Wade Linder is the new PD at Classic Hits WLS-FM in Chicago. Linder moves to WLS-FM from WLUP-FM, where he has served as PD since June 2014. Prior to that, he was PD for KXXR-FM in Minneapolis, a station he programmed for nearly 20 years.
Linder began his radio career in 1990 at KQRS-FM in Minneapolis, where he was Music Director/Assistant Program Director. He went on to launch Minneapolis station KEGE-FM in 1994, prior to signing on at KXXR-FM. Linder said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to keep doing what I love — radio, at another great Chicago brand, WLS-FM. There are a lot of talented and passionate people who want to win here! The future looks bright.”
Marv Nyren, Vice President and Market Manager, Cumulus Media-Chicago, said, “Having the luxury of replacing a premiere Program Director like Brian Thomas with Wade Linder doesn’t happen often. We are most fortunate to be able to move Wade from WLUP-FM to the Program Director’s role at WLS-FM. This allows us the opportunity to continue growing upon the heritage and recent success of 94.7 and to keep one of the country’s most talented PDs in our cluster.”
Mike McVay, Executive Vice President, Content & Programming, Cumulus Media and Westwood One said, “It is rare that a market has as many strong programmers in one building as does Cumulus Chicago. We’re excited to be able to take advantage of Wade’s skills and experience and use him as the growth of WLS-FM continues.”
