It’s A FREE Country: Waking Up Live & Local
• Connoisseur Media announces the return of live and local mornings on its suburban Chicago Country simulcast, WCCQ/Joliet & WXLC/Waukegan (Chicagoland’s FREE Country @ 98.3 & 102.3) beginning the first week of 2026 — that means a double dose of big news for celebrated market and Country radio veteran Drew Walker, who A) will step up from afternoons and into mornings, succeeding the syndicated Bobby Bones Show; and B) is promoted to Program Director of FREE Country.
“Moving into mornings and the Program Director seat feels a little surreal,” said Walker (left), who famously spent two decades at Audacy Country WUSN (US99)/Chicago before joining FREE Country as APD when the station launched in May 2024. “This station has been my passion project from day one, and I’m grateful for the chance to help lead its next chapter. We’ve built something really special here, a team I love, communities I care about, fantastic partners, a creative environment that’s actually fun, and a station that truly sounds and feels like home. Super thanks to Gordon Mays, Karl Wertzler, Brian Foster, Keith Dakin and Jeff Warshawfor this amazing opportunity!”
Connoisseur Media concurrently announced that Leah Andersen (right), morning co-host of Rock sister station WIIL (95 WIIL Rock) and current weekend talent on FREE Country, will move into the afternoon drive slot previously held by Walker. “As a lifelong Country fan, a mom of three, and a wife juggling the same day-to-day as our listeners, I’m thrilled for this new role,” said Andersen. “Connecting with this community is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I can’t wait to bring that to afternoons.”
“Drew’s experience and decades-long connection with the Chicagoland Country music audience make this a very exciting time to be in FREE Country,” said Gordon Mays, Operations Manager of Connoisseur Chicagoland. “We have a unique opportunity to continue evolving with authentic local voices, and that’s a big win for our listeners and every community we’re connected with.”
