Allison Demers Joins The River 105.9 as Community Access & Midday Host

By Nancy Sasso Janis

iHeartMedia Connecticut has named Allison Demers as the host of Community Access and Midday talent for The River 105.9, effective on July 1. Demers will begin broadcasting on Monday, July 3 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

iHeartMedia Connecticut enjoys a strong cross platform presence that includes a number of brands and franchises, both broadcast and digital. It encompasses more than 11 stations that include music, talk and news formats.

In a press release, iHeartMedia is described as having the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms that delivers more live programming than any other media company.

In her new position, Ms. Demers will produce the weekly Community Access show which airs on all iHeartRadio stations in the state. She takes over the role following the retirement of longtime host Renee DiNino and will report to Joey Brooks, Senior Vice President of Programming, for iHeartMedia Connecticut.

“Allison is a fantastic addition to our team and is well-known in the market,” said Steve Honeycomb, Market President for the company, in the press release. “She will do a great job providing our listeners with local content and leading our Community Access department.

Brooks said in the release, “I am excited to announce Allison as the host of Community Access and Middays on The River 105.9! She has an amazing track record and the market knowledge to succeed in this incredibly important position. Renee has done an amazing job over the years and I know that Allison has the skills to continue the success of our community efforts and lead us into the future!”

Ms. Demers joins IHeartMedia Connecticut after a return to WATR in Waterbury, where she most recently served as the morning show co-host with Christopher Fortier. She previously served as morning co-host for WRCH in Hartford.

“Although I have very big shoes to fill, I am over the moon excited to work middays at The River 105.9,” Ms. Demers said in the news release. “This is a bucket list opportunity for me. I look forward to playing the music I love and serving the community in an even greater capacity.” The River in Hartford specializes in variety from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Click to listen to The River online.

On a personal note, I thank Allison for sharing this news with me first. I will dearly miss listening to her banter with Chris every morning on WATR 1320 AM and 97.7 FM, as well as getting to speak with her in person during my visits to the radio station. However, I am thrilled that she has been afforded this new career opportunity and I wish her many blessings in her new position.