Hubbard Media Classic Rock “97.1 The Drive” WDRV Chicago has announced the exit of Dan McNeil as co-host of its “Morning Drive” show.
McNeil and Pete MacMurray had joined WDRV as morning hosts in March 2015. McNeil had previously spent nearly a quarter of a century in Chicago Sports radio at “670 The Score” WSCR and “ESPN 1000” WMVP.
Robert Feder reported earlier this week that McNeil’s presence in recent weeks had been limited to one 3 minute sportcast per hour. He had previously served a ten day suspension for an off-air altercation with management following an order not to discuss the departure of Hubbard VP/Programming Greg Solk.
Pete MacMurray will remain in place leading the WDRV morning show.
Hubbard Radio Chicago Vice President/Market Manager John Gallagher and WDRV Program Director Rob Cressman announced today the departure of Dan McNeil as co-host of its 5am-9am program, “The Morning Drive.” McNeil joined WDRV in February, 2015.
On the decision to step away, McNeil says, “It was an incredible chapter in my radio tour. I got to be a part of a terrific air staff… some really wonderful people. The Drive paid me go to movies, to take listeners to see AC/DC and the Who. I’ve been wanting to write a love letter to rock and roll publicly for years and I got to do it on one of the most sparkling classic rock stations in the country.”
Hubbard Radio Chicago VP/Market Manager, John Gallagher, commented “Dan did a great job for us. His knowledge of sports combined with his passion for Classic Rock was an inspiration to our team. We expect that Dan will thrive in his future endeavors. He is a knowledgeable and talented radio host.
WDRV Program Director, Rob Cressman added “We look forward to what lies ahead for The Drive. Pete McMurray and the team have assembled a strong foundation. Our plans include a search for the chemistry and content mix that our audience has clearly requested. The considerable research and appraisal that accompanied the former incarnation of The Morning Drive will continue to determine where future opportunities exist to super-serve Chicago’s Classic Rock enthusiasts in the morning.”
