WTVH, WSTM team up under sales, service agreements

SYRACUSE--For years, meteorologist Wayne Mahar has been a fixture on WSTM-TV, the local NBC affiliate in Syracuse. But now, his work is also featured on what was previously a competing station.

Barrington Broadcasting Group, LLC--the owner of WSTM--and New York City-based Granite Broadcasting Corp.--the parent company of WTVH, Syracuse's oldest station and a CBS affiliate--announced March 2 that both stations are now being operated jointly from the studios of WSTM at 1030 James St. in Syracuse.

The offices of WTVH are at 980 James St. in Syracuse.

Barrington is operating both stations under a joint-sales agreement and shared-services agreement with Granite, according to a joint statement from the firms.

Under the terms of the agreements, Barrington will continue operating WSTM while providing advertising, sales, promotion, administrative services, and selected programming to WTVH.

Both Barrington and Granite will also aim to cut costs through staff reductions and by combining resources. The companies are providing severance packages and job- placement assistance for affected employees.