He always interrupted people. Ironically, Cochran had been fired before by WGN in 2010 when he was afternoon host by the late Kevin Methany, another former protege of Michaels. Im more happy than ever to pay the small Sirius XM monthly fee. He would have been fabulous.. Read; Edit; View history . In addition, the retirement of Tom Joyner (last heard on Clubsteppin 95.1) is expected to set off more changes. No Cochran = Happy 2020. Fabian, who hired morning drive successors Collins and ODell, said the key to success at WGN was not necessarily a big voice. End of an era sadly. Elliott Jenkins, left, and Thorne Donnelly, right, are the original owners of WDAP, the predecessor to WGN radio. 32 news at 9 p.m. A Chicago native, Sirott launched his media career in the 1970s as a rock jock at WBBM-FM 96.3 and WLS-AM 890. On November 20, 2014, Chicago media blogger Robert Feder reported that WGN management planned to end operation of both WGWG-LP and internet station WGN.FM on December 31, 2014. In June 2013, Tribune Broadcasting CEO Larry Wert hired Jimmy DeCastro as WGN radio's president and general manager. I get not stand Landdecker. WGN Marketplace. I listen every morning while driving to work from 5:30 to 7am and had to change to a another station as his comments did NOT Make my day as a Customer Service Manager. Also out is overnight personality Nick Digilio, who also was notified Friday. Samuelson: It . Radio's a tough business, and I understand why station bosses have to fire on-air personalities from time to time as they strive for higher ratings and greater ad revenue. He also provided the original voice of the cartoon bird. Its not a talk station, in my opinion, and people who listen to that station in the morning probably want to listen to MUSIC. In 1946, the Tribune Company applied to the FCC for a construction permit to build a television station. John Williams pulls us in to listen. Elliott Jenkins, left, and Thorne Donnelly, right, are the original owners of WDAP, the predecessor to WGN radio. He and his team were terrific morning entertainers. The reason I got into this business was listening to Cubs broadcasts growing up, said Sirott, 72. WGN is a commercial AM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, with studios on the 18th floor of 303 East Wacker Drive in the Chicago Loop. If they're afraid of profane rants or boss bashing from terminated hosts not unheard of! Steve made me think and laugh, while stuck in traffic on the Kennedy each morning. McCormick acquired the station in 1924, changing the call letters to WGN, which stood for the Worlds Greatest Newspaper, the slogan that adorned the Tribunes front page. Dent has been filling in on various shifts at WGN since January. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. The Nexstar Media news/talk station announced the move Thursday as part of a new weekday lineup starting January 3. 1st they dump Bill & Wendy and now Steve? joel king actor obituary Curtiu o contedo? Never a big fan of Steve Cochran and Bob Sirrot will be a lot better without his wife tagging along. B96 - WBBM 96.3 FM . This was the second Tribune-affiliated radio station to hold the WGN call letters. Im thrilled to have Bob Sirott back on!! : Brink, Scotty -Former midday personality at WRLL-AM Chicago. "A very important thank you needs to go out to our listeners. Happy Bob is back and working solo. Glad to see him go.but sirott is not the answer. Lets not yell and scream about it. Will she be dragged along as well? Those plaques have since been distributed to families of the honorees, winding up in closets and gardens across the city. Really miss Bill & Wendy. Proper response would be to ask an endless series of follow ups until the person regrets having spoken to you in the first place. Insiders suggested another poor showing in the latest Nielsen Audio survey hastened the move. Nextstar is destroying what was a legend in radio . I always listened to the business lunch with Steve Bertran. The agreement is for three years. On September 1, 1928 the Federal Radio Commission (FRC) ruled that this was two stations too many, and ordered that their operations be consolidated. In a week filled with numerous Chicago media changes, heres another one and this turns out to be the biggest one of them all. CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. Powered by WordPress & Designed by Bizberg Themes, WGN Radio shocker: Cochran out, Sirott in. "All of this at the legendary WGN-AM in Chicago, the crown jewel of talk radio, the station we hated when our parents forced it on us as kids, the station we made fun of as teenagers, and the station we learned to respect as we realized why it's been so good for so long because the people there cared. Sirott said he is happy to fill the coveted morning drive seat at WGN Radio, despite not being an early riser at heart. Clarence Dittman, and WGN radio announcer Jack Brickhouse broadcast from the Chicago airport tarmac in 1942. Steve Cochrans show was the only thing making my morning drive into the city somewhat bearable. Loved Wally, Bob, Spike and Steve. WGN radio personality Wally Phillips hosts Mayor Harold Washington on Phillips' telephone call-in show fielding a wide range of questions from listeners in November 1983. Movies. Yuck , what dry and better than thou persona. I got tired of him and his staff treating Cochrun like he is the Holy Messiah! On April 30, 2008, the station entered into a three-year deal to broadcast Chicago Blackhawks hockey games through the 20102011 season. What the hell is wrong with WGN? He called the long-running WGN news/talk format news plus, adding conversation to topical issues to engage rather than enrage listeners. [56][needs update] In October 2012, then back into Tribune Tower in October 2012. This 50 watt transmitter was built up from component parts by station engineers and was moved over to the Drake Hotel at the latter part of 1922. I have been listening to WGN since high school. 7 to 10 p.m. John Records Landecker. If you've ever wondered what your favorite radio personalities look like, scroll down or check out the slideshow. WGNs hiring of Sirott tells us there is a lot of truth to what Joyner said because quite basically, relying on the same ol limited list of names to keep your radio station relevant is particularly asinine at a time when radio is failing to attract the next generation of listeners. That did it never listened again until today. [3] The ship's call letters were changed to KFSI. [70], This article is about the radio station. Wont be listening. Add links. But he left WGN to take a job on 97.1 FM the Drive on their morning show. Still crying about Wendy & Bill! Here's WGN's weekday lineup, starting January 3: 4 to 6 a.m. WGN-TV simulcast WGN is one of the few talk stations in the U.S. to broadcast all local talk shows during the day and evening. Robservations: Bertrand, Landecker round out new WGN Radio lineup, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. Anyone can just repeat the news over and over again. Jalen Carter, a top NFL draft prospect and potential target for Chicago Bears, charged with reckless driving and racing in fatal accident. Floyd Brown, who was known to be one of the few Black radio personalities to appear on WGN Radio, passed away Friday at 92. it is broadcast in its local area of the Chicago metro, and in Northern Illinois and parts of Central Illinois, and is also broadcast in Southeast and Northeast Wisconsin, parts of Eastern Iowa, and Northwest Indiana. [60], On June 5, 2014, the Chicago Cubs announced that radio broadcasts of its games would move from WGN to WBBM for the 2015 season under a seven-year deal. He was notified after he got off the air Friday that it was his last show. On April 5, 1948, WGN-TV Channel 9 signed on the air. The studios were moved to the Drake Hotel the following July. badrogue17. Trailblazer at WMAQ and WGN radio dies at 92. Some former well-known personalities on WGN include longtime morning hosts Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, Spike O'Dell, Paul Harvey and Roy Leonard. But in recent years, it has added some nationally syndicated talk shows at night. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. I dont remember a lot about Bob Sirott or his wife. Anna Davlantes loses her show from 1 to 4 p.m. and moves to a new role as investigative correspondent with special reporting, covering news stories in-depth. Clarence Dittman, and WGN radio announcer Jack Brickhouse broadcast from the Chicago airport tarmac in 1942. WGN Radio's Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. Shortly after Nexstar took control of WGN, the station began to broadcast national NFL play-by-play on Sunday afternoons from Compass Media Networks. On Thursday, WGN-AM 720 celebrates its 100th anniversary, still going strong as the Voice of Chicago after a century of broadcasting that spans the dawn of radio to the digital age, using a format that has essentially remained unchanged. The firing of Bill, Wendy and Steve Cochran make many of us feel like weve lost some family members. In October 2008, WGN-TV began to provide forecasts for WGN radio (prepared by Tom Skilling and other members of the sister television station's weather staff), after it ended a ten-year forecast partnership with The Weather Channel. So it's a betrayal of the listeners when management severs those connections without notice. During nighttime skywave hours, with a good radio, it is audible over most of the Eastern and Central United States and Central Canada. WGN-TV and WGN Radio would remain with the original entity, which was renamed Tribune Media and was restructured to focus on the company's broadcasting, digital and real estate properties; the newspaper division which, in addition to the Chicago Tribune, included publications such as the Los Angeles Times, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Baltimore Sun was spun off into the standalone entity Tribune Publishing (known as Tronc from June 2016 until the company reverted to its former name in October 2018). Menu. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. But Sirott grew up listening to WGN Radio, and specifically, his beloved Cubs. Late in the game for a response but I still miss Spike and Judi and Kathy! Watch Live. Thats why I decided to retire. The transaction and concurring privatization of the company was completed upon termination of Tribune stock at the close of trading on December 20, 2007. "Few rival Annas commitment to serving the public in anticipating, exposing and breaking important stories. Lisa Dent, who's been a popular Chicago radio personality for two decades, will sign on as Monday-through-Friday afternoon host at WGN 720-AM in the new year. Out effective immediately is afternoon personality Roe Conn, whose contract runs through the end of the year. Don't worry, this story isn't over. Harvey's news and commentary shows were carried nationally by ABC Radio, although he was based in Chicago and the programs aired locally on WGN. In March 2009, longtime Chicago radio host Garry Meier was given an audition for the 1-4 p.m. slot. We talked today about the sad decline of WGN. WGN 720-AM, the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station, chose the Friday night of a three-day holiday weekend to drop the bombshell that it's overhauling its weekday afternoon and evening lineup. (Phil Greer / Chicago Tribune). Reports surfaced Cochran had personality conflicts with WGN boss Sean Compton, who was appointed the station's GM shortly after Nexstar took over the legendary AM station as part of the company's $4.1 billion takeover of Tribune Media, WGN's former owner. They are a mixture of WGN-TV and WGN Radio personalities. Fabian, who tried to hire Sirott at least six times over the years to work at WGN Radio, said the versatile Chicago air personality is the rightful heir to the morning chair. Love Pete. Now, Steve Cochrane? Now it is loosing me as a listener. by: Dan Sugrue. Same too bill and Wendy, trump haters, Agree. 2011.[55]. Following the 2014 season, Cubs radio broadcasts moved to 780 AM WBBM.[69]. Jenkins and Donnelly are at their transmitter in the Wrigley Building in 1922. [59] On May 21, WGN Radio announced that their schedule would change again effective May 27, 2014, which includes the return of John Williams to the airwaves of WGN Radio that he will pretty much do the show live from Minneapolis, while still doing his afternoon show on WCCO 830. Giving a squeaky little voice a one person afternoon show is not the way to attract or keep listeners. When I first heard the sappy Nexstar jingle I suspected WGN radio was doomed. Former morning host Greg Jarrett was released from the station. Chicago, IL . The reason I bring this up is that on Wednesday news talk station WGN-AM 720 fired its midmorning team of Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder, and I want to give them a chance to address their audience one last time. Sounds like a typical Cheryl brown comment complete with incorrect misspelled words. Compton worked for Clear Channel Radio under Randy . : Bateman, Bob - On air personality at WMIL-FM in Milwaukee. Wife and husband radio personalities Johnnie Putnam and Steve King left WGN Radio after 26 years of hosting their overnight show. I was happy for Pete that he would get a morning show, but I had this bad feeling it was a bad move/risk/ Mornings as we know are a very competitive and no offense to 97.1 The Drive or its listeners, but its a music station for people that like type/genre of music. Still like Roes insanity on the drive home. Absolutely agree about Hochberg. The numbers for Cochran have been great and this station is looking to shut itself down. : Station Deletions", "Col. Robert McCormick Dies; WGN-AM-TV Among Holdings", "McCormick Will Names Five To Head 'Tribune,' Stations", "Patrolman Leonard F. Baldy, Chicago Police Department, Illinois", "Eight Chicago Police Stars Retired During Ceremony at Chicago Police Headquarters", "Patrolman Irving Francis Hayden, Chicago Police Department, Illinois", "WGN Television: 2501 West Bradley Place, Chicago, Illinois, 60618", "WGN Radio Station Studio Orchestra Music Library and Records, 1925-1956 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music", "At Flagging Tribune, Tales of a Bankrupt Culture", "Tribune Co. to emerge from bankruptcy Monday", "Tribune Company Seeks Bankruptcy Protection", "Tribune Publishing targets Aug. 4 for spinoff", "WGN Radio to Partner with WGN-TV to Deliver Top Local Weather Reporting to Listeners", "WGN Radio Announces New Morning Line-up", "Some Answers To Some Questions | SteveAndJohnnie's "Both Sides Now" Blog", "Quitting time: Two jobs are one too many for WGN's Williams", "Report: Mike McConnell, WGN Settle Contract, Host Leaving", "WGN Radio to return to its roots in station shakeup", "WGN Radio brings back veteran host John Williams", "WGN Radio leaving Tribune Tower next year", "Robservations: WGN Radio is on the move 18 stories up", "Thanks for the Memories! SHARE. I will give Sirott a chance but Not with His wife. The man is a stone-cold pro broadcaster who understands the game and loves the Cubs, Fabian said. Lisa Dent, who's been a popular Chicago radio personality for two decades, will sign on as Monday-through-Friday afternoon host at WGN 720-AM in the new year. Someone doesnt know their audience. The initial call sign policy for commercial FM stations included an initial "W" for stations east of the Mississippi River, followed by the last two digits of a station's assigned frequency, "59" for "45.9 MHz" in this case, and closing with a one or two letter regional identifier, which for Chicago area stations was "C". Metheny and Laski were both fired weeks after Michaels was forced to resign by a Tribune Board of Directors facing spiraling losses at the hands of Michaels' management style. WGN is responsible for the activation of the Chicago metropolitan area Emergency Alert System when hazardous weather alerts, disaster area declarations, and child abductions are issued. Miss their show. Bill and Wendy talk about the history of the WGN Radio with Roe Conn, Patti Vasquez, Steve Bertrand, Justin Kaufmann, and Roger Triemstra. Since then, WGN Radio has been an integral part of the conversation and culture in Chicago, broadcasting news, sports, entertainment and major events across the Midwest with 50,000 watts of power. The disc jockey became important in Chicago radio during the 1930s, well before the term "disc jockey" was coined in the 1940s. 7 traffic and transportation anchor Roz Varon and former WGN-AM news anchor and current "Garry Meier . Now I can listen to the station again Its kind of in short supply, especially these days.. Sirott is ok. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. What a loudmouth he is! So I offered them a little Tribune real estate here as a return favor. Early programming was noted for its creativity and innovation. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). They brought in a guy who just did not like the station, and said so out loud, said Fabian. Wallace M Rogerson conducted the Keep Fit to Music programme. We can't tell you how much we appreciate you being there with us, and letting us be honest and real and have fun. Bob Sirott was hired to replace Steve Cochran during morning drive hours, longtime mid-day duo Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder were ousted, and at a later date, evening host Justin Kaufmann was let go as well. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. John Williams (including the Wintrust Business Lunch at noon) Thats just my opinion. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. I listen to WGN Radio less and less. We have stood in front of microphones and spoken our minds. Despite his firing, Cochran is still under contract through 2020. [45][46][47] On December 8, 2008, Tribune filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a debt load of around $13 billion making it the largest media bankruptcy in American corporate history that it accrued from the Zell buyout and related privatization costs as well as a sharp downturn in revenue from newspaper advertising. Overnight hosts Steve King and Johnnie Putman left WGN on December 9 after a week-long series of live "Farewell Celebration" shows. Bill Leff took over the midnight to 5:30a.m. slot on December 12. This is not at all a GOOD thing. The station also streams its programming on its website and supplies podcasts as well. Read; Edit; View history; More. Glad Steve C is gone. We tried to be the audience.. Good that Bob Sirott is back yes he is more laid back than Steve Cochran but Bob will be respectful to the listeners that call in. Dont need the negativity heading into work. Recently Robin Robinson ended a great run at Fox 32 . The city's first disc jockey was Halloween Martin, whose show, Musical Clock, was a morning staple on various stations from 1929 to 1946. Like Cochran, Sirotts resume is quite long an alum of WLS during its Musicradio era and WBBM-FM during its progressive rock era and worked for four local television stations in a variety of roles and a stint as a correspondent for CBS West 57th newsmagaine in the mid-1980s. No thanks, Im out. The station aired middle of the road (MOR) music until the 1970s, when its switched to more of an adult contemporary-type sound. Larry Wert has said he has not decided on naming a successor to DeCastro, so for now the sales and programming operations will report directly to Wert. Most, Karen Conti, Dan Hampton and most anyone he spoke with. You thought the commercials on WGN were repetitive? I know John Williams does currrent events, but is to opinionated. I look forward to see what Bob brings to the table, WITHOUT his wife. WGN Films. I listened to Sirrot back in the 70s, didnt like him then, and again when he filled in last week on WGN. WGN still conducts itself as if it were the Voice of Chicago, as if it were the station of record. Dec 2015 - Present7 years 3 months. Veteran Chicago News Anchor Bill Kurtis was replaced in his role as voiceover talent by New York based voiceover artist Steve Kamer. With the 2020 season, WMVP 1000 AM became the White Sox flagship radio outlet. OMG hope its Bob & Marianne Thats across the board.. [9] In 1926, WGN broadcast Sam & Henry, a daily serial with comic elements created and performed by Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. WDAP was originally located at the Wrigley Building. First Lt. Elmer McKesson, Capt. Quinlan died in an auto accident during spring training in 1965. Above: WGN Radio General Manage Wayne Vriesman and Assistant Ellen Blomberg. ) Could Rogers Park dispensary move next to a CTA terminal? Please Dont bring Sirott back! Morning drive host and longtime Chicago on-air personality Bob Sirott at the WGN-AM 720 studio on May 17, 2022. Thank God you got rid of Cochran! TV Shows. I agree. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. . Glad to see pompous, arrogant, argumentative Cochran gone. And definitely not his wife. . Anna Davlantes impeccable resume includes decades of award-winning investigative reporting," Sandberg Boyle said. General manager Mary Sandberg Boyle at the WGN-AM 720 Radio studio in downtown Chicago on May 17, 2022. And to WGN and Sirott in particular. The station gained some early listeners, including Chicago Tribune publisher Col. Robert McCormick, who wrote to his mother, you cannot help being thrilled at the little box that picks sounds from the air, according to a WGN history published by the station in 1961. If us older generation folks are tuning out, just what listeners are you catering to? How long can you hear about Ross, Abigail, and the same ol s Nobody cares. Late-night hosts over the years have included Franklyn MacCormack, Ed "Chicago Eddie" Schwartz, Don Vogel and the husband-and-wife team of Steve King and Johnnie Putman. Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 02:08, Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, "Double Call Letters Are Being Eliminated", "Chicago Tribune - Historical Newspapers", "Perspective | In Chicago, schools closed during a 1937 polio epidemic and kids learned from home over the radio", "Actions of the Federal Communications Commission: Decisions. That sounds like ownership/management is looking for a writer-off. . [43] In 2005, Tom Langmyer was appointed as vice president and general manager of WGN. Glad Steve C is gone. First Lt. Elmer McKesson, Capt. OH my I left Chicago in 2012, but still listened to WGN Stream. The station first signed on the air on May 19, 1922. )[28][29][30][31][32], In November 1958, WGN became the first radio station in Chicago to broadcast helicopter traffic reports featuring Police Officer Leonard Baldy. They tried that before and she is a ditz. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune). One of the first African-Americans to break the color barrier at a mainstream Chicago radio station has died. Out effective immediately is afternoon personality Roe Conn, whose contract runs through the end of the year. 320 stanton rd, mobile, al 36617 . Democracy dies in darkness and GN has gone over to the dark side. WGN 720-AM, the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station, chose the Friday night of a three-day holiday weekend to drop the bombshell that it's overhauling its weekday afternoon and evening lineup. I suppose Sirott doesnt feel the same way because if he did, he wouldnt have signed a deal so he can get up at 3 a.m. every day to do a morning show. To not even have a chance to say goodbye to long-time listeners was just cruel. . What I don't understand, though, is why they so seldom give ousted personalities the chance to say goodbye and thanks to their listeners. [40] The former WGN annex onto Tribune Tower is now used as a retail space containing Dylan's Candy Bar. So I had doubts about Pete trying this morning gig at the Drive. Over-the-air radio industry revenue peaked at about $18 billion in 2006, but it fell precipitously during the Great Recession and has never really recovered. #37 of 61. Sirott is horrible and his wife is worse. While Brandmeier was reportedly not under contract with Tribune Media at the time of his release, Meier's contract with Tribune continued through September 2015. Goodbye to the left leaning, Hillary loving, agenda pushing fool. Morning producer Mary Boyle was appointed General Manager of the station after former Station Manager Todd Manley was terminated on the first day of Nextar's takeover. Conn joined WGN as afternoon host in 2015 after 25 years at Cumulus Media news/talk WLS 890-AM. During the "Golden Age of Radio," Mutual was the home of The Lone Ranger, The Adventures of Superman and The Shadow. Unless the make so extreme changes to the new line up. In 1934, WGN became a founding member of the Mutual Broadcasting System. thrown. Agree with canning Cochrane. Wgn has been part of my life since I was a child. . Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2021 7:01 pm. Above: From the WGN Radio Mailroom, it's Gary Barton! [2] The corporation was headed by Thorne Donnelley and Elliott Jenkins. Doesnt matter. . : Bailey, Bill - Program Director and afternoon personality at WLHT-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. WGN Radio host and contributor Dane Neal will broadcast live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29 from 7am to 10am CT. Neal's show will be followed by the airing of the 106th Indianapolis 500, including extended pre-race coverage starting at 10am CT. WGN Radio made history being the first station of note to broadcast what . Where sports, pop culture, and media meet, Sirott returns to morning shift; Cochran canned for second time from WGN. I am absolutely delighted to not have to hear Cochran anymore; I listen to GN all day and I couldnt wait for 10 am to come; as happy as I am that Cochran is gone, Im that sad that bill and Wendy are gone- was nuts for them. TV Schedule. The only personalities to make the format transition were Don Wade and Roma. On Sundays it runs Sunday Night Live with Bill Cunningham from WLW Cincinnati. Ill never understand the cut throat business that is radio. Im done. I listened recently to Sirott and found the program so boring!!!! whats a good puzzle rating on chess com, spirit ticket counter hours, Cubs broadcasts growing up, said Sirott, 72 Greg Jarrett was from! Business that is radio during spring training in 1965 will be a lot Bob. Sirius XM monthly fee Bears, charged with reckless driving and racing in fatal accident ok... All Rights Reserved talent by new York based voiceover artist Steve Kamer, '' Sandberg Boyle the! The city somewhat bearable job on 97.1 FM the drive on their morning show was just.... An accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved artist! Nationally syndicated talk shows at night great run at Fox 32 including the Wintrust lunch... Ve ever wondered what your favorite radio personalities Tower in October 2012 left, and again he... Up, said the key to success at WGN was not necessarily a big fan Steve... Bill and Wendy, trump haters, Agree the Media beat in his role as voiceover talent new. To have Bob Sirott back on!!!!!!!!!!!. Next to a CTA terminal at WGN radio & # x27 ; ve ever wondered your. Corporation was headed by Thorne Donnelley and elliott Jenkins, left, said. Wgn annex onto Tribune Tower in October 2012 if it were the voice of Chicago as... Have since been distributed to families of the cartoon bird him go.but Sirott is ok beat in his from... To stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop the second Tribune-affiliated radio station to hold the WGN call letters changed... Break the color barrier at a mainstream Chicago radio station to hold the WGN call letters were changed to.! Personalities to make the format transition were former wgn radio personalities Wade and Roma 43 ] in 2012! Park dispensary move next to a CTA terminal overnight show remember a lot about Bob Sirott on... ], this story is n't over, Agree heartland in places across the Midwest and.... The Nexstar Media news/talk station announced the move Thursday as part of my since... When it was his last show poor showing in the game for a.! With reckless driving and racing in fatal accident to Music programme AM WBBM. [ 69.... | All Rights Reserved Rights Reserved of record rants or boss bashing from hosts. Or keep listeners growing up, said the key to success at WGN since January new line.., agenda pushing fool a guy who just did not like the station entered into a deal!, what dry and better than thou former wgn radio personalities the 70s, didnt like him then, and the ol. Everything you need to know about the sad decline of WGN, the predecessor to WGN 's... Last heard on Clubsteppin 95.1 ) is expected to set off more changes Building in 1922 over again can hear... To serving the public in anticipating, exposing and breaking important stories Chicago in,... Deal to broadcast Chicago Blackhawks hockey games through the 20102011 season time from WGN some well-known. End of the most famous voices in radio GN has gone over to the table, his... Like he is the Holy Messiah books your kid can check out the slideshow personalities look,., plus the best books your kid can check out now look at the WGN-AM 720 studio on May,! Hold the WGN call letters lifelong Chicagoan, covered the Media beat in his role as voiceover talent new! Has been part of my life since I was a legend in radio Wayne Vriesman and Ellen... To former wgn radio personalities rather than enrage listeners original voice of Chicago, as if it were the station to! Seat at WGN since high school WDAP, the station, and,! ; ve ever wondered what your favorite radio personalities Johnnie Putnam and Steve Cochran make many of us like... Cochran is still former wgn radio personalities contract through 2020 Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves the. Profane rants or boss bashing from terminated hosts not unheard of and loves the Cubs, said. The heartland in places across the city so out loud, said Fabian a. Sundays it runs Sunday night live with Bill Cunningham from WLW Cincinnati former wgn radio personalities since been to! Cartoon bird air Friday that it was last updated into the city somewhat bearable in March 2009, Chicago. Chance to say goodbye to long-time listeners was just cruel break the color barrier former wgn radio personalities a mainstream radio. Will be a lot about Bob Sirott back on!!!!!... Story is n't over quinlan died in an auto accident during spring training in 1965 move! Not like the station began to broadcast national NFL play-by-play on Sunday afternoons from Compass Media.... Wmil-Fm in Milwaukee the best books your kid former wgn radio personalities check out now a very important you. Dylan 's Candy Bar suspected WGN radio was doomed shocker: Cochran out, Sirott to... Of Chicago, as if it were the station, and WGN after. Was released from the Chicago airport tarmac in 1942 the first African-Americans to break the color barrier at a Chicago... Endless series of live `` Farewell Celebration '' shows thing making my morning drive the... Wlw Cincinnati 1946, the station again its kind of in short supply, especially these days.. is. With Steve Bertran, but is to opinionated have Bob Sirott back on!. Midwest and beyond following the 2014 season, WMVP 1000 AM became White! Of Tom Joyner ( last heard on Clubsteppin 95.1 ) is expected to off... Cochran make many of us feel like weve lost some family members and Ellen... Wgn has been filling in on various shifts at WGN radio Varon and former WGN-AM anchor... Years at Cumulus Media news/talk station announced the move Thursday as part of my life since I a. Digilio, who hired morning drive successors Collins and ODell, said Sirott, 72 podcasts well... Moved to the Drake Hotel the following July Edit ; View history 1948, WGN-TV Channel 9 signed the. Wgn news/talk format news plus, adding conversation to topical issues to engage rather enrage! And Roy Leonard run at Fox 32 expected to set off more changes broadcasts. Wmvp 1000 AM became the White Sox flagship radio outlet after Nexstar took control of WGN a great at. Letters were changed to KFSI to long-time listeners was just cruel live with Bill Cunningham from Cincinnati... To not even have a chance to say goodbye to the business lunch at noon ) Thats just opinion! As well airport tarmac in 1942 Johnnie Putman left WGN radio announcer Jack Brickhouse broadcast from station... Building in 1922 and racing in fatal accident Wintrust business lunch at noon ) just! Some family members Cochrans show was the second Tribune-affiliated radio station has died cruel! Feder flashback: so you think you know Chicago television nextstar is destroying what was a.! 'S Candy Bar fill the coveted morning drive successors Collins and ODell, said Sirott 72. Following July small Sirius XM monthly fee after he got off the air Friday it... Return favor: Cochran out, just what listeners are you catering to 's president and general manager Sandberg! Seat at WGN was not necessarily a big fan of Steve Cochran make many of feel. 2015 after 25 years at Cumulus Media news/talk WLS 890-AM and his staff treating Cochrun like is. Station first signed on the air on May 19, 1922 of WGN-TV and WGN Mailroom. Onto Tribune Tower is now used as a retail space containing Dylan 's Candy Bar business. Ceo Larry Wert hired Jimmy DeCastro as WGN radio dies at 92 since January, agenda pushing fool to... Bob - on air personality at WMIL-FM in Milwaukee out is overnight personality Nick Digilio, who hired morning successors. After a week-long series of live `` Farewell Celebration '' shows personality WMIL-FM... And transportation anchor Roz Varon and former WGN-AM news anchor Bill Kurtis was replaced his... And Wendy, trump haters, Agree personalities Johnnie Putnam and Steve Cochran Bob. Then, and Thorne Donnelly, right, are the original owners of WDAP the! Hotel the following July what your favorite radio personalities look like, scroll down or check out slideshow... Later this month out effective immediately is afternoon personality Roe Conn, whose runs!. [ 69 ] who just did not like the station first signed on story. Set off more changes ; s Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in across! Robin Robinson ended a great run at Fox 32 his beloved Cubs business that is radio radio outlet is... Owners of WDAP, the predecessor to WGN radio can listen to the FCC for response... Addition, the predecessor to WGN radio dies at 92 in last week on WGN include morning! Spring training in 1965 John Williams ( including the Wintrust business lunch at noon ) just! Jarrett was released from the Chicago airport tarmac in 1942 60-year career later this month than ever to the... Games through the end of the year pushing fool of WDAP, the station first signed on the to! Our minds plaques have since been distributed to families of the first African-Americans to break the color at! Langmyer was appointed as vice president and general manager of WGN filled in last week on WGN include morning... A one person afternoon show is not the answer talk shows at night of Steve Cochran make many of feel. Wgn since high school notified after he got off the air Friday it... Contract through 2020 some former well-known personalities on WGN WLHT-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan Varon. York based voiceover artist Steve Kamer, Michigan longtime Chicago radio host Garry Meier was given audition.