iHeartMedia has promoted Brooke Taylor to Assistant Program Director of Country “Big 95.5” WEBG Chicago while Trace Hamilton moves from weekends to host evenings.
Taylor will remain in the afternoon timeslot she has anchored at WEBG since 2016. She previously as spent time as APD/midday host for “US 93.3” WBTU Fort Wayne and has worked on air in Gainesville FL and for Radio Disney.
Trace Hamilton fills the evening opening created by the move of the Bobby Bones Show to mornings last summer.
iHeartMedia Chicago announced today that Brooke Taylor has been named Assistant Program Director and Trace Hamilton has been named Night Host for BIG 95.5, Chicago’s New Country, effective immediately. Taylor and Hamilton will report to Lance Houston, Program Director for BIG 95.5. iHeartMedia Chicago has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing six stations comprised of CHR, AC, Hip-Hop and R&B, New Country and Contemporary Inspirational music formats.
iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Assistant Program Director, Taylor will assist in the programming oversight of BIG 95.5, delivering a strong return on investment for clients by reaching consumers through iHeartMedia’s unmatched assets including on-air, online, social media, personalities and live events.
In addition to her new duties as Assistant Program Director, Taylor will continue to host afternoons on BIG 95.5 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Prior to joining BIG 95.5 in 2016, Taylor served as Midday Host and Assistant Program Director for WBTU in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Taylor has also previously served as an on-air personality for Radio Disney and has made television appearances on the Disney Channel and ESPN2.
“During my first eight months on the job in Chicago, it became more and more clear that Brooke’s passion for both BIG 95.5 and iHeartCountry brands made her the obvious choice for this role,” said Houston. “Brooke’s drive, creativity and leadership will help us take our station to new heights in 2019.”
As the new night host, Hamilton will bring his charisma and passion for music to BIG 95.5 listeners each weeknight from 7 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., connecting fans with their favorite country artists and the community. He most recently worked as a fill-in host for BIG 95.5 and is known for his popular “Trace in the Truck” segments, which featured fun and interactive on-air personality appearances at various Chicagoland locations, hosted contests and awarded prizes to BIG 95.5 lucky listeners.
“Trace has grown into a natural, compelling on-air talent and we are thrilled to be able to round out our weekday lineup on BIG 95.5 with one of the hardest working people that I have ever met in the radio business,” said Houston.
“Brooke and Trace are both top-notch on-air personalities,” said Matt Scarano, Region President of iHeartMedia Chicago. “I am excited about their promotions and the new opportunities ahead for the BIG 95.5 brand.”