Posted by Bud on December 19, 2009 at 23:04:56:
Roe Conn set to stick with WLS-AM
But he'd take a big pay cut under tentative deal
December 18, 2009
BY LEW LAZARE Sun-Times Columnist
It looks like Roe Conn will be staying on WLS-890 AM.
Mike Fowler, general manager of the news/talk radio station, confirmed today that he has tentatively worked out a new two-year contract with Conn, WLS' afternoon-drive host, whose ratings have slumped badly in recent months.
A source said Conn, who had been one of the last couple of so-called "million-dollar mouths" still working in Chicago radio, would take a big pay cut and would be making around $250,000 a year under terms of his new contract.
Fowler called that figure not "even close" but declined to say what he has offered Conn.
Fowler also said he has an offer out to news/talk WIND-AM (560) morning co-host Cisco Cotto to move to WLS as Conn's co-host.
"Cisco is a conservative, and we're a conservative radio station," said Fowler.
Cotto previously worked as a news-reader at WLS-AM.
Before Cotto can join Conn, though, Fowler has to see if WIND will match WLS's offer.
Fowler said he currently has no plans to change the rest of the talent lineup around Conn, which includes Amy Jacobson doing traffic and weather and some reporting, plus news anchor Jim Johnson.
The decision to renew Conn's contract represents a big gamble for Fowler and WLS. In the most recent Arbitron ratings, for November, Conn's show ranked a lowly 26th among adults 25 to 54 years old, a miserable showing for a talent that Fowler insists is a major star in Chicago radio.
But Fowler said he believes Conn will rebound.
"We've seen some upward movement in the ratings in recent weeks," said Fowler, adding, "I think that Roe is starting to have fun again on his show."