Rick Gary is stepping away from his on-air role at Sunny 102, ending a chapter that has spanned decades and multiple generations of listeners. Galaxy Media Partners, which owns the station, announced Gary’s departure via a release while announcing that Gary’s name will remain firmly embedded in the station’s daily operation.
Sunny 102 will continue broadcasting from the Rick Gary Studio, honoring his impact as one of the market’s trusted voices. Galaxy Media CEO Ed Levine praised Gary’s influence on the station and the broader community. He credited Gary with helping define Sunny 102’s sound and personality for years.
“Rick Gary’s influence on our station and our community cannot be overstated,” said Ed Levine, CEO of Galaxy Media. “He helped define Sunny 102 for so many listeners and leaves behind a legacy of excellence in broadcasting.”
Gary was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in November 2009. Two years later, he was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame. The SAMMYS honor further cemented his place in the region’s media history.
While Sunny 102 has been a major part of Gary’s career, it represents only one chapter in a long and varied broadcasting journey. Before joining the station, Gary spent years at Syracuse’s ABC affiliate NewsChannel 9. He began there as a weather presenter before transitioning into a morning co-anchor role, which he held for several years. In 2004, Gary stepped away from the anchor desk to help launch the lifestyle-focused talk show Bridge Street, becoming one of its original co-hosts.
By the time he exited Channel 9 in 2009, he was balancing radio duties at Sunny 102. He also worked at sister station Mix 102.5 in Utica.
Gary’s radio resume stretches back even further. He previously co-hosted the provocative Rick and Ron morning show on WOLF, a run that ended when the station changed formats in 1981. From there, he moved to mornings on WSYR 570 before making the jump to television in 1986.
Immediately before joining Sunny 102, Gary hosted mornings on Y94 with Kathy Rowe. That role ended during industry-wide staffing cuts in 2006.
Galaxy Media expressed gratitude for Gary’s years of service and noted that, while his presence will be missed on the air, his influence will continue to be felt throughout the building.
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