Chicago Radio: WGN 720 AM To Simulcast On FM

UPDATE 4PM 12/30/2014:  Weigel Broadcasting, Chicago-based parent company of The U, Me-TV and other iconic television channels, is about to extend its brand into local radio for the first time.

Chicago media writer Robert Feder cites "sources" as saying the company has reached an agreement with Venture Technologies Group to lease WGWG LP 87.7, now home of Tribune Media’s ill-fated sports/talk format known as The Game 87.7 FM.

Contracts have not yet been signed, but insiders said it’s a done deal.


Original Posting...

Chicago radio listeners can get ready to ring in the new year with WGN 720AM 720 on the FM band.

But don't get used to it, according to The Chicago Tribune.

WGN's AM signal will be simulcast on 87.7 FM beginning Wednesday night at 11 p.m., filling the programming void left by the imminent demise of sports talk station The Game, and keeping the frequency warm for an operator and format to be named later.

The FM simulcast of WGN's news/talk programming is a one-month deal, executives said.

Tribune Media, which owns WGN-AM 720, signed an 18-month lease for FM 87.7 and launched The Game in February. Low ratings doomed the sports talk format, which will end its run on New Year's Eve.

While the lease runs through September, WGN has no obligation to operate the FM station beyond the one-month simulcast.

WGWG 87.7 FM Red=47dBu Coverage Area

Los Angeles-based Venture Technologies Group owns the frequency, and is expected to announce a new long-term broadcasting partner next month. WGWG-LP is a low-power television station that has been operating as an FM radio station since it went on the air in 2008. The station has been through a variety of operators and formats, with smooth jazz and alternative rock achieving far greater ratings success than its recent foray into sports talk.

Read More Now