Connoisseur Media today announces the return of live and local mornings on Chicagoland’s FREE Country @ 98.3 & 102.3 (WCCQ / WXLC) beginning the first week of 2026, with celebrated market and country radio veteran Drew Walker stepping into the morning host role. Walker will succeed the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones Show, which had aired on the station since its rebrand and launch as a two-signal simulcast in May 2024.

In addition to his new morning duties, Walker has been elevated to Program Director of FREE Country, advancing from his previous role as Assistant Program Director. The promotion is effective immediately.

“Moving into mornings and the Program Director seat feels a little surreal,” said Walker. “This station has been my passion project from day one, and I’m grateful for the chance to help lead its next chapter. 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 sounds and feels like home. Super thanks to Gordon Mays, Karl Wertzler, Brian Foster, Keith Dakin and Jeff Warshaw for this amazing opportunity!”

“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,” said Andersen. “Connecting with this community is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I can’t wait to bring that to afternoons.”

Gordon Mays, Connoisseur Chicagoland Operations Manager, celebrated the moves as an important step in strengthening the station’s local identity and deepening listener connection.

“Drew’s experience and decades-long connection with the Chicagoland country music audience make this a very exciting time to be in FREE Country,” said Mays. “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’re connected with.”

With these strategic shifts, Connoisseur Media reinforces its commitment to live, local, community-focused radio across the Chicagoland market.