Biondi Returns to Chicago Radio

By Scott Smith in News on Nov 3, 2006 2:30PM

Last year, we lamented the loss of the great DJ Dick Biondi who was unceremoniously dumped from the WJMK 104.3 broadcast airwaves when it switched to a “Jack FM” format. After spending a year in Internet and HD radio purgatory, Biondi’s back at WZZN 94.7’s “True Oldies” station starting this Monday at 9 p.m.

Biondi was never going to be a fit for the new Jack format, but the move was widely criticized, mainly because CBS Radio was seen as gambling away goodwill and loyalty to both the oldies format and Biondi. In the most recent ratings period, WZZN held its 2.4 share from
the spring book; WJMK trailed it while increasing its share to a 1.9. Prior to both stations changing formats, WZZN (or “The Zone”) had a 1.3 rating with WJMK pulling a 2.9.

(“And now, one from Connie Francis … it’s “Who’s Sorry Now” on WCST, Chicagoist Oldies FM!”)

Biondi’s return comes on the heels of WZZN’s recent hire of the almost-as-locally-famous John “Records” Landecker during afternoon drive. We're also a little chagrined that Dick Biondi has more friends on his MySpace page than we do.

In other radio news, at noon yesterday, WLIT 93.9 began its annual tradition of playing all Christmas music. Christmas music? Already? Darren Davis, vice president of programming and operations for Clear Channel Chicago, said, “When I saw a snowflake this morning, that's when I decided.” We’re pretty sure he’s lying, which means coal in his stocking this year. Serves him right.