WVON radio taps ex-Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. as new afternoon host

Why it matters: Jackson brings baggage to the airwaves, but the familiar voice could make waves weighing in on the city's political climate.

What they're saying: "To have an opportunity to provide a platform for someone as talented as Jesse Jr. positions WVON to continue to shake things up in Chicago and beyond," WVON general manager Melody Spann-Cooper said in a press release.

Flashback: After serving 17 years in Congress and running for Chicago mayor, the rising political star was convicted of misusing campaign funds in 2013 and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

State of play: He lobbied President Biden for a last-minute pardon, which did not happen.

• "It would change the course of my life," Jackson told WTTW in December.
• "It would be the official act by the president of the United States on behalf of the American people to say that 'You are forgiven.'"

Zoom in: Jackson will host a call-in show that has traditionally focused on news and politics, pushing the former Chicago newsmaker back into the city's political discourse.

The intrigue: This isn't WVON's first foray into hiring felons. Former Ald. Cliff Kelley enjoyed huge afternoon show ratings before he retired in 2019. He was convicted of taking a bribe in 1987.

• Other convicted politicians turned radio hosts include former city Clerk James Laski and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Between the lines: WVON has had a long history with the Jackson family. Rev. Jesse Jackson still hosts a Sunday morning talk show and Santita Jackson (Jackson Jr.'s sister) also hosted a show at the station.