Posted by chicagomedia.org on November 07, 2007 at 09:19:41:
In Reply to: WLIT: Delilah out, John Symons in? posted by chicagomedia.org on November 06, 2007 at 23:05:37:
: A check of wlit.com sure makes you think this is true.... waiting on official word.
One sappy host for another.
Delilah is out and "Love Notes" is in on the evening shift at WLIT-FM (93.9).
In the latest programming move at the Clear Channel Radio adult-contemporary station, the request, dedication and lovelorn advice show hosted by Delilah (full name: Delilah Rene Luke) has been axed after seven years.
Poor ratings were cited for dropping the insufferably sappy Seattle-based syndicated show, which had its last airing Monday.
Starting Thursday, Lite FM will replace Delilah with "Love Notes," hosted by John Symons. Airing from 7 p.m. to midnight seven nights a week, he'll be live on weeknights and on recorded voice tracks on weekends.
Symons' multiyear deal, signed Tuesday, was negotiated by agent Steve Mandell.
Until he was forced out last year, Symons hosted the popular "Love Notes" for eight years on Bonneville International's adult-contemporary WILV-FM (100.3) and its predecessor, WNND. He spent 11 years before that at WSNY-FM in Columbus, Ohio.
"It has been a little over a year since I have been on the air, but a day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought about the wonderful people who I was lucky enough to spend the nights with," Symons said. "I'm hoping they can once again make room for me on their dance cards."
It's the second time in recent weeks that Lite FM has dropped a major show distributed by Clear Channel's Premiere Radio Networks in favor of a local one. Whoopi Goldberg's syndicated morning show was replaced last month by Melissa Forman.
"We need a local Chicago show at night on the Lite to embrace our wonderful city," said Darren Davis, vice president of programming and operations for Clear Channel in Chicago.
"John brings such a special twist to nighttime radio, with a proven Chicago track record, I am delighted to get the show started. With Melissa Forman back in mornings, and now John to round out the lineup, the Lite is set."
Since Friday, Lite FM has been playing nothing but Christmas music. "The Holiday Lite" will continue through December.