WILI is a radio station in Willimantic, Connecticut

Willimantic, Connecticut

Willimantic is a census-designated place and former city located in the town of Windham in Windham County, Connecticut, United States. The population was estimated at 15,823 at the 2000 census. It is home to Eastern Connecticut State University, as well as the Windham Textile and History Museum....

, broadcasting at 1 kW. It is affiliated with the ABC Entertainment Network, the Red Sox Radio Network

Red Sox Radio Network

The Red Sox Radio Network consists of 76 stations in the six New England states, along with Florida, New York, and Wyoming. The English language announcers are Joe Castiglione, Dave O'Brien, and Jon Rish. Additionally, there is a 3-station Spanish-language network with affiliates in italics...

, the UConn Basketball and Football Networks, and the Connecticut Defenders Radio Network. Its sister station is WILI-FM

WILI-FM

WILI-FM is a radio station broadcasting a Top 40 format. Licensed to the village of Willimantic, Connecticut, it serves eastern Connecticut. Willimantic is a village within the town of Windham, Connecticut. It is the sister station to WILI/1400. The station is currently owned by...

/98.3.

Ownership

In May 2005, Florida-based Hall Communications reached an agreement to acquire WILI and WILI-FM from Nutmeg Broadcasting Co. At the time of the purchase, Hall already owned WICH

WICH

WICH is a radio station licensed to serve Norwich, Connecticut. The station is owned by Hall Communications and licensed to WICH, Inc. It airs a Talk/Nostalgia format....

 and WCTY

WCTY

WCTY is a radio station with studios in Norwich, Connecticut. Its transmitter is located on Cook Drive in Montville, Connecticut. WCTY broadcasts a country music format, and is owned by WICH, Inc., a subsidiary of Hall Communications....

 in Norwich and WNLC

WNLC

WNLC is a radio station licensed to serve East Lyme, Connecticut. The station is owned by Hall Communications, Inc., which owns a number of stations in medium-sized markets along the eastern seaboard from Vermont to Florida...

 and WKNL

WKNL

WKNL is a radio station licensed to serve New London, Connecticut. The station is owned by Hall Communications, Inc., which owns a number of stations in medium-sized markets along the eastern seaboard from Vermont to Florida...

in New London. In addition, Hall owns a number of stations in medium-sized markets along the eastern seaboard from Vermont to Florida.

Personalities

• Wayne Norman -- Weekday mornings 6-10 AM, currently with the longest continuously running morning show in New England (since 1971). Featuring daily live in-studio interviews, with comprehensive news, sports, and weather reports.
• Mike Morrissette -- News Director, morning news anchor, and staff reporter for over 20 years.
• John Tuite -- Midday newscaster and host of the eclectic oldies show "The Vinyl Frontier" weekdays 11 AM to noon.
• Jesse Collins -- Afternoon newscaster and reporter since 2003.
• The Oldies Doctor -- Henry Paulhus—host of WILI's "Saturday Morning 60's" oldies show (7-10 AM).
• Roger Adams -- Host of "Business Outlook" Tuesdays at 5:10 PM.
• Bruce and Hanna Clements -- Hosts of "The Neighborhood" Tuesdays at 5:30 PM.
• The Computer Tamers -- Computer tips show Wednesdays at 5:10 PM.
• The Republic Forum -- Local political talk Thursdays at 5:10 PM.
• Let's Talk About It -- Local political talk Fridays at 5:10 PM with Dennis O'Brien.
• Dave Ramsey -- Nationally syndicated talk show weekday afternoons 3 to 5 PM.
• Jim Bohannon -- Nationally syndicated talk show weeknights 10 PM to 1 AM.
• Lars Larson -- Nationally syndicated talk show weeknights 1 AM to 4 AM
• America In The Morning -- Morning news magazine hosted by Jim Bohannon 5 to 6 AM.
• The Carey Brothers with "On The House" Saturdays 10 AM to noon.
• ESPN Radio -- Non game weeknights and weekend afternoons noon to 6 PM.

Boom Box Parade

WILI has gotten international attention for its unusual July 4 Boom Box Parade. Called "Connecticut's Unique People's Parade," it is the largest parade of its kind in the world. In 1986, no marching band could be found for Windham's Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later, the "Boom Box Parade" concept was born, as WILI plays the marching band music on the air, while thousands march and watch, loudly playing their radios (boom boxes).
Anyone can march in the Boom Box Parade. The only requirement is to wear some red, white, and blue, and bring a radio tuned to WILI. American flags are optional, but encouraged. There is no "official" theme for the parade. Every year WILI morning disc jockey Wayne Norman serves as the parade's Grand Marshal.

External links

• WILI official website