Mitch Rosen

Veteran Chicago radio programmer Mitch Rosen has declined an offer to join WGN Radio as program director. He was reported to be the leading candidate of Jimmy deCastro, new president and general manager of the Tribune Broadcasting news/talk station.

Rosen, 46, confirmed Wednesday he's agreed to continue as program director of CBS Radio sports/talk WSCR, a position he has held since 2005.

"I was flattered by the interest at WGN, and very grateful that my mentor, Jimmy deCastro, really wanted me," Rosen said in an interview. "But at the end of the day, I'm grateful for the team we have here, and I continue to grow this brand that is 21-plus years old. I love what I do. I love working at the Score. I love the team we've put together here. The success we've had as a team has been outstanding. I couldn't walk away from that right now. It was the hardest decision of my career. Not many times in our career do we have a choice. I had a choice. I chose to stay at a great radio station."

A Chicago native, Rosen began his career at WGN as producer for late-night radio king "Chicago Eddie" Schwartz in 1988. He followed Schwartz to WLUP in 1992. Rosen later became program director of WMVP.

The search continues for a program director at WGN. Bill White, who held the job for 2½ years, was forced out Monday. "Sometimes managers have to make difficult decisions on behalf of a few to build a brighter future for many," deCastro told staffers in a memo Monday. "Today, we are losing the services of a friend and delightful professional, Bill White. Please join me in wishing him the best in his future endeavors."