Posted by chicagomedia.org on May 29, 2009 at 18:05:28:
In Reply to: WLS AM ousts Bill Leff, Roe Conn's sidekick posted by chicagomedia.org on May 29, 2009 at 17:46:50:
Bill Leff leaving Roe Conn's WLS-AM show
Bill Leff, who has been part of Roe Conn's WLS-AM 890 show for more than three years, will be leaving after Friday's program, a victim of cost-cutting at the Citadel Broadcasting outlet.
"We've had to let Bill go," Conn said in the 5 p.m. hour of Friday's broadcast, although Leff and Conn dropped mild on-air hints through the afternoon and apparent had known for several weeks that this was going to happen because of reductions ordered by Citadel.
"A couple weeks ago, Christina [Filiaggi, the show's traffic reporter] was let go by the company at the end of her contract cycle," Conn said. "It is now Bill at the end of his contract cycle is being released by the company, probably to 'GN ... [to] kick our butts."
" 'GN" presumably is Chicago Tribune parent Tribune Co.'s WGN-AM 720.
Leff's departure likely leaves a greater role on Conn's show for former WMAQ-Ch. 5 reporter, Amy Jacobson, who recently replaced Filiaggi on traffic alongside newsman Jim Johnson.
Conn's weekday program was shortened earlier from five hours to four, while Conn picked up a syndicated commentary segment that's distributed nationally.
"I really enjoyed having Bill here," WLS-AM boss Michael Fowler said. "He's a true professional. I wish him well. But this was a case of downsizing."
Leff, a Chicago-born actor, writer and stand-up comedian, has worked in a variety of capacities at a variety of local stations, including WLUP-FM 97.9, WKQX-FM 101.1 and WTMX-FM 101.9.
"It's not all bad news, Roe" Leff said. "I've been adopted by Jon and Kate earlier this week, so there is some stability in my life. ... Maddie has been dropped, so I will be replacing her on [the cable reality series] 'Jon & Kate Plus 8.'"
(Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune)