Chicago Radio: Steve Dahl Returns To WLS-AM Monday

Chicago radio's original bad boy is returning to the airwaves.

Steve Dahl left radio several years ago and has been openly critical of the medium while he does a subscription podcast.

As announced earlier this month (see posting), the 60-year-old Dahl has agreed to become the afternoon personality on WLS 890AM 890. The deal includes support for his daily podcasts. Dahl told The Chicago Tribune, "They will help sell product placement ads in the podcasts and provide technological support and resources. They will also help me advertise for subscribers across multiple platforms."

Dahl will replace Roe Conn and Richard Roeper starting Monday Nov. 3.

The @SteveDahlShow returns to #WLS890 Monday, Nov 3rd, afternoons 2-6pm! What's he been up to the past 6 years? http://t.co/2n4LUdnCYU
— WLSAM890 (@wlsam890) October 30, 2014

When Steve Dahl last signed off terrestrial radio in 2008, The Chicago Tribune reports he seemingly burned his bridges to Chicago radio, opting instead to launch his own subscription podcast network.

Steve Dahl

His exit ended three decades of supervision by corporate overlords, Federal Communications Commission indecency fines and the daily battle for ratings. For six years, Dahl seemed content to talk unfettered to his most loyal fans from the comfort of his west suburban basement, building the Steve Dahl Network in relative media obscurity.

After decades on air, he started the Steve Dahl Network in August 2011 from his home in the Western suburbs of Chicago. The Network offers 11 unique weekly shows via a subscription-based podcast. Called the "Founder of Modern FM Talk Radio", Steve's career has influenced countless other comedians and broadcasters.

Dahl took to Chicago airwaves in 1978, hitting his stride at the Loop WLUP 97.9 FM while teaming with Garry Meier for a long and successful run. During that time, Dahl was at the center of the infamous 1979 Disco Demolition Night at old Comiskey Park, where an on-field riot forced the White Sox to forfeit a game.

The pair hosted a popular show from 1980 to 1985 on WLS-AM, where Dahl again shook up the Chicago radio order, culminating in a near on-air fistfight with legendary "Superjock" Larry Lujack. In December 1985, tired of being taunted by the pair, Lujack entered the studio and confronted Dahl and Meier. They left the studio and Lujack finished their show.