WGN Improves Its Own Home

• WGN Radio/Chicago announced two pieces of good news regarding longtime station host Lou Manfredini: 1) WGN has extended his deal through December 31, 2024, and 2) added an extra hour to his show — beginning January 2, HouseSmarts Radio with Lou Manfredini will be heard on Saturdays from 6-10am.

The announcement comes at the conclusion of an eventful year that marked Manfredini’s 25th anniversary on WGN Radio, which began with Manfredini writing letters to the station, pitching the idea of a call-in home improvement show. He got his big break as a guest on the Bob Collins Show in 1995, and the rest is history — HouseSmarts Radio with Lou Manfredini continues to be the No. 1 Saturday morning radio program in Chicago and offers an entertaining mix of practical, useful, and valuable home improvement advice. Manfredini is also a regular contributor to NBC’s Today, WGN-TV‘s Morning News, and he hosts the nationally syndicated weekly television show HouseSmarts.

“We are excited to continue the legacy that Lou has built at WGN Radio the past 25 years,” said Mary Sandberg Boyle, VP/GM of WGN Radio. “While his media empire looks a lot different now than when he first started here, one thing remains the same: Lou is here to serve the audience. He’s patient and kind with every listener, while keeping his genuine sense of humor. He truly is the definition of the ‘helpful hardware man.'” Manfredini said, “I’m humbled and honored to continue my show at WGN Radio. I’m grateful for the listeners that tune in each week — without you, none of us are on the air! The two constants in my life have been my amazing family and WGN Radio, including my talented producer Lindsey Smithwick. I’m happy I get to keep talking with our listeners on Saturday mornings.”