Industry News

Report: Howell Not Conservative Enough for WLS-AM, Chicago

A piece by Justin Kaufmann at Axios Chicago quotes former WLS-AM afternoon talk show host Big John Howell saying the reason he’s no longer with the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is because, “They toldim me that they intend to be the most conservative radio station in America. I just didn’t fit the bill anymore.” Although Howell doesn’t profess to be conservative or liberal, he’s been a talk host for years (in addition to his work at country outlet WUSN-FM), not only with WLS-AM but with Salem Media Group’s crosstown conservative news/talk WIND-AM. However, he’s made no bones about his contempt for former President Donald Trump. He laments to Axios, “Nobody broadcasts anymore. Everybody narrowcasts.” WLS-AM has not revealed its permanent plans for the afternoon drive daypart other than to slide the syndicated Mark Levin program into the 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm slot. Read the Axios piece here.