After eight years, WLS recently had its afternoon host, John Howell, leave the radio station. Axios reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that the changes occurring at WLS are due to the outlet looking to carry more conservative programming.
Furthermore, Howell and an anonymous source told Axios that political content played a part in the radio host’s departure. Howell takes a neutral approach to discussions regarding news and politics, neither identifying as liberal nor conservative.
“They told me that they intend to be the most conservative radio station in America,” Howell said. “I just didn’t fit the bill anymore. Nobody broadcasts anymore. Everybody narrowcasts.”
WLS currently airs syndicated conservative shows such as Ben Shapiro. Still, in the past, it also mixed in local personalities like Howell, Don Wade, Roma, Roe Conn, Richard Roeper, and Steve Cochran, who are less partisan.
WLS manager Marv Nyren announced that Mark Levin’s popular afternoon show will now cover part of Howell’s timeslot, moving it to an earlier time.
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.
