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: 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: WKQX-FM Makes Illinois R&R Hall of Fame

Read IDs Below

Cumulus Media announces that Q101/WKQX-FM, Chicago’s Alternative music station, was inducted into the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 on Sunday. The induction ceremony was held at the historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.

Q101 was inducted into the 2025 class of the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Radio Station category, alongside the combined 2024 and 2025 Hall of Fame induction classes, which included 2025 inductees Head East and Enuff Z’Nuff in the Artist/Performer category; Tim Drummond, the late former bassist for Neil Young and Bob Dylan, in the Songwriter category; and others across multiple categories.

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees included Grammy Award-winner singer/songwriter Richard Marx, The Smashing Pumpkins, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Bo Diddley in the Artist/Performer category, and other inductees across multiple categories. Other honorees included Disturbed, which received the President’s Choice Award.

Marv Nyren, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Chicago, said: “I have had the honor of working with the teams and talent of Q101 for over 15 years and a brand that evolves with the times that continues to be the standard for Alternative music and personalities for Chicago. It’s as bright a future as we’ve seen in years with this group of people and James Kurdziel at the helm.”

James Kurdziel, Q101 Program Director and Vice President, Classic/Modern Rock, Cumulus Media, said: “We pride ourselves on being a part of and a reflection of our community. This honor validates that mission. We’re very proud of it and share the honor with all who have been a part of the Q101 story.”

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information and for a complete list of Hall of Fame inductees, visit: www.RoadToRock.org.
To stream Q101, visit: https://www.q101.com/.

Chicago Radio: WLS-AM Adds Fox News Audio Content

Cumulus Media News/Talk station 890 WLS-AM announces that it has partnered with FOX News Audio to deliver its popular news talk content to Chicago radio listeners. 

The FOX News Audio content to air on 890 WLS-AM includes The Guy Benson Show, which airs live from 2:00pm-5:00pm weekdays, hourly news updates, breaking news coverage, and long-form specials. The FOX News Audio content debuts today on 890 WLS-AM and complements 890 WLS-AM’s continued local news coverage and talk programming.

Marv Nyren, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Chicago, said: “We are thrilled to deliver the FOX News Audio product to our listeners, as it perfectly aligns with 890 WLS-AM and will give the audience a news service that meets their expectations.”

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: "We are delighted to begin this partnership with FOX News Audio on the Big 89. FOX News is a perfect fit for WLS-AM audiences."

John Sylvester, Senior Vice President of FOX News Audio, said: “FOX News Audio is excited to partner with WLS-AM, bringing our signature talk programming, breaking news coverage, top-of-the-hour updates, and long-form specials to better serve our dedicated listeners in Chicago.”

Chicago Radio: Ray Stevens Re-Ups for Mornings At WLS-AM

Cumulus Media announces that it has re-signed popular Chicagoland radio personality, Ray Stevens, as On-Air Host, Mornings, on Chicago News/Talk station 890 WLS-AM. 

Stevens will continue to entertain and inform morning radio audiences on his popular 890 WLS-AM morning program, “The Ray Stevens Show,” and can be heard Monday through Friday from 6:00am-9:00am. Stevens' show debuted last June and has quickly become a morning ritual for Chicago’s passionate talk radio listeners.

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 instrumental in bringing Conservative content to morning drive on the Big 89. His energy, his experience, and his ability to deliver the local lens of the right conversation has been invaluable for our listeners. We look forward to the continued growth and success of 890 WLS with Ray Stevens in morning drive."

Ray Stevens commented: "Excited to continue doing wake ups in my hometown of Chicago. I love that WLS management always supports my wild ideas. Ideas that make our city better for every neighborhood and everybody! Pets included! We have a lot of work to do, and we are doing it!”

🎧To stream WLS-AM 890, visit: https://www.wlsam.com/.

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: 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: 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: Happy 100-Years to WLS-AM

Cumulus Media's News/Talk station WLS-AM 890 celebrated 100 years on-air Friday. On April 12, 1924, at 6:00pm, an experiment in radio took to the airwaves and “W-L-S, The Sears-Roebuck Station, Chicago!” was live on-air. 100 years later, the station looks back to honor those who made 890 WLS-AM what it is today. What started as a station for farmers evolved into the epicenter for rock ‘n’ roll in the 60s and 70s and for the past 30 years, has been the home for news and talk in Chicago.

WLS-AM 890 will air a two-part 100 anniversary special on Saturday, April 13th and on Sunday, April 14th, from 4:00pm-8:00pm each day, hosted by Jeff Davis.

Marv Nyren, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Chicago, said: “WLS is bigger than a destination on your radio dial – it’s a Chicago institution and treasure. 100 years ago, radio was simply sound communication via radio waves but there's nothing simple about the impact of WLS on Chicago. WLS has been a neighbor, a friend, and a mentor for people in Chicagoland. It's been a place where people can go for entertainment and information - and it’s been a companion to the biggest moments in history. We are excited to usher in WLS-AM’s next 100 years with Chicago’s best audio content on-air, online, on-demand, and onsite.”

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, commented: "We are not bound by physical limits. WLS is on your phone, your smart speakers, in your car, and on your desktop. Our signal only grows in this digital world, and we will continue to grow and evolve thanks to our amazing team. Please join us in wishing the Big 89 a Happy 100th Birthday and here's to the next century of WLS, radio, and Chicago!”

🎧For more information or to stream WLS-AM 890, visit: https://www.wlsam.com/.

🎧WLS Makes Radio History: HERE

Chicago Radio: “Round Trip” Celebrates 100th Episode on WLS-AM

Colleen Kelly

Cumulus Media announces that Chicago News/Talk radio station 890 WLS-AM’s resident weekend travel show, “Round Trip With Colleen Kelly,” which airs on Sundays from 6:00pm-7:00pm, will be celebrating its 100th episode on Sunday, November 12, 2023, in a special program that will air at 1:00pm. 

The program is hosted by travel expert, Colleen Kelly, Host, Creator, and Executive Producer of the popular Emmy-nominated PBS series, “Family Travel With Colleen Kelly,” and digital contributor to National Geographic. The series is also co-hosted and produced by Megan Kudla, Travel Producer, Writer, and Production Manager, as well as technically produced and edited by Lane Thoelcke, Board Operator and Producer at 890 WLS-AM. “Round Trip With Colleen Kelly” covers exploration, cuisine, and culture, along with travel tips and the newest travel supplies.

For the past two years, Kelly has taken listeners on the road and overseas to destinations near and far. Along the way, Kelly has shared insider travel information with the help of experts from around the world, highlighting both well-known and beloved travel sites, as well as hidden gems and small businesses. “Round Trip With Colleen Kelly” is destination listening at its best for all travel enthusiasts, delighting listeners with a passion for travel - from armchair travelers to world travelers.

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.”

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: 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: 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 New Radio Home of NASCAR

Cumulus Meida  announces that 890 WLS-AM Chicago has signed a three-year deal with the Motor Racing Network, the voice of MASCAR, to air the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2023.

The announcement comes on the heels of the news that the City of Chicago has signed a three-year deal with NASCAR as the home of the first-ever Chicago Street Race. The unprecedented 12-turn, 2.2-mile Chicago Street Race will take the Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series past and through many of Chicago’s most renowned downtown landmarks during Fourth of July Weekend, July 1-2, 2023.

“We are so excited to partner with WLS-AM to deliver the excitement of NASCAR’s 75th season to race fans across the Chicago metro,” said Chris Schwartz, President of Motor Racing Network. “And, as we look ahead to next summer, the first-ever street race in NASCAR’s history will take place on Chicago’s city streets. This event will be like nothing we’ve ever seen and is sure to be a highlight of the 2023 season!”

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: "We are thrilled to be the new Chicago radio home of NASCAR and we look forward to growing this new partnership as we gear up for the first-ever Chicago Street Race next summer - and what promises to be an unforgettable Fourth of July weekend."

Motor Racing Network, now in its 53rd year of broadcasting, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NASCAR (The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) and is the primary source for NASCAR stock car racing and related radio programming.

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.

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: 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 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."

Chicago Radio: 'Round Trip' Takes-Off This Weekend On WLS-AM

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that Chicago News/Talk radio station WLS 890 AM will debut a new weekend travel show, “Round Trip With Colleen Kelly” on Sunday, September 5th, from 6:00pm-7:00pm. 

Colleen Kelly

The program is hosted by travel expert Colleen Kelly, digital contributor to National Geographic and Travel + Leisure and host, creator and executive producer of the popular Emmy-nominated PBS series, “Family Travel With Colleen Kelly.” 

Every Sunday evening on 890 WLS-AM, Kelly takes listeners on the road and overseas to destinations near and far. “Round Trip With Colleen Kelly” covers exploration, cuisine and culture, along with travel tips and the newest travel supplies, along with some of the best small businesses to support domestically and abroad. The one-hour show is destination listening at its best for all travel enthusiasts, from armchair travelers to world travelers.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, 890 WLS-AM, said: “Audiences are hungry for travel and adventure. We’re excited to welcome back Colleen Kelly to the Big 89 as she takes our listeners on an audio journey each Sunday night from 6pm-7pm on WLS-AM.”

Colleen Kelly remarked: "I am thrilled to be working with the legendary WLS team and Cumulus Media, bringing audiences the latest in travel news, tips, and destinations on 'Round Trip with Colleen Kelly.' It is always an honor and a pleasure to work with and create work at the WLS AM radio station...What a fantastic opportunity to connect with not only dedicated Chicago listeners but also listeners from across the U.S.”