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Community Corner

Radio Personality Bob Zak Named to City of Joliet Hall of Fame

Radio Personality Bob Zak is now in the City of Joliet Hall of Fame. Bob Zak was born in Joliet and knew he wanted to be in broadcasting after hearing legendary announcer Larry Lujack on the radio at an early age. Setting his sights on getting behind the microphone, Bob graduated from the University of St. Francis in Joliet 1983 with a degree in Communications and began his full time career at Joliet station WJRC 1510am as a news writer and reporter, gradually working his way up to morning drive host as well as host of the station’s popular Saturday Golden Oldies radio show. 

He left in 1984 to take on the role of morning announcer at WCCQ 98.3fm in Crest Hill where he launched the station’s country music format that still exists today. 

In 1985 Bob was offered a position at 1340am WJOL as afternoon host where he stayed for 5 years as part of the most successful news/talk radio lineup in Joliet

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history which included Bill Drilling, Frank O’Leary, Tony Ray and Don Ladas. At the same time Bob could be heard on WJOL’s sister station I-Rock, WLLI playing top 40 rock songs in the evening.  

Bob was very active in the Joliet community during this time hosting shows at the Rialto Square Theatre, Bicentennial Park, as well as volunteering his time and performing duties as emcee for many local organizations including Big Brothers, Easter Seals, Groundwork, and the American Legion, among many others. 

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In 1989 Bob left WJOL to host the midday show on 50,000 watt oldies station WCFL Radio in Chicago where he could be heard all over the Midwest. He also taught broadcasting for 8 years at the University of St. Francis and managed USF’s radio station, WCSF, where he launched the popular all holiday music “Spirit of Christmas” radio program. At the same time he performed on-air duties at 93.5fm WJTW in Joliet and hosted a weekend talk show on WCSJ radio in Morris.

In the 1990’s he once again returned to Chicago radio, hosting shows on classic rock station 105.9 WCKG as well as the 70’s station Y107.9. 

Currently Bob is the weekend host on the classic rock station 95.9-The River in Aurora/Naperville where he has been entertaining audiences for the last 11 years. 

Through his more than 30 years in broadcasting Bob has recorded more than 3000 commercials and has interviewed hundreds of local and national politicians and celebrities, as well as entertained audiences playing drums and guitar in area oldies bands. He still enjoys being behind the microphone entertaining audiences today as much as he did 30+ years ago. 

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