There’s a new member of WSYR‘s evening newscasts after longtime anchor Rod Wood retired from the Syracuse, N.Y. station last week.
Veteran reporter Jeff Kulikowsky has taken over for Wood, whose last day at the station was Nov. 18. Kulikowsky is now the evening co-anchor of the 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m newscasts alongside Christie Casciano.
“As a born and raised Central New Yorker it’s always been a dream to one day have the privilege of delivering the news to our community on a nightly basis,” Kulikowsky said in a statement. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to tell Central New Yorkers’ stories and inform them of what is going on in our community and beyond every day. Thanks to the entire team at NewsChannel 9, past and present, a tremendous group of people who’ve helped me throughout my career.”
Kulikowsky, who started at the station in 2000 as a reporter, assumed the new anchor role last week. He is filling big shoes: Wood was with the station for 44 years.
“NewsChannel 9 is fortunate to have someone as qualified as Jeff to officially begin his new role at the anchor desk,” WSYR vice president and general manager Bill Evans said in a statement. “Jeff’s hard work, passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to delivering the stories that make an impact and a difference in this community makes him the obvious choice. I am excited for what the future will hold for Jeff and the entire NewsChannel 9 team.”