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Published on Sunday, 19 September 2010 15:34
WVON-AM is adding a bold new early morning show and talent to their line-up. Lenny McAllister, the noted political/social commentator and author, has accepted the invitation to join Chicago's radio station. His show, "Launching Chicago with Lenny McAllister" begins this Tuesday morning at 5:00am. The program will air each Tuesday-Friday from 5:00am-6:00am.
Lenny McAllister will bring a much more conservative viewpoint to the iconic Chicago radio station.
Although he just barely failed to get elected to public office a few years ago (by just 56 votes), after being featured in a series of election commercials on BET, which showcased his charisma and speaking skills, Lenny McAllister was asked to join the FOX-owned WCCB-TV in Charlotte, NC as a their political contributor to their newscasts. In the last couple of years, this rising star has also provided commentary on television on CNN, FOX News Channel, ABC, BBC and BET, as well as on radio on NPR and Sirius/XM. Of course, he has also appeared on WVON-AM many times in the past year.
He is the author of "Diary of a Mad Black PYC (Proud Young Conservative)," which is a collection of quotes, essays, and other pieces that look at the experiences of African-American Republicans during the Obama presidential campaign of 2008. He writes a weekly column for TheRoot.com website, is a founding contributor to the HipHopRepublican.com website, and his writings appear on numerous other websites & blogs. McAllister is often asked to speak at political events & rallies.
Although he has spoken at Tea Party rallies before and is a very proud conservative, McAllister recently made headlines by rejecting an invitation to appear at the Glenn Beck/Sarah Palin Tea Party rally on August 28th on the anniversary of MLK's famous "I Have A Dream" speech.
McAllister often speaks about much more than conservative politics, focusing also on bettering the lives and situations of Urban youth & communities. He often works with young Urban fathers and troubled teens to help with their situations and even volunteers as a jail minister to incarcerated juveniles and young adults.
After guesting on several shows on WVON-AM, he caught the ear of not only the listeners, but of WVON management, as well. In early August, McAllister filled in for Charles Butler's show for a week. Although his opinions were different from what is typically heard on WVON, the reaction was strong & positive.
Even though Lenny McAllister has guested on numerous radio & television talk/news shows over the last couple of years, he has yet to have his own show -- until now.
"It's time to claim your potential... your vitality... your communities... your dreams... (and) your voice on The Talk of Chicago, 1690 AM," says Lenny McAllister of his new program.
The radio station is looking at Lenny McAllister to add more to the station then just his own regular Tuesday-Friday morning show. He will be WVON's go-to fill-in host and also contribute commentary on Cliff Kelley & Charles Butler's weekday shows.
This week, in addition to his own show, McAllister will be filling-in for Santita Jackson's show on Monday & Wednesday. He is also schedule to make appearences on Kelley & Butler's shows on Monday. On Friday, he will be filling-in for Perri Small and co-hosting WVON's morning show with Matt McGill.
Look for McAllister to be making guest appearences on many national outlets over the next few weeks, mentioning WVON and his new program.
Lenny McAllister, age 38, is married and has two children from his first marriage and one child from his current marriage. He is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, but has been living in the Charlotte, NC area for the last few years. He and his wife are making preparations to relocate to Chicago. Although he will be bouncing back and forth between Chicago & Charlotte until he fully relocates, he will be able to seamlessly continue to do his WVON work while in NC from a studio set up at his home there.
Lenny McAllister appears to be a rising star as a political pundit, a speaker, and now, as a radio host.
McAllister said to CRM today: "Chicago is a great town with a wide spectrum of cultures, personalities, issues, and opportunities. It would be difficult to pass up a chance to learn more about life within the confines of one of America's great cities. Further, to be given a voice within the daily conversations circulating around town provides a door few get access to, one that can allow me to serve others as a mirror of oft-neglected voices and a prism for hope and advancement. Illinois may be known as the 'Land of Lincoln,' but for us as a family and for me as one focused on aiding others, Chicago is seen as the 'Land of Opportunities.' I'm honored that Melody Spann-Cooper, Todd Ronczkowski, and the WVON team are opening this door for me. I look to walk through it and optimize the moment to fulfill the goals I have in mind for our listeners."
"Launching Chicago with Lenny McAllister" can be heard at 1690 AM or online at
WVON.com.
