
Connoisseur Media Announces New Programming Leadership Team
September 9, 2025
Following the recent appointment of Keith Dakin as Senior Vice President of Programming, Connoisseur Media is proud to announce the addition of new format coordinators and expanded leadership roles across key markets nationwide. These moves underscore the company’s commitment to innovation, responsiveness, and excellence in radio programming.
New Format Coordinators
Ben Davis: Top 40 Based in Louisville, KY, Davis serves as Operations Manager and morning host of Ben and Kelly in the Morning on WDJX, which he also programs.Kevin Begley: Hot AC Based in Metro Fairfield, CT, Begley programs WEZN and hosts afternoons. He has played a pivotal role in the success of the syndicated Anna and Raven Show.
Darrick “BROWN” Williams: Urban / Rhythmic Top 40 Based in Columbia, SC, Brown is Operations Manager and has overseen the strong performance of Connoisseur’s urban stations. He now adds Rhythmic Top 40 oversight to his role.
Ross MacLeod: News/Talk Based in Portland, OR, MacLeod is Operations Manager and Program Director for KXL. A recent addition to Connoisseur, he joined the company this past summer.
Rob Kelley: Country Based in Lincoln, NE, Kelley serves as Operations Manager in Lincoln and Topeka. With years of experience leading country format stations, he continues as Country Format Coordinator after previously holding the role at Alpha Media.
Allan Lamberti: Rock Based in New Haven, CT, Lamberti currently programs WPLR and WICC. A 20-year veteran of Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut stations, he brings deep experience to the rock format portfolio.
Connoisseur also announced that Patrick Shea, based on Long Island, will be working with emerging technology and radio automation companies. This initiative reflects Connoisseur’s forward-thinking approach to implementing solutions that support efficiency and innovation across its markets.
“These moves today will allow us to have a dedicated group of programmers that can work with our local markets, partners, vendors, and the record community on a one-to-one basis,” stated Keith Dakin,
SVP of Programming. “The idea here is that we will always have someone who can fix a problem, answer a question, and, most importantly, make a decision. Radio, to stay relevant, needs to have empowered leaders that can make things happen fast. I believe today we have that team”.
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