The mystery of why Chicago Classical morning show host Dennis Moore has disappeared from the air has been solved. Moore shared that he has been dismissed from 98.7 WFMT after more than 30 years with the station. He was last heard on-air in March.
Moore began his tenure at Window to the World Communications, Inc. in July 1990 and became host of the WFMT Morning Program in 2018.
In a post on Facebook, he said he was fired following a disagreement over work schedule accommodations. Moore told the Chicago Sun-Times that the conflict arose when he requested accommodations due to “sleep issues” after taking a three-month leave earlier this year under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
He wanted the flexibility to work from his Chicago-area home, which he said would help manage his sleep schedule and eliminate the need to commute. When the station declined his request, Moore was unable to return, leading to his termination. He says his attorney has filed a discrimination complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, citing violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
In his post, Dennis Moore blamed much of his interactions with management on another aspect: “Many of my colleagues and I feel that for years now, WWCI’s leadership team and board have clearly prioritized WTTW/Channel 11 over WFMT, and morale at WFMT is lower than I’ve ever seen it.”
YIKES, on reading about your absence 6 AM WFMT. I am sorry also it is about employment hours issue leading to termination. I see another comment this may be simple cost-cutting burden shifted to staffing shifts. Very discouraging WTTW can survive better than WFMT. What I see by my bulk mail is fund-raising in excess: I already have WFMT Membership paid through October 2025, yet I received the request for a check from both WFMT and WTTW one day apart! (I think it was Feb. 3). I hope that there might be some monies left after my death; there are many worthy classical music organizations and WFMT is one of these. But I still live and need my monies. Please quit making me feel guilty for throwing away requests for donation.
I certainly miss starting my day with Dennis.
Management certainly doesn’t understand the value of loyalty to their hosts, as well as the listening audience, has to do with the success of their station.
I now frequently listen to K-BACH on my streaming devices… even though WFMT is my home station.
Was wondering what happened. So sorry to hear this. You have been missed! You were an excellent host! I wish you well in your pursuit of fair treatment and more than reasonable accommodation.
We miss you Dennis. Very sorry to hear about the nature of your departure after so many years of excellence. Ken and Sue Boyer