
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 proposal is working its way through the legislature's committee process.
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The police oversight agency once again faces uncertainty after it appeared to be on track to continue investigating complaints of police misconduct.
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Lawmakers are hoping to find agreement on the $252 billion state budget that was due Apr. 1.
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The mayor is proposing to use $27 million from the city's roughly $120 million reserves to balance the budget.
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The registration deadline is coming up April 15. The clean up takes place April 25 and 26.
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The $107 million Almus Olver project is seen as a first step in the ambitious $1 billion plan to reimagine the Pioneer Homes public housing complex adjacent to I-81.
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City lawyers have filed a complaint in state supreme court seeking a receiver to take over the 12-story, 352-unit high rise after Clear Investment didn't follow through on it's promises to sink $4.6 million dollars into the property.
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The Onondaga County District Attorney's office is ready to file criminal charges against 15 delinquent owners and their accountants. The taxes are due upon collection from hotel visitors.
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Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says the tariffs could cost NYers an additional $6,500 per year, and put 33,000 CNY jobs at risk.
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The goal is to reduce harmful greenhouse gases under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. OCRRA says its waste-to-energy facility emits far less dangerous emissions than landfills.