After just under 30 years in mornings at Audacy News/Talk 1080 WTIC Hartford, Ray Dunaway will retire on Christmas Eve.
The Kansas native worked at WRTC and WPOP Hartford in college and later worked at WWWW Detroit, WFAA Dallas, KHJ Los Angeles (as Mike Dunaway), and KUDL and KMBZ Kansas City, the latter of which he spent 15 years in mornings before relocating back to Hartford in 1992.
Dunaway told the Hartford Courant, “You just get tired of waking up. You just do. I love the morning. I do. I wouldn’t do any other shift, but the thing is, after a period of time, it’s kind of like you’ve been there, done that. And I think it’s time for somebody fresh to take a look at it.”
Brian Shactman, who joined WTIC as Dunaway’s co-host in January, will remain in place.
After nearly 30 years on the air at 1080 WTIC News Talk (WTIC-AM) in Hartford, Ray Dunaway announced this morning that he is retiring from the station. His last day on the air will be December 24, 2021.
Dunaway has been heard on WTIC since May 1992. Prior to that, he was at now sister station 980 KMBZ in Kansas City.
“It’s been a long, wonderful run, but having hosted morning shows since 1980, the time has come to sleep in (at least I hope I can),” said Dunaway. “I want to thank you for listening since 1992 here at WTIC. You are truly wonderful people, as are the staff here at Audacy. I can honestly say these friends are the best I’ve ever worked with.”
“We want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Ray Dunaway, who has dedicated almost 30 years of his career to 1080 News Talk WTIC,” said Stephanie Perl, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Hartford. “Ray is known as the morning man, and his iconic personality is synonymous with our station. In addition, he had a significant impact over these past 29 years with Audacy and the larger Connecticut community. Ray is a true broadcaster and we will miss him greatly. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
“It goes without saying that Ray has been an important part of WTIC, and more importantly, our community,” said Steve Salhany, Operations Manager, Audacy Hartford. “While I am sure he’s going to enjoy sleeping in, he will be greatly missed.”
Beginning Monday, January 3, Brian Shactman, who has joined Ray for the last year, will host WTIC mornings along with Aaron Kupec (news), Bob Cox (weather), Mark Christopher (traffic) and Matt Sirois (sports).
