NorthEast Radio Watch 8/31/2026: Keeler’s New Old Utica Home

In this week’s issue… Utica’s Keeler lands new radio home – Mourning Ron Parker, WPLJ’s Ayres, PA’s Stei, WFUV’s Ahrens – WBEN shuffles schedule – AM returns in Toronto

By SCOTT FYBUSH

*We should all be as lucky as Utica’s Bill Keeler when it comes to finding a new job. Just days after he and his “Bill Keeler Show” team were ousted from Townsquare’s WIBX (950), they’ve landed back at a previous stop, Mindy Barstein’s WXUR (92.7 the Drive), where he did mornings from 2007 to 2010, and where he’ll now replace the syndicated Bob & Tom Show starting Sept. 8.

“I’m so excited to head back to The Drive, in the same studios I built 20 years ago,” Keeler said in a statement. “And working with a legend like Genesee Joe is a dream come true. I don’t think there’s a better mix of Classic Rock music anywhere on air or online. I’m also really excited about working again with Mindy Barstein, who is the true definition of the local owner who always puts community first. Local radio works when it’s actually local. It means the people making decisions live here, work here, know the businesses, know the charities, know the important players and, most importantly, know the people listening.”

Keeler brings with him executive producer Davey Smith and news anchor Jeff Monaski from WIBX, as well as Jay Aiello, former host at WUTQ (Talk 100.7).