John Hancock gets a promotion at WBT

John Hancock, whose voice has been part of the soundtrack at WBT-AM (1110) for more than 20 years, is getting a promotion.

John Hancock

Beginning July 16, Hancock is moving from evenings to afternoon drive-time. He's swapping places with Brad Krantz and Britt Whitmire, whose "Brad and Britt Show" will move to the 6 to 9 p.m. shift.

Hancock is one of Charlotte's most venerable radio personalities. He arrived at WBT in 1990 doing mornings. Then to afternoon drive in 1996. Then he left for an ill-fated morning stint at WEND ("End" 106.5), returning to WBT a week before the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

“Hancock has been a staple of WBT for years, earning him the title of Charlotte’s most beloved,” Rick Feinblatt, senior vice president of WBT and Greater Media Charlotte, said in announcing the move Tuesday.

"Hell has frozen over," said Hancock about his return to afternoons.

WBT has been roiling through afternoon hosts since the departure of Jason Lewis in 2006 with Jeff Katz, Tara Servatius and Vince Coakley all taking a shot until "Brad and Britt" launched last July.

Hancock's move was one of two high-visibility changes announced Tuesday in Charlotte radio. CBS Radio said that Phil Harris, who hosted middays on the old "Lite," will take over as morning host on WKQC-FM beginning July 1.

Harris will replace Todd Baker, who is going to CBS's KZZO-FM in Sacramento. Baker's last day on the air in Charlotte is Wednesday.