Chicago Radio: Stephanie Tichenor New PD For WLS 890 AM

Stephanie Tichenor

Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed two Chicago news professionals to the WLS-AM 890 team.

Stephanie Tichenor joins WLS-AM as the new Program Director for WLS-AM 890.

Cumulus also announces that it has named Lauren Cohn to the WLS-AM on-air news team. The two appointments are effective immediately.

Tichenor joins WLS-AM 890 from WGN where she is currently Director of News & Operations. She has held positions including Operations Manager, Assistant Program Director and Executive Producer during her tenure at WGN.

Cohn joins WLS-AM 890 after several stops in Chicago television news, including Fox Chicago, CBS 2 Chicago and ABC 7 Chicago. She has also been a contributing reporter and fill-in host on WLS-AM.

Marv Nyren, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Chicago, said: “All of us at WLS-AM 890 are thrilled to have someone with the experience and talent that Stephanie brings as WLS enters its 95th year of broadcasting. Stephanie completes the rebuild of a legendary brand and positions the station for  growth in 2019 and beyond. Her history in Chicago will give her the insight and knowledge to positively affect our local and nationally syndicated programming for our Chicago audience.”

Lauren Cohen

Nyren added: “Lauren Cohn has been a valuable part of WLS-AM 890 for years as a part-time contributor that we will now be able to utilize on a full-time basis. Lauren’s media experience in Chicago television, print, podcasting and radio, makes her uniquely qualified to give the WLS audience a reason to listen on a daily basis. Her journalism background and political knowledge fit perfectly within the station’s focus.”

Tichenor said: "While I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such amazing talent at WGN Radio for over a decade, I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my career at another legendary Chicago radio station, WLS-AM."

Cohn said: “I am very excited to be back at WLSAM890 full time working with a great news team. Thank you to Marv Nyren for the opportunity. I am grateful I get to continue to do what I love to do covering local and national news every day in a city I adore."

Chicago Radio: Program Director Stephanie Tichenor Exits WLS AM

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director of heritage news/talk station WLS-AM 890 in Chicago, has left Cumulus Media after seven years in the role.

A Cumulus Media spokesperson confirmed Tichenor’s departure to Media Confidential Friday evening. No reason for her exit was disclosed, and the company has not announced a successor or timetable for a replacement.

Chicago Radio: Exit of WLS-AM Program Director Was a Budget Cut

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director of heritage news/talk station WLS-AM 890 in Chicago, apparently was a Cumulus Media budget cut after seven years in the role.

A Cumulus Media spokesperson confirmed Tichenor’s departure Friday evening. The company has not announced a successor or timetable for a replacement.

Stephanie Tichnor

Tichenor announced the news via Linkedin Saturday stating: "Radio is changing here in Chicago and across the country. I was laid off yesterday. I worked with the Cumulus Media as Program Director and Director of Social Media for over 7 years. I worked with a wonderful team of professionals and I will cherish the friendships I have made. I'm grateful for my family and friends who support me, love me, and make me laugh every day. What's next? she asked. I'm not sure. I am anxious. I am sad. Mostly I am hopeful."

Tichenor joined WLS-AM in March 2019 after serving as Director of News and Operations at crosstown rival WGN Radio. During her tenure, she guided the station through significant programming shifts, including a move toward more conservative syndicated content. 

Chicago ranks as the third-largest radio market in the United States, making WLS-AM — a historic brand known as “The Big 89” — a key property for Cumulus. The implications of Tichenor’s departure for the station’s future direction remain unclear as leadership evaluates next steps.

Chicago Radio: Veteran News Anchor Joins WLS 890 AM

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that legendary Chicago News/Talk radio station WLS 890 AM has appointed Judy Pielach as the new on-air contributor for The Bruce St. James Show. 

A two-time Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and news anchor, Pielach is a 32-year veteran of Chicago News/Talk radio. She was previously afternoon news anchor on WGN Radio. The Bruce St. James Show, Chicagoland’s newest morning program, airs Monday through Friday from 5:30am-9am on WLS 890 AM. 

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, WLS 890 AM, said: “Judy Pielach is a radio force majeure that has delivered the news to Chicago audiences for decades. Now, her strong voice, wit, and wisdom will be heard every weekday morning on 890 WLS-AM from 5:30am to 9am on The Bruce St James Show, where she and Bruce will entertain and inform our Chicagoland listeners. Judy is a perfect match for Bruce. She’s local, she’s funny and she knows the news that Chicago is talking about.”

Pielach commented: "When I left an iconic radio station two years ago seeking a new adventure, I never imagined I'd find it at another iconic radio station. It turns out, I just can't stop talking. And, I especially like talking to Bruce. Really looking forward to the conversation on 890 WLS! A big thank you to Stephanie Tichenor for giving me this opportunity.“

Chicago Radio: Ray Stevens Debuts On Talk WLS-AM

Ray Stevens

Cumulus Media announces that it has named popular Chicagoland radio personality, Ray Stevens, as On-Air Host, Mornings, on Chicago News/Talk station 890 WLS-AM. Stevens kicked off his new morning show on 890 WLS-AM today and can be heard Monday through Friday from 5:30am-9:00am.

Stevens, known on-air as “Ramblin’ Ray Stevens,” is an award-winning News/Talk and Country radio host and television personality. A fixture for many years at Chicago’s US 99/WUSN-FM and 890 WLS-AM, Stevens was honored by the Country Music Association as Major Market Personality of the Year in 2010 and for four consecutive years, was honored as the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Major Market Talent of the Year. Stevens has also been heard nationwide on Westwood One’s Country’s Cutting Edge, and on United Stations’ Serving Your Country.

Stevens received the Semper Fi Award from the U.S. Marines for his work on behalf of U.S. servicemen and women at home and abroad, the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian by the U.S. Marines. He is an avid supporter of PAWS Chicago, 100 Club Chicago, Illinois State Crime Commission, Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: "Ray has been part of the fabric of The Big 89 for years. We're thrilled to have him back in morning drive on 890 WLS-AM."

Ray Stevens commented: "I am beyond ecstatic to be back doing mornings at WLS and 890 in my hometown. Special thanks to Marv Nyren and Stephanie Tichenor for having faith and believing in me. Also special thanks to Cumulus KCMO, Donna Baker, and Pete Mundo who've let me work middays at the radio station for the better part of the year. I can't wait to get to work and be on the air at the legendary 890 WLS-AM talking NASCAR, politics, football, and everything that makes us the greatest city in the world!"

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Adds Kim Gordon for PM Drive News

Kim Gordon

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed Kim Gordon as News Anchor, Afternoon Drive, for Talk WLS 890AM. Gordon can be heard on 890 WLS-AM Monday through Friday in the afternoon and from 4:00pm-7:00pm during The John Howell Show.

Gordon joins Cumulus Chicago and 890 WLS-AM following a 15-year broadcast journalism career with Chicago’s WGN Radio, where she was most recently News Anchor, Afternoon Drive. She started her career at WHAS Radio in Louisville, KY, where she won an Associated Press Broadcasters Award for local team coverage in Louisville during the September 11th attacks and a 2015 Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association for her work on “Fighting Hunger Chicago Style: Food Insecurities and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.”

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: “Finding the facts and reporting the news has never been an easy job. Doing it in this environment hasn’t made it any easier. You need experience and grit to craft a meaningful, accurate newscast and Kim Gordon has both of those qualities in spades.”

Tichenor added: “I’m delighted to have Kim join our 890 WLS-AM News Team as the PM Drive Anchor. Her attention to facts and detail will enhance our news product and yes, she can probably teach John Howell a thing or two about golf.”

Gordon commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the WLS news team and to be working with John Howell in the afternoons. It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of John Dempsey. I’ve long admired his integrity and passion for news. I hope to continue that legacy at WLS.”

Chicago Radio: Nick Gale Upped to News Director At WLS-AM

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has promoted award-winning broadcast journalist Nick Gale to News Director for 890 WLS-AM in Chicago, IL. Gale will continue to serve the station as News Anchor for Morning Drive, a position he has held since 2020. 

A native of suburban Glenview, IL, Gale has been behind a microphone since 1994, when he got his start in broadcasting at Glenbrook South High School radio station WGBK-FM. After graduating from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. degree in Radio and Political Science, Gale worked as News Director at a five-station radio group in LaSalle-Peru, IL, and later as a reporter and anchor at WOKV-AM in Jacksonville, FL. He then came home to Chicago and spent six years with the Illinois Radio Network covering state government for 50 affiliates, and also worked part-time at WLS before joining full-time in 2013.

Nick Gale

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: “There’s a spot in Chicago, below Michigan Ave, where the sun rarely shines, and the conversation is always flowing. It’s the Billy Goat Tavern, a haven for the kings and queens of Chicago print and on-air journalism, and it’s where for the past 8 years, Nick Gale has ordered a fried egg sandwich to go as he began the short walk to the NBC Tower to start his news shift at 890 WLS-AM. Nick, like the Billy Goat Tavern, is reliable, relatable, and fulfilling. That is why he’s the perfect person for the News Director position at 890 WLS-AM. He is exactly what Chicago news needs right now and I look forward to working with him to enhance our news product for our listeners.”

Gale commented: “As the great John Dempsey signs off, it is humbling to even have been considered for the position that he and others synonymous with Chicago radio and WLS have held (think Jennifer Keiper, Steve Scott, Bud Miller). I am proud to say that all have been my mentors over the years (thanks, Bud, for setting up a tour of the station with Steve when I was just a kid in college; thank you, Jen, for giving me a chance all those years ago; and Dempsey... well... you're just the best! Congrats on your retirement!).”

Gale added: “I have big shoes to fill and look forward to working with our newsroom team in keeping the "Big 89" a place where Chicago can turn to for all the news and information they need through the day. Thank you to Stephanie, Marv and the rest of the management team at Cumulus for the opportunity."

Chicago Radio: WLS Promotes Mallory Vor Broker To Reporter

Mallory Vor Broker

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed Mallory Vor Broker as reporter for 890 WLS-AM. Vor Broker will cover Chicago City Hall and the political beat for 890 WLS-AM, filling the role vacated by Bill Cameron, who retired on August 20th after a momentous 51-year career.

Vor Broker joins the 890 News Team from The John Howell Show on 890 WLS-AM, where she was Executive Producer for the past two and a half years. 

She also served as a producer for Steve Dahl, Roe Conn and Lauren Cohn during her nearly 10 years as a producer for Cumulus Chicago. Before joining Cumulus, she was an assistant producer for CBS Radio. Vor Broker holds a B.A. degree in English Creative Writing from Ohio University and a Master’s degree in Journalism from Roosevelt University.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: “As our new City Hall Reporter, Mallory will tell the latest local news stories that matter to Chicago. She brings a fresh perspective and deep experience as a storyteller to this integral role. We look forward to continuing WLS’ superb coverage of City Hall and welcome Mallory to the 890 News Team.”

Nick Gale, News Director, 890 WLS-AM, commented: “While Bill Cameron has left some big shoes to fill, Mallory joins the team equipped with the knowledge of how Chicago-style politics work and a Rolodex to compliment that. We welcome Mallory to the team, knowing she is well prepared to keep WLS listeners informed on what's happening at the hall as well as down in Springfield.”

Vor Broker remarked: “I am thrilled to begin my new role as City Hall Reporter for WLS-AM 890. It's a great opportunity to cover the dynamic political landscape in Chicago and Illinois after years of producing high-profile shows. I look forward to continuing to bring high-quality, thoughtful reporting to WLS-AM 890.”

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM To Air Fire Soccer

Chicago Fire FC and Cumulus Media have announced a multi-year partnership to deliver local English-language radio broadcasts. With this partnership, the Chicago Fire’s regular season and playoff matches will be broadcast live in English on 890 WLS-AM or online at wlsam.com, providing more broadcast options for Fire fans in the Chicagoland region.

"We're thrilled to announce WLS-AM as the new home of our English-language radio broadcasts," said Dave Baldwin, Chicago Fire FC President of Business Operations. "This exciting partnership will bring more content to our fans and create opportunities for new fans to connect with our Club throughout the week and on matchday. We can't wait to launch our inaugural broadcast live from Soldier Field this weekend."

WLS-AM becomes the newest local broadcast partner for the Fire, joining TUDN 1200 AM which broadcasts the Club’s matches in Spanish each week. The partnership with WLS-AM will officially kick off with a live broadcast on 890 WLS-AM this Saturday, April 29 for the Fire’s 7:30 p.m. CT home match against the New York Red Bulls. Leading into the contest, a 30-minute pregame show will air live on 890 WLS-AM, beginning at 7 p.m. CT to preview the ensuing matchup and major storylines.

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Promotes Bret Gogoel to Exec Producer

Bret Gogoel

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed Bret Gogoel as Executive Producer of The John Howell Show on Chicago News/Talk radio station WLS 890 AM. 

Gogoel steps up to fill the role vacated by Mallory Vor Broker, who is now on-air reporter for 890 WLS-AM, covering Chicago City Hall and the political beat for 890 WLS-AM following the retirement of Bill Cameron. The John Howell Show breaks down the news of the day through a Chicago lens with local tastemakers and newsmakers, and airs live on WLS-AM weekdays from 4pm–7pm. 

Gogoel has been a technical producer, fill-in producer and podcast manager for WLS-AM 890 since 2017 and was former play-by-play announcer for the Windy City Bulls basketball team. He holds a BBA degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: “I am delighted to announce that Bret Gogoel will be the new executive producer of The John Howell Show. Bret has worked for Cumulus for over four years and during his tenure has worn many hats including producing the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, the PoPo Report, the Trip Sisters and more. Bret has also been an integral ‘pinch-hitter’ producer who has regularly filled in to produce drive time programs. He is the perfect fit for our afternoon drive team.” 

Bret Gogoel commented: "I couldn't be more excited to step into the big shoes left by Mallory and work with a consummate professional like John Howell. I hope to take everything I've learned from my time here at WLS and continue to put out a top-notch product."

D-C Radio: WTOP Adds Kim Komando's Short Form Feature

Kim Komando, the nation’s most trusted radio host and tech expert, is thrilled to announce a partnership with Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP Washington, DC. The esteemed radio station joins an expanding roster of affiliates for her highly anticipated daily feature, the Digital Life Hack. With this exclusive offering, Kim Komando shares insider secrets to empower listeners to unlock the full potential of their digital lives, catering to a diverse audience across music and spoken word radio formats.

Today, technology is infused into every aspect of our lives. Kim Komando’s daily programs transcend barriers, enhancing the lives of listeners from all backgrounds. “I’m thrilled to join forces with the industry leader, WTOP, to bring invaluable tech insights to their discerning audience,” says Komando.

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.

Chicago Radio: Larry Kudlow Show Expands To WLS 890 AM

Cumulus Media  announces that 890 WLS-AM Chicago will launch a new Sunday night talk radio show hosted by Larry Kudlow, one of the most recognized voices in radio, on television, and in print, and Former Director of the National Economic Council of the United States from 2018-2021. 

The Larry Kudlow Show will air on 890 WLS-AM from 8:00pm-9:00pm and will debut on Sunday, February 5th.

In the weekly one-hour show, Kudlow shares with 890 WLS-AM listeners his perspective on the state of the markets, the economy, and politics. An unapologetic supporter of capitalism and free markets, he shares his insight and expertise to better navigate tomorrow’s evolving economic and political terrain. Kudlow also currently hosts the Fox Business television show Kudlow weeknights from 4:00pm-7:00pm and is the host of The Larry Kudlow Show on WABC Radio in New York, heard Saturdays from 10:00am-1:00pm.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: “We are delighted to welcome back to 890 WLS-AM, a listener favorite, Larry Kudlow. Larry's financial expertise will be a perfect addition to our weekend lineup.”

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Host Bill Cameron Sets Retirement

Bill Cameron, legendary Chicago political reporter and Host of CUMULUS MEDIA’s 890 WLS-AM Sunday evening radio show, Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron, announces his retirement after a brilliant 51-year career. 

Cameron’s last day on-air will be Friday, August 20, 2021, which, fittingly, is his 21st anniversary at 890 WLS-AM. He will share stories and insights from his remarkable tenure covering the good, the bad and the ugly of Chicago politics with 890 WLS-AM listeners on The Bruce St James Show from 5:30am-9:00am, and later on The John Howell Show from 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Cameron, who until the demise of WMAQ Radio was its political editor, is considered the “dean” of radio political reporters in Chicago. He joined the Chicago City Hall beat in 1970. In addition to daily reporting of Chicago politics, he has hosted and produced weekly public affairs programs, including the current Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron at 7:00pm Sundays on 890 WLS-AM, featuring leading newsmakers and political reporters.

Cameron’s coverage of Chicago politics began with Mayor Richard J. Daley and includes the “revolving-door administration” of Mayor Jane Byrne, the “Council Wars” of the city’s first black mayor, Harold Washington, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel and now Lori Lightfoot. Bill was also on the scene for many other famous Chicago stories including the tragic plane crashes and train accidents of the ’70s, the grisly mass murders of John Wayne Gacy, and the scandals that have sent so many governors and other politicians to prison. His audio archive of these events plus humor and songs of Chicago politics, have given his work at WLS an added dimension. From this archive, Cameron reported and produced four albums, “Mayor Daley on the Record”, “Remembering Harold”, “Blago’s Greatest Hits” and “Mayor Daley’s Greatest Hits”.

Cameron is the winner of two Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio & Television News Directors Association, shared in a Peabody Award, and has received numerous AP, UPI, and Gabriel awards for his work. He holds a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from Indiana University. The son of an Illinois High School Hall of Fame football coach, Fred Cameron, he has called football and basketball games on radio in addition to working as a trainer and referee in sports.

Bill Cameron said: “The time has come for me to plan my retirement. I’ve enjoyed covering Chicago politics very much, but half-a-century on the day-to-day beat is probably enough. Time to go visit many more national parks!“

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, commented: “No matter what the news entailed, you could always count on Bill to bring it to you accurately and without bias. Never swayed by the political winds of the day, Bill’s interviewing and reporting skills will not only be missed by us here at the Big 89 but by Chicago as a whole. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Nick Gale, News Director, 890 WLS-AM, remarked: “Bill is one of the most important cogs in the wheel that moves the needles at WLS. Having covered the City Hall beat since 1970, first with 670 WMAQ and later with WLS, Bill is a walking encyclopedia of political knowledge. Having covered nine mayors, numerous governors, as well as an endless stream of government corruption, his institutional knowledge of the ins and outs of city and state government will be greatly missed. Personally, I'm humbled to have been able to work with him and learn from him. I know I speak for everyone in the newsroom past and present when I say that we wish nothing but the best to the "dean" of Chicago political reporters as he prepares to enjoy a much-deserved retirement.”

Chicago Radio: Kim Gordon Nails WGN PM Drive News Anchor

Kim Gordon

Tribune Media's WGN 720 AM has announced that Kim Gordon will anchor the weekday afternoon drive news.  Gordon will assume a role as both a leader in the WGN Radio news room and an essential voice on The Roe Conn Show with Anna Davlantes, heard 3pm – 7pm.

“For more than a decade at WGN, Kim has been a key player in our newsroom and in our hallways. Her ability to gather and deliver news with a Chicago filter makes her the best voice for our afternoon drive team,” said Director of News and Operations Stephanie Tichenor.

Gordon started her career at WHAS Radio in Louisville, Kentucky and has been an anchor and reporter at WGN Radio for 12 years. Most recently she was heard anchoring midafternoon newscasts on WGN, Amazon’s Alexa Flash Briefings and MeTV FM News Minutes.

Kim Gordon won an Associated Press Broadcasters award for local team coverage in Louisville during the September 11th attacks and a 2015 Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association for “Fighting Hunger Chicago Style: Food Insecurities and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.”

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Launches Two Weekday News Programs

Cumulus Media announces that Chicago News/Talk radio station 890 WLS-AM debuts two new one-hour news programs this week, “The Closing Bell” and “PM Chicago,” airing weekdays at 3:00pm and 4:00pm, respectively. The shows are both hosted by 890 WLS-AM news anchor, Bret Gogoel.

When the markets close, “The Closing Bell” begins, every Monday through Friday from 3:00pm-4:00pm on 890 WLS-AM. Host Bret Gogoel takes listeners through a wrap of local, national, and global business news as he chats with Chicago’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and CEOs. Alongside news anchors Kim Gordon, Nick Gale, and Annie Krall, Gogoel shares the latest tech, consumer, and local business news, and why it matters to Chicagoans and their wallets.

 On the drive home each weekday from 4:00pm-5:00pm, Host Bret Gogoel and the WLS Newsroom team share Chicago’s local news that matters on “PM Chicago.” From politics and education to crime and health, “PM Chicago “shines the spotlight on local stories that are important to Chicagoans, with reports from Kim Gordon, Nick Gale, and Annie Krall.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: " I am delighted to be adding local news and business programs for our listeners in the afternoons. Bret has risen through the ranks at WLS from a part-time board operator to news anchor and host and he is the perfect fit to helm these new offerings.”

Bret Gogoel, On-Air Host, 890 WLS-AM’s “The Closing Bell” and “PM Chicago,” commented: “I'm beyond excited to host The Closing Bell and PM Chicago on WLS. Listeners deserve to hear the latest, unbiased news about their money and their city, and I look forward to providing that on a daily basis.”

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Adds Rich Valdes 'America At Night'

Cumulus Media’s 890 WLS-AM announces that it has added nationally syndicated talk radio show, “Rich Valdés America at Night” to its weekday programming lineup, turning up nights in Chicagoland on the award-winning station. “Rich Valdés America at Night”. The live show airs on 890 WLS-AM Monday through Friday from 9:00pm-Midnight.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: “‘Rich Valdés America at Night’ is America’s new nighttime town hall and is the perfect fit for late nights on 890 WLS-AM. Valdés talks with politicians, influencers, entertainers, and ordinary Americans from all walks of life in a highly engaging format made for Chicago late night talk radio. With the show’s ‘Open Phone America,’ Chicagoans can weigh in on the discussion with their own thoughts and takes on the day,”

Rich Valdés commented: “I first connected with listeners on the legendary WLS in 2019 as a fill-in host for 'The Great One' Mark Levin, and absolutely loved connecting with Chicagoans that called in. At the time, I thought to myself, 'If I ever get a syndicated show, I’ve got to be on WLS!' You can only imagine how thrilled I was to hear that we were moving into a LIVE time slot on WLS in Chicago, one of America’s top markets. It’s an honor and a blessing to be on WLS and we’ve already gotten some positive feedback from callers since our launch this month. Looking forward to many more late-night national town hall conversations with WLS listeners. ‘Hasta la próxima’ - Until next time, America!”

“Rich Valdés America at Night” is syndicated by Westwood One and is now heard on 225 stations across the U.S., including in nine of the Top 10 U.S. markets.

For more information or to stream WLS-AM 890, visit: https://www.wlsam.com/. For more information on “Rich Valdés America at Night,” visit: https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/news-and-talk/daily-talk/rich-valdes-america-at-night/.

Chicago Radio: News Vet Bill Cameron Returns To WLS For Show

Cumulus Media announces that legendary Chicago political reporter Bill Cameron will rejoin Cumulus Chicago’s 890 WLS-AM as Producer and Host of “Take 1 with Bill Cameron,” a new weekly radio program and podcast that debuts on Sunday, May 1st, and airs every Sunday from 5:00p-6:00pm. 

Cameron retired from full-time reporting in August 2021 after more than 50 years of covering Chicago politics. “Take 1 with Bill Cameron” will present Cameron’s unedited interviews with Chicago newsmakers and discussions about local breaking news. His first guest on Sunday, May 1st, is Senator Dick Durbin

“It’s impossible to walk away from Chicago,” Cameron said. “This is the city with politics that wouldn’t be believable in a movie script, architecture that architects worldwide come to study, Nobel Prize-winning intellectuals, nationally renowned restaurants, performing arts, and museums, eight professional sports teams that alternately thrill and confound diehard fans, and more than 200 diverse neighborhoods in 78 community areas.”

“Take 1 with Bill Cameron” is the kind of program ideally suited to radio,” Cameron said. “Ask a question, get out of the way, don’t interrupt, and let interesting people tell their stories – no sound bites, no spin, no shouting, no editing.”

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, commented: ““We are delighted to welcome back Bill Cameron to the Big 89. The news doesn’t stop and neither does Bill.”

Cameron, a longtime fixture in Chicago broadcasting, has won local and national recognition throughout his esteemed career – including a Peabody Award, two Edward R. Murrow awards, two Gabriel Awards, and more than a score of awards from the Associated Press and United Press International.

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Snags Steve Cochran For Mornings

Steve Cochran

Cumulus Media’s WLS 890 AM today announced a proven winner in Chicago radio will bring his talent and deep Chicago roots to “The Steve Cochran Show,” a new morning talk show that will air weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. beginning June 15, 2022.

“I'm delighted to welcome Steve to our team, where I know he will bring his wisdom, wit, and political prowess to morning drive,” said Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director WLS-AM 890. “Our listeners need a place to feel safe to express their opinions while having a destination for entertainment, news, and, of course, conservative conversation. Steve will provide that for our Chicagoland audience. I'm looking forward to growing 890 with Steve Cochran in the mornings.”

“Like thousands of others, I did my homework listening to The Big 89 WLS when I was a kid,” added Cochran. “It's an honor to say those call letters, and I can't wait to get started.”

Steve Cochran made Chicago his home after hosting hit radio shows in Minneapolis, L.A., and New York City. He did his time on TV and in films but always found his way home to radio. After all these years, he's never been busier, with writing, standup comedy, and podcasts including Live From My Office and The Deep 6 available wherever you get your podcasts. At this crucial time, he wants to give Chicago the talk show it needs and deserves every morning on The BIG 89 WLS.

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Adds Jane Clauss To The Morning Show

Cumulus Media has announced that Chicago radio and television personality Jane Clauss has joined the WLS 890 AM on-air team as Morning Show Contributor for The Steve Cochran Show. Clauss debuted this week as a member of the 890 WLS-AM morning show team and can be heard weekdays from 5:30am-9:00am.

Jane Clauss

A two-time EMMY Award winner, Clauss is host of Creative Living, which airs nationally on the Yurview network, and hosts Arizona Living: Your Home Your Inspiration show and Craft Room Crash series on CLIXTV. She was the longtime host of Living Healthy Chicago on WGN-TV. Clauss can be heard on the Creative Living podcast available on all major podcast platforms

Clauss has hosted television shows across the country including Create & Craft USA on Direct TV and was correspondent for Metro Mix, Behind the Bubbly, and House Smarts. As an entertainment reporter, Clauss hosted the Around Town feature for KTVK TV-3 in Phoenix, AZ. She is a familiar voice on Chicago radio, as host for various programs on WGN 720 AM, and as morning and afternoon show co-host on Rock station 97.9 The Loop/WLUP-FM. She was also the in-arena host for the NBA Atlanta Hawks and WNBA Chicago Sky.