The Connecticut Broadcasters Association (CBA) has unveiled the 2025 class of its Hall of Fame, a group of seven veteran radio and television figures who have left a lasting impact on the state’s broadcasting landscape. The honorees will be recognized during the CBA’s annual Hall of Fame and station awards event, known as The CBAs, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.
This year’s inductees include longtime WYBC operations director and host Juan Castillo, veteran television executive Klarn DePalma, WTIC-AM morning fixture Ray Dunaway, meteorologist Joe Furey, WEBE’s Danny Lyons, WTNH anchor Ann Nyberg, and WFSB anchor Kara Sundlun.
Kristin Okesson, chair of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association and senior vice president/market manager for Connoisseur Media, said the ceremony not only honors the past but also highlights the present and future of broadcasting in the state.
“The Hall of Fame shines a light on those who have devoted the majority, if not all, of their careers to Connecticut broadcasting, making a lasting difference for our industry and our communities,” Okesson said. “The CBAs honor the broadcasters who are shaping the future through their work every day — and awards aside, this night is about coming together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of everyone in our industry.”
Castillo, who has been with WYBC in New Haven since 1989, built his career on community engagement while balancing a background in corrections work. DePalma, a University of Connecticut graduate, spent more than 30 years at WFSB and later rose to senior vice president at Nexstar Media Group.
Dunaway, who retired in 2021 after nearly three decades as WTIC-AM’s morning host, became a trusted voice for listeners across Greater Hartford during major local and national news events. Meanwhile, Furey has spent 40 years in weather forecasting on both radio and television, most recently serving as co-chief meteorologist at WTNH and WCTX.
Lyons, who has anchored afternoons at WEBE for nearly four decades, has also been a philanthropic force, raising millions of dollars for charitable organizations across the state. Nyberg, WTNH’s longest-serving anchor, is widely recognized for her “NYBERG” program and for founding Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Toy Closet initiative. Sundlun, who joined WFSB in 2000, has become a prominent anchor and digital host, balancing daily broadcasts with her “Kara’s Cures” podcast.
The Oct. 7 event will combine Hall of Fame inductions with the annual CBA station awards, offering broadcasters an opportunity to connect while celebrating excellence in reporting, personalities, and programming. Tickets are available through the association’s website at ctba.org.
With this latest Hall of Fame class, the CBA continues to spotlight those who have defined Connecticut broadcasting while recognizing the next wave of talent shaping its future.
Also in the same evening, the CBAs will be announced to one recipient from these finalists in each of the following categories.
Best Engineer
Justin Williamson, WTNH-TV
Best Use of Digital Media
CT Public Social Media
Real Time Rescue, WELI
Law Enforcement Recruitment, WFSB
Best Non-Commercial Station (Radio)
WACC, Asnuntuck Community College
WAPJ
WWUH, University of Hartford
Best Meteorologist
Ryan Hanrahan, WVIT-TV
Mike Slifer, WFSB-TV
Matt Scott, WTIC-TV
Best News Reporter (Radio)
John Silva, WTIC-AM
Sujata Srinivasan, WNPR
Ebong Udoma, WSHU
Best Reporter (TV)
Brittany Taylor, WTNH-TV
Jamel Johnson, WTIC-TV
Len Bestoff, WVIT-TV
Best Local Show (TV)
Pride is Everywhere, WTIC-TV
Capitol Report, WTNH-TV
Great Day at 9, WFSB-TV
Best Talk Show (Radio)
The Rob Dibble Show, WUCS
Spotlight CT, WTIC -AM
Disrupted, WNPR
Best Community Initiative
ST Jude Radiothon, WWYZ-FM
Canines for CT Vets, 1080 WTIC-AM
Closer To Free Ride, WVIT-TV
Best Feature News Story (TV)
Bird of Hope, WTNH-TV, Adam Francis
Atomic Veteran, WFSB-TV, Stephanie Simoni
Great Kids: Bristol Football, WFSB-TV, Caitlin Nuclo
Best Morning Show (Radio)
Anna & Raven, WEZN-FM
Chaz & AJ, WPLR-FM
Christine and Salt WTIC-FM
Best Anchor (TV)
Dennis House, WTNH-TV
Nicole Nalepa, WFSB-TV
Symphonie Privett, WTIC-TV
Best Air Personality (Radio)
Kevin Begley, WEZN
Gina J, WTIC-FM
Lorie Mack, WNPR
Best Photojournalist (TV)
Nick Doscher, WVIT-TV
John Mongeau, WVIT-TV
Jose Gomez, WVIT-TV
Best Newscast Team (TV)
Evening Team, WFSB-TV
Morning Team, WTNH-TV
Evening Team, WTNH -TV
Best Investigative Story (TV)
Protection or Punishment: Jahrell’s Story, WTNH-TV
Ambulance Response Times, Sam Smink, WFSB-TV
Hidden In Plain Site: Crystal’s Story, WTNH-TV
Best Breaking News Coverage (TV)
Guests Evacuated After Fire, WTIC-TV
Heartbreaking and Unimaginable, WTIC-TV
Pet Goats Killed in Bear Attack, WTIC-TV
Best Local Sports
The Path of Paige Bueckers, WVIT-TV
Golf Fans Yell Random Words, WFSB-TV
Half Court Winning Shot, WTIC-TV
Best Promotion (Radio)
WZMX 93.7 “Hot Wheel”
KISS 95.7 “Snow Dive”
WNPR “Coming Up on Colin McEnroe”
Best College Programming (Radio)
WWUH
WACC LP
Station of the Year (Radio)
WNPR
WTIC-FM
WWYZ-FM
Station of the Year (TV)
WFSB-TV
WTNH-TV
WVIT –TV
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