Chicago Radio: Peter Bolger New OM/PD At WLS-AM

Peter Bolger

Cumulus Media, the largest pure-play radio broadcaster in the United States, announces the appointment of Peter Bolger as Operations Manager/Program Director for WLS-AM 890 in Chicago. 

Bolger joins Cumulus with more than 30 years of radio programming experience, most recently serving as Director of AM Programming for Clear Channel’s flagship News Radio 1200 WOAI as well as Ticket 760 Sports Radio in San Antonio, TX.  

Prior to Clear Channel, Bolger spent almost 20 years in Miami radio, with roles including Program Director for Paxson Communication and Program Director at WIOD and WINZ. In 2000, he was listed by Radio Ink as one of America’s Top 20 Program Directors and in 2013, was recognized by Fisher House Foundation for the ongoing awareness campaign and fund raising efforts on WOAI. 

“Chicago radio is a competitive and important market where we’re excited to add Peter’s expertise that positions us for future growth,” said John Dickey, co-COO and Executive Vice President of Cumulus.

“I think Chicago radio is the best there is. Fortunately, we have incredible talent and deep resources at WLS-AM and FM,” Bolger said. 

“I want to thank John Dickey, Mike McVay and Donna Baker for the opportunity to be part of the historic WLS brand. I can’t wait to get started.”

CRM notes WLS-AM's ratings are at their lowest point since the station first flipped to an all-talk format in the late 1980s,

At WLS-AM, Peter Bolger replaces Tracy Slutzkin, who has held the title of Program Director since September 2010, when then-Operations Manager Drew Hayes promoted her up from Assistant Program Director. When Hayes exited WLS-AM to take a similar job with Los Angeles sister-station KABC-AM earlier this year, Slutzkin absorbed Hayes duties. With Peter Bolger coming aboard, he now absorbs most of Slutzkin's duties.

However, Tracy Slutzkin, who has been with WLS-AM since November 2006, is not leaving the station. She will shift back down to the Assistant Program Director role, reporting to Bolger.