Syracuse Press Club Awards

WAER is pleased to announce that it took home 6 awards for its original programming at this year's annual Syracuse Press Club Awards dinner!

WAER's awards, specific programs, and program hosts were as follows:

First Radio News Feature:
"Adirondack Voters"
Brad Horn

Adirondack Voters was a special program which took place prior to the Presidential election. This piece included a variety of expert, and everyday people's opinions of Obama and McCain. The story maintained a road-trip quality, and captured some fantastic personalities along the way.

First Radio Sports Story:
"True Hero Lacrosse Player"
Steve Gelbs

This WAER special was about a star lacrosse player who put away his stick for a while in order to defend his country at war. This true story detailed his journey from field to field.

First Radio Sports Show:
"Countdown to Kickoff"
Dan Wolfgang and WAER Sports Staff

This program was the pre-game to the Syracuse vs. Penn State game. Along with highlights on both teams, this radio tailgate also included information about the premiere of the new movie "The Express," at its rightful home in Syracuse, and general information about Ernie Davis; his story, and the impact that he made on Syracuse University, CNY, and the nation at large.

Second Radio Sports Show:
"WAER Sportsnight: Express Premier"
Eric Rothman & Chris McManus

This show, part of popular program "WAER Sportsnight," was a special which highlighted the few days during which Downtown Syracuse was like Hollywood - because of the premiere for "The Express." The show featured some of the more memorable moments from the premiere itself, and also many interviews with Jim Brown and Dennis Quaid.

First Radio Local Newscast
"Election Day 2008"
Scott Willis

This newscast covered everything happening during the Presidential and local governmental election day here in Central New York. It included interviews and eyewitness reports from local candidates as they were making their final rounds on voting day, voters reacting to the historic Presidential election, and reviews on some of the issues relevant to voters as they made their final decisions for both Presidential and local offices.

Second Radio Public Affairs Program:
"Voting for the Future: The War"
Chris Bolt

This particular show marked the last of the WAER special series "Voting for the Future," in which WAER News and Public Affairs Director Chris Bolt hosted hour-long discussions on issues relevant to the Presidential candidates, with a strong emphasis on how these issues affect Central New York. This last edition, "The War," covered decisions lying ahead for the President-to-be regarding the war in Iraq, and military actions in Afghanistan. Questions and topics covered ranged from: "How long would it take to bring the troops in Iraq home, if that decision is made?" to "What impacts from the war are we feeling here at home, both economically, and with the challenges of caring for veterans upon their return?"

WAER works hard to bring you the best original programming relevant to Central New York; and we are proud to generously accept acknowledgement in the form of Syracuse Press Club Awards for our efforts to bring you the best content possible!

For more information on the Syracuse Press Club, and to see a listing of all of the award winners in every category, please CLICK HERE.