Updated 12/5 at 7:50pm – SYRACUSE — There’s new information about the NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) back office layoffs we first reported on Monday, and apparently some additional layoffs involving the ABC affiliate’s newsroom. Trusted sources, speaking on a condition of anonymity, tell CNYTVNews.com that the station dismissed all part-time photographers yesterday.
Updated 12/3 with a correction – SYRACUSE — Barrington Broadcasting, the owner of NBC3 (WSTM) and CW6 (WSTQ-LP), is reportedly nearing a deal to sell all 24 of its television stations in 15 markets nationwide. But it’s unclear how the deal could impact the two Syracuse stations — one national trade publication says the leading bidders include two companies which already have a presence in the Syracuse market.
SYRACUSE — K-Rock (WKRL/WKRH) has a new TV spot to promote its morning team, but it seems that the ad will be getting limited exposure. The three stations of CNY Central — NBC3 (WSTM), CBS5 (WTVH) and CW6 (WSTQ-LP) — have turned down the ad, calling it “inappropriate.” Inside the story: Watch the ad.
SYRACUSE — Although it’s been nearly two years since NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) started producing local programming in high-definition, most syndicated fare and commercial breaks continued to air in standard definition. Those days appear to be over, as the ABC affiliate has upgraded its master control facilities.
SYRACUSE — For about 180 weekdays every year, Sunny 102.1 (WZUN) co-host Melissa Midgley goes directly from the studio to her “day job,” teaching second grade at Solvay Elementary School. But when she walks out of Sunny’s Armory Square studios this Monday, she’ll be heading east instead of west — to log some on-camera time at NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV).
SYRACUSE — More than three months after Newport Television announced plans to sell NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) and eleven other TV stations to Nexstar Broadcasting, the deal has obtained the last required level of approval from the Federal Communications Commission. If both sides hold to their original sales contract, the sale should close any day now.
Updated 10/20 – ROME, ITALY — She was born in Utica in 1838 and, after joining the Sisters of Saint Francis, she helped establish hospitals which still stand today there, and in Syracuse. This weekend, Mother Marianne Cope will be officially canonized as a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Several local TV journalists have traveled to Rome to cover the ceremony. In addition to reports appearing on newscasts over the next few days, Syracuse TV stations are producing a total of three long-form programs to tell the story of Cope’s journey to sainthood.
Updated 10/19: SYRACUSE — Late last month, hundreds of people — including many past and present employees of NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) gathered at the SRC Arena to celebrate ABC affiliate’s 50th anniversary. DVR Alert: A two-hour special taped on location at the event will air Friday night from 7 to 9pm.
Updated 4:40pm with more schedule details – SYRACUSE — There’s now an official launch date for the delayed arrival of “MeTV” on WSYR-TV digital channel 9.2. The ABC affiliate says the network’s lineup of classic programs will make its debut on Monday.
SYRACUSE and UTICA-ROME – Plans for a one-hour, two-market televised debate between the two candidates for the 22nd Congressional District have been cancelled, amid controversy in which one candidate, who was refusing to appear for the debate, is being accused of threatening to pull his advertising dollars from Utica’s WUTR.