Bob Stroud will step down from his midday shift at Hubbard Classic Rock “97.1 The Drive” WDRV Chicago/96.9 WWDV Zion IL on June 30.
The 71 year old Stroud has been a staple in Chicago since joining 95.5 WMET in 1979. Stroud will continue to host the “Ten at 10” and “One 45 at 1:45” segments as well as his Sunday morning “Rock and Roll Roots” that has bounced around the market with him since launching in 1980 from WMET to 97.9 WLUP, 105.9 WCKG, 1000 WLUP, 94.7 WXCD, 93.1 WXRT, and since 2001 WDRV. Stroud was the first on-air host heard at the station after its flip to Classic Rock in 2001.
Afternoon co-host Janda Lane will fill-in on middays starting July 1 until a new host is found.
Hubbard Radio Chicago’s 97.1FM The Drive Brand & Content Director Keith Hastings announced today that legendary Midday host Bob Stroud will relinquish his full-time duties at the end of this month, beginning semi-retirement. He will continue to be heard on The Drive weekdays, hosting daily features: Ten at 10 and One 45 at 1:45. Stroud will also continue to host his Sunday morning Rock ‘n Roll Roots program, something he has done for an amazing 42 years, the last 21 of those on WDRV.
Stroud says, “I never saw this coming, a 43 year career in the city of my dreams, Chicago. Now it’s time to kick back a bit and spend the proverbial more time with my family, while still keeping a tone arm in the game by continuing to host two weekday features and my 42 year old baby, Rock ‘n Roll Roots.
Brand & Content Director Keith Hastings added, “I am just thrilled for Bob’s opportunity. To be able to enjoy life and family fun time, while continuing to nurture his relationship with Drive Nation is a rare opportunity. He gets to continue to do what he loves, while doing it on his own timeline. He is a special talent and a special person. I am really pleased that we will be able to continue to work together in this great city”.
While Stroud’s presence on the station continues, this shift in the lineup creates a new full-time opportunity. Hastings will immediately begin the search for a Midday host for the nation’s premiere classic rock station.
