Chicago Radio: Report..McMurray, McNeil To McMornings At WDRV

There's a report that WGN 720 AM evening host Pete McMurray resigned Tuesday in order to become a morning cohost at Hubbard's WDRV 97.1 FM.

Pete McMurray

Chicago Media writer Robert Feder is reporting Mcurray will team with former WSCR 670 AM Sport talkers Dan McNeil on The Drive's morning show.  The two will replace longtime host Steve Downes who announced his impending retirement last week after 14-years.  Downes had agreed to stay-on with the daily show until a replacement was found.  Down reportedly will contiue to host a weekend show and perhaps do some fill-in work at WDRV.

Veteran Chicago radio personalities Dan McNeil and Pete McMurray are about to team up as morning co-hosts on Hubbard Radio Classic Hits WDRV FM 97.1, sources said.

Dan McNeil

McNeil, who has spent his entire 30-year Chicago radio career in the sports/talk genre, last week turned down an offer to reclaim his former job as midday personality on CBS Radio sports/talk WSCR AM 670. “It’s true the Score and I didn’t reach an agreement and I remain a free agent,” he told fans on Facebook. “To those of you who are disappointed, I assure you I’m not finished world shakin’ yet. You will get ample notice where you can find me.”

More surprising than McNeil’s move to The Drive is that of McMurray, according to Feder. McMurray was considered a rising star at Tribune Media news/talk WGN.

WDRV 97.1 FM (8.3 Kw) Red=60dBu coverage Area

He started in Chicago in 1998 at the former WCKG. Following two stints on WCKG, two on WLUP FM 97.9, and two on WKQX FM 101.1, McMurray landed at WGN as late-night host in September 2013 and was promoted to evenings five months later.

Meanwhile, Chicagoland Radio&Media reports nothing is yet set in stone at the Hubbard Broadcasting-owned station. An official announcement is not expected until later in February.