Chicago Radio: New WDRV, WLUP AM Shows Have Promising Start

Pete McMurray, Dan MeNeil at WDRV

While it’s too early to render a final verdict, all signs look promising: Nielsen Audio ratings released Monday showed the new Pete McMurray and Dan McNeil morning show on WDRV 97.1 FM The Drive is in sixth place in mornings with a 3.9 share 6+  (Cume 390,000). The duo debuted March 30; the survey period ran from March 26 to April 22.

Mancow Muller

Here’s what really counts: Among men between 25-54 — the station’s target audience — McMurray & McNeil tied for third with a 5.5 share and 150,800 cume. That’s up fractionally from Downes’ final month in time period. (Also third in the demo was McNeil’s former station, CBS Radio sports/talk WSCR AM 670, hosted by Mike Mulligan and Brian Hanley.)

Insiders at The Drive tell Chicago Media writer Robert Feder, they’re pleased so far with the chemistry that’s developed among McMurray, McNeil, news anchor Kathy Voltmer and producer Scott Miller. But no one’s ready to comment on the ratings yet.

Among Chicago radio’s other morning drive newcomers, The Drive’s main competitor is Erich Mancow Muller, who returned to the air March 30 at Cumulus Media classic rock WLUP 97.9 FM 97.9. Its rating show promise also.

The Loop tied for 20th in mornings overall with a 1.7 share 6+ (Cume 278,000). Among men between 25-54, it ranked eighth with a 4.1 share (Cume 143,900).