Tag Archives: Connoisseur Media

Roundup: Miggs Burroughs, Justin Paul, Jeff Warshaw …

Posted on January 5, 2026 | 21 comments

Miggs Burroughs is many things.

He’s a gifted artist, graphic designer and photographer. He designed a Time magazine cover and a US postage stamp, while still in his 20s.

The son of a noted illustrator, he’s a Staples High School graduate who has spent his career in Westport. He serves corporate clients, but never says no to pro bono work on behalf of local causes. He’s designed logos, posters and promotional materials for a host of organizations.

Miggs created the Westport town flag — and the lenticular photos that grace 2 important spots: the “Tunnel of Love” between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza, and Saugatuck train station.

Downtown Tunnel of Love (Photo/Susan Leone)

He’s a founder of — and a guiding force behind — the Artists Collective of Westport. And you see him every Memorial Day, as our very own living, breathing Minute Man.

(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

He’s an all-around great, giving guy.

And today, Miggs Burroughs turns 80 years old.

Happy birthday, Miggs! Thanks for all you have done — and continue to do — for Westport, and beyond. Here’s to many years of health, happiness, creativity and coolness. (Hat tip: Carmine Picarello)

Miggs Burroughs

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Justin Paul’s experience in Staples Players — the high school’s award-winning drama program — was foundational to his award-winning career that followed.

The 2003 graduate and his songwriting partner, Benj Pasek, created “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land.” They’re the youngest EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winners ever.

High school theater changes many more lives than Paul’s, of course. Wauwatosa (Wisconsin) High just became the first school troupe anywhere to stage “Dear Evan Hansen.”

This weekend, “CBS Saturday Morning” highlighted the production. Included in the story was an interview with Paul and Pasek — and a touching scene of the duo telling the 17-year-old star to “break an arm” (IYKYK). Click here or below to see.

There’s also a link to a full, longer interview with Paul and Pasek. It’s well worth the 38 minutes — excellent questions, and insightful responses (particularly about the importance of high school theater). Click here or below to see. (Hat tip: John Dodig)

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Congratulations to Jeff Warshaw!

The CEO of Westport-based Connoisseur Media has been named Radio Ink’s 2026 Executive of the Year.

The honor recognizes “leadership, innovation, and measurable impact across the radio industry.”

The recognition follows Connoisseur’s acquisition of Alpha Media’s assets, a move that propelled them into the top 10 US radio operators by revenue.

“The spirit of entrepreneurism is alive in the radio industry,” Warshaw Radio Ink interview. “We have pep in our step.”

Radio Ink president and publisher Deborah Parenti calls Warshaw “a risk taker and visionary.”

Editor-in-chief Cameron Coats says that in 2025 Warshaw combined “vision, discipline, and belief in what local radio can still achieve.”

Jeff Warshaw at his desk, overlooking Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Staples High School Class of 1998 graduate Sage Hammond died peacefully on Friday.

She attended the School of Visual Arts, where she deepened her lifelong love of fashion, design and visual expression.

Her obituary says, “Smart and  sassy, Sage lived her life on her own terms. She was known for her quick wit, an exceptional sense of style, and a natural talent for both fashion and interior design. Wherever she lived, she created spaces that reflected her bold taste and creative eye.

“Sage was also a gifted cook who loved sharing gourmet meals with friends, and turning ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions. She loved animals deeply, particularly cats, and over her lifetime shared her heart and home with many.

“Despite her own struggles, Sage had an instinctive ability to lift others up, often making people laugh when they needed it most. Her humor, warmth, and authenticity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

“Sage lived boldly, loved deeply, and never believed in dull moments—she wouldn’t want one now.”

She was predeceased by her grandfather, Larry Racies. She is survived by her mother, Robin Hammond; father Jon Hammond; sister Gabriele Hammond (Bradley Topar); nephew Oliver and grandmother Gail Williams.

A celebration of Sage’s life will be held at a later date.

Sage Hammond

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo shows a serene Saugatuck Shores scene:

(Photo/Yulee Aronson)

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And finally … the interview with Justin Paul (above) brings to mind 3 great songs, from that life-changing show:

(As “06880” board member Miggs Burroughs turns 80, a reminder: We’re a non-profit — so donations are tax-deductible. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Media, Obituaries, Staples HS

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Roundup: Farmers’ Market, Dog Festival, Plant Sale …

Posted on May 8, 2025 | 1 comment

For nearly 20 years, the Westport Farmers’ Market has been a favorite destination for healthy, delicious food.

And much more, including education, entertainment, and community.

Their 19th season begins tomorrow. The time and site are the same: Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

What’s new: a special “Friend of the Market” bag. For $40 (click here), you can support the WFM — and offset vendors’ fees. That means they take home more revenue each week. Of course, they plow it right back into their farms.

To launch the season the Market will ring bells at 10 a.m., honoring a member who recently died.

Jon Jaeger — a mainstay at For Hill Farm’s booth — loved WFM, and was well loved. His sisters Sara and Jalna — also great supporters of WFM — will join the celebration. Shoppers are invited to bring their own bells to ring for Jon.

Also special this week: “Get Growing” for children, and Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” program (with seed giveaways).

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Also upcoming: the 9tn annual Westport Dog Festival.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce/TAILS event is Sunday,May 18 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Winslow Park).

As Dog Festival once again features Police K-9 presentations, kids’ activities, food trucks and more. 

The winnter of the obstacle course earns a year’s supply of dog food.

Competitions offer prizes for best tail wager, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that looks most like its owner

There will be also be adoptables, and information about many non-profits.

New this year: Gilbert the Party Pig, for petting and feeding.

Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture booths, caricatures, games and giveaways. WEBE 108 will broadcast live.

Entrance is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations. So far, over $45,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups from the prior festivals. For more information, click here.

A small part of the big Dog Festival. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)

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In addition to the Dog Festival, this weekend promises another annual tradition: the Westport Garden Club’s Plant Sale.

It’s Saturday (May 10, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Jesup Green).

Among the 1,200+ homegrown perennial plants from members’ gardens, a special selection of Connecticut native plants will be featured. Every plant has a tag with care information.

As always, there are decorative container gardens, gifts for Mother’s Day, and baked goods.

This year, shoppers can also bring garden tools to be sharpened by Edgewise.

Also new: donations of 1 gallon and larger plastic pots. The club will wash and recycle them

Members will happily offer advice on plant selection. A table with lists of native plants, and details about Westport’s Pollinator Pathway Project, will offer even more info.

Earthplace will host a children’s table, with nature-inspired activities, while the Westport Library Book Store offers a variety of garden-related books.

Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic projects, including maintenance of public gardens, educational programming, and grants to environmental non-profit organizations.  Cash and credit cards are accepted. For more information, click here.

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Speaking of the environment, a reminder: Starting May 15, handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in Westport. The prohibition runs through October 15.

Last year, the town received “numerous written complaints.” The Conservation office issued notices to 168 different properties.

Owners were told about the ordinance, and given information highlighting alternative options, impacts of noise, and how to limit emissions.

For complaints and other issues, email ckelly@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1170.

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There were few surprises Tuesday night, when the Representative Town Meeting passed the town budget. There had been little controversy throughout the entire process.

In addition to a yearly ritual of restoring funds to the Westport Transit District’s Wheels2U program, the RTM voted 28-1 to add $25,000, which had previously been cut, for Earthplace.

One of the highlights of the night was a heartfelt speech by Jonathan Dobin-Smith. The Staples High School student spoke on behalf of classmates in his Science Research Honors program. He earned solid applause at the end.

Click here to see. If the link does not start at his remarks, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.

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Connoisseur Media is a big name in Connecticut and New York radio.

Now they’re going national.

The Post Road East-based owner of 11 stations is buying Alpha Media. The Portland-based company owns some of Oregon’s best-known stations — and dozens of others around the country.

In fact, they own over 200 in all.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Click here for more details. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw, and his expansive view of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between April 30 and May 7.

A 68-year-old Milford woman was charged with DUI and evading responsibility, following a hit-and-run accident at Compo Road South and Bradley Street. The driver rode over a lawn, struck a fence and light post, and left the scene. She was released on $25,000 bond.

A 25-year-old West Haven man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, followin an investigation into 4 incidents in which tires and rims were stolen off of vehicles at Honda and Toyota of Westport. He was held, after being unable to post $50,000 bond.

A 25-year-old New York City man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a theft at Ulta Beauty. He was transported to Westport, after being arrested in New Jersey, and held on an active arrest warrant.

A 67-year-old Norwalk woman was charged with larceny, after a purse was stolen from a table at Nômade. She was released on $50,000 bond.

A 35-year-old Fairfield woman was arrested on an active failure to appear warrant, after police responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 13 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Simple trespass: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Texting while driving (2nd offense): 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1.

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The “Shake It For Shea” silent auction is live.

Every dollar raised helps fund Long QT Syndrome research. The event is organized by Mark and Kira Greenfield, whose daughter was diagnosed with the cardiac condition. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.

Items include:

  • Carbone dinner for 4 at any Carbone location
  • Grove XXIII golf foursome: Play at Michael Jordan’s exclusive club in Hobe Sound, Florida
  • VIP Knicks experience: 2 front-row seats, post-game photo on the MSG floor, and the option for your child to be the “ball kid” for pregame shoot-around
  • Golf and lunch with Knicks legends John Starks and Larry Johnson, at Westport’s own Birchwood Country Club.
  • Winged Foot golf for 3
  • Dinner for 3 with Stephon Marbury
  • Luxury hotel stays at Le Barthelemy (St. Barth), The Brazilian Court (Palm Beach), The Little Nell (Aspen) and Ocean House (Rhode Island)
  • Autographed sports memorabilia
  • Fine jewelry, including pieces from Howard Engle, Josh Levkoff Jewelry and JL Rocks.

The auction closes Sunday (May 11, 9 p.m.). Click here for all items, and to bid.

Tickts are still available for tomorrow’s gala (May 8, 7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport). Click here to purchase.

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As long as tulips are out there, we’ll include them in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

These beauties can be found on Grove Point Road, off Hillspoint.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … in honor of the “Shake it For Shea” live auction, underway right now (story above):

(There’s plenty to do in Westport — and “06880” makes sure you know all about it all. If you appreciate our daily Roundup, or any other blog features, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Environment, Local politics, Media, Police

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Rockin’ Around The Christmas Radio

Posted on December 9, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Santa Claus is coming to town. And all I want for Christmas is you.

If those sentiments — and the songs that deliver them, in stores, at parties and (especially) on the radio — make you want to strangle every Santa, elf and frosted snowman you see: You have company.

But I’m not part of it.

I am — much to my own amazement — one of the many, many, many Americans who actually likes holiday music.

We do know it’s Christmas. Baby, it’s cold outside. Baby, please come home!

Those thoughts bring joy to my world.

It’s not just me. It’s radio listeners everywhere. They hear what I hear.

And they love it.

But don’t take my word for it. Just ask Jeff Warshaw.

He’s the CEO of Connoisseur Media. From his office overlooking the Post Road in downtown Westport, he oversees 13 stations. They’re a who’s who of Fairfield and New Haven Counties: WEBE 108, WPLR, Star 99.9, WICC.

Jeff Warshaw, in his Connoisseur Studios office. The guitar is signed by Jeff Beck. He is not known for Christmas music. (Photo/ Dan Woog)

Connoisseur also owns 5 New York stations, including Long Island’s WALK 97.5.

Last month — right around Thanksgiving — WEBE and WALK both switched to Christmas music.

From now through December 25 — 24/7 — that’s all they play.

Audiences love it. So do advertisers. (And Warshaw).

Ratings numbers shoot way up. (And profits.)

Feliz Navidad! Let’s go for a sleigh ride. And walk in a winter wonderland.

WEBE 108 is our area’s “feel good” station, Warshaw says. “It’s where people relax.” Christmas music is a natural fit.

But — wham! — it’s not the usual 35+ demograpic that listens this month.

Christmas music brings people back to a special time in their lives. Whether you’re 75, 55, 35 or 15, hearing those songs makes you feel good.

So whether you remember Christmases from long, long ago — or, in the case of a teenager, last Christmas — you like hearing the old familiar carols play.

(Well, not actually carols. With the exception of an outlier or two like “O Holy Night,” you won’t hear actual Christmas music, like from 18th century Europe.)

Year after year, we get the modern version. But — unlike the other 11 months, when each radio station’s playlist is sliced into ever-finer demographic segments — the  Christmas music universe includes everyone from Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, Johnny Mathis, Brenda Lee and Andy Williams, to Chuck Berry, Elton John, the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift.

(With the occasional chipmunks, Red Baron, and grandma-killing reindeer thrown in. Along with — every once in a long while — Adam Sandler.)

Throw together that crew on your radio station on, say, December 26, and you’ll see how quickly your pre-set gets deleted.

Every once in a while too, a new tune is added to the list. Every once in a while, one drops off. That’s why the “Christmas Shoes” song — the one that made everyone despise, unfortunately, a kid without enough money to buy them for his dying mother — has gone to the great pile of melted vinyl in the sky.

I call that a Christmas miracle.

Step into Christmas. Let it snow. And someday at Christmas, there’ll be peace on earth.

Warshaw is proud that his stations are more than just Rudolph, Little St. Nick and 5 golden rings.

WEBE’s special Christmas wish promotion — okay, “Maritime Chevrolet Home for the Holidays” — is a month-long chance for listeners to nominate friends, neighbors and co-workers who need merchandise, cash, and special care.

Over on WPLR, morning hosts Chaz & AJ run a toy drive that, Warshaw says, brings in 6 figures worth of gifts every year.

It’s a chance for the station, and everyone who works there, to do good. For merchants to give back. And for everyone to get in the holiday spirit.

Then of course, it’s back to the music.

Make no mistake: The songs you hear are not randomly generated. There’s a science to the playlist. The audience that tunes in year after year hears a balance between classics and contemporary tunes.

I imagined that the men and women who work at Connoisseur hate being surrounded by all that pumpkin pie and caroling.

I imagined wrong.

“They love it,” Warshaw says. “They get constant emails and calls from listeners, saying thanks for making them feel good.”

After all, we need a little Christmas. There’s no place like home for the holidays. Where we’re rockin’ around the Christmas tree, simply having a wonderful Christmastime. 

(Put another dime in the record machine — and then send a few more bucks to “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Merry Christmas!)

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Roundup: Long Lots Target Date, Video Game Magic, “100 Human Stories” …

Posted on September 6, 2024 | 2 comments

Surprise!

The start of construction on the new Long Lots Elementary School — originally planned for this fall — will not take place until next year.

That’s the most recent news from the Long Lots School Building Committee, which met Thursday for the first time since May.

As a result, the 125,882-square foot school will open later than the anticipated September 2026 date.

Site plan for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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JT Penny understands the power of video games.

And not just because the Staples High School senior is ranked among the top 350 Overwatch players in North America.

He knows that gaming relieves stress, reduces boredom, and offers an escape into a digital playground when times are tough.

JT also knows that, for some children, video games can be actual lifelines.

In addition to defending his Grand Master gaming title — and rowing with the Saugatuck Rowing Club varsity — JT has partnered with a national non-profit charity.

Gamers Outreach has one mission: provide specialized video game stations (“GoKarts”) to kids receiving treatment or recovering in hospitals.

Over the past year, JT collected donations by livestreaming video game playoffs on Twitch from home, and at the Stream-A-Thon hosted by Gamers For Giving at Eastern Michigan State University.

On Wednesday, JT delivered his first GoKart to Yale New Haven Hospital’s Pediatric Unit.

It’s a great partnership. Through the process, JT worked closely with Yale New Haven’s child life gaming and technology specialist Tyler Mahoney.

JT has mastered a high-level video game. He’s won big crew races. Both are great accomplishments.

But his real prize is empowering hospitalized kids, at a time they need it most.

JT Penny (left) and Tyler Mahoney of Yale New Haven Hospital with JT’s GoKart donation, ready for its first patient/gamer. 

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Ever since the October 7 Israeli massacre by Hamas, Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron has been at work investigating the lives of some of the victims. She’s spoken with survivors, their family members, and first responders in Israel and beyond.

“100 Human Stories” will be published this fall.

On October 14 — one year and one week after the first anniversary of the attack — she’ll be at Temple Israel (7 p.m.). She’ll speak with Rabbis Michael Friedman and Evan Schultz about the events of 10/7, and their continuing impact on Israel today.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Lee Yaron

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Three exciting and diverse events have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse fall calendar.

At “Perfectly Westport: A Fireside Chat with Westport’s Bestselling Author Emily Liebert,” the “Perfectly Famous” writer chats with Westport Magazine editor-in-chief Samantha Yanks about story inspiration, finding an agent, getting published, editing, ghostwriting for celebrities, and balancing career and motherhood.

It’s September 30 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Hitchcock fans will enjoy “Rear Window: A Night of Suspense.” In advance of the WCP production of “The 39 Steps,” there’s a special screening of the “Rear Window” movie.

Artistic director Mark Shanahan — a Hitchcock scholar and fan, who taught a course on the director at Fordham University for over 21 years — shares his knowledge and insights about Hitchcock.

He’ll highlight key details to watch for. After the movie, Shanahan will explore why “Rear Window” is such a classic.

It’s October 2 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Then comes “Ghost Stories and Legends” — an evening of classic stories of the supernatural with Broadway’s John Rapson (“Sweeney Todd,” “Les Misérables”).

He’ll present a special version of his solo show of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” plus other ghostly tales.

It’s October 10 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Westport Library is a place of stories — literally, and metaphorically.

They’ll be at the forefront on Saturday, September 21, when StoryFest — the annual literary festival — features over 50 authors.

Each comes to the Library to discuss their work and experiences, and connect with fans, readers and fellow writers.

StoryFest’s Saturday concludes with The Lance Lundberg Masters Series Presents: The Power of Story.

Featured authors include Clay McLeod Chapman, May Cobb, Gabino Iglesias and Cynthia Pelayo.

The evening also includes a performance by author/puppeteer GennaRose Nethercott, a story told by acclaimed photographer Jesse Freidin, and an appearance from Northeast Storytelling President ChaChanna Simpson, who oversees the Library’s Storytelling Sundays monthly series.

The Power of Story kicks off at 7 pm in the Library’s Trefz Forum. Light refreshments will be served.

StoryFest writers include (clockwise from top left): Clay McLeod Chapman, May Cobb, Gabino Iglesias, ChaChanna Simpson, Jesse Freidin, GennaRose Nethercott, and Cynthia Pelayo).

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The switch of 95.9 The Fox — from rock to simulcasting WICC’s news and talk format — has Westport connections, beyond listeners losing a longtime Fairfield County music staple.

WFOX is owned by Westport-based Connoisseur Media. It says the move was made in part because of the departure of New York’s WCBS Newsradio 880.

The other “06880” angle: Westporter Lisa Wexler, host of a very popular morning talk show on WICC, will now be heard by many more listeners.

Lisa Wexler

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How old is the universe?

Pretty old. 13.8 billion years (give or take a hundred million years).

Don’t take my word for it. Ask David Weintraub.

The Vanderbilt University professor of astronomy discusses “How Old is the Universe?” at the Westport Astronomical Society’s next virtual lecture  (September 17, 8 p.m.). Click here for the link.

A spectacularly small portion of the very old universe.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature sometimes showcases egrets doing their thing: hanging out, looking smooth, in water.

This one is doing its other thing: soaring majestically, above the Riverwalk by the Westport Library.

Kudos to Johanna Keyser Rossi, for this very cool capture:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of our 13.8 billion-year-old universe (story above):

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and the universe. But we can’t do it without our loyal readers’ help. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. And thank you!)

 

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Posted in Education, Library, Politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Jeff Warshaw: Westport’s Radio Connoisseur

Posted on November 10, 2022 | 7 comments

With so many options for music — Spotify, Sirius, personal playlists — how do 92% of Americans listen each week?

Radio.

The good, old-fashioned way: in a car, or at the office.

And the good, new-fashioned way: streaming on a laptop or phone. Or through Alexa.

In Connecticut, chances are good that the station is a long-time favorite: WEBE 108, WPLR, the Fox, Star 99.9 or WICC.

If you’re on Long Island, it may be WALK 97.5.

They’re 6 of the 13 radio stations owned by Connoisseur Media. It’s one of the most highly regarded companies in the industry: community-minded, well-run and profitable.

And it all happens from a downtown Westport office.

On Tuesday morning, Jeff Warshaw sat at his desk overlooking the Post Road. It was 8 a.m. He’d already left his home a view minutes away, voted, and had coffee.

Jeff Warshaw, and his expansive view of Westport. (PHoto/Dan Woog)

He settled back, and talked about his lifelong passion: radio.

His father and uncle were in the business. (Wolfman Jack was one of their DJs). Warshaw built his first station — literally constructing it, in Portage, Indiana — after answering an ad in Broadcasting Magazine. At the time, the Long Island native was a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

He sold it, then bought and sold a number of distressed stations. In 1993 — still in his mid-20s — he founded Connoisseur Connoisseur Communications Partners, with a station in Flint, Michigan.

Seven years later, he sold what had become a 39-station group (in places like Youngstown, Ohio and the Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois) to Cumulus Broadcasting. The price was $258 million.

A few years later, he started his second Connoisseur company from scratch. This time he concentrated on Connecticut and New York.

None of the original stations remain in his portfolio. Selling and buying brought him his current stable. He looks for “a strong local presence, good facilities, and good people.”

The dozen-plus stations play different formats. But all share core values, Warshaw says: community service, dedication to listeners, results for advertisers, an excellent work environment, and integrity.

Nine Connoisseur Media stations …

Under Connoisseur, WEBE and Star 99.9 — once “blood enemies,” according to Warshaw — have become different. Both are thriving.

So is WICC. Bridgeport’s first radio station, and one of the first in the state (it signed on 96 years ago Tuesday, with call letters standing for “Industrial Capital of Connecticut”), it is unlike the other Connoisseur stations.

WICC programs mostly talk radio. But — defying trends in the rest of the country, while holding true to the company philosophy — much of it is locally based.

The daytime slots are filled by Melissa in the Morning, Lisa Wexler (a Westport resident) and Paul Pacelli.

“You can hear national talk radio anywhere,” Warshaw says. “The local commitment makes us special.”

It’s more expensive. Syndicated talk show costs just 2 commercial minutes an hour.

But, Warshaw says, that’s the Connoisseur way. And it’s their way whether a station hosts talk shows, or plays music from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s or today.

… and 4 more.

“It’s easy to be cheap. We have more people, and we pay to have them. We have more vehicles than some New York stations. We sponsor dance-a-thons, and food and toy drives.”

Connoisseur works closely with organizations like Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and veterans’ groups. WEBE’s holiday gifts to needy listeners are a particularly costly — but beloved — tradition.

Warshaw says that the format — and the budget — pay off in the end. “I’ll stack my team against any radio company in America.”

That’s not just a CEO bragging. Connoisseur wins awards — for management and ad sales.

“It’s our responsibility. We enjoy it,” Warshaw insists. “And we make money. Otherwise we’d say, ‘Just listen to Spotify.'”

On the wall in Jeff Warshaw’s office: a guitar signed by Jeff Beck, and a collage with the faces of hundreds Connoisseur Media employees. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Warshaw is bullish on the future of radio. It’s multi-platform: anyone can tune in via a dial, computer, smart speaker or app. And in an age when so many people worry about privacy, radio stations don’t rely on knowing who, personally, every listen is.

So how big will his company get? Will they outgrow their Westport headquarters?

“We’re connoisseurs, not gluttons,” Warshaw jokes. “We will do the job we think is important. But being great is more important than being big.”

The CEO moved from New York to Westport in 1996 — both his office and home, on the same day.

He came for the same reasons as many — great schools, space, a wonderful town to raise kids — and he has never regretted it.

Looking out over the Post Road — “There’s David Waldman!” he said, spotting the commercial real estate developer across the street — he has no reason to move.

He’s in a vibrant town. There are plenty of excellent restaurants. He works just a few minutes from home, and the club where he plays tennis.

Every Connoisseur radio station has a tagline: “Fairfield County Rocks.” “The Rhythm of the City.” “Long Island’s Best Variety.” “Today’s Best Mix.” “Connecticut’s Music Variety.”

Jeff Warshaw’s might be: “Loving Radio Life.”

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