Cumulus Classic Rock “97.9 The Loop” WLUP Chicago is bringing in a new on-air staff as new Program Director Wade Linder begins to make his mark on the station.
Lyndsey Marie moves from sister “Rock 100.5” WNNX Atlanta. She will be joined by a pair of former staffers of Alternative “Q101” WKQX. Tim Virgin returns to the market from CBS CHR “Energy 103.7” KEGY San Diego for afternoons. Virgin previously worked at WLUP in the late 1990’s. Pyke, most recently at WIOT Toledo and on many Clear Channel Rockers via Premium Choice will host nights. Pyke previously worked in Chicago at both Q101 and CHR “103.5 Kiss-FM” WKSC.
Mornings will remain vacant for the time being while Cumulus conducts a nationwide talent search for a new morning show.
WLUP dismissed morning host Maxwell and middayer Patrick Capone last week.
Cumulus Chicago announces that Classic Rock station WLUP-FM 97.9 The Loop changes lanes with a new weekday line-up that features personalities Tim Virgin, Lyndsey Marie and Pyke. In addition, the station has begun a nationwide search for Chicago’s next great morning show personality.
The announcements herald a fresh direction in Classic Rock programming for The Loop. Since the late ‘70’s, The Loop has provided the soundtrack to growing up in Chicago, with a long history of delivering rock music and legendary radio personalities to generations of Chicagoland listeners. The next chapter begins as former “Looper,” Tim Virgin returns to Chicago for WLUP Afternoon Drive. Virgin’s previous radio posts include WXRK-KROCK in New York City, WHFS in Washington, DC, and the former Q101 in Chicago. The Loop welcomes rising star Lyndsey Marie to Middays. Lyndsey Marie heads to Chicago from her previous position on-air at Cumulus sister station, WNNX Rock 100.5 in Atlanta. Pyke loops back to Chicago to rock Nights on The Loop. His previous radio experience includes on-air stints at WXRK and WHTZ in New York and the former Q101 in Chicago.
John Dickey, Executive Vice President, Programming and Content for Cumulus said: “This is a part of the continuing evolution of WLUP. Chicago is a city known for great personalities and this new line-up continues that tradition.”
Wade Linder, Program Director and Operations Manager for WLUP said: “Chicago has a high expectation for the personalities on The Loop, so we’re thrilled to have Tim, Lyndsey and Pyke join us. Now, we start our search for Loop’s next amazing morning team.”
Virgin said: “I’ve come full circle back to The Loop and Chicago – my home. To say that I am excited to be back at the legend that is The Loop is a huge understatement.”
Lyndsey Marie said: “I love Classic Rock, hockey and expensive beer, and I am so excited to be at The Loop in Chicago.”
Pyke said: “I lived and worked there in the late ‘90’s, and love Chicago and the people. I’m so happy to be back.”
