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December 22 2022

Connoisseur Media Helps Pat Lafontaine’s Companions In Courage Foundation

Connoisseur Media Long Island donated its studio offices to the Companions in Courage Foundation for the fourth year in a row to host the annual “Santa Connection”. The Santa Connection serves pediatric patients across their “Courage Network” with a one-on-one live video chat with Santa. Many of these children are isolated in the hospital and cannot visit Santa at the mall. Patients are joined by family members and their caretakers for a few moments of “normal” holiday cheer. The Child Life Specialists at the hospitals prime Santa with details about each patient, so each visit is incredibly personalized.

The Santa Connection broadcasted from the Connoisseur Media Long Island studio offices on December 7th and 8th, 2022. Years ago, when the pandemic shut down the Santa

Connection studios in New York City, Connoisseur Media Long Island offered space in the Farmingdale studio offices to connect Santa “from the North Pole” via video chats with patients across the “Courage Network.” It’s been an annual tradition ever since.
The Companions in Courage Foundation was originally founded by NHL Hall of Famer, Pat LaFontaine in 1997. They are recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and eligible to receive donations. In just the last five years, their efforts have provided interactive playrooms, called “Lion’s Dens”, in hospitals throughout North America. Through innovative communications tools, these playrooms replace the isolation of a hospital with a connection to family, friends and celebrities during each hospital stay. By virtue of their location (primarily in major metropolitan areas), children’s hospitals tend to be safety nets to the most vulnerable in our society. On average, these facilities devote almost half of their care to children of low-income families. Their “Lion’s Den” rooms were designed by Edwin Schlossberg and his renowned ESI Design team in New York City.

“I’ve always said that it’s important to score your goals early in life, because later on, it’s all about the assists! Our partnership with the kind team at Connoisseur Media has brought smiles and good cheer to pediatric patients for almost two decades. That’s the kind of teamwork that means the most to me and to Long Island!”
Pat LaFontaine

“We first connected with Companions in Courage about 17 years ago with event marketing and promotional support,” said David Bevins, Connoisseur Media COO and Long Island Market Manager. “The Santa Connection is truly an inspiring program and their team is welcome to host it from our studio offices annually.”

Connoisseur Media Long Island is a proud long-term partner of the Companions in Courage Foundation. Their mission is simple: no child in the fight for life or health should ever have to go through it alone. The Companions in Courage Foundation provides courage, friendship, compassion and support to those children and families who are overcoming illness and life-threatening obstacles.

December 7 2022

WALK 97.5 Collects Thousands Of Pounds Of Food

Long Island Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace during the month of November to donate food and/or funds for Long Islanders who need food assistance.

In support, WALK 97.5 hosted a special live broadcast on November 17th, from 5am until 7pm, at the Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace in Port Jefferson Station. Over the course of the day, WALK 97.5’s on-air appeal and in-store promotion produced 17,589 pounds of food collected for Long Island Cares. Additionally, in-store monetary donations raised $10,557.14 for Long Island Cares.

“This is the 22nd year WALK 97.5 was able to use our airwaves to collect a large amount of food to support our friends and neighbors who receive help from Long Island Cares,” said Patrick
Shea, Program Director and midday personality on WALK 97.5. “It’s a tradition I look forward to each and every year.”

The WALK 97.5 Thanks-For-Giving food drive is a month-long effort with dozens of food drives anchored by an annual live broadcast event. 2022 welcomed Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace to the campaign as the host sponsor offering both WALK 97.5 and Long Island Cares the opportunity to be on-site in their stores working with their staff and customers for the betterment of Long Island.

Check out the video recap!

November 18 2022

WALK 97.5 Celebrate’s 21st Anniversary Of Being Long Island’s Holiday Music Station

Long Islanders loved when WALK 97.5, the radio station that they listened to every day, began playing nothing but holiday music. After tremendous joyful feedback, an annual tradition was born and since then, celebrating the holidays on Long Island has meant tuning the radio in your car, office, or business to WALK 97.5 for the perfect holiday soundtrack.

WALK 97.5 will once again play non-stop holiday music through Christmas Day. The moment when WALK 97.5 officially switches over to holiday music varies each year and the ceremony surrounding “hitting the big red button” is always unique. To celebrate the 21st anniversary of this tradition, WALK 97.5 is adding star power to make it EXTRA SPECIAL!

On Friday November 18th at 5 P.M., WALK 97.5 afternoon host Christina Kay will officially usher in the holiday season with the help of The Backstreet Boys! WALK 97.5 will play The Backstreet Boys’ new holiday song “Last Christmas” from their new holiday album “A Very Backstreet Christmas.” Christina, said, “Hitting that ‘Big Red Holiday Button’ is one of my favorite traditions. It just makes it feel like the holiday season is finally here! “Some of the biggest acts in music have helped me kickoff holiday music on WALK 97.5; but when I heard that The Backstreet Boys accepted our invitation…it sent needle on my Holiday Spirit “Clausometer” over 110%! This year is going to be extra special!”

Jovia Financial Credit Union continues their partnership as the presenting sponsor of Long Island’s Holiday Music Station. “WALK 97.5 has been the soundtrack for the holidays on Long Island for decades, and listeners are as excited now as they have ever been. The biggest question is when will WALK 97.5 start? I am really happy to be able to give people an answer. Now I just want to hear requests,” said Patrick Shea, Program Director for WALK 97.5.

“The best place for Long Islanders to listen to festive holiday music from now through the new year is WALK 97.5 FM. This has become an annual tradition of its own and Jovia Financial Credit Union is ecstatic to be the presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year,” noted Renu Dalessandro, Jovia Financial Credit Union’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Jovia is committed to the communities we serve, and together with Connoisseur Media, we’re making the season merry and bright.”

November 7 2022

Hope Rocks Radio-Thon 2022

Now is the time to break the stigma about talking about mental health. TALK SAVES LIVES.

94.3 The Shark presents the 3rd annual Hope Rocks radio-thon, Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 2pm until 6pm at The Studio at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. Hope Rocks is an award-winning campaign dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention/Long Island Chapter.

“There seem to be more rock artists who have battled with mental health issues than any other genre of musician,” said Rob Rush, Program Director & Afternoon Host of 94.3 The Shark. “As Long Island’s leading rock station, we feel like it’s our responsibility to host this conversation, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.”

The 2022 Hope Rocks campaign is a series of fundraising events leading up to the one-day radio-thon broadcast. The broadcast will be filled with celebrity guest interviews, on-air donation pledges, and other special features. Hope Rocks also includes an online auction featuring high value items and experiences, live now at 943TheShark.com/hoperocks through November 12th.

“Music has gotten me through some dark times,” said Orlando, Morning Show host for 94.3 The Shark. “That’s why we have to have this conversation so we can share stories, feel a sense of camaraderie and community and help others heal and even learn the warning signs to help somebody in crisis.”

Please join us for this special on-air event and make a donation at 943TheShark.com/hoperocks
or drop by The Studio during the broadcast to make your donation in person

September 30 2022

Connoisseur Media Wins 8 Awards At Annual NYSBA Luncheon

Connoisseur Media Long Island’s WALK 97.5, KJOY 98.3, 103.1 MAX FM, 94.3 The Shark and 104.7 WHLI were awarded 8 honors at the annual Long Island New York State Broadcasters Association Luncheon, Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Blackstone, Melville. Each award is determined by statewide submissions that are reviewed and selected by the New York Broadcasters Association.

May 25 2022

NY Nurse Choir to Join Train

WALK 97.5, Live Nation, and the multi-Grammy award winning band Train are celebrating Nurse’s Month in a very special way. The Northwell Health Nurse Choir will join headliners Train as part of the “AM Gold Tour” at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on June 10. The Nurse Choir will make its Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater debut with special guests Jewel and Blues Traveler.

The Northwell Health Nurse Choir formed as a reprieve from the challenges facing front-line healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the power of their voices and their dedication to patients, they won over the hearts of Americans everywhere while spreading hope and optimism.

“We are so excited to welcome the Northwell Health Nurse Choir to our summer tour date at The Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater for their Long Island debut,” shared Pat Monahan.

WALK 97.5 is running a special promotion featuring Northwell Health Nurse Choir vignettes and giving away tickets to listeners. Every time a listener wins a pair of tickets, a Northwell Health nurse wins a pair, too, courtesy of Train and Live Nation.

“We don’t get an opportunity like this often,” said Patrick Shea, Program Director for WALK 97.5. “We celebrate Nurse’s month every year because these men and women are heroes and
deserve recognition for their dedication. But, this Choir is truly inspiring. We are humbled to share their performance with our audience and invite their colleagues to join us, courtesy of Train and LiveNation”.

“It’s a privilege to perform at an iconic venue that’s so close to home and in one of the communities we serve,” said Keshia Jaboin, RN, BSN, Northwell Health Nurse Choir member. “Music has brought us healing and hope through good and difficult times over the last two years. It is our hope to inspire others to find joy through song.”

May 23 2022

Listener Wins $7,900

A big congratulations to Danielle is in order, because she beat Raven and won the biggest “Can’t Beat Raven” jackpot yet, of $7,900! Danielle joins a list of winners who have played the popular Can’t Beat Raven trivia game. The jackpot resets back down to $100 as listeners play against Raven each weekday. Check out Danielle’s big win!

March 2 2022

Connoisseur Media Raises $481,244 For Kids

WFRE-FM in Frederick, MD recently held its “Free Country Cares For St. Jude Kids Radiothon” and raised an impressive $481,244 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

WFRE PD Andy Webb said, “Our entire staff gave 110% over the course of two days, pouring their hearts & souls into this year’s event, because the need is so great & the kids are so special. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer, and the Frederick area came through in a big way to aid in that fight. I’m so proud of our on-air team, our management, our support staff, Team WFRE, and, of course, our incredible listeners who did such an incredible job in continuing to support of St. Jude.”

February 23 2022

Ron Fried Promoted To National Sales Manager

Connoisseur Media announced today the promotion of Ron Fried to National Sales Manager. He will be responsible for working with the Christal National sales offices across the country and effectively promoting the strength of our audio and digital platforms. “Ron is a valued and important member of our sales efforts on Long Island, and we are thrilled to promote him to this important position officially.” Said Darren Diprima, Director of sales of Connoisseur Media Long Island. Ron has extensive radio experience on Long Island and joined Connoisseur Media as part of the WALK 97.5 acquisition in 2014. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to lead Connoisseur Media Long Island’s national sales efforts. As a Senior and Regional Account Manager, I’ve had the privilege of representing our significant cluster of heritage stations for almost eight (8) years.

I look forward to working closely with our Christal Radio/Katz Media group team on growing the Nassau-Suffolk market.” said Ron Fried.

Connoisseur Media owns market-leading radio clusters in regions including Nassau-Suffolk, NY, Metro Fairfield County, New Haven in CT, and Frederick, MD. It also owns digital and marketing operations in Connecticut and Long Island.

December 22 2021

Connoisseur Media Announces Management Moves

Connoisseur Media announced today that Michael O. Driscoll, Co-Founder and EVP/CFO of Connoisseur Media, will be stepping down as CFO of the company as of 12/31/21. Driscoll has been the CFO of the Company since July, 2004 and has been working with Jeffrey D. Warshaw, CEO and Co-Founder for more than 25 years.

Driscoll has been with Connoisseur and Mr. Warshaw since he was hired as CFO of Connoisseur Communications in 1996. He has handled financing, acquisitions, human resources and operational issues and has worked hand-in-hand with Warshaw in building the current Company over the last 17 years. He remains at Connoisseur as Executive Vice President, but will be stepping back from day-to-day management duties.

Jeffrey D. Warshaw, CEO and Co-Founder of Connoisseur said “Mike and I have worked together for a long time. In the years working with him, we have occasionally had different opinions, but never harsh words or arguments. I am glad in this new role he will get a chance to take some more time for travel and things he had wanted to do, but I look forward to still working together. He will always be my partner.”

Driscoll said; “I have really enjoyed the nuts and bolts of helping build a Company and focused on building teams, working on processes and getting the trains to run on time. I could not have had a more fulfilling time, looking forward to coming in each day, and have had a lot of fun working alongside Jeff for this quarter century. I will miss being involved in every decision, and having daily contact with the friends and great colleagues we have in our operations as well as here in the corporate office. I am happy

to still be a part of the Company, and also an investor in it, and want to watch things grow. This is just a part of a plan Jeff and I have had for a few years, and I have every confidence that our Company will reach new heights as Jeff works with Olly Price as the new CFO.”

Oliver Price named as SVP/CFO of Connoisseur Media as of January 1, 2022.

Oliver G. Price came to Connoisseur in 2012, and was most recently Vice President of Finance and Accounting. He has worked with Mr. Warshaw and Mr. Driscoll for over nine years and is in in charge of the financial planning, budgeting and accounting functions. In the last few years, he has moved more directly into financing transactions and also worked more on acquisitions. He will now also take on additional duties and direct reports as the CFO of the Company. Price will report directly to Jeffrey Warshaw.

Mr. Price was previously with Liberty Global, where he was Manager, Mergers and Acquisitions prior to coming to Connoisseur. He was with Liberty Global for six years in London at increasingly senior positions. Prior to that, Price worked for KPMG in audit in the information, communication & entertainment department. While at KPMG, Price trained as a chartered accountant, and is registered in the UK. Price graduated from the University of Bristol in the UK where he earned a BSc and studied Economics.

About Connoisseur Media:

Connoisseur Media owns market-leading radio clusters in regions including Nassau- Suffolk, NY, Metro Fairfield County, and New Haven in CT, and Frederick, MD. It also owns digital and marketing operations in Connecticut and Long Island.