Steve Cochran is a veteran Chicago radio host, so he’s someone familiar with the market as he takes over the morning slot at WLS 89-AM. However, Cochran will be the station’s fifth morning host in the last ten years.
“It’s no secret that this morning show has a huge hole to climb out of, and I believe we will,” Cochran told Robert Feder. “I’m not getting up at 3 a.m. to lose.”
What WLS has going for them is that Cochran is a recognizable name in the city, having spent 30 years on the radio airwaves. Furthermore, he’s encouraging listeners who have followed him throughout the years to tune in and those who disagree with him also to listen to see if they’re right.
“If you liked me in the past, you will still . . . and if you hated my show, you should listen and see if you were right. This show will be local first and inform, entertain, inspire and be funny every day [with] great guests, great interviews, and more politics. It’s kind of my greatest hits plus a bunch of new stuff,” Cochran said.
Feder asked Cochran where he fits in at WLS politically since he’s coming over from rival WGN and will also have a former colleague, Andrea Darlas, who’ll fill in as a contributor while a search is ongoing for a permanent teammate.
“The far left and the far right are the problem — not the solution. One-party rule doesn’t work . . . in Chicago, Illinois, or D.C. I’ll call out any politician gaming the system,” Cochran said.
“The ones who want the power but aren’t so interested in actually serving the people. I intend to inspire real participation. The extremes always show up and call in, but the question is: will the independents?”
Cochran can be heard from 5:30 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
