CBS Radio Chicago’s WJMK(FM) midday host Tommy Edwards has decided to retire from the biz, effective Sept. 12.
He has logged more than five decades in the industry, working in major markets, including time at leading stations in the top three markets.
He has been with WJMK since 2011, when it was formatted as a classic hits station. His tenure with CBS Radio began in 1990, when he was named program director for WODS(FM) in Boston.
“It’s been a 54‐year radio career that began when I was a young teen in high school in Topeka, Kansas,” said Edwards. “I’ve been blessed to work with some incredible people in cities all across this country.”
Edwards resides in Lake Forest, Ill., with his wife and looks forward to taking more time for himself and his family.
“Tommy Edwards is synonymous with great radio,” said CBS Radio Senior Vice President and Chicago Market Manager Rod Zimmerman. “Few have enjoyed the depth and longevity of success he has experienced. We’ve been privileged in Chicago to have been entertained by Tommy for as long as we were. All of us at K-HITS and CBS Radio wish him much happiness and as he knows, the door will always be open.”
The station has celebrated Edwards throughout his final week of broadcasts by sharing stories and memories from across his career, including Edwards’ favorite music hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Fans can tune in on-air, online or via the Radio.com app.
Edwards began his professional radio career in Washington at WEAM(AM), where he worked nights at the then rock station. After a few years, he moved to New York for a position at WOR(FM), and then later to Chicago where he spent time as a production director and on-air personality. He eventually joined Larry Lujack in the creation of the on-air feature “Animal Stories.”
Following his tenure at WODS, Edwards worked in programming at KCBS(FM) in Los Angeles, a position he held for more than a decade. He was instrumental in transitioning the station to its current adult hits format.
In addition, Edwards has served as the public address announcer for the Chicago Bulls for 24 seasons.
