Chicago Radio: Mark Zander, Mike Horn Join MeTV FM

Mark Zander

MeTV FM, which quietly launched its oldies pop music format this month on 87.7 FM in Chicago, announced Wednesday it has hired Chicago radio veteran Mark Zander as its program director.

Zander, whose lengthy resume includes stints at WLUP 97.9 FM, bygone rocker WCKG 105.9 FM and a number of suburban stations, will oversee an eclectic mix of music from the '60s, '70s and '80s for Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting, which is leasing the station, according to The Chicago Tribune.

Weigel Broadcasting owns classic television network MeTV and WCIU-Ch.26 in Chicago, among other TV stations. Its first foray into radio, which features music from the likes of Carly Simon and The Eagles to Motown artists, is looking to reach the same nostalgic baby boomer demographic as its national TV network, according to Weigel Vice Chairman Neal Sabin.

"I have long-admired the work Neal Sabin has done on the television side with Weigel Broadcasting. I'm excited to be a part of bringing the MeTV brand to the radio, and beyond," said Zander.

Joining Zander on the staff is Mike Horn, who was named imaging director. Horn spent 18 years as imaging director at CBS Radio's WBBM 96.3 FM B96.

"I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an enthusiastic and passionate team. It's truly fulfilling to be involved in the construction of a radio station that is unlike anything else on the dial today. From the minute I met with Neal Sabin and Kyle Walker, I knew that MeTV FM would be a perfect fit," said Horn.

Owned by Los Angeles-based Venture Technologies Group, WRME-LP 87.7 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 formats. Tribune Media, the previous lessee, pulled the plug on its low-rated sports talk station, The Game, in December.