Legendary CT Radio Anchor Ray Dunaway Announces Retirement

CONNECTICUT — Legendary Connecticut radio anchor Ray Dunaway, who has been at WTIC-AM 1080 since 1992, announced he is retiring on Dec. 24, a run of 29 years at the newstalk station.

Though Dunaway's tenure at the popular Audacy Hartford-based station spanned three decades, his on-air career began in the mid-1970s, and he's been getting up early as a morning radio host since 1980.

"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)," Dunaway in a statement. "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."

Dunaway is one of less than a half-dozen people to host morning shows at WTIC in the past 65 years, according to the Journal Inquirer.

He attended Trinity College in Hartford, but had been working in other parts of the country before joining WTIC.

"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."

Added Steve Salhany, Audacy Hartford's operations manager, "It goes without saying that Ray has been an important part of WTIC, and more importantly, our community. While I am sure he's going to enjoy sleeping in, he will be greatly missed."

Dunaway is currently teamed with Brian Shactman, and Shactman will take over WTIC's morning hosting duties in January with Aaron Kupec (news), Bob Cox (weather), Mark Christopher (traffic) and Matt Sirois (sports), according to the station.

Over the past 18 months, Dunaway has seen colleagues Angela Dias and Joe D'Ambrosio also leave WTIC following long tenures at the station.