Exciting Changes Ahead at WBLI: A New Lineup Unveiled!
Cox Media Group’s CHR station, 106.1 WBLI, located in Patchogue, NY, is set to launch a fresh on-air schedule starting Monday, January 12th.
Ally Ali, who has been making waves at the station, will shift from her role as both morning co-host and afternoon host to now take the reins for middays, from 10 AM to 3 PM. She will also continue her duties co-hosting "The Syke Morning Show with Ally Ali" alongside Andrew 'Syke' Sykora. Since joining WBLI in 2018, Ally has impressively climbed the ladder, starting as an intern and progressing through various roles including promotions, morning show producer, night host, and ultimately being named morning co-host in 2021. In a move that showcased her growing influence, she took on additional responsibilities for the afternoon drive in September 2024.
In her heartfelt announcement about this new chapter, Ally expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am honored, humbled, & grateful to be stepping into a timeslot that once belonged to Al Levine, who first believed in me enough to train me to be on air. Thank you to anyone who believed & saw something in me that led me to this moment." She further reflected on her journey, saying, "Years ago, I would’ve minimized this moment, said ‘it was right place, right time.’ But now I’ll say it with my chest, unashamedly. This was not handed to me because I happened to be there. I worked. I grew. I said yes to every opportunity. I slept in conference rooms, & on the floor in the studio. I made myself physically sick from pushing myself, afraid that someone would scoop it out from under me. I poured my soul into this, & it paid off."
This lineup change follows the departure of Tory Onorato from the midday slot. Tory had previously taken on this role in September 2024 while also serving as the Production Manager for both WBLI and Classic Rock 102.3 WBAB. Starting as an intern at WBLI in 2016, she became a full-time member of Cox Long Island in 2018 and has held various positions in promotions, production, and board operation across multiple time slots. Although she is stepping down from middays, Tory will still lend her voice to commercials and imaging for the stations, as well as for Cox Media Group on a national scale. She commented on her transition, referencing Taylor Swift, "As Taylor Swift says, ‘and baby, that’s show business for you.’ I’m looking to make 2026 the year I pivot into the creative, the joy of voice-over, and focusing on me."
Additionally, Cat Sodano, who currently hosts the evening show, will step up to the afternoon shift from 3 PM to 7 PM. Cat joined WBLI in 2022 as a traffic reporter and weekend fill-in host before advancing to the nighttime slot in September 2024. Her announcement was made in a memorable fashion, enlisting Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean during his solo album release event to share the news with fans.
And this is where it gets interesting: These shifts not only reflect personal growth and changes within the team but also hint at the dynamic nature of radio broadcasting, where talent often finds new opportunities to shine. What are your thoughts on these changes? Do you think they will positively impact WBLI's audience engagement? Share your opinions in the comments below!
