Press Regarding Press Communications
• We are sending our very best wishes to New Jersey radio legend Jeff Rafter, currently VP of Programming for Press Communications, who announced his impending retirement, effective later this year, capping off a successful 40-year radio career — all accomplished without ever having to leave his home state. Yes, Rafter (left) is one of those rare radio “unicorns” who were fortunate enough to work at their craft within earshot of his hometown. Interestingly, Rafter started his four-decade career with Press Communications, and, after several other stops, including a 15-year run with Greater Media, he rejoined Press in 2017 and will fittingly wrap up his radio journey with his original company later this year. In the meantime, he’s still the boss. And speaking of which…
As the first step toward his “gold watch,” as it were, Rafter stepped down from his afternoon drive show on Classic Rock WWZY (107.1 The Boss)/Monmouth-Ocean, signing off after his shift last Friday. In an emotional farewell video posted to Facebook, Rafter (left) passed the proverbial on-air torch to another very familiar face/voice: Paul Van Dusen (right), who makes his triumphant return to the building.
Van Dusen had spent the better part of a decade across the hall at Country sister WKMK (Thunder 106), until he was furloughed last July at the height the pandemic… and now he’s back. “This is a real unique situation that I’m looking forward to,” Van Dusen tells RAMP. “I’m honored that Jeff Rafter asked me to assume his show and continue to grow 107.1 The Boss. I wish Jeff nothing but success as he continues to lead us from behind the scenes.”
Van Dusen also happily returns to his Rock comfort zone, having previously worked across the street at Townsquare Classic Rock rival WCHR (105.7 The Hawk). Earlier in his career Van Dusen cracked the mic at WEDG (103.3 The Edge) and WGRF (97 Rock)/Buffalo, NY, former Z-Rock affiliate WZRQ/Albany, NY and WRKT (formerly Rocket 101)/Erie, PA.
Your good thoughts can be sent to Rafter at jeffr@presscommradio.com, and you can officially welcome Van Dusen back at paulv@presscommradio.com.
