UTICA-ROME -- More news from Utica morning fixture Bill Keeler: he tells CNYRadio.com he's on the hunt for a new morning sidekick. Former right-hand man Mark Piersma is reportedly hoping to start his own morning show on a different station in the market.
We received an unconfirmed tip yesterday that Piersma announced his decision to leave yesterday morning on the air. Keeler in the Morning airs weekdays on 92.7 The Drive (WXUR).
Keeler told us Piersma "plans to apply for the 'lead spot'" on a competing station, but so far, no word (no press releases, no tips, nothing) from anyone on which station that might be. (Unless there's another shakeup in the works we haven't heard about yet, the obvious guess would be Kiss-FM, but we have not confirmed this.)
Despite having his longtime sidekick now competing with him, Keeler says he's respectful of Piersma's decision:
Although he would be competing against me in morning drive...I understand his desire to go out and do his own thing. He’s done 10 years with me...he’s been loyal and dedicated and deserves to do his own thing. I hate to see him go and I wish him the best. I think we can do what most radio people are unable to do... Remain friends.
Keeler says he's now accepting applications for a replacement. If you're interested, rush your resume, demo and other materials to:
Keeler Productions
1900 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13502
And of course, we'll keep you posted here at CNYRadio.com as soon as we find out if our guess about Piersma's next stop is correct or not.
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