Zimmer names new country station morning host after retirement

Courtesy 101.3 Real Country

Steve Kraus

Zimmer Midwest Communication Inc.’s Springfield radio station 101.3 Real Country has a new morning show host following a retirement.

Steve Kraus was selected to succeed Mike Roberts, who retired last week, according to a news release. Roberts spent 54 years in the industry.

"I'm excited to be here. We're going to have a lot of fun," Kraus said in an introduction video on the radio station’s Facebook page this morning. "It's going to be a great way to start your day."

His show, called “Real Country Mornings with Steve Kraus," airs 5:30-10 a.m. weekday mornings, according to the release. A two-year employee of the radio station, Kraus previously served in the midday time slot.

Filling that 10 a.m.-3 p.m. midday slot is Chris Kennedy, a Midwest native. The release did not provide Kennedy's past experience, and he did not return a request for comment by deadline.

Erin Hart will continue to serve in the afternoon time slot that runs 3-7 p.m., according to the release.

Columbia-based Zimmer Midwest Communications entered the market in 2020 through the purchase of Springfield-based Meyer Communications Inc., according to past reporting.