FLX Local Media is heartbroken to share the passing of our beloved colleague and veteran morning news anchor, Greg Cotterill.
For decades, Greg was a trusted voice in the Finger Lakes, delivering local news with professionalism, passion, and an unmistakable presence on the airwaves. Most recently, Greg served as the morning news anchor on FLX Morning (formerly Finger Lakes Morning News) on WGVA and WAUB – Finger Lakes News Radio.
“We are deeply saddened by Greg’s passing,” said Alan Bishop, President and CEO of FLX Local Media. “His loss leaves a significant void not only in our newsroom but across the entire Finger Lakes community. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
“Greg was a pillar in the local news community,” said FLX Local Media News Director Lucas Day. “If it was happening in the Finger Lakes and Greg heard about it, chances are he was on the scene reporting. He had a great ability to not only keep our listeners informed every day about the news that was important to them, but also could tell a story through the lens of his camera and share it with our readers on Finger Lakes Daily News. He was a tremendous photojournalist!”
Just this past weekend, Greg traveled to New York Mills with Lucas to accept the James W. Wright Fire Service Journalism Award from the Central New York Firemen’s Association. The honor recognized his coverage of the devastating January 21st block fire in Ovid, where he reported live in sub-zero temperatures and captured the story of over 400 firefighters who responded that night.
“Greg was very proud of the acknowledgment our team received,” Day added. “He wore his medallion the entire ride home and talked about how he hoped we’d be back next year. He truly loved what he did, and his energy was contagious.”
Following his morning broadcast, Greg would travel to Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he worked for over 22 years. As station manager for WEOS and WHWS, he mentored students, managed daily operations, produced local sports broadcasts, and kept the stations running with care and dedication.
“Whether behind the scenes editing a news segment, running the broadcasts for our Herons and Statesmen athletic events, or teaching students how to handle their first live show, Greg brought a deep commitment to local journalism and a genuine love of music to his work,” said HWS President Mark Gearan in a statement to staff. “He managed virtually every aspect of keeping both WEOS and WHWS running smoothly.”
A proud graduate of Waterloo High School, Greg earned his bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television from the prestigious Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
Greg Cotterill’s impact on local news, his colleagues, and the Finger Lakes community is immeasurable. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, storytelling, mentorship, and service that will not be forgotten.
Funeral information is incomplete at this time and will be passed along as soon as it is made known. Our prayers our with Greg’s family and many friends at this difficult time.
