WBEZ names three interim hosts for "In the Loop" after Sasha-Ann Simons' exit
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Chicago Public Media is the parent company of WBEZ-FM. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
WBEZ is turning to three of its own journalists to host its flagship morning talk show "In the Loop" as it searches for a permanent replacement for Sasha-Ann Simons.
The latest: Simons, who announced her departure last month after six years at the NPR station, signed off Friday.
- City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel will host the show in November, followed by engagement reporter Araceli Gómez-Aldana in December and "Curious City" editor Susie An in January.
Why it matters: The rotating lineup gives WBEZ ample time to search for a permanent host for the morning program, which launched just over a year ago as part of a major overhaul of the station's local programming.
What they're saying: "We're excited that three trusted voices from WBEZ will continue to bring listeners the news, culture and conversations they have come to expect from 'In the Loop,'" executive producer Dan Tucker said in a statement.
The intrigue: While extended searches aren't unusual in public radio, WBEZ has not announced a timetable for naming a replacement or whether any of the rotating hosts are candidates for the job.
History repeats: In 2012, Rick Kogan temporarily took over "The Afternoon Shift" following host Steve Edwards' departure. Niala Boodhoo wasn't named the permanent host until 2013.
- And in 2020, WBEZ took more than six months to name Simons as Jenn White's replacement on "Reset."
The big picture: Simons joined WBEZ in 2020 to host "Reset" before moving to "In the Loop" in 2025.
The farewell: In an emotional final broadcast Friday, Simons reflected on her six years at WBEZ and the challenge of becoming a Chicagoan after arriving during the pandemic.
- "I was eager to earn the right to tell the stories of Chicago, to earn your trust," she told listeners. "Chicago became home because of you."
- Simons also revealed that she and her family are moving back to the East Coast, adding that she'll announce her next career move soon.
The last word: "Thank you, Chicago. You're always going to hold a special place in my heart."