I believe Pete had the evening slot for a while on WGN about maybe 5 or 7 years ago(?) Were not relevant anymore. Sirott is ok. Sadly, this new management doesnt like duos so Bill and Wendy will not be back, nor any other pairings. WGN Films. Morning producer Mary Boyle was appointed General Manager of the station after former Station Manager Todd Manley was terminated on the first day of Nextar's takeover. Given Cochran had a solid track record and WGN ranked third in mornings, replacing him with Sirott doesnt make sense. Cochran becomes the highest-rated host to be canned in Chicago radio in years; in 2007, Howard McGee was released from WGCI despite finishing first in adults 18-34 in morning drive and was replaced by Steve Harveys syndicated morning show (McGee has since returned to Chicago radio in a weekend/fill-in role at WVAZ-FM, WGCIs sister station.). After listening to WGN radio for many decades (even with my father as a child) Im done. But change has been in the air at WGN Radio during the new millennium, as the station struggles to navigate the fragmented digital landscape that has diluted audience and revenue for traditional legacy media. 6 to 7 p.m. WGN Radios Money Matters (airing early 2022) [39] WGN radio moved back to North Michigan Avenue in 1986, relocating its operations to a studio in the Pioneer Court extension (WGN-TV remained at the Bradley Place facility, where that station operates to this day). The agreement is for three years. I wasnt crazy about Steve, always interrupting, having the last say, me,me,me. Thank you WGN!!! Totally agree with you about missing Nick. Nextstar is destroying what was a legend in radio . The importance of local news and information being shared by someone who is trusted by our audience is paramount during these challenging times," Mary Sandberg Boyle, general manager of WGN, said in a statement. Trailblazer at WMAQ and WGN radio dies at 92. But Sirott grew up listening to WGN Radio, and specifically, his beloved Cubs. [59] On May 21, WGN Radio announced that their schedule would change again effective May 27, 2014, which includes the return of John Williams to the airwaves of WGN Radio that he will pretty much do the show live from Minneapolis, while still doing his afternoon show on WCCO 830. Robservations: Bertrand, Landecker round out new WGN Radio lineup, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. Harvey's news and commentary shows were carried nationally by ABC Radio, although he was based in Chicago and the programs aired locally on WGN. Bring Wendy & Bill back too!!! The Bill and Wendy Show airs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, then streaming from noon to 1 p.m. The final show was largely a retrospective of the program's 20 years on WGN radio; this occurred shortly after the replacement of much of the station's weekend lineup. But lets have sensible, sane conversations, have some fun along the way. So long WGN youve lost another listener! I really miss,Nkck Digilio. Daytime Chicago. Larry Wert has said he has not decided on naming a successor to DeCastro, so for now the sales and programming operations will report directly to Wert. Those plaques have since been distributed to families of the honorees, winding up in closets and gardens across the city. With the format switch to talk, WLS had joined several other stations in Chicago doing the same format, including WGN-AM (720), WLUP-AM (1000), WVON-AM (1450) and WJJD-AM (1160), home of former WLS program director Clark Weber. Bob Sirott was hired to replace Steve Cochran during morning drive hours, longtime mid-day duo Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder were ousted, and at a later date, evening host Justin Kaufmann was let go as well. The early afternoon show hosted by Anna Davlantes will expand to three hours from 1 to 4 p.m. Management did not comment on the other personnel moves. Dee Dee Myers (former White House Press Secretary; now a political commentator for MSNBC) Rob Reynolds (now a correspondent for Al Jazeera English) Al Roker (now weatherman for the Today show on NBC) Marci Rossell (was contributor for Squawk Box until she left CNBC in 2003) Carol Roth (Closing Bell, host of The Noon Show on WGN Radio) TV Schedule. If they're afraid of profane rants or boss bashing from terminated hosts not unheard of! WGN joined with WOR New York City, WXYZ Detroit and WLW Cincinnati to form the network, a rival to NBC and CBS. This is not at all a GOOD thing. Jalen Carter, a top NFL draft prospect and potential target for Chicago Bears, charged with reckless driving and racing in fatal accident. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. You thought the commercials on WGN were repetitive? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You would have never seen Collins or ODell in this venue Sirott said he idolized former Cubs play-by-play announcer Jack Quinlan, who partnered with Lou Boudreau on WGN Radio broadcasts from 1957 to 1964. Flying Officer Baldy was killed in a helicopter crash, while on duty, on May 2, 1960. (I am now 76). Triemstra retired in 1998. -. WGN's YouTube Page. Radio Hall of Famer John Records Landecker, who's been a frequent fill-in host, just signed on as a full-timer. Radio Ink. On April 5, 1948, WGN-TV Channel 9 signed on the air. Also out is overnight personality Nick Digilio, who also was notified Friday. Movies. WGN was best known for the Chicago Cubs, great hosts like Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, Paul Harvey and many more.. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, WGN tied for 21st place in afternoons with a 2.0 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 124,300. Adam Carolla. Elliott Jenkins, left, and Thorne Donnelly, right, are the original owners of WDAP, the predecessor to WGN radio. All thats left worth listening to now are the best Colour Analysts in the NHL-Troy Murray & John Wiederman. 32 news at 9 p.m. A Chicago native, Sirott launched his media career in the 1970s as a rock jock at WBBM-FM 96.3 and WLS-AM 890. General manager Mary Sandberg Boyle at the WGN-AM 720 Radio studio in downtown Chicago on May 17, 2022. Could Rogers Park dispensary move next to a CTA terminal? Theyre firing the WRONG people! . RADIO / BROADCAST HISTORY LIBRARY: Thousands of magazines . Cuts from JAM jingle packages Top News, Talktrax, Talking Points, Non-Stop Power, You'll Like Our Style, Follow The Leader, Variety Pack, Nothing But Class, and Ameritalk are regularly featured in station identifications, sounders, and promotions. This 50 watt transmitter was built up from component parts by station engineers and was moved over to the Drake Hotel at the latter part of 1922. He was notified after he got off the air Friday that it was his last show. WGN Radio host Judy Markey poses with her plaque as WGN Radio honors 10 inaugural walk of fame inductees to celebrate the station's 90th year on June 27, 2014. The decision to replace Cochran with Sirott stunned many local media observers, given Cochran finished third in the all-important morning drive daypart in the last Nielsen PPM report. Nick D and The Final Broadcast From The Tribune Tower", "Play ball! What I don't understand, though, is why they so seldom give ousted personalities the chance to say goodbye and thanks to their listeners. Clarence Dittman, and WGN radio announcer Jack Brickhouse broadcast from the Chicago airport tarmac in 1942. The deal ends the team's 90-year association with WGN.[61]. Cochran constant bashing of Trump tiresome. Top. Anna Davlantes loses her show from 1 to 4 p.m. and moves to a new role as investigative correspondent with special reporting, covering news stories in-depth. Backstory with Larry Potash. WGN Marketplace. Terms of Dents agreement, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. . At the time of his leaving he had spent 3.mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}12 years serving as the President and General Manager of WGN Radio. WGN (720 AM) is a commercial radio station in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a talk radio format. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. Don't worry, this story isn't over. As analyst Rich Greenfield would say, Good Luck Radio. The Steve Cochran Show, Weekdays 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. Just started listening to WGN last year for something different. While residing in TX 09/2015 DeCastro fired Bob and Marianne. [43] In 2005, Tom Langmyer was appointed as vice president and general manager of WGN. I can remember being 10 years old and thinking how boring. I thought of my Dad often as I tuned in every morning. Williams' former timeslot, 1-4 p.m. was left vacant for several months, with the station's other radio hosts filling in on a rotating basis including weekend host Nick Digilio, and Bob Sirott, who formerly hosted "The Noon Show" on the same station, in addition to a weekend program that is pre-recorded with his wife, Marianne Murciano (Sirott was also a prominent news anchor at NBC owned-and-operated station WMAQ-TV, channel 5, and later at Fox-owned WFLD, channel 32). His time slot announced was 10:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M, which moved then mid morning hosts Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder to the afternoon drive from 3:00-7:00p.m. Garry Meier would be moved to WGN.FM, with Steve Cochran's morning show getting expended by 1 hour, and Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano still having their 12:00-3:00p.m. He got what he deserved! I suppose Sirott doesnt feel the same way because if he did, he wouldnt have signed a deal so he can get up at 3 a.m. every day to do a morning show. I am 78 and now done with WGN. WGN 720-AM, the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station, chose the Friday night of a three-day holiday weekend to drop the bombshell that it's overhauling its weekday afternoon and evening lineup. Overnight hosts Steve King and Johnnie Putman left WGN on December 9 after a week-long series of live "Farewell Celebration" shows. So disappointed in the new morning showthought Id give it a couple of months but it hasnt improved. WGN (AM) is broadcast in five states, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. But the golden voice came on the air at 11pm. Dark day for WGN. I have a disease (Parkinsons) which often ikeeps me up at night. : Brink, Scotty -Former midday personality at WRLL-AM Chicago. Glad Steve C is gone. We are fortunate to have her expertise at WGN Radio.. WGN-TV Political Report. Someone doesnt know their audience. Former " US99 " WUSN morning co-host and " Big 95.5 " WEBG midday host Lisa Dent is returning to Chicago radio as afternoon co-host on Nexstar News/Talk 720 WGN. thrown. You can find Bill and Wendy on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. : Biondi, Dick - Evening personality at WZZN-FM Chicago. Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 02:08, Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, "Double Call Letters Are Being Eliminated", "Chicago Tribune - Historical Newspapers", "Perspective | In Chicago, schools closed during a 1937 polio epidemic and kids learned from home over the radio", "Actions of the Federal Communications Commission: Decisions. Listeners would feel respected. WGN also features broadcasts of Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Northwestern University football and basketball. Im so disappointed with WGN. This new identity was implemented in all station promos, and used by all on-air talent. [40] The former WGN annex onto Tribune Tower is now used as a retail space containing Dylan's Candy Bar. He brings a fresh perspective with humor. In the spring of 1986, as Phillips was ceding the morning show to Collins after nearly 20 years, he still had a 15.7 audience share, nearly double the nearest competitor. I listen to Nick D now and then. WGN is a radio station that I used to listen to for entertainment, news and current events. Lets not yell and scream about it. [64], On February 14, 2018, WGN was named the new flagship station of the Chicago White Sox, who were left without a station after Cumulus Media voided their contract to air on WLS as part of their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. No Cubs, no Bill and Wendy, no Steve Cochran and a radio station that sounds like its out of the 50s. Yuck , what dry and better than thou persona. I am beyond disgusted. [33][34][35] Eleven years later, WGN suffered another helicopter-related tragedy when Flying Officer Irv Hayden and his pilot were killed on August 10, 1971, after their helicopter struck a utility pole in the Chicago suburb of Bellwood.[36][37][38]. However, his run-ins with WGN management makes them feel his antics werent worth it. Love Dave, Mary with the news and the camaraderie. WGN is a commercial AM radio station in Chicago, Illinois, with studios on the 18th floor of 303 East Wacker Drive in the Chicago Loop. [8][1] The WGN call sign had been assigned to a Great Lakes vessel, SS Carl D. Bradley. WGN radio personality Wally Phillips hosts Mayor Harold Washington on Phillips' telephone call-in show fielding a wide range of questions from listeners in November 1983. Personalities needed to be looked at and tamed. I certainly dont patronize their advertizers! [23], On June 27, 1945, the FCC announced the reassignment of the FM band to 80 channels from 88106MHz, which was soon expanded to 100 channels from 88108MHz. I didnt think Cochran was that bad, but I had to turn the station off 2 years ago because I could stand listening to the two that followed Cochran in the morning and the idiot who does the over night show. 320 stanton rd, mobile, al 36617 . WGN Radio Nov 1997 - Nov 2022 25 years 1 month. Steve had such rapport with Dr. In 1982, he became full-time meteorologist for the radio station. Late-night hosts over the years have included Franklyn MacCormack, Ed "Chicago Eddie" Schwartz, Don Vogel and the husband-and-wife team of Steve King and Johnnie Putman. No Cochran = Happy 2020. For many years, it was a national broadcaster for Major League Baseball, the National Football League and Notre Dame football. Would love to see Pete McMurray have a permanent splot on WGN radio. I listen every morning while driving to work from 5:30 to 7am and had to change to a another station as his comments did NOT Make my day as a Customer Service Manager. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. McCormick acquired the station in 1924, changing the call letters to WGN, which stood for the Worlds Greatest Newspaper, the slogan that adorned the Tribunes front page. That sounds like ownership/management is looking for a writer-off. WGN-TV Podcasts. Post subject: Re: Former WGN Radio host still unemployed. The Chicago Tribune reported that the simulcast would continue through January 2015, after which Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting was expected to assume operation of 87.7 FM; Weigel eventually began programming what is now WRME-LD on February 23, 2015. Also starting September 28, longtime WGN Radio news anchor Steve Bertrand will host Chicagos Afternoon News from 4 to 7 p.m. Its being billed as a daily newsmagazine show. I listened to Sirrot back in the 70s, didnt like him then, and again when he filled in last week on WGN. [42] Industry observers described Metheny's tenure as one that nearly destroyed the venerable WGN, with staff moves that included replacing a popular evening host with radio rookie Jim Laski, a Chicago politician and convicted felon.[43]. Her vibrant personality and warmth, understanding of the city and an ability to authentically connect on a personal level with listeners makes her a natural fit for afternoon drive on WGN as we embark on our 100th year of being the voice of Chicagoland.. Sirott may not be the exact fitbut its a step in the right direction. 1/9/2023 Updated review. WGN had a long association with the MLB Chicago Cubs from 1925 to 2014, the last 56 years of that period as the exclusive flagship station. But in recent years, it has added some nationally syndicated talk shows at night. WGN is the only radio station owned by Nexstar Media Group, which primarily owns television stations. . Jenkins and Donnelly are at their transmitter in the Wrigley Building in 1922. This was the second Tribune-affiliated radio station to hold the WGN call letters. With Brandmeier's addition to WGN radio's weekday lineup, the morning drive timeslot shifted to 5:30-9 a.m., followed by Mike McConnell from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., John Williams from 12-3 p.m., and Garry Meier from 3-7 p.m. News anchor Steve Bertrand moved to mornings with Brandmeier and Jim Gudas shifted to the midday/afternoon slot. Steve made me think and laugh, while stuck in traffic on the Kennedy each morning. So I offered them a little Tribune real estate here as a return favor. Reports surfaced Cochran had personality conflicts with WGN boss Sean Compton, who was appointed the stations GM shortly after Nexstar took over the legendary AM station as part of the companys $4.1 billion takeover of Tribune Media, WGNs former owner. And they all understand that. Dont need the negativity heading into work. [24][25] For most of its broadcasts on the new band, WGNB was located at 98.7MHz. Not much different than the next. WGN ranks 11th in Chicago with a 3.1 share in April, according to the most recent Nielsen ratings. Bill Leff took over the midnight to 5:30a.m. slot on December 12. They brought in a guy who just did not like the station, and said so out loud, said Fabian. The reason I got into this business was listening to Cubs broadcasts growing up, said Sirott, 72. I listened recently to Sirott and found the program so boring!!!! The station also left behind its Walk of Fame, where former WGN air personalities were enshrined in sidewalk plaques in Pioneer Court. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 2 to 6 p.m. Lisa Dent and Steve Bertrand We can't tell you how much we appreciate you being there with us, and letting us be honest and real and have fun. Here's WGN's weekday lineup, starting January 3: 4 to 6 a.m. WGN-TV simulcast WGN Radio host and contributor Dane Neal will broadcast live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29 from 7am to 10am CT. Neal's show will be followed by the airing of the 106th Indianapolis 500, including extended pre-race coverage starting at 10am CT. WGN Radio made history being the first station of note to broadcast what . 1st they dump Bill & Wendy and now Steve? TV Shows. [26] The next year another Chicago station, WFMT, moved to the vacated 98.7 assignment.[27]. Powered by WordPress & Designed by Bizberg Themes, WGN Radio shocker: Cochran out, Sirott in. Ironically, Cochran had been fired before by WGN in 2010 when he was afternoon host by the late Kevin Methany, another former protege of Michaels. WGN's studios are located in the Chicago Loop, while the transmitter is in Elk Grove Village. The Nexstar Media news/talk station announced the move Thursday as part of a new weekday lineup starting January 3. He sounded lost and confused. 51. Veteran Chicago News Anchor Bill Kurtis was replaced in his role as voiceover talent by New York based voiceover artist Steve Kamer. Franklyn MacCormack (birth name was Franklin H. McCormick) was born March 8, 1906, in Waterloo, Iowa and became an outstanding American radio personality from the 1930s into the 1970s . Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. posted on November 18, 2021 at 8:25 am by Robert Feder. Shortly after Nexstar took control of WGN, the station began to broadcast national NFL play-by-play on Sunday afternoons from Compass Media Networks. Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers magazine, a radio trade publication, called WGN a national treasure among radio stations for embracing its heritage, something most other legacy radio stations have long since abandoned. Im done. Compton worked for Clear Channel Radio under Randy . (Chicago Tribune historical photo). Lisa Dent. [60], On June 5, 2014, the Chicago Cubs announced that radio broadcasts of its games would move from WGN to WBBM for the 2015 season under a seven-year deal. I always listened to the business lunch with Steve Bertran. Compton worked for Clear Channel Radio under Randy Michaels and made the transition with him to Tribune when Sam Zell bought the company in 2007. I would miss tuning in. Theres a number of stations out there that are celebrating 100-year anniversaries around this time, but in terms of stations that have remained the same kind of programming style for a century, that is kind of rare, said Dave Marzullo, 52, head of digital operations for WGN Radio and the stations unofficial historian. Urbana-Champaign/Chicago Media Personality/WLS Host & Podcaster/Former WGN Radio/TV Host, News Anchor, Reporter. [65], Tribune Media was acquired by Nexstar Media Group for $4.1 billion in September 2019, marking the first time since 1924 that WGN radio would not be owned by any iteration of the Tribune Company. joel king actor obituary Curtiu o contedo? weekdays at 3 p.m. in Meier's former WGN AM afternoon show . The only personalities to make the format transition were Don Wade and Roma. Born in Dallas, Brown arrived in Chicago enrolling in Evanston's . However, WGN-TV continues to maintain a content partnership with the Tribune.[51][52]. Late in the game for a response but I still miss Spike and Judi and Kathy! Monday through Friday, it carries Rich Valds, America at Night from Westwood One during late night hours. CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. Miss their show. The station is profitable, she said, but declined to disclose revenue. For the local Chicago television station, see, The "World's Greatest Newspaper" slogan was first used in a February 1909 feature commemorating the 100th anniversary of. One of the first African-Americans to break the color barrier at a mainstream Chicago radio station has died. Wgn has been part of my life since I was a child. Updated: Aug 6, 2014 / 09:07 AM CDT. WGN Radio picks up White Sox", "New Owner Close At Hand For Chicago's WGN Radio", "Nexstar CEO expects WGN will team with other Illinois stations", "ABC News Pres. Doesnt matter. He shifted to television news in 1980, with stints at nearly every station in Chicago over the course of three decades. In March 2009, longtime Chicago radio host Garry Meier was given an audition for the 1-4 p.m. slot. Over the last decade, his Miller. Hope its soon! A lot of companies, they have heritage stations, but they dont necessarily put a lot of value on that history, Harrison said. This is a true loss and I am still looking for another radio station to listen to because I have stopped listening to WGN, and I now watch the news on TV and listen to music during morning drive. A new afternoon show and the full-time return of John Landecker highlight a slew of changes at WGN Chicago. There is a need for a radio station that caters to the seniors; though Ive been listening to GN since I was in high school. On December 31, 2014, the WGN.FM website was redirected to the WGN Plus website, where Tribune offers various digital media content. Recently Robin Robinson ended a great run at Fox 32 . For many Chicagoans, the history of WGN Radio runs much deeper than a commemorative 12-ounce can of beer. Ive listened to GN for over nearly 6 decades and the decline is painful to hear. The new Sinatra hour does not apply to me, I will miss Steve B at lunch, and the old schedule of news, weather, business, current events discussions. Phillips, whose people helping people mantra personified the station, rose to the top of the ratings after camping out at the station during the blizzard of 67, and hitting the airwaves the next morning while all of Chicago including his competition was snowed in, Fabian said. The way WGN fired both Nick and Steve was a travesty. : July 9", "Standard Broadcast Station Call Letters for All Outlets Starting Nov. 1, FCC Rule", "For the Record: Existing FM Stations. Some former well-known personalities on WGN include longtime morning hosts Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, Spike O'Dell, Paul Harvey and Roy Leonard. Rivian expects a loss of $4.5 billion in 2023, Post Kane era starts with 4-1 loss to Coyotes, Video: Morning shows annual toast to Bob Collins, City of Chicago Election Results: Key Races, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in. WGN Radio is just another radio station. I get not stand Landdecker. Cochrans demise started 3 years ago with Trumps election and his own self centered beliefs, really believed his own BS. Ill start listening to WGN again.bring back Brandmeier!! Samuelson: It . "Few rival Annas commitment to serving the public in anticipating, exposing and breaking important stories. On April 2, 2009, WGN announced that Meier would join the station full-time as host of a program in the 1-4 p.m. slot (airing most weekdays when the program is not pre-empted by Chicago Cubs broadcasts); his first official show occurred that same day. Age discrimination MUST be eliminated and a person recognized for their TALENT up beat , and positive so refreshing at this stressful time. Bob Sirrott is Chicago, and he is class. WGN is a clear channel, Class A station, broadcasting at the maximum power of 50,000 watts, and using a non-directional antenna. I listen to WGN Radio less and less. He was annoying and loud. And weve done it to ourselves. In June 2013, Tribune Broadcasting CEO Larry Wert hired Jimmy DeCastro as WGN radio's president and general manager. [3] The ship's call letters were changed to KFSI. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2021 T Dog Media, Inc.. All rights reserved. [57] On December 17, 2012, WGN Radio executives announced that the long-running program "Extension 720", hosted by Dr. Milton J. Rosenberg, would end its 39-year run three days later on December 20. But its OK that theyre no longer broadcast out of here. Jonathan Brandmeier and Garry Meier were released and their programs canceled immediately, with repeat shows airing through the end of December. [56][needs update] In October 2012, then back into Tribune Tower in October 2012. In 1934, WGN became a founding member of the Mutual Broadcasting System. WGN continues to recover from the controversial rule of former Tribune head Randy Michaels, who resigned under pressure in 2010 amid allegations of inappropriate and sexist behavior in the workplace, and former WGN Program Director Kevin Metheny. Steve Cochrans show was the only thing making my morning drive into the city somewhat bearable. [68] On September 1, 2020, WGN Radio dropped ABC News Radio in favor of being an "audio news hub" for the co-owned NewsNation TV channel. Reports surfaced Cochran had personality conflicts with WGN boss Sean Compton, who was appointed the station's GM shortly after Nexstar took over the legendary AM station as part of the company's $4.1 billion takeover of Tribune Media, WGN's former owner. Over-the-air radio industry revenue peaked at about $18 billion in 2006, but it fell precipitously during the Great Recession and has never really recovered. [18] In July 1941, WGN was given tentative permission to operate FM station W59C[19] on 45.9 MHz,[20] pending the outcome of an FCC review whether newspaper ownership of radio stations should be restricted. badrogue17. For the 2018 and 2019 seasons, WGN was the flagship station for the Major League Baseball Chicago White Sox. In 1946, the Tribune Company applied to the FCC for a construction permit to build a television station. During nighttime skywave hours, with a good radio, it is audible over most of the Eastern and Central United States and Central Canada.