CBA Inducts 2024 Hall of Fame Class, Honors Winners

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA)

The Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA) celebrated its 2024 Hall of Fame inductees and recognized outstanding achievements in broadcasting during an event at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on October 15. The gathering marked the inaugural CBA station awards, dubbed "The CBAs," a new tradition that highlighted excellence in radio and television broadcasting across the state.

The event brought together industry professionals from Connecticut's radio and television sectors, fostering camaraderie while honoring top broadcasters, personalities, and programming. CBA President Mike Ryan declared the evening a success, noting the enthusiasm from stations and attendees.

"Our stations enjoyed themselves, the friendly competition, and the camaraderie with industry colleagues. And we added six deserving people to the CBA Hall of Fame. Everyone is already talking about next year," said Ryan.

2024 CBA Hall of Fame Inductees:

• John & Carol Babina: Pioneers of noncommercial radio, the Babinas founded WMNR Fine Arts Radio in Monroe, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. The couple has mentored numerous high school and college stations across the state.

• Dom Bordonaro: A highly regarded broadcast engineer for nearly four decades, Bordonaro contributed to major technical advancements at multiple stations, including Connoisseur Media.

• Mark Davis: Multi-Emmy Award-winning Chief Political Correspondent for News 8 and WTNH.com, Davis has been a cornerstone of Connecticut broadcasting for 37 years, known for his insightful reporting and popular radio call-in show, "Dial Mark Davis."

• Scot Haney: Morning weather anchor and co-host of "Great Day Connecticut" on Channel 3/WFSB-TV, Haney has been a familiar face since joining the station in 1998. His community work and weather expertise have made him a beloved figure in the state.

• Dick Robinson: A broadcasting veteran of nearly 70 years, Robinson is best known for founding the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, which has trained thousands of broadcasters. He continues to host "Dick Robinson's American Standards by the Sea" and remains active in philanthropy.

• Best Engineer: Fred Santore, WKCI-FM

• Best News Reporter: Morgan Cunningham, WTIC-AM

• Best Talk Show: Melissa in the Morning, WICC-AM

• Best Air Personality: Danny Lyons, WEBE-FM

• Best College Radio Organization: ICE Radio, CT State Community College Manchester

• Best Community Initiative: Chaz & AJ Toy Drive, WPLR-FM

• Best Morning Show: Brian & Company, WTIC-AM

• Best Promotion: $5,000 Fugitive, WWRX-FM

• Station of the Year: WEBE-FM

The CBA Hall of Fame now includes members like Boyd Arnold, Denise D'Ascenzo, and Al Terzi, and recognizes Lifetime Achievement Award recipients such as Bud Finch, Dr. Mel Goldstein and Bob Steele.

The event underscored the vital role Connecticut broadcasters play in informing and entertaining the public while showcasing the talent and dedication behind the state's radio and television programming.