WLS has secured its morning host for the foreseeable future. Ray Stevens has signed a multi-year contract extension with WLS.
What We Know: Stevens has led mornings on WLS-AM 890 since June 2024, when he succeeded Steve Cochran following Cochran’s exit from the station. Now, the Chicago news/talk outlet has committed to keeping Stevens in place with a new multi-year contract extension. Since taking over the morning drive slot, Stevens has worked to establish his own identity while emphasizing local coverage, community involvement, and personality-driven conversations. As a result, the extension provides stability for one of the station’s most important dayparts.
What They Said: “This is the little morning show that can. We work hard to be out in the community, and our content is both focused and fun. I’d like to thank my ride or die, Nick Gale, for making every day an adventure. I’d like to thank Tom Hush for being the best producer in the universe, and Michael Garay for his crazy knowledge of Chicago and his amazing radio skills. Last but not least at the top of the list is Marv Nyren, GM of our Chicago and Minneapolis cluster. I know as a host I can be a handful, but he’s always there to support my crazy ideas. I love Chicago radio and I love WLS.” -Ray Stevens
What Remains Unclear: The station hasn’t disclosed the length of the new agreement beyond confirming it’s a multi-year extension. Additionally, WLS hasn’t shared whether the deal includes expanded responsibilities for Stevens outside of his weekday morning program.
What It Means: Morning drive remains the cornerstone of spoken-word radio, so retaining an established host carries significant value. Furthermore, the extension gives WLS continuity in a competitive Chicago market while allowing Stevens and his team to continue building on the foundation established over the past two years.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.