
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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The ruling also places Vincent Apartments in receivership for three months. The City of Syracuse brought the lawsuit in an effort to improve living conditions for tenants at the neglected properties.
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An Onondaga County Court Judge will decide soon on the new owner of Skyline Vincent and other apartment complexes that were under Green National's management.
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The City of Syracuse wants to partner with a Finger Lakes company to provide affordable high-speed internet service to low-income Syracuse residents.
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Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said the governor's proposal is unprecedented because it reverses progress made in past years when the state capped the cost to counties.
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Two lawmakers from either political party are looking forward to progress on initiatives mentioned in the Onondaga County executive's State of the County speech.
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The executive director of Onondaga County's Assigned Counsel Program says the low pay rates limit the number of lawyers and cases they can take on, delaying justice for hundreds of clients.
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He delivered his fifth address Wednesday evening from Onondaga Community College.
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The Environmental Protection Agency has established a maximum amount of toxic chemicals dumped into drinking water sources.
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Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon will give his State of the County address at Onondaga Community College on Wednesday, and is expected to discuss the Micron deal and OCHIP.
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The Syracuse Common Council is scheduled to vote on a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice to expand a training program aimed at getting more younger people prepared to join the force when of age.