Steve Cochran Everyone could use a little “pick-me-up,” and that’s why listeners all over Chicagoland tune into Steve Cochran on WGN Radio 720 AM. Steve is a scratch golfer. It’s his favorite thing to do aside from his morning show and his kids. He’s played rounds with listeners, and plays any chance he gets. Cochran is a radio veteran who has been working in the industry since 1981. In addition to his many years in Chicago, Cochran has worked in at least 10 other markets including New York, Baltimore, Miami, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Detroit.
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Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder are reunited after previous radio adventures together at WLUP and WKQX. After 15 years apart, the pair’s chemistry is stronger than ever. Both native Chicagoans, Bill and Wendy bring over 20 years of radio experience to the station. Nobody spins the news, pop culture, and quirks of every day life quite like this popular on-air duo. Bill, a long-time improviser and comedian, pairs his wit with Wendy’s charisma as the two guide listeners through their afternoons. The pair’s entertaining style can be heard only on WGN Radio.
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Married since 1999, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano are one of Chicago’s most energetic and vibrant media duos. The pair’s afternoon program revolves around interviews the likes of which you've never heard. One week it may be with a local politician, the next week may include a business honcho, or perhaps a celebrity from the world of TV/movies/music. You can be sure that you'll learn everything you need to know about that person: after years of hosting television and radio shows, the husband-and-wife team of Bob and Marianne have learned how to ask the newsy questions you need to know... but also the personal questions that you want to know.
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Roe Conn Roe Conn is a lifelong Chicagoan and a 30-year veteran of Chicago news/talk radio. He has lived the Chicago experience and relates closely to his audience because of it. Roe’s dedication to that connection with his audience is what made and has kept him so successful. Conn started his career in 1986 and became a staple in the Chicago radio market. After stints as a producer for personalities like Don Vogel and Walter Jacobson, he began his 25-year run at WLS-AM in 1989 and became a fixture in the afternoon drive spot. Conn remains actively involved in numerous charitable causes, including the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the USO of Illinois. He joined WGN Radio on January 26, 2015. With such a solid background of experience in the metropolitan area, Conn has amassed a loyal following. His Facebook page has over 11 thousand likes and his Twitter @roeconn has amassed more than 13 thousand followers. He was named one of the “100 Most Influential Talk Show Hosts in America” by Talkers Magazine and is a current contributor to ABC 7’s “Windy City Live.”
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THE DOWNLOAD
Presented by: Justin Kaufmann After two decades at WBEZ as an executive producer, Justin Kaufmann joined our station to promise WGN listeners “train wreck” radio with our brand new segment called, “The Download.”
“[The Download] is a daily mirror of Chicago revealed in multiple chapters. You’ll hear a variation of WGN talk soup that replays pieces of interviews from earlier in the day not in ‘best of’ style, but to challenge ourselves to be more reflective and less reactive.”
The far northwest suburban native joined radio in 1994 straight out of Columbia College. He also founded the Schadenfreude comedy ensemble and created Ed bus, the fictional 53rd ward alderman.
- Todd Manley, Vice President of Content & Programming
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Patti Vasquez Patti Vasquez tackles social issues with a cheerful edginess that appeals to audiences of all backgrounds. Her hilarious take on the foibles of the human experience keeps people coming back to see what she has to say about relationships, pop culture and random encounters with strangers who have no idea she’s cataloging their ridiculous behavior to share with audiences all over the world. In addition to headlining in comedy clubs and colleges all over the United States, Canada and Europe, Patti has written and performed three hit solo shows for theater audiences as well as appearing in many comedy festivals including Just For Laughs, HBO’s Las Vegas Comedy Festival, the Chicago Comedy Festival and Marshall’s Women in Comedy Festival in New York City. On television Patti has appeared on the VERY FUNNY SHOW on TBS and COMEDY.TV along with regular appearances on the wildly popular BOB & TOM TV Show on Superstation WGN and their daily morning radio show syndicated in 139 cities across the country. And now, Patti is featured on the brand new reality series “My Life Is A Joke” on the OWN network! If you want to be where the funny is then you want to be there when “Patti Happens”.
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Nick Digilio Nick Digilio began reviewing movies on The Roy Leonard Show in 1985. He started as “the guy who likes bad movies� (reviewing Critters, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, and the like). He studied at Columbia College and Roy saw him at a few screenings, talked to him and decided he'd be a good addition to his show. Eventually Nick became Roy's co-host on his Saturday morning movie review segment. Now he hosts his own programs on weekday mornings where he talks about pop culture, current events, hot topics...and of course, reviews the new films.
Nick grew up about five blocks away from Wrigley Field. He is a die-hard Cubs fan and wishes the Cubs would vote Micky Morandini the best Cub ever! His interests include everything from plays (which he writes, directs and appears in), to music and books.
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Matt Bubala The name of Matt Bubala may be recognizable to many longtime WGN-AM fans. For ten years (1997-2007), he was a producer at WGN Radio, most famously for John Williams' show, where he was often heard on the air. When he became a Tribune employee again in September 2014, Matt Bubala now sits in as the overnight host on Saturday and Sunday early mornings. After leaving "The John Williams Show" and WGN-AM in 2007, Matt Bubala formed Black Dog Radio Productions, Inc., an independent Chicago-based radio syndication company that creates and distributes niche radio programming. Bubala serves as President of Black Dog Radio Productions. Currently, Black Dog Radio Productions syndicates three radio shows: "Steve Dale's Pet World," Steve Dale's "The Pet Minute," and "Good Parenting Radio." The first two shows feature frequent WGNAM contributor Steve Dale. That third show, "Good Parenting Radio," is hosted by Matt Bubala himself, who, as a father of four (including triplets), knows a bit about parenting.
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THE MORNING SHOW
with Orion Samuelson & Max Armstrong Orion Samuelson and Max Armstrong bring WGN Radio 720 listeners comprehensive news on current financial and agricultural trends. From up-to-the-minute market reports and coverage of trading action to agricultural developments at local, state, national and global levels, Orion and Max deliver the information Chicagoland and the Heartland want and need. Orion Samuelson is heard on WGN Radio, where he has served as Agribusiness Director since 1960. Orion presents daily agricultural and business reports on WGN, in addition to cohosting The Morning Show. Max Armstrong is the Director of Broadcasting for Farm Progress and oversees their broadcast business unit, which provides radio, television and enhanced web programming for the agricultural market.
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OUTSIDE THE LOOP RADIO
with Mike Stephen
Outside the Loop Radio is a weekly audio magazine featuring fun segments and interviews with local newsmakers, artists, musicians, and others who are doing some cool stuff around the Chicago area. The show covers topics that don’t always get the proper attention in the media, all with a strong and independent Chicago slant. OTL provides for discussion that goes beyond just the headlines in our local papers. Mike Stephen was raised in Elmwood Park, just on the outskirts of Chicago proper. He graduated from Loyola University, where he hosted the very popular Stephen In the Evenin’ show on WLUW 88.7-FM. After kicking around at various internships in Chicago radio, in 2001 he landed at the legendary WGN Radio where he produced a variety of shows over the course of six years. He enjoys inspiring people of all ages.
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“Mr. Fix-It” Lou Manfredini Since 1995, Lou has developed a loyal following of listeners who’ve grown to rely upon his entertaining mix of practical, useful and valuable home improvement advice. Listener response is so intense that the WGN Radio switchboard lights up even before the show goes on the air – as listeners vie to have their renovation and remodeling questions answered by “Mr. Fix It.” Lou is also a regular contributor to NBC’s Today Show, appears locally on NBC5′s morning news, hosts the national home improvement program House Smarts, and is a contributing editor to USA Weekend magazine, with a column called “House Smart.”
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Kathy & Judy Popular “the girlfriends” duo Kathy and Judy are reunited on WGN Radio after four years apart. The beloved duo of Kathy O’Malley and Judy Markey are teaming up to bring their high energy and sense of humor back to the Chicagoland area. With over 20 years of on-air experience together, Kathy and Judy have developed an incredibly strong bond with their listeners over the years. This connection will undoubtedly spread to new and first time listeners as well.
Fueled by their genuine friendship, “the girlfriends” will once again be a must listen for Chicagoans.
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Steve Bertrand For over 30 years, Steve Bertrand has been a key voice on WGN Radio, the Voice of Chicago. He’s anchored the news on nearly every part of the clock, working with some of the greatest names in WGN history, including Kathy and Judy, Spike O’Dell, John Williams, Wally Phillips and more. He is currently the midday news anchor, the weekend host of the Business Lunch and the host and creator of the Steve Bertrand on Books podcast. Steve has earned several honors, including multiple Lisagor awards from the Chicago Headline Club. He was also named the Marquette University School of Communications “Communicator of the Year” in 2012. Steve has gained a national reputation for interviewing the country’s top authors and has been featured on ABC’s Nightline. Currently, his interviews can be seen on Facebook at Steve Bertrand on Books.
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John Williams Midday listeners looking for entertainment through stimulating, yet light-hearted discussions on the day’s hot topics turn to John Williams on WGN Radio 720. John Williams’ show is varied. Whether interviewing authors or current newsmakers from the fields of entertainment, politics, or sports, John never lets his guests get a pass on the tough questions. John is a master at spurring telephone call-ins from his listeners and presenting views on all sides of provocative issues. Critical to the success of the show, John Williams stays connected to his audience. Whether through his Bright Side of Life segment when listeners call in with uplifting stories, or voting their “Yes” or “No” opinion on the latest Newsclick question featured on WGNRadio.com, listeners appreciate the opportunity to participate in John’s show. It’s this kind of connection with his audience that makes advertising on the John Williams show so effective.
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THE BEAT
with Jarrett Payton, Adam Hoge, & Connor McKnight
Jarrett Payton, son of the late NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, is a radio host, businessman, philanthropist, motivational speaker, former NFL and CFL running back and devoted husband and father. Adam Hoge is in his fourth season covering the Chicago Bears. Before that, he covered college football and basketball for eight years. He is a Chicago native who graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Connor McKnight has worked as a college football reporter (his Hunter S. Thompson phase), a high school English teacher (think Dead Poets Society), a bouncer (Swayze in Roadhouse) and a peon in minor league baseball (Jonah Hill in Moneyball).
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GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
with Hannah Stanley
Hannah Stanley is a Wheaton-born radio hostess with the mostest! She’s been working in Chicago media for over 20 years, doing everything from hosting her own programs to wrangling the audience at Danny Bonaduce’s former talk show. In addition to Girls’ Night Out, she is the co-creator and co-host of Flavor HD. Hannah’s interests span the board of media and beyond. She is a food and nutrition nerd, an organizational maven, a prolific reader (of food-related literature), and a creative chef. Hannah is also an expert at avoiding bugs: the creepy crawlies and the viral variety.
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NOCTURNAL JOURNAL
with Dave Hoekstra
The two-hour show will revolve like a Lazy Susan around the things Dave has turned us all on to: roots music, tunes off the beaten path, supper club sounds, back road travel, tiki culture, world music, old diners, rhythm and blues and Merle Haggard. Expect lots of guests and instudio artists from all parts of Chicago. Dave Hoekstra acted as a Chicago Sun-Times columnistcritic from February, 1985–March, 2014. His work has also appeared in Playboy magazine, the Chicago Reader and the Journal of Country Music, published by the Country Music Hall of Fame. He has been a contributing editor for Chicago magazine and Shore magazine in Michigan and so much more.
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Amy Guth Every Saturday night Amy Guth will get inside your head with news on night life, the Chicago music scene, sports, pop culture and ALL culture that pops. Tune into 720 WGN for two hours of freewheeling conversation and sonic adventures.
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Dave Plier Dave Plier started being heard on WGN Radio in 2005, first as a frequent guest on Dean Richards' weekend program talking about classic Chicago television and radio. In May and August 2012, he served as a co-host on Bill Leff's thenovernight show. From there, he was given his own guesthosting and weekend shows to do, proving to quickly become a fan-favorite. He now as a permanent spot of late Saturday night/ early Sunday morning Dave Plier is currently the CEO of Retail First Corp, a Schaumburg-based advertising, marketing, and branding firm for retail companies. He may be better known publicly as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC), which he has been associated with for over ten years. Plier also serves as the Chairman of the MBC's Marketing Committee.
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GREAT OUTDOORS
with Charlie Potter
The Great Outdoors Show is dedicated to bringing WGN listeners outdoor information in an honest and entertaining format, and is heard throughout the Midwest by hundreds of thousands of outdoorsmen. The Great Outdoors Show has always taken pride in informing people how and where to go for fishing, hunting, boating or camping. Weekly fish and game reports keep outdoor enthusiasts up to speed on where to go as they plan for their weekend activities. Charlie Potter is recognized as a leader in the outdoor recreation industry. As host of WGN Radio's Great Outdoors Show, he speaks each week to hundreds of thousands of sportsmen and women throughout the Midwest and brings his knowledge and passion for the outdoors to the listening audience. Whether it be a story of a fishing adventure in the wilderness of Canada, a duck hunt in the swamps of Louisiana, or an adventure on Lake Michigan, each Sunday is sure to be entertaining and informing
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LOVE CHANGES LIFE Each week tens of thousands of people who may never personally visit Christ Church experience one of its weekly media broadcasts, Love Changes Life. Some are elderly people who can no longer get out to a church building, some are single moms or homemakers looking for encouragement, some are prisoners who watch the programs from jail – clergy, farmers, flight attendants, teenagers…atheists, agnostics, Christians, Buddhists…people from all walks of life and every faith background have experienced Love Changes Life. Although media ministry is not a substitute for a face-to-face relationship with a genuine community of faith, for many it is the beginning of a journey in that direction, a key point of contact when a face-to-face visit is no longer possible, or the only opportunity they may ever have to know that they are deeply loved by the creator of the universe. For this reason, Love Changes Life is a central part of the ministry of Christ Church of Oak Brook.
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LUTHERAN HOUR
with Reverend Ken Klaus Produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries, “The Lutheran Hour,” which began in 1930, is the world's oldest continuallybroadcast Gospel radio program. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide. LHM produces Christian radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reach unchurched people in the United States and more than 30 other countries. LHM's flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, airs weekly on more than 900 stations in North America. The LHM Mission: “Bringing Christ to the Nations – and the Nations to the Church.”
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STEVE DALE’S PET WORLD Steve Dale, CABC (certified animal behavior consultant), reaches more pet owners than any other pet journalist in America. Steve writes a twice-weekly syndicated newspaper column and is the host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute. These two radio shows together have been heard on over 100 radio stations since 2005. He’s acts as a special contributor and program host, Steve Dale’s Pet World, on WGN Radio, Chicago. And he formerly hosted nationally broadcast Animal Planet Radio
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THE SUNDAY SPIN
Politics with Rick Pearson Rick Pearson has been covering politics at the local, state and national level for nearly three decades, including the last 23 years at the Chicago Tribune. He joined the Chicago Tribune in September 1988 as a suburban reporter before serving as Statehouse correspondent in Springfield for eight years. He moved back to the Chicago area in September 1997 to become the Tribune's lead political reporter.
In the past three presidential election seasons, Pearson traveled the country with candidates in both political parties. Most recently, Pearson has added to his duties political reporting and commentary for WGN.
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Dean Richards’ Sunday Mornings Dean Richards’ work is heard, seen and read on several Tribune Media-owned properties. In a New York Times front-page article, he was described as “Tribune Company's Man of Many Hats” for his work on radio, television and in print. Dean covers Chicago's entertainment and lifestyle scene including movies, theater, food, and dining, on WGN Radio. Regular features on his show include: “Dean’s List,” his interviews with A-list celebrities; “Dean’s Reviews,” his appraisal of stage and movie performances; and “FoodTime,” an hour-long discussion of all things food, including recipes, new restaurant openings and theater district dining. At WGN-TV 9, Chicago's CW, and WGN America nationally, Richards' entertainment reports and reviews are seen on "WGN Morning News", "WGN Midday News" and "WGN News at Nine," where he interviews national and local celebrities, reports on showbiz, and reviews the latest movies and theater. In addition, Dean writes a Chicago Tribune column, “Dean’s List”, in which he includes his interviews with bigscreen celebrities. Since joining the radio station in 1994, Richards has won over 30 local and national awards for programming and production. A veteran of the Chicago radio scene, since 1975 Richards has worked at WFYR, WCFL, WCLR, and WNUA.
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Frank Fontana Frank Fontana’s career catapulted after winning Martha Stewart’s The Great Domestic Showdown reality show in 2004, turning his outspoken design and lifestyle expertise into an empire. Fontana hosts an array of TV shows, most notably HGTV’s Design on a Dime. Fontana forged his place as a nationally renowned expert of interior design, contributing to many news outlets including ABC, Oprah.com, WGN national news. He appears regularly as the Design and Lifestyle Expert on NBC’s Today Show.
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Brian Noonan Brian Noonan is a Chicago guy through and through. He was born and raised in Glenwood, or as he likes to call it, “the really, really Southside”. It was during a stint at a tiny station in Southern Illinois that Brian drove to St. Louis and performed at an “open mic” night at a comedy club. Those frantic five minutes lead to almost two decades of stand-up comedy performances across the country and a move to Los Angeles to “make it big”. After appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” some other sit-coms, a number of commercials and some big money wins on three game shows, Brian got the opportunity to come home and join “The Voice of Chicago.” After co-hosting “Sports Night” with David Kaplan and Andrea Darlas during its run, on WGN Radio, Noonan returned to his solo show. On Sunday nights, he dispenses his own brand of “edutainment,” weaving in personal stories with the big news topics and features like “Naked News” and “The Late Night Arcade.” His personal motto is “Join the fun. Don’t cost nuthin’.”
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AFTER HOURS with Rick Kogan
Rick Kogan starts off your week with discussion, commentary and interviews with writers, musicians, artists, characters, and newsmakers that make Chicago tick Kogan began his career at 16, working for the Chicago Sun-Times during the tumultuous Democratic Convention of 1968. He is now named Chicago’s Best Reporter and a member of the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame. Rick Kogan is currently a senior writer and columnist for the Chicago Tribune's Sunday section as well as hosting After Hours on WGN-AM.
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WGN Radio Theatre
with Carl Amari & Lisa Wolf ‘WGN Radio Theatre’ featuring old time radio classics, classic radio dramas, live trivia and new content that celebrates “theater of the mind.” In each hour, Amari and Lisa Wolf, present the best in classic radio and offer listeners the chance to "Name That Movie" and win great prizes by identifying the movie from a short audio clip. It’s a comeback of sorts for Carl Amari, producer and syndicator, who often appeared as a guest with legendary WGN late-night host Eddie Schwartz.
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