R.I.P.: Lorna Gladstone, Former WGN Radio Program Director

Lorna Gladstone, a former program director at WGN Radio, passed away, with the news announced on Wednesday. 

Gladstone

Specific details about the date or cause of her death are not provided. Gladstone was a significant figure in radio programming, known for her innovative contributions to news, talk, and sports radio formats across multiple markets, including Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit.

 
At WGN Radio, she was instrumental in pairing popular hosts Kathy & Judy, a move credited with boosting the station's appeal. She also served as program director at WDFN in Detroit, where she made notable hires, including sports broadcaster Rob Parker in 199
4, who described her as a compassionate and visionary leader. 

Beyond WGN, Gladstone helped launch KFAN in Minneapolis and was recognized for her talent development and strategic solutions in radio management.

Sad news Radio Programming Legend Lorna Gladstone Passed Away. WGN Radio. Also innovative in Sports Radio too. Minneapolis, Detroit, and other markets. Understood the format unlike many others. Taught many along the way, myself included.

— Mitch Rosen (@MitchRosen670) June 19, 2025

Her professional background extended to teaching literature and writing at the university level, and she was a full-time volunteer with Educate Bwindi, serving as vice president and a founding member. 

Tributes on X from colleagues like Mitch Rosen, Adam Hoge, and Rob Parker highlight her mentorship and impact, noting her ability to understand and elevate radio formats. She was remembered as a beloved figure who left a lasting legacy in broadcasting and her community.