Ex-WLS boss Gallagher to head Hubbard Radio stations in Chicago

John Gallagher

John Gallagher

John Gallagher, who once ran WLS AM 890 for ABC Radio and Citadel Broadcasting, is returning to Chicago to oversee the three Hubbard Radio stations here.

The veteran broadcasting executive has been named vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, which includes hot adult-contemporary WTMX FM 101.9, classic hits WDRV FM 97.1 and adult contemporary WILV FM 100.3.

Effective August 18, he succeeds Jerry Schnacke, who was forced out last April after 17 years in Chicago with Hubbard Radio and its predecessor, Bonneville International.

“John is the perfect person to lead our great brands in Chicago,” Drew Horowitz, president and chief operating officer of Hubbard Radio, said in a statement. “John has a proven track record as an operator and has the benefit of Chicago experience, which gives him insight into the market. I’m thrilled to have someone of John’s caliber and experience segueing into this very critical position for Hubbard Radio Chicago.”

Gallagher, 55, most recently worked for Cumulus Media as regional vice president and market manager in Appleton/Oshkosh and Green Bay, Wisconsin. He previously headed Cumulus Media stations in Toledo, Ohio, and Kansas City, Missouri.

From 2004 to 2008, Gallagher was president and general manager of news/talk WLS AM 890, first under ABC Radio ownership and then under Citadel Broadcasting. For part of the time he also ran Radio Disney WRDZ AM 1300 and former oldies WZZN (now WLS FM 94.7).

A New Jersey native and Villanova University graduate, Gallagher began his career in Detroit at WJR, where he rose to director of sales. He returned to Detroit in 2008 where he served briefly as market manager for Greater Media Inc.

“I look forward to working with Drew Horowitz and the impressive group of professionals at Hubbard Radio Chicago,” Gallagher said in a statement. “I enjoyed my experience at Cumulus Media, but this is one of the top management positions with some of the best talent in the country.”

In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, the Mix ranked No. 1 among women in the 25-54 and 18-49 demographics. The Drive was No. 1 among men in the 25-54 demo.