Business & Tech

WGCH Radio Is Sold to Connecticut Businessman

The station reportedly will continue operation under new management.


WGCH Radio, Greenwich's only radio station, has been sold to a Connecticut businessman.

Forte Family Broadcasting Inc. has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to purchase WGCH Radio (1490 AM) Greenwich, from Businesstalkradio.net Acquisition Corp., according to a statement issued by station management. 

Forte will operate the station under a Local Marketing Agreement as of Nov. 4, until the FCC approves the sale, a decision that is expected in December.

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Current plans are to keep and expand the local news and sports coverage and syndicated talk format. WGCH airs a news/talk format, broadcasting 24 hours a day at 1490 AM,  is licensed to  Greenwich and is also part of the Stamford/Norwalk market, reaching Fairfield County and Westchester County, NY.

Forte Broadcasting is run by Lyme, CT resident Rocco L. Forte, who is the former 
CFO of the Abate Insurance Agency and AIA Risk Services in New Haven, according to the statement. He has held a variety of executive marketing 
and advertising positions with the Orion Capital Corp., Fred S. James Co., and 
The Hartford Insurance Group.

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“I am excited to be able to buy such a heritage station in Connecticut, and look forward to making the 50th anniversary year (2014) of WGCH a successful and even more profitable one,” said Forte, who also maintains a home in Sarasota, FL. 

“My love for radio began in college, when I worked both on-air and in sales,” added Forte, a University of Connecticut graduate.  

“Now I'll be able to draw on my business experience in marketing and advertising to expand WGCH's client base and enhance its presence in the community,” said Forte.

The price was not disclosed and WGCH consulting operations officer Jeff Weber did not return a message seeking comment.


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