It’s a pleasure to see the legendary Jonathon Brandmeier back in business. On Friday, the former Chicago radio star made his unheralded debut as host of Brandmeier, a lively (and decidedly low-budget) local talk show on NBC 5 — following Last Call With Carson Daly. Also airing on the station’s Chicago NonStop digital subchannel, the fast-paced weekly half-hour serves as a showcase for Brandmeier to play off the news and draw out assorted eccentrics as only he can. Guests on the premiere included a Wisconsin man who was ticketed for flipping the bird at Governor Scott Walker, a champion air guitarist, a California taxidermist who advertises on YouTube, and the Constitutionalist Party candidate for president. Somehow Johnny B. also managed to mine laughs from the manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray. "It’s a work in progress for all involved, but I’m thrilled to have the opportunity," he said on his website. Brandmeier is set for a 10-week run.

- Robert Feder, Time Out Chicago

Johnny's first words on WGN when he dropped in on Garry Meier's December 2nd show:

 

Johnny's appearance on WGN Morning News:

 

Johnny visits Fox News in Chicago:

 

Chicago Tribune: Q&A: Brandmeier talks about his first show on WGN

"To me, radio is so enjoyable. You plug and you play. There should be no one else. And then just talking to the caller, letting them tell you what's going on out there. You think the governor's nuts, the mayor's nuts? The audience is so untapped funny. That's what I love the most, is seeing what they are up to out there."

Robert Feder, Time Out Chicago: Brandmeier on WGN: ‘This is the perfect home for me’

Will Johnny B. change WGN — or will WGN change Johnny B.?
On that question hinges the future of the Chicago Tribune’s 87-year-old radio flagship and millions of dollars in advertising revenue. Ready or not, after a courtship that began more than 20 years ago in a secret meeting at the Fairmont Hotel, Jonathon Brandmeier and news/talk WGN-AM (720) finally consummated the deal that few believed would ever get done.

Chicago Sun-Times: Jonathon Brandmeier coming to WGN-AM mornings

"Brandmeier’s status as “an iconic Chicago personality” made him a perfect fit... Meier welcomed Brandmeier back to Chicago’s airwaves during an on-air, off-the-wall interview on WGN- Friday evening. Brandmeier gave listeners a taste of his wackiness, bouncing from topic to topic..."

WGN Radio: Chicago radio legend Jonathon Brandmeier named morning drive host at WGN Radio

"Jonathon Brandmeier is a Chicago superstar and we're thrilled to have him on the air, at the station where he belongs," said Tom Langmyer, WGN Radio's vice president & general manager. "Johnny's high energy, humor and unique Chicago experience make him an exceptional fit as 'The Voice of Chicago' evolves with another generation of listeners."

Fox News: Brandmeier to Take Over WGN Radio AM 720

"Listeners can expect a show that's heavy on the fun, energy and unique brand of interviews Johnny B has always been known for. It should attract a younger audience, which would translate into more advertising dollars for WGN radio."

Chicago Tribune: New WGN-AM morning host Jonathon Brandmeier

"If Brandmeier has a particular genius, it is borrowed wisdom from generations of entertainers who have recognized the inherent audience appeal of real people expressing honest emotion... He doesn't perform so much as he reacts--to the newspapers, supermarket tabloids and the calls and letters from his listeners."