CHICAGO, December 12, 2008 –John Williams will step behind the mic on WGN Radio 720 AM on Monday, December 15, becoming just the fourth personality in 43 years to host the station’s morning drive program. Williams will be heard weekdays from 5-9am.

WGN Radio announced Williams’ appointment earlier this month. Williams is replacing Spike O’Dell, who announced his retirement earlier this year and celebrated his final broadcast today.

John Williams began his broadcasting career at WSPY in Plano, Illinois. He hosted middays at WCCO Radio in Minneapolis for four years and spent ten years at WMBD in Peoria. Williams began his career at WGN Radio in 1997 as the midday host, moved to the afternoon shift in February 2000, and returned to the midday slot in April 2007.

John was a Personality of the Year finalist at the 2006 Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Awards. Also in 2006, Williams was a Marconi finalist, won Personality of the Year at the Silver Domes, and Best Afternoon Show on a News, Talk, Personality or Sports Station and Best Talent at the (A.I.R.) Awards. In the community, John serves on the Salvation Army and YMCA advisory boards.