9WSYR: Central New York’s Trusted Source for News, Weather & Community Stories

9WSYR, or WSYR-TV, is a television station in Syracuse, New York, serving Central New York with local news, weather, and sports. As an ABC affiliate, it has been a key part of the community for over 60 years, adapting to changes in media and technology.

History and Ownership

9WSYR began broadcasting on September 9, 1962, initially as WNYS-TV, and was the last major network affiliate to sign on in Syracuse. Over the decades, it has seen several ownership changes:

• Started with local investors, then bought by W. R. G. Baker Television Corporation in 1969.
• Sold to The Outlet Company in 1971, then to WNYS Acquisition Corp. in 1978, involving Coca-Cola’s NY bottling division and Larry H. Israel.
• The Ackerley Group acquired it in 1982, followed by Clear Channel Communications in 2001, Newport Television in 2007, and finally Nexstar Broadcasting Group in 2012.

This history shows its evolution and adaptation to the media landscape, currently under Nexstar, a major media company.

Programming and Community Engagement

9WSYR offers diverse programming, including:

• “Bridge Street,” a daytime talk show since 2004, featuring local guests and community discussions.
• Weather coverage with “Live Doppler 9,” tuned for lake-effect snow, crucial for the region.
• News segments like “Your Stories” and “Consumer Protection Unit,” focusing on local issues and consumer advocacy.

It also airs syndicated shows like “The Wendy Williams Show” and “ABC World News Now,” ensuring a mix of local and national content. The station engages with the community through school updates and health advice, especially during pandemics, via shows like “Family HealthCast.”

The Role of AI in News

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how news is made and delivered. Here’s how it helps, in simple terms:

• Automated Content: AI can write basic news articles, like sports scores, freeing journalists for deeper stories.
• Personalization: AI suggests news based on what you like, making it more relevant.
• Fact-Checking: AI tools verify facts quickly, fighting misinformation.
• Social Media: AI tracks trends on platforms like X, helping spot breaking news.
• Video Help: AI assists in editing videos and creating graphics, making production faster.

While AI is useful, human journalists are still vital for in-depth reporting and ethical storytelling, ensuring trust and depth in news coverage.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of 9WSYR and AI in News Broadcasting

This section provides a detailed examination of 9WSYR, its history, programming, and the integration of artificial intelligence in modern news broadcasting, expanding on the key points for a thorough understanding.

Detailed History of 9WSYR

9WSYR, officially WSYR-TV, began its broadcast on September 9, 1962, under the original call sign WNYS-TV, marking it as the last major network affiliate to launch in Syracuse. This delay was due to a channel shuffle involving competitors WHEN-TV (now WTVH) and Rochester’s WROC-TV, allowing a third analog VHF transmitter in Syracuse [1]. The station’s early years were marked by local ownership, but it underwent significant changes over time:

• In 1969, it was acquired by W. R. G. Baker Television Corporation, followed by a sale to The Outlet Company in 1971.
• The call sign changed to WIXT in 1978 after being sold to WNYS Acquisition Corp., a partnership involving Coca-Cola’s New York bottling division and Larry H. Israel.
• The Ackerley Group purchased it in 1982, and it became WIXT-TV, reflecting further branding shifts.
• Clear Channel Communications (now iHeartMedia) took over in 2001, followed by Newport Television in 2007, and finally, Nexstar Broadcasting Group completed its acquisition on December 3, 2012, reverting the call sign to WSYR-TV [1].

Studio locations also evolved: initially in the basement of Shoppingtown shopping center on Erie Boulevard in DeWitt, it temporarily moved to WCNY-TV studios in Liverpool, NY, after a fire in April 1967, before settling at its current Bridge Street location in East Syracuse in 1985 [1]. A translator, W07BA (channel 7), served Syracuse and Nedrow from 1972 until its license was canceled on March 24, 2014 [1]. The station transitioned to digital broadcasting, shutting down its analog signal on June 12, 2009, and now operates on UHF channel 17, with virtual channel 9 [1].

Notable events include the retirement of long-time anchor Mike Price in July 2008, with the studio renamed “Mike Price Studio” on July 9, 2008, in his honor [1]. Rod Wood and Carrie Lazarus, prominent anchors, were inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame on June 27, 2011, with Wood retiring in November 2020 after a COVID-19 leave, replaced by Jeff Kulikowsky, and Lazarus transitioning to a special correspondent role in March 2017, replaced by Christie Casciano [1].

Programming and Community Involvement

9WSYR’s programming is diverse, catering to local and regional audiences. Key shows include:

• “Bridge Street”: A daytime talk and entertainment program launched in 2004, airing weekdays at 10 a.m., hosted by Steve Infanti and Sistina Giordano as of September 1, 2020, following TeNesha Murphy’s departure in 2020 [1]. It focuses on local guests and community issues.
• Weather Coverage: Features “Live Doppler 9,” a radar system tuned for lake-effect snow, essential for Central New York, with live streams available on the website [2].
• News Segments: Includes “Your Stories,” introduced in 2000 and reinvented in 2007 as part of the “Consumer Protection Unit,” alongside “The Real Deal” and “Consumer Reports,” emphasizing community advocacy [1].
• Syndicated Programming: Historically aired shows like “The Wendy Williams Show” (from July 14, 2008, distributed by Debmar-Mercury, primarily on Fox, CW, and MyNetworkTV) and “ABC World News Now,” an early morning program combining general news, sports, and weather with a lighthearted tone [2].

The station also offers weekend programs on its CW subsidiary WSTQ-LP, with low power consumption, and has a “School Zone” section for updates on local schools, reflecting community engagement [2]. During the pandemic, “Family HealthCast” collaborated with healthcare professionals to provide health tips, showcasing its role in public health communication [2].

Technical and Operational Details

9WSYR’s news operation has been a leader in the region. By the early 1980s, it rose to first place in Syracuse ratings, debuting a new set and newsroom by NewSet in 2000 [1]. It was the first in Central New York to broadcast news in true high definition (HD) on January 29, 2011, and upgraded its studio set on January 30, 2018 [1]. Since April 3, 2023, it simulcasts with WUTR (Utica) for the 5 and 6 a.m. hours, expanding its reach [1]. The station maintains studios on Bridge Street in East Syracuse, with its transmitter on Sevier Road in Pompey, NY [1]. WWTI (channel 50) in Watertown operates as a semi-satellite, clearing most of 9WSYR’s newscasts but with separate syndicated programming and local commercials, with studios on Court Street in downtown Watertown [1].

The Role of AI in News Broadcasting

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into news operations, enhancing efficiency and audience engagement. Here’s a detailed breakdown, explained simply:

• Automated Content Generation: AI can generate news articles for routine updates, such as sports scores or weather reports, using natural language processing. This frees journalists to focus on investigative reporting, as seen in tools like those developed by companies like Associated Press for earnings reports.
• Personalization: AI algorithms analyze viewer preferences, suggesting news stories tailored to individual interests, improving engagement. For example, news apps like those offered by 9WSYR (localsyr.com) can use AI to recommend local stories based on location and past interactions.
• Fact-Checking: AI tools, such as those from FactCheck.org, can rapidly verify claims in news stories, helping combat misinformation, especially crucial in an era of rapid information spread on social media.
• Social Media Monitoring: AI tracks trends and breaking news on platforms like X, enabling stations to respond quickly to public sentiment or emerging stories, enhancing real-time coverage.
• Video Production: AI assists in editing, creating graphics, and even generating voice-overs, streamlining production. For instance, AI-driven video editing tools can automatically highlight key moments in news footage, saving time for editors.

While AI offers these benefits, it’s important to note that human journalists remain essential for in-depth analysis, ethical decision-making, and maintaining trust. AI is a supportive tool, not a replacement, ensuring a balance between technology and human insight in newsrooms.

Comparative Table: 9WSYR’s Evolution and AI Impact

This table highlights how 9WSYR has evolved and how AI complements its operations, ensuring efficiency without replacing human judgment.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

9WSYR has been a steadfast source of local news for over six decades, adapting through ownership changes, technological advancements, and community needs.

Its programming reflects a commitment to local engagement, while AI integration promises to enhance efficiency and personalization.

As of March 22, 2025, the station continues to serve Syracuse and Central New York, balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring it remains a trusted voice in the region.