A bit of personal news...

As many of you know, I’ve been filling in on WMAY in Springfield for the past couple of years. I got my start in radio when I was 15 at my small little hometown station (shout out to WGFA in Watseka) and eventually became a reporter at WDWS in Champaign until I left for politics in 2011.

Radio is in my blood.

So when the folks at WMAY asked me a couple of weeks ago to take over their morning show, I was excited at the chance. I have no extra hours in the day to spend, but we’re going to go for it.

On Monday, I’ll begin hosting on WMAY in Springfield (that’s 92.7 FM for those of you in town or www.wmay.com for those around the state.) We’ll be on from 6am-9am each morning.

Of course, it’s going to be politics heavy, because that’s the side effect of the day job, and I’ll continue to be myself. I’m a conservative who has big time beefs with both political parties. I’ll be tough but fair with every office holder and political figure I talk to. And anyone who knows me knows I’m not selling my soul for any political figure or party.

I do plan to keep writing this newsletter and there won’t be any changes in the immediate future. I have to figure out how to write a timely newsletter and still get a few hours ofsleep every night, so we may tinker with formats or distribution times, but, for now, we’ll still be in your inbox at 5am everyday.

I’m excited for the new opportunity and hope you all can join us (and let your friends and family in the Springfield area know, too.)

As the great Charles Osgood said: “we’ll see you on the radio…”

Here’s the news release the station sent this morning:

SPRINGFIELD, IL—Mid-West Family Broadcasting (MWFB) has announced Patrick Pfingsten, an award-winning political reporter, former political consultant, and current writer of the popular “The Illinoize” political newsletter, will become the new host of “Springfield’s Morning News” on 92.7 WMAY.

Pfingsten was a reporter for WDWS in Champaign for six years where he was awarded Best Reporter in Illinois in 2010 by the Illinois Broadcasters Association for his coverage of former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment trial.

He later began working in politics, including for the campaign of former Congressman Rodney Davis as well as for House and Senate Republicans.

Since 2020, he has written the independent newsletter “The Illinoize,” a daily non-partisan outlet providing news, analysis, and opinion on Illinois politics. Pfingsten has been a fill-in host for WMAY since 2022.

“In our divided political world, we decided it was time to break from the partisan talking points and start listening to someone who will cut through the bull,” said Mark Van Allen, MWFB General Manager. “The public deserves information and opinions they can trust, and we believe Patrick will be a great asset to Springfield and our entire state in raising the level of debate in our politics.”

“I’m honored to be asked to continue the long tradition of WMAY’s commitment to Springfield, surrounding communities, and the state of Illinois,” said Pfingsten. “Our state and nation are at a critical time and too many media figures are too consumed with trying to push an agenda. We’re going to lean on the truth.”

Pfingsten replaces Mike Wennmacher, who has held the interim role on “Springfield’s Morning News” since last year.

Pfingsten plans to grow the reach of the show including online and through video streaming platforms. He will continue writing his daily “The Illinoize” platform and will continue operating his independent media company.

WMAY, first as 970 AM, now in its current iteration of 92.7 FM and streaming online at www.wmay.com, has served Springfield and central Illinois for more than 50 years.

Pfingsten begins as the host of “Springfield’s Morning News” on July 29.