Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 26, 2008 at 07:35:27:
Pat Cassidy officially joins WLS lineup today
It's official: Pat Cassidy is on the payroll and on the air at news/talk WLS-AM (890).
After a series of guest stints last week, the longtime Chicago radio star signs on full-time today at the Citadel Broadcasting station, appearing with midday host Jerry Agar from 9 to 11 a.m.
But all indications point to Cassidy soon joining Don Wade and Roma's morning show in a new role that's still being finalized.
Since 2000, he had anchored mornings at CBS Radio all-news WBBM-AM (780).
"I made the very tough decision to leave a great station like WBBM because, while talk radio will be a challenge, I know it'll be lots of fun," Cassidy said Monday. "I'm also confident WLS management will do whatever it takes to win big."
In addition to confirming Cassidy's new five-year deal, Mike Fowler, president and general manager of WLS, disclosed that he's in talks with the Wades on a multiyear renewal, ending speculation that they might be forced out when their current contract is up in November.
Over at Newsradio 780, station bosses seem to be in no hurry to hire a permanent replacement for Cassidy.
John Hultman, who came out of retirement to fill in alongside Felicia Middlebrooks, could keep the position open through the end of the year, officials said.
(Robert Feder)