retire<\/a> at the end of the year, wrapping up 51 years on Chicago radio.<\/p>\n\u201cWe are excited to welcome Cisco into morning drive,\u201d Rachel Williamson, regional president and market manager of Audacy Chicago, said in a statement. \u201cHe has proven to be a true professional and teammate for the last seven years both reporting and anchoring on WBBM. Not only does he bring a bright energy, but is a great communicator and strong journalist \u2013 the perfect combination as Chicagoans wake up each morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Terms of his agreement, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed.<\/p>\n
Cotto, a west suburban Aurora native and graduate of Western Illinois University, joined WBBM Newsradio in 2014 after on-air jobs at the former WMAQ, WLS 890-AM, WIND 560-AM and WMBI 90.1-FM. He most recently doubled as midday news anchor and host of the \u201cNoon Business Hour\" on WBBM Newsradio.<\/p>\n
\"I'm not replacing Pat Cassidy. I'm not replacing Felicia Middlebrooks. You can't replace them,\" Cotto told me. \"My job is to avoid breaking what they built over many decades.<\/p>\n
\"As a kid growing up in Aurora, I would record Chicago radio shows on cassette tapes and do the bits for my friends. I never imagined I'd get to talk on the radio someday, much less become the morning host on such a great station. I'm blessed,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"Maybe Pat Cassidy can give me his alarm clock as a Christmas gift instead of destroying it. I'm going to need it!\"<\/p>\n