Connecticut Broadcasters Association announces 2025 award winners, Hall of Fame Inductees

Photo via Connecticut Broadcasters Association

The Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA) has announced its Hall of Fame inductees and CBA award winners. The Class of 2025 was officially honored during an event which also included the CBA station awards, The CBAs.

The Hall of Fame and CBAs were hosted at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on Tuesday, October 7^th. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with broadcasters in the radio and television industry from across Connecticut while celebrating award-winning reports, personalities, and programming.

“The CBAs and Hall of Fame Induction evening present us with an opportunity to celebrate Connecticut radio and television pros. I think our stations had a great time, appreciating the spirit of friendly competition while getting a chance to connect with fellow industry professionals. We rarely are able to get so many of us together in one room, so that alone is special. said Jennifer Parsons, President of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association.

The 2025 CBA Hall of Fame inductees are (in alphabetical order)

Juan Castillo

Juan Castillo has been with WYBC in New Haven since 1989. He joined the station as an on-air announcer and is currently Director of Operations, and Afternoon Drive host. As a young man, Juan fell into trouble with the law. That experience instilled a commitment to make the most of his second chance. He worked for the Department of Corrections as a parole officer and became Regional Director of the Bridgeport and New London field offices. Upon joining WYBC, Juan immersed himself in improving the station’s public service and community involvement while inviting listeners to take “ownership” of the station. His success and the success and longevity of WYBC is attributed to his integrity, professionalism, and belief in the important connection between YBC and the community. Juan Castillo resides in Hamden.

Klarn DePalma

Klarn DePalma has had a storied career in Connecticut Broadcasting for more than three decades. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, he began his career in sales at WFSB, then a Meredith Media Group station, and quickly rose through leadership roles, including Local Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and ultimately Vice President and General Manager of four stations. For 13 years, he guided WFSB to consistent dominance in news and digital operations while building strong partnerships with organizations and nonprofits across the state. Klarn has been deeply involved in advancing the industry, serving as Chairman and a longtime board member of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association, as well as a member of the Television Bureau of Advertising’s Board of Governors. His civic leadership includes serving on the Connecticut Science Center Board, where he helped establish the Weather Lab, The Bushnell, and Channel 3 Kids Camp. In 2022, he was named Senior Vice President of Group Sales and Sponsorships for Nexstar Media Group. He lives in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Ray Dunaway

Ray Dunaway started his career in CT on WTIC in 1992. He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, worked in Detroit, Dallas, and Kansas City before landing at AM 1080, where he would become a mainstay until his retirement in December of 2021. His laid-back approach to radio, charm and wit endeared him to his listeners. In his decades of work at WTIC-AM he covered important state stories including the Michael Skakel trial, the CT state income tax debate, Governor Rowland’s resignation, the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School as well as the most important national stories during those years. His was the first voice heard in the morning among tens of thousands of Great Hartford (and beyond) listeners. He gave of his time, hosted, and supported endless CT charities.

Joe Furey

Meteorologist Joe Furey is currently a co-chief Meteorologist at WTNH and WCTX. He has held this position since October 2017 extending his long career in CT radio and television. Joe grew up in Norwalk and attended Villanova University. Joe went on to be with Dr. Mel Goldstein at Western Connecticut University for 5 years as a graduate student and then he became Assistant Director of the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center. In the mid 80’s Joe worked in TV at News 12 Connecticut while doing weather on many radio stations including KC101, WAVZ and WICC. In the late 80’s Joe moved to the Hartford area and became the Director of the New England Weather Service in Hartford with clients that included Northeast Utilities, WTIC 1080, Fox 61. Joe has been a meteorologist with WFSB as well. He recently celebrated 40 years of forecasting weather and was inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle by the New England Emmy Association in December of 2024.

Danny Lyons

Since first stepping onto the airwaves at WLIZ, West Palm Beach on his 18th birthday in 1972, 4 years at his hometown radio Station WWCO, Waterbury, Danny has become a familiar and trusted voice across the state. His career has taken him to WAVZ and KC101 in New Haven to WTIC-FM in Hartford, and ultimately to WEBE in Fairfield County, where he has proudly held his post for an extraordinary 38 years and counting. His voice also reached far beyond Connecticut, broadcasting across 30+ states via 66 WNBC in New York City. A champion for community and philanthropy, Danny has led signature events such as WEBE’s Christmas Wish and KidsFest, and raised millions for organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, Special Olympics, St. Vincent’s Hospital’s Swim Across the Sound, and especially the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, where he served as an early board member and remains a passionate supporter. Known as a gifted emcee, voice-over talent, and live event host, Danny has earned accolades both on and off the air, even winning a charity dance competition in support of Ronald McDonald House after recovering from triple bypass surgery. Beyond the microphone, Danny cherishes time with his partner Lynne Polino, their granddaughter Cecilia, son Justin, daughter-in-law Jules, and their dog Charlie. With his warmth, dedication, and unmistakable voice, Danny Lyons has not only entertained generations of listeners but also cemented his legacy as a true Connecticut institution.

Ann Nyberg

Ann Nyberg has spent more than 40 years in television news. She is the longest-serving female news anchor/reporter in Connecticut television history and is WTNH-TV’s longest-serving anchor/reporter in the stations history. She anchors multiple weekday newscasts, and produces and hosts her own show called “NYBERG.” It spotlights innovators, entrepreneurs, and those in the arts, among other people. In November 2015, Nyberg was inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle. Nyberg has also been named “Best News Anchor” in “Connecticut Magazine” for many years. She began her journey in broadcast journalism immediately following graduation from Purdue University, where she earned a degree in journalism. Nyberg was a television journalist in Indiana and Oklahoma before making Connecticut her home. Ann’s contributions to our community and the vitality of the television industry are vast. In 1993, she founded the Toy Closet Program at Yale-New Haven Hospital, which has provided hundreds of thousands of toys to children of all ages to help ease their trauma. A lover of the arts, Nyberg is a founding board of trustees member of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook and in 2018, Nyberg was awarded the “Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award,” given annually to an individual who embodies the spirit, independence and character of the legendary actress. In 2023, she received the Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame/New Haven County chapter. In 2024, Nyberg received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of New Haven.

Kara Sundlun

Kara is a three-time Emmy award-winning journalist and anchor with WFSB- TV, a Gray Local Media Station. Kara joined WFSB in 2000 and has covered many of the biggest stories in Connecticut history. She grew up in Detroit, graduated from University of Michigan. She has worked in Rhode Island, Grand Rapids, Michigan, interned at the White House and at CNN’s Washington Bureau. She sits on the boards of Dress for Success Hartford and the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation. She is currently the co-host of Great Day Connecticut weekdays at 3pm and anchors the noon and 4pm newscast. In addition, Kara is the Chief Digital Anchor at WFSB and host of Kara’s Cures Podcast. Kara is a mother of two and lives in Hartford with her husband Dennis.

Current members of the CBA Hall of Fame include Dick Robinson, Dom Bordonaro, John & Carol Babina , Mark Davis, Scot Haney , Boyd Arnold, Gerry Brooks, Pablo de Jesus Colon, Jr. , Denise D’Ascenzo, Brad Davis, Arnold Dean, Joe Dimaggio, Richard Ferguson, Bill Glynn, Ed Henry, Al Terzi, John Ramsey, Walter Martinez, Charlie Parker, Barbara Davitt, and Wayne Norman. In addition, the CBA has bestowed Lifetime Achievement Awards upon Bud Finch, Dr. Mel Goldstein, and Bob Steele – all legendary on-air talent – and Paul Taff, a multi-decade broadcast executive who concluded his career in the state as the President of the CBA.

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The 2025 Winners of the CBAs

Best Engineer

Justin Williamson, WTNH

Best Use of Digital Media

CT Public Social Media

Best Non-Commercial Station (Radio)

WAPJ, Torrington

Best Meteorologist

Mike Slifer, WFSB-TV

Best News Reporter (Radio)

Ebong Udoma, WSHU

Best Reporter (TV)

Jamel Johnson, WTIC-TV

Best Local Show (TV)

Capitol Report, WTNH-TV

Best Talk Show (Radio)

The Rob Dibble Show, WUCS

Best Community Initiative

Closer To Free Ride, WVIT-TV

Best Feature News Story (TV)

WFSB – Great Kids: Bristol Football

Best Morning Show (Radio)

Anna & Raven, WEZN-FM Best Anchor (TV)

Dennis House, WTNH-TV

Best Air Personality (Radio)

Lori Mack, WNPR

Best Photojournalist (TV)

Nick Doscher, WVIT-TV

Best Newscast Team (TV)

Morning Team, WTNH-TV

Best Investigative Story (TV)

Protection or Punishment, the Jahrells story. WTNH

Best Breaking News Coverage (TV)

Pet Goats Killed in Bear Attack, WTIC-TV

Best Local Sports

The Path of Paige Bueckers, WVIT-TV

Best Promotion (Radio)

KISS 95.7 Snow Dive

Best College Programming (Radio)

WWUH

Station of the Year (Radio)

96-5 WTIC-FM

Station of the Year (TV)

WVIT –TV, NBC Connecticut

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October events at Fairfield Theatre Company

October is packed with live entertainment at Fairfield Theatre Company and beyond, bringing a mix of music, theater, and seasonal celebrations. From legendary performers and fresh new voices to fundraisers, family shows, and Halloween favorites, there’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re catching an intimate concert, rocking out with a high-energy band, or getting into the spooky spirit, these upcoming events showcase some of the best performances and community gatherings of the season.

October 2025 calendar of events
October 8- James Montgomery Band with Sean Chambers & The Savoy Brown Rhythm Section
October 9 – 2025 Rise & Bloom Fashion Fundraiser
October 10 – The Amish Outlaws
October 10 – Leo Kottke
October 11 – Roomful of Blues
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October 23 – Sam Grisman Project
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October 30 – Thriller Thursday

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Hartford Wolf Pack October Home Games

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Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

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