Chicago Radio: 89WLS-AM Fires Cochran

In a surprising move, WLS-AM radio has abruptly canceled “The Steve Cochran Show,” along with “The Closing Bell” and “PM Chicago.”

The decision will reduce local programming by over half and replace it with syndicated conservative talk shows during the election season. 

Steve Cochran, a mainstay in Chicago radio for decades, will be replaced by another local host, Ramblin’ Ray Stevens, who is considered more conservative than Cochran. 

The changes also mean job losses for veteran Chicago radio personalities Andrea Darlas and Jane Clauss. The station’s shift toward more conservative programming aligns with a broader trend in the local radio market, where cost-cutting measures have affected other stations as well.

The big picture: Stevens is widely considered more conservative than Cochran.

"The Big 89 is leaning into the right side of talk with Matt Walsh and Michael Knowles replacing The Closing Bell and PM Chicago," WLS program director Stephanie Tichenor wrote in Friday's email.

The station, owned by Cumulus Media, already airs syndicated conservative shows hosted by Ben Shapiro and Mark Levin.

Context: Cochran has been a mainstay in Chicago radio for decades, with prior highly-rated morning and afternoon shows at WGN Radio.

The cuts are part of a cost-cutting trend in the local radio market. Both WBEZ and WBBM have recently laid off staff and cut back on local programming.

By the numbers: In last month's radio ratings, WLS had a 0.9 rating, good for 27th place in the market.