
Scott Willis
Host, Reporter, ProducerI’ve always been enamored with the intimacy of radio. It forces you to listen…and listen only. I grew up listening to mostly top 40 radio in Detroit, and eventually discovered the area’s all-news station. I loved knowing what was going on, and the intensity with which they told stories. I often wondered what it would be like to be the first to know what was happening, and then tell others. Maybe that’s why I pursued a career in news.
I would go on to serve as an intern at that all-news station, and it was amazing and maybe a little overwhelming to see what it took to put out a constant stream of news. But something was missing. It wasn’t until after I graduated from college that I actually discovered Detroit’s public radio station at my alma mater. What a difference! You had time to write and tell engaging, meaningful stories. That’s when I knew public radio was for me.
I would hone my skills on and off for almost three years at WDET, producing daily stories for newscasts. I was also given the privilege of producing long-form features on topics that interested me, and that people knew very little about. Now THAT was cool. What budding reporter could ask for more?
I landed here in Syracuse in June 2001. Today, I’ve come full circle, and now teach the craft to dozens of student reporters every year. We work hard to choose informative stories, find the most engaging sound, and edit copy for clarity and accuracy.
Outside of work, I spend time with my wife and little boy. We like to take walks, travel, and read. When I can, I’ll hop on my bike for a quick ride.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the honor and privilege of bringing the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. Thanks for listening
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Sunday's Building Bridges Community Festival in the Inner Harbor had its origins as the Duck Race to End Racism.
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The city says the ongoing claims are based on old, flawed data from improperly collected samples from 2023 and 2024 that showed high levels of lead. More recent 2025 results showed levels below EPA standards.
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The changes include the closure of the ramp from I-481 southbound to I-81 north, the opening of a new E. Glen Ave. bridge over 81, and a new on-ramp to I-81 southbound.
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Local leaders say the combination of technical and arts programming will attract a wide range of students.
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Family fun and a guided bike tour mark 200 years of canal history.
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June home sales rose nearly 9% as inventory and prices continued to climb.
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Dr. Andres Diaz was preparing to set up instrumentation at Mt. Etna in Italy when it erupted in early June.
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The full legislature will take up the charter change Aug. 1 after it was approved by the Ways and Means Committee.
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Crews are working feverishly to finish two floors of classroom space at the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math school in downtown Syracuse.
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Voters could decide in November on the first major change to the county legislature in 40 years.