Mancow Signing Off @ WLS/Chicago

• Erich “Mancow” Muller announced he’s leaving his morning show on Cumulus News-Talk WLS 890-AM/Chicago on Nov. 25, commenting that he was tired of doing “radio without joy” in the midst of a pandemic.

“Much of the enjoyment I had left doing radio has been sucked out of it,” Muller told Chicago media journalist Robert Feder. “Alone in an office building with no guests and endless rules is not my idea of a creative process… For me, no interaction has been the radio kiss of death. Talking during this political season and hearing endless tales of woe from my listeners has been radio without joy.” This was Muller’s second stint at WLS — he previously co-hosted middays with Pat Cassidy from 2008 to 2010.

Marv Nyren, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Chicago, confirmed that the decision to part company was mutual, and said Muller would be paid through the end of the year when his contract expires. Neither side had initiated negotiations on a renewal. “Mancow has done everything we asked him to do,” said Nyren, noting their warm and cordial relationship this time around, adding, “It’s been a gem for two years.”

Muller arrived in Chicago 26 years ago from San Francisco to host mornings on the former WRCX, and his Windy City radio odyssey also includes stops at WKQX (Q101), WLUP (97.9 The Loop) and Talk Radio Network. Starting November 30, Feder reports WLS will rotate a number of fill-in hosts until a permanent replacement is hired. Nyren said he and PD Stephanie Tichenor have narrowed the field down to three finalists, with a decision expected by January 1 or sooner.

Looking ahead, Muller said he and his agent, Steve Mandell, are considering radio and podcast opportunities, but he may take a break before deciding his next move. “To my legion of loyal listeners going back to 1994, I wish them only good things,” he said. “I’ll miss them very, very much.”