Audacy News/Talk 830 WCCO Minneapolis is launching new shows in two prime weekday dayparts on Monday, June 27.
Jason DeRusha, who will be leaving CBS’ WCCO-TV on June 23 after two decades at the television station, will takeover afternoons from 3-6pm. DeRusha joined WCCO-TV as a reporter in 2003 and has served as morning and noon anchor since 2013. He also serves as
Food Editor/Restaurant Critic for Minnesota Monthly and has been a regular fill-in host on WCCO radio since 2011.
That will bring to an end the afternoon show hosted by Paul Douglas and Jordana Green since August 2017. Douglas will remain with WCCO as the station’s Chief Meteorologist. Douglas has served as a television meteorologist in the market at KARE-TV from 1983 to 1994 and WCCO-TV from 1997 to 2008. Green, who joined WCCO as late night host in 2012, will move to late-mornings from 9am to 12pm, where she will be paired with current news anchor Adam Carter. They fill the opening created by Cory Hepola’s departure in February.
The remainder of WCCO’s weekday lineup remains in-tact. Vineeta Sawkar, who joined the station in January, will continue to anchor “The Morning News”. Chad Hartman hosts 12-3pm. Nights will feature “Minnesota’s Drivetime News” from 6-630pm. “Sports to the Max” hosted by Mike Max will continue from 630-9pm, and Henry Lake from 9pm-1am.
Audacy has announced an updated weekday programming lineup for 830 WCCO (WCCO-AM) in Minneapolis, including the launch of a new afternoon drive show hosted by Twin Cities media personality Jason DeRusha. DeRusha will be heard weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, beginning June 27.
“Jason’s not only a beloved and trusted Minnesota broadcaster; he also has the rare ability to truly connect and engage with everyone he talks to,” said Brad Lane, Brand Manager, 830 WCCO. “Whether he’s delivering breaking news, telling a family story or giving a restaurant recommendation, people trust him like a friend, and that’s exactly what the legacy and future of 830 WCCO is all about.”
“I have always loved the creativity, the unpredictability, and the interactive qualities of radio,” said DeRusha. “I can’t wait to bring my love for Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, as well as my two decades of curiosity about our neighbors and our news to 830 WCCO. Not many people get to have one dream job, let alone two. I’ve loved my time in television and can’t wait to dive into a new dream job in radio and podcasting.”
DeRusha has spent nearly two decades as a reporter and anchor at WCCO-TV, including co-hosting “WCCO Mornings” since 2013 and winning nine regional Emmy Awards for his work there. In addition, he’s one of the market’s best-known foodies – from being named a James Beard Award finalist for his “DeRusha Eats” television segment to serving as food critic and editor at Minnesota Monthly magazine, a role he’ll continue. DeRusha is also widely known for his social media presence and frequent volunteer work as an emcee and speaker for local charities.
DeRusha’s new afternoon drive show is part of a revamped weekday lineup on the station. Following “The WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar,” which launched in January, longtime 830 WCCO news anchor Adam Carter will be promoted to co-host a new show alongside Jordana Green, airing from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT. Green’s longtime co-host Paul Douglas will set aside daily hosting duties to become WCCO Radio’s Chief Meteorologist. Douglas will appear on air throughout the day and ensure the station remains Minnesota’s most trusted source for severe weather updates. Douglas became Minnesota’s first certified broadcast meteorologist in 2005.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com