Following the termination of Eric Ferguson last fall, Hubbard Hot AC “101.9 The Mix” WTMX Skokie/Chicago has found its new morning host in-house.
Chris Petlak will move from co-hosting afternoons with Lisa Allen to taking over the lead of the WTMX morning show alongside co-hosts Nikki, Whip, Violeta, and Swany on Monday, January 24. Petlak began his career in 2008 as an intern rising up to promotions assistant to eventual Social Media Manager for Hubbard Chicago and contributor to the then Eric & Kathy morning show. After exiting in 2016, Petlak spent time at Ryan Seacrest Enterprises and Liquid Advertising in Los Angeles. He also co-created and starred in The Jamz, a webseries about a fictional Chicago radio station before returning to WTMX in 2019 as night host and Director of Digital Content for WTMX and WSHE. He joined then midday host Lisa Allen in afternoons in June 2020.
Hubbard Radio Chicago’s 101.9 THE MIX & 100.3 WSHE Vice President of Brand and Content, Jimmy Steal, announced today that, after conducting an extensive national search, effective Monday 1/24/22 Chris Petlak will move to MIX Mornings as morning show host, leading Nikki, Whip, Violeta, and Swany (who’ve done a great job in the interim). Prior to this, Chris spent nearly two years on The Afternoon Mix with Lisa Allen. Additionally, Chris hosted MIX Evenings and served as Director of Digital Content for WTMX and WSHE.
As the morning show’s new host, Chris brings a dynamic and diverse set of talent and skills. His past achievements include: success in scripted television co-creating, co-writing, and co-starring in The Jamz – (original Netflix Sitcom) currently on Apple TV/Amazon Prime, working as Ryan Seacrest’s Social Media Manager, serving as LA Agency Liquid Advertising’s Associate Creative Director, and LA stand-up comedy success at The Comedy Store, Flappers Comedy Club, and The Ice House. Despite a brief stint in L.A., Chris is a Chicago native, who started his career in 2008 with Hubbard Chicago as a Promotion Assistant, growing into the role of Hubbard Chicago’s first Social Media Manager.
Petlak says, “It’s beyond exciting to start this new chapter and build The Morning Mix alongside Swany, Nikki, Whip and Violeta. I am proud that I have been part of the Hubbard Chicago family for so long and grateful that Jeff England, Greg Strassell and Jimmy Steal have entrusted me with this opportunity. Now, it’s time to ask Alexa to set a very early alarm.”
Vice President Market Manager Jeff England added, “As our new host, Chris brings a unique skillset, sensibility, and set of experience to The Morning Mix. We’re excited about Chris leading our morning efforts with world class content creation, impactful to our listeners, advertisers, and community”
