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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CNY could get more than a foot of snow and see wind chills of minus 30. -
Residents in six towns were asked to voluntarily restrict water use for the past week after a mandatory restrictions were lifted. -
The CNY United for Community Benefits wants to negotiate a legal agreement to hold the company more accountable for the $20 billion in federal and state public subsidies. -
Jose and a man named Adrian were arrested as they left a work site on the city's east side. -
It was a who’s who in New York as leaders braved snow flurries and 18-degree temperatures to see the single largest investment in the state begin. -
But customers remain under a mandatory conservation order until at least Monday until the system can reload and properly disinfect the water supply. -
He was sworn-in as chief Wednesday, along with new first deputy and deputy chiefs. -
Both Democratic Sen. Rachel May and GOP Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay say they're waiting for more details. -
They're starting their first full week of session, which includes Tuesday's state of the state address from Gov. Kathy Hochul. WAER will broadcast and stream it live starting at 1:00. -
They're calling for an end to the attempted regime change, removal of all U.S. military, and passage of a War Powers Resolution, which has passed the Senate.
