Centennial Broadcasting has named Tony B Bennett afternoon host at Hot AC WBQB B101.5 in Fredericksburg, VA. Bennett previously worked at the station in 2005 and 2006.
What We Know: Bennett fills the afternoon slot vacated by Trapper Young, who held the position for 29 years before moving to mornings at sister station Classic Hits WGRQ 95.9 The Goat earlier this month. Bennett’s background is extensive. He spent a decade in Los Angeles at KIIS-FM, KPWR, Groove Radio, KDAY, and KCAQ Oxnard. He then returned to Fredericksburg, programming and hosting mornings at Alpha Media CHR WVBX 99.3 The Vibe from 2006 to 2017.
What They Said: Bennett expressed his enthusiasm directly. “I’m hyped to get back on the airwaves in Fredericksburg on the legendary B101.5,” he said. “50,000 watts from the Nation’s Capital to the State Capitol — I’m up for the challenge to entertain our massive audience for The Drive Home.” Operations Manager Chuck “Archer” Miller added, “Tony has made his home here in Fredericksburg for over 21 years. He knows our audience, the area, and the gravity of taking over a shift held by only one other person for 29 years.”
What Remains Unclear: No official start date has been announced for Bennett’s afternoon show. Additionally, it’s unknown whether Centennial plans any broader changes to B101.5’s daypart lineup following the dual personnel moves.
What It Means: This hire signals stability for Centennial’s Fredericksburg cluster. Bennett’s deep local roots and major market experience make him a credible successor to a 29-year tenure. Moreover, his familiarity with the audience should ease the transition considerably.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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.