OK, So Where Is Kathy Hart?

The buzzing from the Chicago media grows louder every day as observers continue to count the days that Kathy Hart remains M.I.A. from the highly rated Eric & Kathy morning show on Hubbard Hot AC WTMX (101.9 The Mix)/Chicago, leaving Eric Ferguson, her partner of 20 years, rolling solo with the aid of support staffers. Except for a brief appearance on May 1, Hart has been off the air since April 27 — and still without an explanation to her co-workers or listeners about her extended absence. That’s the word from Windy City media maven Robert Feder, who has been closely following this mysterious turn of events.

Reached at home on Monday, Hart declined to comment to Feder. In response to inquiries about her unexplained leave of absence, Jeff England, VP/Market Manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago released a statement that pointedly included the word “team” three times. England said, “Kathy Hart, of Eric and Kathy fame, is taking some time off and we are looking forward to her return. In the meantime, we want to assure our loyal listeners that the goal of The Eric and Kathy Show team is to deliver the best in morning entertainment to Chicagoans every morning, as they have for 20 years. The success of the show is the result of great team effort, and we have no doubt that our team will continue to serve our community while entertaining our loyal audience.” We should note that when you visit the Mix website it’s impossible not to notice the giant “Eric & Kathy 101.9 Mix Mornings” banner blasting into your eye line.

Doing our due diligence, RAMP reached out to PD Mary Ellen Kachinske, who told us, “Kathy is taking time off. The show is on the air working hard and looking forward to her return.”