Posted by chicagomedia.org on April 30, 2008 at 10:59:18:
In Reply to: President & GM exits WLS-AM, Mancow in? posted by chicagomedia.org on April 30, 2008 at 10:58:04:
BY ROBERT FEDER Sun-Times Columnist
Still reeling from budget cuts, massive layoffs and disappointing ratings, news/talk WLS-AM (890) lost its top boss Tuesday.
In an unexpected move, John Gallagher resigned after more than three years as president and general manager of the Citadel Broadcasting station.
No reason was cited, but sources close to Gallagher said he had been feeling increasing frustration since Citadel took over the station last year from Walt Disney Co.'s ABC Radio.
On orders from Citadel last February, he eliminated more than a dozen jobs and virtually gutted the news department.
More bad news came Monday when Arbitron ratings for the winter quarter were described by WLS insiders as "lackluster."
In a farewell memo, Gallagher praised his "impressive team of broadcasters," adding: "WLS is one of this country's legendary stations, and based on what we've accomplished over the past three years, the station is very well positioned for future success."
Gallagher joined WLS in 2004 from ABC's WJR-AM in Detroit, where he was sales director. He did not announce his next move.
Mike Fowler, president and general manager of Citadel's "True Oldies" WZZN-FM (94.7), will take over management of WLS, effective immediately.
Gallagher had been overseeing both stations until Fowler was hired last January.