Wausau Welcomes Big Red; Waitekus On The Loose

• NRG Media Country WYTE (Y106.5)/Wausau-Stevens Point, WI welcome format vet Larry “Big Red” Wnorowski to the team as Brand Manager and morning personality.

Wnorowski (left) was most recently OM/PD of Adams Radio Group Country WKHI/Salisbury-Ocean City, MD until early August, when the station’s frequency was taken over by Classic Rock sister WGBG. Big Red previously programmed Adams Radio Country sibling KGRT/Las Cruces, NM. His 20+-year radio career began in Albuquerque, NM and has also taken him to Lawton, OK, Wichita Falls, TX, Dallas and Lafayette, LA.

GM Aleese Fielder commented, “Big Red brings a wealth of experience in Country radio that easily connects him to the audience. His ability to relate to the lives and lifestyles of the listeners on Today’s Best Country Y106.5 is what makes him such a great fit for this team.” Big Red remarked, “I’m excited to wake up Central Wisconsin and to be a part of an amazing radio family with NRG Media!”

• On a related note, RAMP learned that our longtime friend Tony Waitekus recently exited as OM of NRG Wausau as his position was eliminated due to restructuring and budget considerations.

Waitekus had been on the job with NRG since January 2015. He previously spent five years across the street as Brand Manager for Midwest Communications’ Top 40 WIFC, and before that he programmed Top 40 sibling WIXX/Green Bay. Waitekus’ previous programming stints include WERO (Bob 93.3)/Greenville, NC, nearly a decade at the late WHTS (All Hit 98.9)/Quad Cities and almost 20 years at the mighty WCIL/Carbondale, IL.

Tony is now seeking his next opportunity and can be reached for meaningful conversations at awaitekus@charter.net.