Jonathon Brandmeier: From Fond du Lac To WGN Radio?
UPDATE–Steve and Johnnie rumored to be leaving WGN radio.
UPDATE–Jonathon Brandmeir is new WGN morning man–just announced Dec. 2, 2011.
All eyes (or should that be ears) in the radio world are focused on Jonathon Brandmeier. From his start behind the microphone in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to his wild ride on the famed “The Loop” in the Windy City, Brandmeier has been one of the voices that makes for ratings and plenty of laughs. (Not all the laughs are ‘high-toned’, and therein lies the concern.) But the rumor that is spreading is that Jonathon Brandmeier is about to land a job at WGN radio. Question is, will he fit in on a mature and seasoned talk station? WGN is after all the king of Chicago radio, and to land a slot there is…well…very special. Working at WGN will require a more high-toned style than what Jonathon Brandmeier is often noted for. He is good at what he does, but can be adjust to the listener needs that WGN presents to him? I want him to succeed, but on WGN’s terms.
FIrst let us look at what happened on Friday.
Chicago broadcasting veteran Bob Sirott and his Monday-through-Friday “Noon Show” have fallen victim to the latest wave of budget cuts at Tribune Co.-owned news/talk WGN-AM (720). Starting Monday, midday host John Williams is expected to take over the noon hour, extending his show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In an attempt to make the bottom line even more black, WGN has made it clear to all ( I think) that Jonathon Brandmeier is destined to have a show at Tribune Towers.
Adding high-octane fuel to speculation that Johnny B. might indeed be headed for WGN-AM (720), the veteran Chicago radio personality was spotted being given a grand tour of the Tribune Co.-owned news/talk station by program director Kevin “Pig Virus” Metheny.
While no formal offer has been made, sources said, Brandmeier’s personal inspection of the studios and facilities — in full view of numerous staffers — was the surest sign yet of WGN’s interest in hiring him. Adding Brandmeier is seen as a way to re-energize the station’s lineup — particularly in mornings, where newcomer Greg Jarrett has been struggling to fit in since June. Middays and afternoons also are possibilities, although frequent preemptions for Cubs baseball broadcasts make those options appear less likely for Brandmeier.
It’s not the first time WGN executives have expressed interest in the funnyman from Fond du Lac, but talks appear to have progressed farther this time than ever before. Tom Langmyer, vice president and general manager of WGN, is known to be a fan and admirer.
The changing of the times. Brandmeier in the morning, Steve Dahl in the afternoons! Just like old times. Well, It was a good thought.
When Jonathan was on air in Phoenix, he was an arrogant a#$. I have always thought he was overrated.
Johnny B. needs to come back to his grown-up audience….so WGN would be a good choice!
We still laugh at the corny stuff, however we need some serious stuff too………………
Dick Mitz…formerly “Mitz in the Morning”….105.5 FM
My brother and I listened to JohnnyB since the begining. Lost my brother 41 to a heart attack 4 years ago. Everytime I put JohnnyB`s mucic on it brings on very happy memories of a time long gone. now I live in wisc. for past 3 years and there is a few things I miss in chitown johnnyB, the Pizza, Cub`s. Back on Aug. 1, 09 Joseph my son was the driver in that Humbolt park crash.My wife and I spent the months of Aug ,Sept. at Northwestern Hosp. while joe was in a coma. Being able to listen to JohnnyB again in the mornings realy helped through that tough time. Not that I could listen to him in Wisc. it is a big mistake Wlup let him go. There will never be a more talented DJ ever anywhere. LOVE YOU JohnnyB YEA BABY LATER.
I would love to hear “Yeah Baby” once again, but here in Houston. We need that motivation and so does all the other big radio stations! We’re sick and tired of listening to boring stations on our long ride into work! Believe me, Houstonians have just a long ride into work as well as people in Chicago. He can do his skits and have his gig here, because most people here have never heard him before and it would be great! We loved being in Chicago, but love it better in Houston where we have longer summers. We would welcome him here any time!
I say WGN should keep Greg Jarrett. There is an obvious reason Brandmeier is no longer with the loop, ( his boring tired old skits ). I wish Brandmeier luck in his future, But if WGN hires him, They will lose one listner for sure and I would be willing to bet many more.
Wheeeeeerrreeee’s Johnny??? JB Phone Home. Phone Hoooooommmmeee?
Johnny B was the best thing about the Loop and we loyal listeners really miss him. I’d give up Rush to listen to Johnny in a nanosecond. I missed him when he left Chicago the first time. Found him ( by accident ) when I moved to L.A. and was thrill to know he was back in Chicago when I moved back home and no, I’m not a stalker, but like much of Chicago we love him and where Johnny goes, I assure you, his fans WILL follow!!
Johnny B may not be at WGN anytime soon.
http://blogs.vocalo.org/feder/2010/01/all-bets-are-off-after-belt-tightening-at-wgn-radio/12866
If you want to hear “Yeah, Baby!!” a billion, zillion times and endless audio clips from “The Sopranos” then Johnathon Brandmeier is your man.
WGN should go with Bob Sirott in the morning and be done with the shuffling.