Industry News

Oliveira Promoted to OM for Connoisseur Connecticut

imgConnoisseur Media promotes Ed Oliveira to operations manager for Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut stations. Oliveira has been with Connoisseur Media for more than a decade, most recently as director of traffic & creative services. Oliveira says, “I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to take on this expanded role. This feels like a natural step for me, and I appreciate [SVP of Connecticut operations] Kristin Okesson for believing in me and my abilities. One person that has been a near-constant in my career is Keith Dakin. Having the opportunity to receive the baton from him and building on his work is a task I take on with pride. I am beyond excited to expand my role with the amazing people on this team. They are so good that operations could probably run on its own BUT I am ecstatic they chose me to oversee it.”

Industry News

Keith Dakin Named SVP of Programming for Connoisseur

Programming pro Keith Dakin is named senior vice president of programing for Connoisseur Media. This comes just days after the company closed on the acquisition of Alpha Media’s radio stations and Alpha programming head Phil Becker’s exit from the company. Dakin has been with Connoisseur Media sinceimg 2013. Company CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Keith’s programming expertise and leadership have been a major contributor to Connoisseur’s growth and success. As we expand our footprint, Keith is the ideal leader to develop and implement our programming strategy across the country. His passion for music, content, and his commitment to local communities will ensure that our stations continue to succeed.” Dakin comments, “It is truly an honor to move into this larger role with the newly expanded Connoisseur Media. I am extremely excited to work day-to-day with this unbelievable roster of programmers and air talent. I can’t wait to dig in and make great radio with this tremendously creative staff. Thank you so much to Jeff Warshaw who has been a true champion of mine since I started here. His leadership, vision, and commitment to real radio will hopefully give this industry the shot in the arm it needs.”

Industry News

Chaz and AJ Celebrate 20 Years at Connoisseur’s WPLR, New Haven

The WPLR, New Haven morning team of “Chaz and AJ” is celebrating its 20th anniversary hosting their program. Connoisseur Media says, “Chaz and AJ joined WPLR in the winter of 2003 and immediately became a ratings success. Chaz had worked at night for the station years prior and AJ transferred over from Long Island. The duo quickly made a name for themselves for not only comedic pieces, but also for being a major part of the community. The show calls itself an on-air town hall meeting and the spot where the local community can discuss all the important, and not so important, topics of the day. They have hosted gubernatorial debates, stayed on the air around the clock during major local news and weather events, and have featured conversations with two sitting vice presidents, 11 U.S. senators, four Connecticut governors, and the biggest names in movies, TV, and rock music.” Connoisseur Media VP of programming Keith Dakin says, “Of their 20 years on the air, I’ve had the privilege to be able to work with them for over half. To see their drive and quest to continue to entertain and inform day after day is truly inspiring. It is not often that you get to work with a show like this that is so woven into the fabric of the community.”