Connoisseur Media Country “Free Country 98.3/102.3” WCCQ Crest Hill/WXLC Waukegan IL is revamping its lineup.
Drew Walker has been promoted from APD/afternoon host to Program Director and morning host. Walker joined the stations when it debuted the “Free Country” brand in May 2024 following a 20 year run at Audacy Country “US 99” WUSN Chicago. Walker fills the programming role that had been held by consultant Tim Richards and replaces Premiere Networks’ Bobby Bones Show in mornings.
Walker commented, “Moving into mornings and the Program Director seat feels a little surreal. This station has been my passion project from day one, and I’m grateful for the chance to help lead its next chapter. We’ve built something really special here, a team I love, communities I care about, fantastic partners, a creative environment that’s actually fun, and a station that truly sounds and feels like home. Super thanks to Gordon Mays, Karl Wertzler, Brian Foster, Keith Dakin and Jeff Warshaw for this amazing opportunity!”
Succeeding Walker in afternoons will be Leah Anderson. Anderson had been hosting weekends on the station in addition to co-hosting mornings on sister Rock 95.1 WIIL Union Grove/Kenosha WI. She has been with the cluster since 2012 first in sales and weekends on WIIL until 2019. After a four year run co-hosting mornings at then Hot AC WXLC, she moved back to WIIL in March 2023.
She said, “As a lifelong country fan, a mom of three, and a wife juggling the same day-to-day as our listeners, I’m thrilled for this new role. Connecting with this community is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I can’t wait to bring that to afternoons.”
Operations Manager Gordon Mays added, “Drew’s experience and decades-long connection with the Chicagoland country music audience make this a very exciting time to be in FREE Country. We have a unique opportunity to continue evolving with authentic local voices, and that’s a big win for our listeners and every community we’re connected with.”
