For those who grew up in Central Connecticut tuning into the radio waves during football season or flipping through local TV channels for game coverage, the name “watr” might ring a familiar bell. Watr AM 1350, once a staple in the region's media scene, had a long history of broadcasting and affiliations with major sports networks. Its presence on the airwaves, especially during pivotal moments like baseball seasons and football broadcasts, helped shape the listening habits of countless fans. The “1 Rooftop” reference, while not widely known, ties into the nostalgic connection that many have with Watr’s legacy, particularly when it came to live sports coverage and local programming. Whether you were catching a Jets game or flipping between Patriots broadcasts, Watr played a role in bringing fans closer to the action.

The journey of Watr AM 1350 is filled with twists and turns. From its early days as a Yankees affiliate to its eventual shift to carrying MLB Game of the Week broadcasts, Watr’s role in the Connecticut radio market was anything but static. Fans still remember the days when Watr and Kool radio both aimed for the same Sunday audience, or when local hosts like Bob Sagendorf and Tom Chuter filled the airwaves with familiar voices. These weren’t just radio shows—they were part of the cultural fabric of the community, shaping how people experienced sports and local news.

What makes “watr at the 1 rooftop” such a compelling topic today is not just nostalgia—it's the way it connects people to a time when local radio stations were the heartbeat of a community. Whether it was the old Channel 53 site in Meriden, CT, or the memorable shifts in programming when Sagendorf left the station, Watr’s story is one of evolution, adaptation, and influence. This article dives into that history, uncovering how Watr made its mark, the role it played in sports broadcasting, and why its legacy still resonates today.

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Table of Contents

• Watr and Its Historical Role in Connecticut Broadcasting
• The Rise and Fall of Sports Affiliations
• Watr and the Local TV Connection
• The People Behind the Voice
• FAQ Section

Watr and Its Historical Role in Connecticut Broadcasting

Watr AM 1350 had a long-standing presence in Connecticut’s media landscape. Originally based out of Waterbury, the station was known for its news, talk, and sports programming over the years. While it wasn’t a music station like Kool radio, it carved out a niche for itself by offering local content and affiliations with major sports networks. One of the most notable aspects of Watr’s early history was its time as a Yankees affiliate. Unfortunately, that season didn’t go as planned—New York finished in last place, and the following year, Watr shifted its focus to the MLB Game of the Week, which aired through the CBS Radio Network.

It's actually kind of ironic, isn’t it? One year you're the home for the Yankees, and the next you're broadcasting a more general baseball game lineup. But maybe that shift was just a sign of the times. Radio stations often have to adapt to what listeners want, and in that era, having a reliable national sports offering made sense. That’s also how Watr ended up being part of the conversation during football season—especially when games were split between local TV stations like Channel 20 and others.

Watr wasn’t alone in the Connecticut market, of course. Other stations like WFSB and Wlad AM 800 were also part of the media mix, sometimes overlapping in content or audience. For example, on Sundays, both Watr and Kool radio tried to reach the same group of listeners. But unlike Kool, which focused more on music, Watr leaned into talk and news, which made it more of a go-to station for sports updates and local affairs. So, in a way, Watr stood out by being more than just background noise—it was a source of information, especially during big games.

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The Rise and Fall of Sports Affiliations

Watr’s connection to sports radio wasn’t just a passing phase—it was a major part of the station’s identity for years. When the station was a Yankees affiliate, it brought big-league baseball to Connecticut fans. But, as you might expect, that affiliation didn’t last long after the team’s disappointing finish. The next season, Watr moved to the MLB Game of the Week, which gave listeners a broader, more consistent lineup of national games. That move made sense, especially considering the uncertainty that comes with local team performance.

But here’s the thing—sports radio isn’t just about the games themselves. It’s also about the surrounding content. Watr helped bridge the gap during football season, when New England Patriots and New York Jets games were split between TV stations like Channel 20 and others. The radio coverage offered an alternative for fans who couldn’t catch the game on TV or wanted extra commentary. That’s why stations like Watr mattered—they weren’t just broadcasting games, they were enhancing the fan experience through talk shows, interviews, and post-game analysis.

Still, changes were inevitable. When Bob Sagendorf left Watr in May 2011, it marked the end of an era. Sagendorf had been a familiar voice for many listeners, and his departure was a big deal at the time. It wasn’t just about one host leaving—it was a sign of how the radio landscape was shifting. Stations were adapting to new formats, and local personalities were becoming harder to retain as media consumption habits changed. Learn more about radio personalities and their influence on local stations over time.

Watr and the Local TV Connection

Watr’s reach extended beyond just radio waves—it had ties to local TV as well. One of the more interesting connections was with the old Channel 53 site located on West Peak in Meriden, CT. That site was part of the broader media ecosystem that Watr was plugged into, especially during football season when coverage was shared between stations. It helped that Watr could coordinate with local TV to provide a more complete sports experience for fans who wanted both audio and visual coverage.

Channel 30 in New Britain, for example, was another key player in the local broadcasting scene. While Watr focused on radio, Channel 30 was one of the few stations in the market offering TV coverage. Together, they provided a complementary mix of content that kept audiences informed and entertained. For Jets fans, Channel 20 was often the place to be, while Patriots fans would tune in to Channel 38 or other networks. But when it came to radio commentary, Watr was often the go-to station for many listeners who wanted more than just game play-by-play.

It’s worth noting that during holidays, AM stations like Watr had a special kind of charm. They were the ones playing classic shows or rebroadcasting past games, which gave listeners a nostalgic feel. It was a time when radio wasn’t just about breaking news or live updates—it was about creating a sense of community and shared experience. For more on how local stations shaped Connecticut’s media scene, check out our history of local broadcasting.

The People Behind the Voice

Radio is more than just a medium—it’s made up of people, personalities, and the connections they build with listeners. Watr had its fair share of memorable voices, and one of the most well-known was Bob Sagendorf. He was a staple on the station for years, and his departure in May 2011 was a big deal. Fans noticed, and many expressed disappointment. His show was a regular part of the listening schedule, and his voice had become synonymous with Watr’s identity.

Tom Chuter was another familiar figure on the station, especially during holiday seasons when local shows took a break. These hosts helped define the station’s tone and kept listeners engaged beyond just the sports coverage. They weren’t just reading off a script—they were part of the community, talking about local issues, sports, and events that mattered to the people tuning in. That’s why their presence on the airwaves was so impactful—it wasn’t just about delivering content, it was about building relationships.

As the years passed, Watr’s lineup changed, and the station evolved. But the legacy of these hosts and the station’s role in Connecticut’s media history remains. Whether you were catching a game, listening to a talk show, or flipping through the old Channel 53 site in Meriden, Watr was part of the local story. And for many, that story still holds a special place in their memories.

FAQ Section

What was Watr's role in Connecticut sports broadcasting?

Watr AM 1350 played a significant role in sports broadcasting in Connecticut, especially during football and baseball seasons. The station was once a Yankees affiliate and later aired the MLB Game of the Week. It also provided radio coverage for NFL games when local TV stations split coverage between Jets and Patriots broadcasts.

Who were some of the notable personalities on Watr?

Bob Sagendorf and Tom Chuter were two of the most recognizable voices on Watr. Sagendorf was a regular host and left the station in May 2011, which was a major event for longtime listeners. Chuter often filled in during holidays, providing familiar local content when other shows went on break.

How did Watr connect with local TV stations?

Watr had ties with local TV stations, especially during football season. For example, the old Channel 53 site in Meriden, CT, was part of the same media ecosystem. Watr helped complement TV broadcasts by providing additional commentary and game updates, making it a key part of the local sports experience.