Connoisseur Connecticut Reconfigures

• With Connoisseur Media now operating former Cumulus AC WEBE 108 and News-Talk WICC-AM/Bridgeport, CT via LMA, the company announced several staff changes, starting with the departure of WEBE APD/afternoon personality Mike McGowan and morning co-host Megan Stone. Over on WICC, Mike Bellamy unplugs from mornings — he had been doing news via ISDN from outside the market. Danny Lyons remains PD of WEBE 108 and WICC and will continue to do middays on WEBE 108.

Here now, in the immortal words of Paul Harvey, is the rest of the story — WICC debuts the Tony and Melissa Show in morning drive, featuring existing host Tony Reno and new co-host Melissa Sheketoff, who will also do news. Sheketoff said, “Being part of the iconic morning show on WICC is a dream come true. 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 WICC returns to local talk for the first time in years as market vet Paul Pacelli takes over on May 13, aided by former Waterbury Republican and CT Post writer Aaron Johnson, who will produce and provide local sports content.

“For a station like WICC to have continued success on the AM dial it needs to fully embrace the community,” said Operations Manager Keith Dakin, adding, “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.”

Over on WEBE 108, market legend Storm N Norman makes his triumphant return to his former wake-up home of 30 years. Norman (left) famously held down mornings on WEBE 108 for decades until August 2013, and, starting Monday, he returns to that post as Jay Michaels slides into afternoon drive. “WEBE 108 has been my radio home for most of my adult life, and I’m 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.”

“Growing up in Connecticut and having worked at WEBE & WICC for many years, I’m extremely motivated to increase the localism, passion and a commitment to the community on these stations,” said SVP/GM Kristin Okesson. “With the return of Norm, the additions of Paul and Melissa, plus the talented staff already on board, I think the future continues to be very bright for these radio stations.”