If you’ve lived in Central New York for more than five minutes, you know that waking up to Ted and Amy 93Q is basically a local law. Seriously. It’s like eating Hoffman hot dogs or complaining about the lake effect snow; it’s just what we do here. Ted Long and Amy Robbins have been the backbone of WNTQ-FM for over 37 years, which is a lifetime in the radio industry where people usually get fired or move cities every eighteen months.
But why does this duo still work? In a world of podcasts, Spotify playlists, and AI-generated DJs, the staying power of "Ted & Amy in the Morning" is actually kinda wild when you look at the data.
The Secret Sauce of Ted and Amy 93Q
Radio is a brutal business. Most morning shows are lucky to last five years before the "creative differences" start or the ratings dip. Ted and Amy aren't just surviving; they've become an institution. Ted Long started at the station way back in April 1980—originally doing the overnight shift—and he’s been paired with Amy Robbins since 1989.
Think about that.
They have been talking to each other for four hours a day, five days a week, for nearly four decades. Most marriages don't have that kind of uptime.
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What makes it work is the authenticity. They don't sound like "radio voices." They sound like the neighbors who actually know where the best diner in Marcellus is or why traffic on I-81 is a nightmare this morning. Amy, a Camden High and Ithaca College grad, brings a sharp, organized energy (she was even promoted to Executive Producer in 2023 to oversee the show’s digital growth). Ted, the Marcellus native, is the relatable guy who’s been through the ringer and still keeps a sense of humor about it.
More Than Just Microphones
A huge part of the Ted and Amy 93Q brand isn't even what happens in the studio. It’s what happens at the New York State Fair or the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
They became the "Official Voices of the New York State Fair" in 2011. If you've walked the Midway or sat in the grandstands, you've heard them. That level of local integration is something a national syndicated show just can't fake. You can’t hire a guy from Los Angeles to talk about the butter sculpture with the same genuine enthusiasm as someone who grew up here.
Then there’s "Amy’s Slumber Party." It’s basically a local holiday at this point. Heading into 2026, the event is celebrating its 23rd year. It’s one of those rare radio promotions that actually built a real-world community. Thousands of women descend on the Doubletree in East Syracuse for a night of dancing and, honestly, just getting away from real life for a bit. It’s a massive logistical undertaking that Amy manages while still being on air at 5:30 AM.
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Breaking Down the Numbers
If you’re a radio nerd or a business owner looking for ad space, the longevity of Ted and Amy 93Q is backed by some serious hardware:
- 18 Years: The number of times they were voted "Best Local Radio Personalities" by the Syracuse New Times.
- 2019: The year they were inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
- 37+ Years: Their total time as a morning duo.
- 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM: The daily window where they basically own the Syracuse commute.
The show isn't just about jokes and weather. They use their platform for serious community work. They've received the "Living and Giving Award" from JDRF and the "Corporate Angel" award from the Mental Health Association. They aren't just talking into the void; they’re moving the needle on local causes.
Dealing with the "Old" Label
Let’s be real. In the Top 40 (CHR) format, being on the air for 40 years is unheard of. 93Q usually plays the hits—the Taylor Swifts, the Olivia Rodrigos, the Dua Lipas. There’s always a risk that a legacy morning show might feel out of touch with a younger audience.
However, Ted and Amy have pivoted.
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By leaning into digital content and maintaining a presence on social media, they’ve managed to bridge the gap. They acknowledge the "dad jokes" and the "old" labels with a wink. They know who they are. They aren't trying to pretend they’re 22, and that honesty is exactly why the 22-year-olds still listen. People can smell a fake from a mile away, especially in a tight-knit community like Syracuse.
What’s Next for the Duo?
As of early 2026, there are no signs of them slowing down. Amy is deep into the planning for the "Dancing Through the Decades" version of the Slumber Party, and Ted is still the reliable voice of the morning commute.
For the listeners, Ted and Amy 93Q represents a weirdly comforting constant in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Stations change formats, DJs get swapped out for "the next big thing," but those two are still there, arguing about bird feeders or sharing the latest local news.
If you’re looking to stay connected to the CNY community, here is how you can keep up with the show:
- Tune in live: Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM on 93.1 FM.
- Listen on-demand: Use the 93Q website or app to catch segments like "Group Therapy Thursday" if you missed the live broadcast.
- Engage locally: Look for them at the St. Patrick's Parade or the State Fair—they are almost always there in person.
- Check the Slumber Party: If you're looking for the 2026 event details, the 93Q website keeps the vendor list and ticket info updated daily.
The reality is that local radio only survives if it’s actually local. Ted and Amy have proven that as long as you care about the people listening, they’ll keep tuning in.