After five years away, one of Western New York’s most recognized voices is back on the air.
What we know: Steve Hausmann is coming out of retirement. The veteran Rochester broadcaster joins Pure Media Group’s CJ Country 1140 WCJW Warsaw, NY and its six FM translators. He’ll deliver daily sports updates on Jimi Jamm’s morning show at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 am. His debut coincides with WCJW’s expansion to 98.3 WVIN-FM Bath, NY.
What’s at stake: Hausmann brings 51 years of broadcasting experience to a growing cluster. He spent 18 years at Audacy Country 92.5 WBEE before retiring in 2019. His resume also includes WHAM, WCMF, WPXY, WVOR, WCOZ, and WHDH Boston, plus television sports work. Furthermore, WCJW’s simultaneous FM expansion amplifies the reach of this hire significantly.
What remains unclear: The length of Hausmann’s commitment to WCJW is not yet public. Additionally, his role could evolve beyond morning sports updates as the station grows. Whether the WVIN simulcast becomes a permanent arrangement also remains to be seen. Still, the immediate scope is clear: daily weekday morning appearances.
What it means: Radio has seen a wave of veteran departures in recent years. Retirements have reshaped morning lineups across the country. Consequently, Hausmann’s return stands out — a welcome counter to that trend. Small and mid-market stations like WCJW prove that experienced voices still drive real audience value. Moreover, for Pure Media Group, landing a recognizable name adds immediate credibility to a rapidly expanding footprint.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
