Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 23, 2009 at 15:30:00:
Clear Channel dumps Tom Joyner from WGCI-FM, moves Steve Harvey from WVAZ-FM as replacement
Clear Channel Chicago said Monday it is bouncing Tom Joyner's syndicated morning show after 13 years on WVAZ-FM 102.7, moving "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" from WGCI-FM 107.5 to replace it beginning Tuesday.
Harvey will simulcast on both stations until March 31. Clear Channel did not immediately say what its plans are after that for WGCI-FM, but a spokeswoman said it would make an announcement within a week. Any change occurring on April 1 -- large or small, serious or not -- risks being interpreted as an April Fool's Day prank.
"Tom Joyner has been a great partner with V103 for the past 13 years, making it difficult to part ways," WVAZ-FM Program Director Derrick Brown said in a statement. "We appreciate all Tom?s hard work and wish him continued success."
WGCI-FM has only aired this incarnation of Harvey's syndicated show since 2007. But, like Joyner, he has deep roots in the Chicago market, beginning his radio career in 1996 at WGCI-FM ... as replacement for Joyner, whose decades-long connection began when legendary local radio executive Marv Dyson hired him at Johnson Publishing's old WJPC.
"I feel like V103 just won the lottery! Steve Harvey is an entertainment and marketing juggernaut," Brown said of the stand-up comedian/TV star/author in the statement. "There are very few entertainers who have successfully tackled radio, TV, film, stage, online and publishing. His unique life perspective and riveting content fit V103 like a glove. Being a 'King of Comedy,' nobody can beat Steve being funny and I'm absolutely elated that he's joining our team."
(Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune)