WGN Adds Landecker, PM News
• UPDATED: Nexstar’s WGN Radio/Chicago announced several programming enhancements, not the least of which his the hire of market legend John Records Landecker (left) to host weeknights from 7-10pm. The station will also debut a new afternoon drive news program, cleverly titled Chicago’s Afternoon News, weekdays from 4-7pm, anchored by 35-year WGN veteran Steve Bertrand (right). The new schedule, which goes into effect on September 28, also incorporates an expanded timeslot for Anna Davlantes, who will now be heard from 1-4pm.
“The importance of local news and information being shared by someone who is trusted by our audience is paramount during these challenging times,” said WGN Radio GM Mary Boyle. “Steve Bertrand has always been committed to reporting the news in a fair and thoughtful way. This afternoon news-oriented program led by Steve is a welcome addition to our WGN Radio weekday lineup.” Bertrand said, “I’m thrilled to get a chance to help create a show that will be equal parts informative and entertaining. With any luck, we’ll end the day a little smarter and have a good time getting there.”
Landecker (pictured), known and loved for his legendary run at WLS-AM back in the day, has been a fill-in talent at WGN over the years. He’s a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in May of this year was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Beginning September 28, WGN’s weekday programming schedule looks like this — 5-9am: Bob Sirott; 9am-noon: John Williams; Noon-1pm: Wintrust Business Lunch with John Williams; 1-4pm: Anna Davlantes; 4-7pm: Chicago’s Afternoon News with Steve Bertrand; 7-10pm: John Landecker. Concurrent with these moves, afternoon personality Roe Conn and overnight talent Nick Digilio exit.
