'Drive Time' Radio Show Enters Third Year with Move to WMAQ

2 December 1998
'Drive Time' Radio Show Enters Third Year with Move to WMAQ
    CHICAGO, Dec. 1 -- "Drive Time," Chicago's only weekly
automotive radio show, will make its new home on 50,000-watt clear channel
WMAQ (AM 670) starting Dec. 5 from 10-11 a.m.  The show, which is produced by
the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), celebrates America's love
affair with the automobile.
    "We couldn't be more enthusiastic about the move to WMAQ," said Bill
Stasek, chairman of the 800-member CATA.  "We're proud to be the nation's only
automotive association with its own weekly radio show.  The incredible reach
of WMAQ coupled with a prime Saturday morning time slot can only benefit
consumers and dealers alike."
    "Drive Time" is hosted by CATA Director of Communications Paul Brian, a
well-known fixture in Chicago media.
    "I've been fortunate to be able to host a show like this for the past two
years," said Brian.  "In over 25 years in broadcasting, it's the first time
when I've been able to marry two great loves of my life:  talk radio and
automobiles."
    The program's topics span industry news, industry newsmakers, product
reviews, advice on sales and leasing, safety, environment, charitable affairs
and the pure joy of driving.  Guests in the show's first two years have
included everyone from the CATA's dealer members to automotive corporate CEOs
and everyone in between.
    "I'm pleased with the high corporate level of guests who regularly appear
on 'Drive Time,'" said CATA President Jerry Cizek.  "I have to believe it's a
testimonial to the innovation of our association producing a show where
everyone from the dealer to the highest levels of the industry know they're
going to get an intelligent and relaxed interview from an informed host and
public."
    "No matter how much advertising and promotion is available in all the
various media, there's still a need for the public to have a source they can
trust for advice," said Brian.  "Our callers more often than not are torn
between one vehicle and another and want some guidance.  'Drive Time' has been
able to provide that to them, whether it's from me or from a guest journalist
or manufacturer rep.  It's an hour of radio that's easy to listen to, even if
you're not in the immediate market, to purchase or lease a vehicle."
    "The CATA is well-known for producing the nation's largest auto show every
February," said Stasek.  "But 'Drive Time' gives the Chicago Auto Show, our
dealers and our participating manufacturers a 52-week-a-year presence
unavailable anywhere else."
    WMAQ Program Director Lorna Gladstone added her endorsement to the
addition of "Drive Time" to the legendary station's Saturday morning
programming.
    "Paul and I worked together at WGN in the '80s and I know his relaxed and
informative style will be a welcome complement to our station," said
Gladstone.  "This is an industry that employs over 50,000 people in the area
with gross new and used vehicle sales in excess of $24 billion.  It's hard for
a news station to ignore such a significant segment of business that affects
almost everyone."
    The show's move to WMAQ was prompted by the format change and sale to the
ABC Radio Network of WMVP (AM1000), where "Drive Time" had aired since
Dec. 1996.