A pair of Chicago Rock radio veterans have joined iHeartMedia’s new “Rock 95.5” WCHI-FM Chicago on its first day with on-air talent.
Abe Kanan, who most recently hosted mornings on Cumulus Rock “X93.9” WNDX Indianapolis, will serve as Executive Producer/co-host to Angi Taylor. Kanan joined WNDX in September 2019 from the company’s Chicago cluster where he held roles at Alternative 101.1 WKQX. He also previously worked at WLUP Chicago, WIIL Kenosha WI, WDYL Richmond, WBGG Miami and hosted a weekly show on SiriusXM’s “Howard 101”.
Also returning to the market is Walter Flakus as APD/midday host. Flakus was APD/afternoon host at Entercom Alternative “107.7 The End” KNDD Seattle from August 2019 until last month. Flakus previously served as APD/MD of 101.1 WKQX and MD/on-air at “97.9 The Loop” WLUP Chicago in Chicago as well as MD of XM Radio’s Ethel and Fred Alternative channels and on-air at “Channel 103.1” WHRL Albany. He also was a founding member and keyboardist for the band Stabbing Westward.
“DC101” WWDC Washington DC evening host Josh Klinger will join WCHI-FM for afternoons while continuing to host nights in Washington. Maria Palmer, who was cut from iHeartMedia Alternative “106.5 The End” WEND-FM Charlotte NC in January, returns to the company as night host.
SURPRISE! Excellent news. Starting today, I will be the executive producer & co-hosting mornings (5-10AM) with @AngiTaylorRadio on Chicago’s amazing new rock station @Rock955CHI.
We are live RIGHT NOW! Put 95.5 on your radio or stream on the iHeart app. Call us! 844-955-9550. pic.twitter.com/wX6Atf17ol
— Abe Kanan (@abekanan) October 5, 2020
Home Sweet Home… CHICAGO!! Day 1 of many, hanging with you on @Rock955CHI Let's do this! pic.twitter.com/osvpVTBDTL
— Walter Flakus (@Stabwalt) October 5, 2020
iHeartMedia Chicago’s Rock 95 FIVE, Chicago’s Rock Station, announced today the debut of a new programming lineup, effective immediately.
Rock 95 FIVE will feature an array of top hosts and on-air personalities from across the country including Angi Taylor, Chicago on-air veteran; Abe Kanan, former original content creator and writer for WKQX in Chicago; Walt Flakus, former afternoon host at KNDD in Seattle and WKQX in Chicago; Klinger, former night show host at DC101; and Maria Palmer, former night show host at 106.5 The End. Each host will bring their unique style to the station airwaves and engage with listeners through various contests, fun games, and segments, including “Chainsaw Fridays” and “The $50,000 Payoff.” This is happening all month long in “ROCKtober,” along with the chance to win $12,000 daily with “Money To Blow” on ROCK 95 FIVE.
The station will also continue to provide listeners with Rock’s biggest hits from top artists including Metallica, Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Def Leppard, Foo Fighters and more.
“We have assembled a dream team of talent whose passion for Rock and Chicago will bring the ideal companionship for our audience,” said James Howard, Regional Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Chicago.
“I am thrilled with the amazing on-air team we have been able to secure for Rock 95.5,” said Matt Scarano, President of iHeartMedia Chicago. “Top tier talent will always win in the ratings, connect with our listeners and obtain great results for advertisers.”
Full Programming Lineup:
The Angi Taylor Show
Abe Kanan, Morning Show Executive Producer/Contributor Walt Flakus
Klinger
Maria Palmer5 a.m. – 10 a.m.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
