Don & Roma Close to New Deal?
Despite what we’ve been hearing from our sources, the Trib’s Phil Rosenthal is reporting today that WLS-AM and their longtime morning duo of Don Wade & Roma are close to a new deal.
Although Don and Roma Wade’s contract with Citadel Broadcasting’s WLS-AM 890 expires this week, multiple sources say a renewal likely will be agreed upon no later than early next week and possibly Friday.
The Wades’ contract runs out today. Four years ago, the Wades were pulled off the air after the contract expired. They sat out for nearly two months while ABC/Disney, the then-owners of WLS, haggled with the Wades until new general manager John Gallagher was able to settle the negotiation. WLS is now owned by Citadel Broadcasting and the general manager is Mike Fowler.
It’s too soon to know if Fowler will pull the morning show off the air if they don’t have a new contract. But what has become clear in recent weeks is that WLS doesn’t have a clear plan of succession if they are not able to reach a deal with the Wades.
I missed the last segment of Don and Roma today, but was in my car at 9 a.m. when Don usually speaks for about 30 sec. during the top of the hour jingle promo. He spoke with his promoting Mancow’s show, but did say “it’s been a great run here.” We shall see on Monday, I guess if that run is over or not.