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WE PAUSE FOR A CELEBRATION
By David Hinchey
Courtesy Willimantic Chronicle
October 6, 2007
WILLIMANTIC -- Although more than 50 people were on hand to celebrate the 50th anniversary of WILI, the atmosphere was more like a family reunion, as past and present members were reunited Friday.
The station's private celebration, held at the Burton Leavitt Theater, commemorated the anniversary of Willimantic's flagship radio station, which has been around since 1957.
"It's always fun," said longtime morning show host Wayne Norman on the station anniversary reunions, adding that it was amazing how many good people had come through the station over time.
Norman started at the station in 1970, taking over the morning show programming in 1971, having what is believed to be the longest [continuously] running morning radio show in New England.
He said that in replaying old stories on the radio this week, listener reactions were impressive as callers remembered the old names and how nice it was to hear old-time talk radio.
Norman said what makes WILI special is that they focus on covering local news, sports, and weather.
"If you don't focus local, the radio doesn't connect with listeners," he said.
The celebration reunited faces that were there at the station's inception and those who left the station but hold onto their earlier jobs with fond memories.
"It was a good time," said Holly Utzig, who was at the station from 1983 to 1989 and now works for CBS radio.
Utzig said she appreciated the station for its family atmosphere and that every one knew each other as a family.
Colin Rice, executive vice president of Nutmeg Broadcasting, said the community has been very supportive of the station.
He said those that worked at the station from different decades may have not worked with each other, but have an instant rapport because they both have something in common--their days at WILI. Rice is the son of Herbert C. and Ethel Rice, who bought the station in 1959. The station was sold in 2005 to Hall Communications, Inc.
Herbert C. Rice
"The door is always open for people who are passionate about radio," he said.
The station, which was originally located out in North Windham by the Windham Airport, has moved around over the years, moving to 948 Main Street in 196 and then moving to 720 Main Street in October 1987--where it sits today.
WILI's original studios near Windham Airport
Programming over the years has changed at the station, as the first music format was country/western music.
In 1959, the music format was contemporary 45's, with occasional big band oldies from the 1930's and 1940's, according to a news release.
Jay Johnson, who wrote "Blue Christmas" was once a voice on WILI
In the early 1970's, WILI evolved from a Top 40 station into what the station called "AM Mono Rock," which was popular with college students, the release said.
In 1985, WILI changed to a "full service" adult contemporary format and now features a mix of today's hits and yesterday's favorites, the release said.
Hall has pledged to keep the station community oriented and locally operated.
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