Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 16, 2009 at 12:21:53:
Jonathon Brandmeier signs to stay at WLUP-FM
Jonathon Brandmeier has signed a new one-year contract to remain at Emmis Communications’ WLUP-FM 97.9, sources said.
A formal announcement from the Loop is expected later Monday.
The signing is notable not only because it keeps one of Chicago's biggest radio stars in place, doing mornings on the Loop. But with the economy -- and the media business -- slumping, it also comes at a time when many of Chicago's biggest veteran radio standouts have either been cut loose or been unable to reach agreement on new deals.
WLUP-FM brought Johnny B. back to Chicago from Los Angeles in 2005. The signing returned him to local airwaves after an absence of more than 4 1/2 years. It also brought him back to the station from which he first burst upon the local scene from Phoenix in 1983, when his energetic humor, comedic stunts, pranks and ability to poke fun at his Wisconsin roots quickly attracted a sizable, young audience here that advertisers adored.
In the January Arbitron Portable People Meter ratings, Bradmeier program ranked 9th in average-quarter-hour listenership among folks age 25 to 54, 10th among those 18 to 49, and 14th overall.
The renewal squelched speculation Brandmeier might be headed to Chicago Tribune parent Tribune Co.'s WGN-AM 720. That station has yet to name a new host for its weekday 1-to-4 p.m. slot, which was vacated in December when John Williams succeeded morning star Spike O'Dell.
Earlier this month, parent Emmis cut its workforce by 7.5 percent and cut pay for remaining staff not under contract by 5 percent. Seven people in Chicago, where Emmis owns WLUP-FM and WKQX-FM 101.1, were let go, including Loop midday host Erin Carman.
Part of Brandmeier's new deal includes arrangements to ensure he can keep his current staff intact, sources said.
(Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune)