Hubbard Radio Chicago has hired Lauren “Lern” Elwell as an evening host at 97.1 The Drive (WDRV). The Chicago-area native joins the station’s award-winning on-air team effective immediately.
What We Know: Elwell brings humor, relatable storytelling, and a deep connection to the rock format. Brand and Content Director Keith Hastings made the announcement today. Meanwhile, she joins a talent roster the station considers among the strongest in the Chicago market.
What They Said: “Lern is a tremendous rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle talent whose authentic delivery, engaging storytelling, and passion for the format are a perfect fit for The Drive,” Hastings said. “She understands the audience, loves the music, and brings the kind of personality that listeners will connect with immediately.” Elwell added that she is thrilled to return to the state where her radio journey began.
What Remains Unclear: The specific shift hours for Elwell’s evening role have not been disclosed. Additionally, no details emerged about her previous market or station. Her start date beyond the July announcement also remains unconfirmed.
What It Means: Landing Elwell strengthens WDRV’s competitive position in Chicago immediately. The Drive continues building a roster around authentic rock voices. Furthermore, that move reflects a broader Hubbard Radio strategy — investing in talent that connects beyond the music. Ultimately, personality-first hiring separates winning rock stations from the rest.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.