Carriveau replaces Monzures in afternoons on ‘Chicago’s 100.3’

Jane Monzures

Jane Monzures

Even by radio’s cruel standards, Jane Monzures’ tenure was unusually brief.

After only six months as afternoon personality on WILV FM 100.3, Monzures was dropped Wednesday from the Hubbard Radio adult contemporary station. She returned from vacation to receive the news.

Cara Carriveau

Cara Carriveau

Effective immediately, Chicago radio veteran and current evening host Cara Carriveau moves up to afternoons, according to program director Marty Bender. Before shifting to “Chicago’s 100.3” last year, Carriveau hosted middays on Hubbard hot adult-contemporary WTMX FM 101.9.

In hiring Monzures to succeed Brian Middleton last January, Hubbard bosses made a fairly bold move. Though known for her work as a versatile broadcast talent, the southwest suburban Orland Park native had never solo-hosted a live radio show before. She was best known for stints as Pete McMurray’s morning co-host and Zakk Tyler’s afternoon co-host at classic rock WLUP FM 97.9 and for voice tracking shows on the former adult hits WIQI.

Despite what Bender praised as Monzures’ “wit, energy and positivity,” response from listeners proved disappointing. While the station has been enjoying substantial ratings growth in mornings and middays, afternoons consistently were underperforming.

In the Nielsen Audio survey released Tuesday, WILV ranked 17th in afternoons with a 2.2 percent share and a cumulative weekly audience of 533,100. Among women between 25 and 54, the station was 14th in afternoons with a 2.9 share and weekly cume of 192,300.

Here is the text of Bender’s memo to the staff:

Please be advised that we will be making a lineup change at Chicago’s 100.3. Today we will be saying goodbye to Jane Monzures as she leaves the afternoon drive show she’s been doing for the last six months. Jane is a wonderful person and a great talent and we wish her continued ongoing success in her many media and philanthropic endeavors.

Beginning today, we welcome our evening hostess and Chicago radio superstar Cara Carriveau to the 2-7pm drive slot at Chicago’s 100.3. Nights will be handled by fill-in hosts until we post the opening and look for our new night star.

Thank you.

Marty