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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Pieces of the project are falling into place, including new ramps and bridges. -
Hiscock Legal Aid Society is hiring nearly a dozen additional attorneys, plus support staff, to take on the cases of those who can't afford an attorney. -
More notably, the city saw declines below the five-year average. -
President Helen Hudson, 2nd district councilor Pat Hogan, and councilor-at-large Amir Gethers aren't returning next year. -
Onondaga County Water Authority customers in northeastern Onondaga and northwestern Madison Counties are being asked to conserve water while repairs are made. -
The deputy mayor said she's finding there's still plenty of work to do as she transitions to the top post. -
Ben Walsh reflects on his 8 years as mayor as he wraps up his final two weeks in office. -
The Onondaga County Water Authority is taking inventory of all 106,000 water service lines in its service territory. -
He was appointed to succeed Brian Stratton, who's retiring after 14 years at the post. -
Fires shut down the hot mill at the Oswego County plant, which turns raw aluminum into rolls of sheets used by the auto industry. Ford is the plant's primary customer.
