Posted by Bud on June 07, 2010 at 21:44:01:
Mike McConnell is coming to WGN-AM. McConnell's (now) previous radio station, WLW-AM is making the news official and openly admitting that McConnell gave notice, saying he was taking the Chicago radio job he was offered.
They are none too happy about it, either.
Even though McConnell's contract with the Clear Channel-owned WLW continues through the end of July, he has been yanked off the air by management. All mentions of him have been removed from their website as well. Although he can't be on the air before the end of July -- unless the Tribune makes special arrangements with Clear Channel, which is doubtful -- he can now spend a nice summer vacation getting ready for his new radio job and finding a new home in Chicago.
Clear Channel Cincinnati's President and Market Manger, Chuck Frederick, issued the following statement, patting McConnell on the back, while pushing him out the door: "We've long known that Chicago has represented a 'dream market' for Mike, and we firmly believe everyone has the right to chase their dreams. We wish him all the best."
Even though this has become public knowledge, WGN-AM management have yet to make an official announcement of their hiring McConnell. This may have to do with the fact they still need to clear a spot for him on their schedule.
McConnell previously held down the 9:00am-Noon time slot at WLW-AM.
His WLW co-worker, Bill Cunningham, is also expected to leave the Cincinnati station for WGN-AM this summer. He will be in Chicago this coming weekend to record a few test episodes of his new WGN-TV "Jerry Springer"/"Mort Downey Jr" type of reality talk show entitled "Willie." For now, he continues to hold down his WLW radio job, although his contract there also expires in just a few weeks and has not been extended.