After more than three decades as a familiar voice in Northern Illinois, longtime morning host Steve Shannon is preparing to sign off from 97ZOK, marking the end of an era for one of Rockford’s most recognizable radio personalities.
The station confirmed the news Friday morning through social media, noting that Shannon’s final broadcasts are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday from 6-10 a.m., closing a 31-year run that helped define the station’s identity and connection with its audience.
While the announcement signals a major shift for the heritage brand, Shannon made it clear he is not stepping away from broadcasting entirely.
In a post shared later in the day on the Steve Shannon Show’s Facebook page, he added a lighthearted note about his future, saying retirement is not part of the immediate plan—unless, of course, a winning lottery ticket changes that equation.
“It is true that my last two days on ZOK are Monday and Tuesday, but I’m not retiring,” wrote Shannon via social media. “If the lottery ticket I buy today is the right one, then that might be happening.”
Shannon’s departure brings attention to a career that began in 1989 in Madison, Wisconsin, where he first entered the industry and developed the foundation that would later resonate with listeners in Rockford. After working in multiple markets early in his career, he ultimately landed at 97ZOK in April 1995, a move that would shape both his professional trajectory and the station’s long-term success.
Over the years, Shannon became a staple of the morning drive, building a consistent presence that extended beyond entertainment and into community engagement. 97ZOK’s facebook post confirming the news was flooding with an outpouring of memories and messages of thanks for Shannon’s time with the brand.
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