Milwaukee Radio..Scripps Launches New Country FM

The new KTI COUNTRY launched on 94.5 FM in Milwaukee at 10 a.m. today, according to Steve Wexler, vice president of radio for The E.W. Scripps Company.

“We are thrilled to bring Wisconsin a fun, engaging local radio station that features today’s best country music and a strong commitment to serve our local community,” Wexler said.

The new format replaces 94.5 The Lake, a music-intensive variety format that has aired on the station since 2009. “Bringing back the iconic WKTI call letters was a natural decision for us as we build a radio station that will be filled with local personalities, information and entertainment,” said Tom Langmyer, vice president and general manager of Scripps’ Milwaukee radio operations.

“WKTI was famous for its connection to Wisconsin, and we’re excited to bring back that strong local brand, this time married to great country music.”

WLWK 94.5 FM (14 Kw) Red=Local coverage Area

94.5 KTI COUNTRY is adding to a lineup of local on-air hosts, with more to come. “We’re on the hunt right now for personalities, including a morning show that will be fun, local and informative,” Langmyer said.

“We’ll deliver great country music and local personalities as well as news, weather and sports updates from our sister stations, WTMJ-TV and Newsradio 620 WTMJ.”

In addition to its powerful FM signal at 94.5 FM, KTI COUNTRY is streaming at KTICOUNTRY.com.

“We see an excellent opportunity to build a great country station in Milwaukee,” added Beverlee Brannigan, VP/Radio Programming for Scripps. “While KTI COUNTRY will feature great country music, its true mission will be to engage with our community in a meaningful way.”

The new station will be a direct competitor to iHeartMedia's heritage Country station WMIL 106.1 FM.  The WKTI calls will return to 94.5 FM after be jettisoned on November 13, 2008.  The calls originally date back to the early '70s.