Mark Bialczak out at the Post-Standard

The CNY music community was stunned Friday night after learning longtime local music critic, Mark Bialczak, will be leaving the Post-Standard after the first of the year. Mark has been writing about the CNY music scene since 1991 and has been a true champion of local artists. No one does it better or is more knowledgeable than Mark, and his departure will leave a HUGE hole in the paper and web site's coverage of local entertainment.

I normally don't editorialize here, but I just can't ignore this development. What the hell are they thinking? When the P-S made the announcement of these upcoming changes, there was emphasis on the transition to digital media and finding people with experience in that field. But current P-S writers have been using digital formatting for three or four years now, and Mark certainly is digitally savvy! So that can't be it, can it?

Really, what it looks like from here is a move to cut overhead by replacing seasoned and respected journalist with "concierges" and less experienced people who will work for less money.It's all about the bottom line, after all. To hell with the readers.To hell with loyal staff. To hell with quality.

There, I've said it. And it makes me sick to my stomach.

We all knew we were going to lose some good people. But reality is beginning to set in and in the next month or so, I'm sure we'll  be hearing about other local, respected journalist who will also be shown the door. Not much else to say.

I have been covering the CNY music scene since 2003, and while I'm no Mark Bialczak, I have to say, he's been an inspiration to me. I have no doubt he'll find a niche somewhere with someone who will appreciate his contribution to the community. Syracuse New Times, are you listening?

Here's to you, Mark. Thank you for being CNY music's best cheerleader for 15 years. You will be missed.