Hubbard Radio Classic Rock “97.1 The Drive” WDRV Chicago/96.9 WWDV Zion IL has announced the promotion of ‘Byrd’ to afternoon host.

Byrd has been with WDRV since 2012, first as a weekend host and then since 2020 in nights. He has been in Chicago since 2003 spending a decade at former Classic Rock “97.9 The Loop” WLUP in multiple dayparts including nights, afternoons, and mornings. Prior to his arrival in Chicago, Byrd held stints in mornings at KSHE St. Louis, WIYY Baltimore, and KOMP Las Vegas as well as nights at CILQ Toronto and afternoons at CJKR Winnipeg.

Byrd has been filling-in on the afternoon shift since Steve Seaver stepped down in December.

Hubbard Radio Chicago’s 97.1 FM The Drive (WDRV) Brand & Content Director Keith Hastings announced today that Byrd has been promoted to permanent afternoon show host at The Drive.

Before temporarily filling The Drive afternoon slot in December 2022, Byrd ruled the evening airwaves since 2020 and was weekend and fill-in host since 2012. Prior to The Drive, he spent a decade at WLUP (97.9 The Loop) where he held every position from mornings to nights. Byrd also had stops in St. Louis, Baltimore/Washington D.C., Toronto and Las Vegas before landing in Chicago.

Byrd says, “I’m incredibly excited, honored and humbled to take on this new role in afternoons at the legendary 97.1 The Drive in Chicago as the next chapter in my odyssey! Much gratitude to Keith Hastings, Jeff England, Greg Strassell, Fred Jacobs, Ginny Morris and the entire Hubbard Chicago family for the belief and the opportunity. Can’t wait to get started!”

Brand & Content Director Keith Hastings commented on the promotion, “Byrd has been a Chicago fixture at the format for over 20 years, and an important part of The Drive team for over 10 of those. He’s more than earned this prime opportunity and I’m excited about his role in this natural evolution of our legacy brand.”