Chicago Radio: WGN's Justin Kaufmann Takes Leave

Justin Kaufmann

Justin Kaufmann is stepping aside indefinitely as evening host at Tribune Media news/talk WGN 720 AM to deal with what he called “a private and personal matter,” according to Chicago media writer Robert Feder.

Kaufmann, who’s been off the air since October 6, said Monday he hopes to return soon. He declined to comment further on the matter.

Part-time hosts Matt Bubala, Amy Guth, Rob Hart, Brian Noonan and James VanOsdol will take turns filling in from 7 to 11 p.m. weeknights for the time being, according to Todd Manley, vice president of programming and content at WGN.

Throughout the Cubs playoff run, the station also will air a series of post-game specials featuring Mark Carman, Andy Masur, Adam Hoge and Connor McKnight, Manley said.

The 41-year-old Kaufmann joined WGN last April after 21 years as a producer at Chicago Public Media WBEZ 91.5 FM.