WKQX/Chicago to Launch ''The KQX Morning Crew'' in Wakeups

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 4, 2018 | 6:31pm CT

The KQX Morning Crew

Alternative WKQX-FM Chicago is launching "The KQX Morning Crew" on Monday, December 10, airing weekdays from 6-10am. The new morning program will feature co-hosts Brian Haddad, Ali Matta and Justin Nettlebeck. Haddad returns to Chicago radio after a stop in Philadelphia at Sports WIP-FM, where he handled evenings. Haddad was known by Chicagoland radio listeners as "Sludge" while previously airing at WKQX (Q101), WZZN and WRCX.

Ali Matta (Mattacola) joins WKQX mornings from Cumulus co-owned KXXR-FM (93X) Minneapolis, where she was part of the "Half-Assed Morning Show with Nick, Josh & Ali." In addition to his role as co-host, Justin Nettlebeck is the Executive Producer of "The KQX Morning Crew." He was previously producer of the syndicated "The Free Beer & Hot Wings Show," which originates from WGRD-FM Grand Rapids.

Former WKQX morning host Brian Phillips segues to a weekend and swing shift role on-air at WKQX, and as producer and host of "ALT_Backspace," which airs Sunday mornings from 10am-12noon on WKQX.

Cumulus Media Chicago VP/Market Manager Marv Nyren said, "Because of our belief in on-air talent and building long-term relationships with the audience, we are thrilled to bring Chicago a team of performers who will entertain and excite listeners every day. The unique combination of Brian, Ali and Justin will give Chicagoans a partner when waking up, eating breakfast, driving to work or simply looking for fun in the mornings."

VP/Operations and PD Troy Hanson added, "Timing is everything. We've been eying Brian, Ali and Justin as individuals for quite a while now and the timing was right to bring their incredible talents together to create a compelling, funny, what people are talking about type of show. The market is ripe for a show that can deliver on those attributes and we plan on doing so every day with The KQX Morning Crew. The time is now."