CT Broadcasters Honor Local Legends at Plantsville Hall Ceremony

The Connecticut Broadcasters Association recently hosted its prestigious Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees and station award winners ceremony at the popular Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. This major gathering brought together television and radio professionals from all corners of the state to celebrate local broadcasting excellence and vital community service.

During the event, CBA President Jennifer Parsons emphasized how the evening serves as a unique platform to recognize the incredible talent, hard work, and enduring community spirit found throughout about Connecticut media. Attendees enjoyed an inspiring night dedicated to honoring the individuals who keep local residents informed, entertained, and connected every single day.

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Celebrating Iconic Hall of Fame Inductees

The 2026 Hall of Fame class featured several legendary figures who have shaped the local media landscape over decades of dedicated service. Their groundbreaking achievements and deep community ties continue to resonate across the entire region.

Among the celebrated group was WTNH News 8 anchor Keith Kountz, who famously made history back in 1999 as the state’s first Black primary evening news anchor. Another major inductee was longtime 99.1 WPLR personality Mike Lapitino, honored for four incredible decades on the air and his extensive philanthropic efforts supporting women’s health initiatives.

Broadcast Pioneers and Weather Icons

NBC Connecticut meteorologist Bob Maxon also earned a well-deserved induction for spending over 30 years tracking unpredictable regional weather events while supporting numerous local charities. For those exploring the region, understanding local media is a great way to learn more about cities and towns.

Courtney Nadeau, the beloved longtime host of “Courtney & KISS in the Morning” on WKSS-FM, was recognized for an impressive three-decade career in radio. Additionally, veteran broadcaster and former Nutmeg Broadcasting Company leader Mike Rice joined the hall for his decades of engineering expertise, service, and past leadership of the CBA.

Recognizing Station Excellence and Top Performers

The competitive station awards, affectionately known as “The CBAs,” handed out top honors to the finest media outlets operating in the market today. These awards highlight stations that go above and beyond for their local audiences.

WTNH-TV captured the coveted title of Television Station of the Year, while 92.5 WWYZ was named Radio Station of the Year. Visitors looking for a place to stay while exploring the area can check out options for where to stay.

Excellence Across Categories

The ceremony also handed out specialized individual category trophies to honor excellence in a variety of vital industry disciplines.

Reporting: Recognizing journalists who uncover critical local stories with accuracy and integrity.
Engineering: Celebrating the technical masterminds keeping signals strong across Connecticut counties.
Meteorology: Honoring accurate forecasting that keeps the public safe during severe storms.
Digital Media & Talk Radio: Applauding engaging online content and compelling conversational programs.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut Broadcasters Association Announces 2026 Award Winners And Hall Of Fame Inductees

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