Thursday, May 24, 2018

Biondi Leaves WLS

I've heard this was true for a few months, but it wasn't officially announced until this morning. Robert Feder has the details...

When Dick Biondi turned 85 last September 13, WLS 94.7-FM honored the legendary radio personality with a daylong celebration that included an outpouring of on-air salutes and social media messages along with a “Happy Birthday, Dick Biondi” web page.

No one knew it at the time, but those tributes turned out to be Biondi’s farewell from the Cumulus Media classic hits station.

Marv Nyren, vice president and market manager of Cumulus Chicago, confirmed Wednesday that Biondi’s employment ended months ago. He’s no longer on the WLS website, and he’s not expected to return as weekend morning host.

Biondi did not respond to requests for comment.

I know Dick hasn't been healthy enough to broadcast, and that's the main reason he hasn't returned. It's a bummer for his many fans. I worked with Dick for a decade at WJMK, and I think the world of him. Just a year or two ago he and I appeared on Tony Lossano's podcast together (photo below). Get well soon, Dick! Chicago loves you.