“It’s a really great honor. I’m proud to be named with pioneers like Gil Whitney, Don Wayne and Phil Donahue,” said Coressel, a Kenton Ridge High School graduate. Whitney and Wayne were a meteorologist and anchor respectively at WHIO-TV and Donahue a national television talk show host who started in Dayton.
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In a world dominated by corporate-owned radio stations and satellite and streaming services, Coressel admitted he was surprised to hear of his selection given public television and radio haven’t figured much into the mix, and a station that plays classical music at that.
He was nominated by a co-worker and another unidentified person. Coressel is enthused about the notoriety it will bring to WDPR, where he also serves as operations manager.
“This is more exciting because we are independent,” he said. “We began in 1985 and pulled up by our own bootstraps. The local flavor has kept it around, people are enthusiastic about that.”
Wittenberg University’s student radio station, WUSO, 89.1-FM, simulcasts WDPR programming from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, including broadcasts of Springfield Symphony Orchestra concerts roughly a month after the live performances, as well as on a mobile app.
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Although he works in Dayton, Coressel has no desire to leave Springfield, where he and his wife, Liz Nelson, enjoy working on their home and photography.
“Springfield is my hometown, I like it here,” he said. “My wife teaches at Clark Shawnee and I don’t mind the drive.”
When asked if being a hall of famer will come with perks, Coressel said it won’t necessarily mean an increase in salary or better seats at restaurants.
“I had to buy a tux for this, so it’s costing me,” he said, laughing. “I’ll still have to clean my garage. It’s a great pat on the back and I’ll be part of a great group of people and a part of helping our station grow.”
A plaque with Coressel’s picture will reside in a permanent place at the Dayton Convention Center along with other Hall of Famers. For more information on the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame, go to daytonbroadcastershalloffame.org.
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