
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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Prices have been on a steady climb despite plenty of homes on the market.
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Earlier this year, 137 deer were culled from city neighborhoods.
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It was around this time last year when the board was falling way behind processing voter registration applications for the 2024 presidential election.
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Authorities say fraternity members were celebrating Rosh Hashanah at the time of the incident.
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It’s been two weeks since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided Nutrition Bar Confectioners, removing dozens of workers.
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Sheriff Toby Shelley has called for the replacement of the 25-year-old chopper since taking office in 2023.
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They’re trying to catch speeders, red light runners, and those passing school buses.
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The college's smaller, lab-oriented classes are more expensive to deliver than traditional SUNY schools.
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Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon plans a tax break for property owners, money for a Sherriff's helicopter, emergency drones, lead abatement, mental health. Lawmakers start debate Sept 17.
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SUNY leaders say the college needs to close a $6 million deficit.