WXRT Chicago is making a major move in the local music space. The station is bringing back James VanOsdol as a part-time host and the voice behind a relaunched Local Anesthetic.
What We Know: VanOsdol returns to WXRT after a brief stint there in 2001. He joins the afternoon drive lineup on Sunday evenings from 6-10 p.m. Additionally, he takes the helm of Local Anesthetic, which relaunches June 14 from 9-10 p.m. The now hour-long program spotlights Chicago’s music scene — both its cutting edge and its rich past.
What They Said: VanOsdol is a celebrated Chicago voice with stops at WXQX, WGN, and WZZN. He also hosts the award-winning Car Con Carne podcast. His deep ties to the local music community span more than three decades. As VanOsdol himself put it when asked about returning to radio: “This isn’t radio, though. It’s XRT.”
What Remains Unclear: The full scope of VanOsdol’s role beyond Sundays has not been announced. It’s also unknown whether additional guests or contributors will join him on Local Anesthetic. No details about future expansion plans for the program were included in the announcement.
What It Means: WXRT is doubling down on its identity as a champion of Chicago music. The return of Local Anesthetic signals a renewed commitment to local artists. Furthermore, landing VanOsdol — a trusted voice with deep community ties — adds credibility to that mission. Ultimately, this move positions WXRT as the definitive home for Chicago’s music culture on Sunday nights.
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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.
