WCCQ & WXLC Ups Drew Walker to Program Director

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 5, 2025 | 5:52pm CT

Drew Walker

Connoisseur Media is restoring live and local mornings on WCCQ & WXLC (FREE Country @ 98.3 & 102.3) as veteran Chicago broadcaster Drew Walker takes over the morning show in early 2026. Walker succeeds the syndicated Bobby Bones Show, which has aired since the station's two-signal simulcast launch in May 2024. Alongside the new role, Walker has been promoted from APD to Program Director of FREE Country.

"Moving into mornings and the Program Director seat feels a little surreal," Walker said. "We've built something really special here - a team I love, communities I care about, fantastic partners, a creative environment that's actually fun, and a station that truly feels like home."

The station is also making changes in afternoons. Leah Andersen, morning co-host on Rock sister station 95 WIIL Rock and a current weekend host on FREE Country, will take over Walker's former afternoon drive position.

"As a lifelong country fan, a mom of three, and a wife juggling the same day-to-day as our listeners, I'm thrilled for this new role," Andersen said.

Gordon Mays, Connoisseur Chicagoland Operations Manager, called the updates a strategic step toward strengthening the station's local identity.

"Drew's experience and decades-long connection with the Chicagoland country music audience make this a very exciting time to be in FREE Country," Mays said. "We have a unique opportunity to continue evolving with authentic local voices, and that's a big win for our listeners and every community we serve."