WBEZ Chicago is reimagining its weekday mornings this fall, unveiling a new lineup that aims to deepen listener engagement, spark conversation, and strengthen the station’s local identity.
Beginning September 15, the public radio outlet will roll out two live talk shows, In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons and Say More with Mary Dixon and Patrick Smith.
The moves will be paired with a shift on Morning Edition, where reporter and anchor Clare Lane will step into the local role alongside NPR’s national hosts starting tomorrow.
At 9 a.m., Simons will launch In the Loop, a locally focused news talk show designed to unpack the issues shaping Chicago. Listeners can expect a mix of local voices, subject-matter experts, and community perspectives to add depth to the headlines. The program replaces Reset, which Simons previously hosted. In its place, WBEZ will carry 1A from noon to 1 p.m., continuing its focus on national dialogue with Chicago ties.
Immediately following at 10 a.m., Dixon and Smith will debut Say More, a listener-driven call-in show built around daily conversations. Dixon, a staple of Chicago morning radio who joined WBEZ in 2020 after decades at WXRT, will trade her Morning Edition seat for a format that allows her to interact directly with the audience. Smith, who most recently served as WBEZ’s public safety editor, will bring investigative experience to complement Dixon’s presence. The station says the show will tackle topics ranging from city politics to neighborhood life to popular culture.
“WBEZ has always been the place Chicago turns for trusted news and great conversation,” executive producer Dan Tucker said in a statement. “With this new morning lineup, we’re making mornings more dynamic and more locally connected. These shows give listeners the chance to hear fresh perspectives, share their own voices and feel like part of the daily rhythm of the city.”
Lane’s promotion to morning anchor further solidifies the lineup. A veteran of the station’s newsroom, she has anchored weekends, filled in on weekdays, and reported extensively across the city. Her new role ensures continuity for early risers while maintaining WBEZ’s signature blend of national and local coverage.
For WBEZ, the changes are as much about strategy as scheduling. The station has faced a challenging media landscape, including budget pressures and increased competition for audience share. Nielsen’s July ratings placed the station 13th in Chicago, underscoring the urgency of retooling its approach.
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Dropping BBC, at 9:00 AM weekdays, signals a lack of integrity in programming at WBEZ.