Norm Weiner to Retire from WXRT, Chicago. After a career at legendary Chicago rock outlet WXRT that spanned 37 years, programmer
Norm Weiner is retiring from the station, effective Friday. Weiner made the announcement in a memo to staffers. It's a momentous announcement from Weiner because of his lengthy career with the heritage rocker and his reputation within the industry, but news of his decision is not entirely surprising. In January,
CBS RADIO announced that Weiner would become director of music initiatives and special programming for the station and the program director post would not be
filled. Instead, day-to-day programming duties would be absorbed by WXRT music director
Kelly Ransford and operations director
Mitch Rosen. In Weiner's memo to the staff, he wrote, in part, "For many, many years, we have stood together, defying conventional 'wisdom' governing the way we execute our collective responsibilities. Against all odds, our positive impact has been indisputable. Few in our industry have chosen to relate to their audience with the style, humanity and lofty ideals to which we have aspired. I am grateful that our employers, first
Dan Lee at
Diamond Broadcasting, then
Westinghouse,
Infinity, and, of course, CBS, appreciated and supported our efforts and acknowledged our successes. The inspirational leadership that they provided us has made this all possible, and has enabled us to have so much fun in the process!" CBS RADIO has made no official statement about Weiner's retirement.
