WLW/Cincinnati Morning Host Mike McConnell to Retire

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 6:25pm CT

Mike McConnell

Veteran morning host Mike McConnell has announced his retirement from iHeartMedia's News/Talk 700 WLW in Cincinnati. McConnell shared the news with his listeners on Wednesday morning, revealing that his last day on air will be Friday, April 4. He humorously cited his age as a key reason for his decision to retire.

Having rejoined 700 WLW in 2015, McConnell took over the morning slot from Jim Scott, after a stint at WGN Radio in Chicago where he hosted middays. This marked his return to the station where he had previously spent 25 years in the midday slot, including time in syndication with Premiere Networks. He originally left WLW in 2010 for his position at WGN.

Reflecting on his career, McConnell mentioned that he had decided this contract would be his last when he signed it three years ago, and he had informed the station's management of his decision over a year prior. "I'll miss a lot of aspects of it, but look forward to it at the same time," he said. McConnell noted the fulfillment he found in his long career, which began in April of 1975, amounting to fifty years in broadcasting.

As his departure date approaches, McConnell expressed no regrets: "I've enjoyed it, great job, most of my life and I'll miss it. We'll have plenty of time to talk about it between now and then." The station has yet to announce McConnell's successor as the morning host.