WBBM To Simulcast 105.9 FM In Chicago

It is now confirmed 105.9 FM WCFS will soon be dropping its "Fresh" format.  The word was delivered to CBS Radio personnel at noon today that All-News 780 WBBM will start simulcasting on the 105.9 FM.

As of 2pm The Fresh website is still active.

The move is as pro-active tactical move by CBS Radio to protect WBBM from an expected threat posed by Merlin Media's takeover of 101.1 FM WKQX.   Pending a sale okay from the FCC, Merlin is expected to execute an LMA agreement tomorrow.  Merlin would take-over 101.1 FM's programming and sales operations Friday.  Stunting is expected and no start date an an expected News format has been confirmed.

WBBM, which has been broadcasting its all-news format since 1968, is the top-ranked and top-billing station in Chicago.

"WBBM Newsradio has built a flawless reputation and is a name well-known by millions of listeners in the Chicago area," says CBS/Chicago SVP/Market Manager Rod Zimmerman.

"Offering listeners an AM and FM option to interact with our stations has been a winning strategy for CBS Radio in major markets such as San Francisco and Detroit."

"The upside for the consumer, and the advertisers who want to reach them, is enormous, and we strongly believe this move will prove successful in the future," he said.

UPDATE:

The simulcast, which starts Aug. 1.  The Sun-Times notes it  should be easiers to hear WBBM on 105.9 FM in downtown Chicago, where AM signal can be marred by tall buildings.

Jocks  at 101.1 FM spent the day Thursday saying good bye to listeners. The station will be without DJs as of Friday morning, and there has been no official word what the new format will be.

Background:

Larz at chicagoradioandmedia.com

CBS Radio Chicago executives had been pushing to simulcast WBBM-AM on WCFS-FM since early last year. Their requests, no matter how logical and financially sound, were solidly turned down by CBS Radio's corporate offices in New York. The "Fresh" brand was one they did not wish to lose in Market #3, as they were hoping to franchise the brand & format in other markets nationwide. The years of losses, coupled with the knowledge of new competition in the shape of a news-oriented station coming to 101.1 FM, finally convinced CBS bosses in New York to let go of Chicago's "Fresh." According to some in the know, Dan Mason CBS Radio's President and Chief Executive Officer, personally looked over the pros and cons and finally gave his agreement on the station flip earlier this week.