Galaxy Communications launches sports-marketing division

SYRACUSE — Galaxy Communications, LLC, the Syracuse–based operator of 14 radio stations in the Syracuse and Utica markets, has announced the creation of a sports-marketing division.

The firm, which has relationships with several local and regional sports teams, has hired Ken Elander as general manager of Galaxy Sports Marketing, Galaxy Communications said in a news release.

Elander has held “high-ranking” positions with companies, such as Time Warner Cable; Driver’s Village, an automotive group with 21 car franchises in Cicero; and WTVH, Syracuse’s CBS-TV affiliate, according to Galaxy.

“Our Sports Marketing group will focus on our many and varied sports franchises that we have a flagship/affiliate relationship with in both Syracuse and Utica,” Edward (Ed) Levine, CEO of Galaxy Communications, said in the release.

For example, Galaxy’s TK99/TK105 is the flagship station for Syracuse University football, basketball, and lacrosse.

Sister station ESPN Radio (WTLA-AM 97.7FM / 1200AM and simulcast on WSGO-AM in Oswego at 100.1 FM and 1310AM) carries the broadcasts of the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Syracuse Crunch.

It’s also listed as an affiliate station for Major League Baseball’s (MLB) New York Mets, and the National Football League’s (NFL) New York Giants and New York Jets, according to the Galaxy website.

In Utica, ESPN Radio (WTLB-AM at 1310AM and 99.1FM, simulcast on WIXT 1230 AM in Little Falls and WRNY 1350 AM in Rome) carries broadcasts of the AHL’s Utica Comets.

It is also listed as an affiliate of MLB’s New York Yankees and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, according to the Galaxy website.

Galaxy also has a broadcast agreement with Utica College, the company said.

In addition to the radio stations and the new sports-marketing division, Galaxy Communications operates an events business, called Galaxy Events.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com