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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SPD officer Michael Jensen and Sheriff's Deputy Lieutenant Michael Hoosock made good impressions at work and in the community.
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Syracuse Police Officer Mike Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Hoosock died after being shot by the suspect. Jensen and fellow officers fired back, killing the suspect.
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The suspect is also dead. Law enforcement traced a suspicious vehicle to the suspect's address on Darien Dr. in Salina.
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The state budget is nearly two weeks late, with no end in sight. Lawmakers are expected back in Albany Monday to pass a fourth extender.
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The merger with the downtown Justice Center was first proposed in late Dec. 2022 and approved by the county legislature a few weeks later. Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley followed up with a lawsuit.
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Hundreds gathered in the park's sprawling spaces, including SU students, families, and friends of all ages and backgrounds.
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They say the rare celestial event crosses disciplines and attracts people of many backgrounds.
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Dr. Robert Lynch says no infections have been reported so far in New York. He's a veterinarian and part of the PRO-DAIRY team at Cornell.
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The women in our lives have impacted each of us individually, as a society, and as a community. Join WAER for an empowering journey through Women's History Month with Syracuse Speaks.
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Charlene Tarver first proposed the Southside Renaissance Project two years ago, but has faced challenges raising pre-development funding.