Connoisseur Media Connecticut Announced Commitment To Localism
Connoisseur Media strengthens our local impact and connection to the Fairfield County community. By making staffing changes at WEBE 108 FM and 600 WICC AM, the company is working towards building stronger, local brands.
Melissa Sheketoff, who grew up in Southern Connecticut, joins Tony Reno for the newly anointed “Tony and Melissa Show” on 600 WICC in morning drive. Melissa will be handling news duties as well as co-hosting the show.
“Being part of the iconic morning show on WICC is a dream come true,”commented Melissa, “starting as an intern 11 years ago and making my way back here is the greatest blessing, not to mention being friends with Tony throughout the years”.
Afternoons on 600 WICC returns to local talk for the first time in years. Market veteran Paul Pacelli, starting on May 13th, will host a 2pm-6pm call-in show. Former Waterbury Republican and CT Post newspaper writer, Aaron Johnson, comes on board to produce and provide local sports content.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be on board at a heritage powerhouse like WICC, a station synonymous with greater Bridgeport and Southwestern Connecticut,” Paul said, “my goal is to present a passionate, entertaining and vital platform for local newsmakers, personalities and residents.”
“For a station like WICC to have continued success on the AM dial it needs to fully embrace the community,” commented Operations Manager Keith Dakin, “we want to make this station come alive on all levels from podcasting to social to an on air product that the Bridgeport community can be proud to call their own.”
Legendary WEBE 108 FM morning man, “Stormin” Norman returns to his home of 30 years. Norman famously held down mornings for decades on the AC station and, starting Monday, will return to that post.
“WEBE 108 has been my Radio home for most of my adult life, and I am thrilled to again wake up families in Southern Connecticut,”Norm declared, “It’s a great opportunity to work with Jeff Warshaw and the incredible folks at local Connoisseur Media”.
Danny Lyons, Program Director, will continue to handle middays and Jay Michaels will move from mornings to afternoons to make way for Norman.
“Growing up in Connecticut and having worked at WEBE/WICC for many years, I am extremely motivated to increase the localism, passion and a commitment to the community on these stations “ said SVP/General Manager Kristin Okesson, “with the return of Norm, the additions of Paul and Melissa, plus the talent staff already on board, I think the future continues to be very bright for these radio stations.”
Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. Upon the closing of this asset exchanged, and a previously announced asset exchange, Connoisseur Media will own and/or operate 23 radio stations in seven markets: Billings, MT; Bridgeport, CT; Stamford/Norwalk, CT; New Haven CT; Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), NY; Frederick, MD and Stroudsburg-Wilkes-Barre, PA.
