to preview the pilot episodes of the three new series, and provide feedback about the shows. Participants will receive a reward for their thoughts.
SYRACUSE -- It's been a big question for TV stations all over the country: what will you air when Oprah goes away? In Syracuse, that question is now definitively answered. ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) will replace Winfrey's 4pm hour-long timeslot with one of her own spinoffs: The Dr. Oz Show.
Townsquare Media, which owns four Utica/Rome radio stations, is increasing the size of its footprint in upstate New York. The company announced today plans to acquire most of Double O Radio, a company which owns more than two dozen radio stations in five states. That portfolio include 10 stations in and around Oneonta.