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Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Chicago Radio: Steve King, Johnny Putman To Host New Show For WGN


Beginning Saturday, January 7, veteran broadcasters Steve King and Johnnie Putman return to WGN Radio, hosting Saturday overnights from 9pm to 2am.

“Returning to the Saturday nighttime slot is a full circle moment for us. Our first regular show as a duo on WGN Radio was in February 1985 – on a Saturday night. Coming back to WGN for version 2.0 seemed like a fun idea,” wrote Steve King and Johnnie Putman. “Of course, we’ll be revisiting some of our most popular features, but we’re looking forward to seeing where version 2.0 takes us. We’re throwing a Saturday night party for our friends – and there’s no dress code!”

The award-winning husband-and-wife duo were two of the longest-running hosts on WGN and in the overnight slot for nearly three decades until December 2011. Steve and Johnnie were on the forefront of tech with segments like “Website Wednesdays” long before computers were a household item. Their shows frequently featured musicians, from the up-and-coming to the well-established, including the late guitar legend Les Paul who was a longtime friend and frequent on-air guest. The couple authored the Les Paul memoir “A Little More Les” in 2015.


“I know Steve and Johnnie’s return to a regular Saturday night show will be warmly welcomed by longtime loyal fans and new listeners alike,” said WGN Radio vice president and general manager Mary Boyle. “Before their ‘retirement’ in 2011, Steve and Johnnie owned our WGN overnight airwaves for 26 years. Back then and on their guest spots since, they always present entertainment, interviews, and information in their inimitable, ‘homespun comfort’ style of earnest, friendly listener interaction.”

Over the past few years, Steve and Johnnie have been heard on WGN Radio as fill-ins around the clock and hosting special shows like New Year’s Eve.

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