The latest survey sees WDRV-FM/97.1 claim the top spot in the 6+ report. I think they attracted some former WLS-FM/94.7 listeners due to Todd Cavanah restricting many classic rock songs and adding more pop songs.
WLIT-FM/93.9 is on a temporary downward trend. They need not worry. Their huge payday arrives in November when all-Christmas music begins.
WXRT-FM/93.1 is a personal favorite. Interesting to see how they perform when all-Christmas music on Lite-FM ends. They are one of the strongest and most stable stations in Chicago.
WCHI-FM/95.5 is the equal to the black sheep of the iHeart family. They're simply using 95.5 until a better format or management team comes along. I understand what they are trying to do. The problem is, you can't be all things to as many people out there. If they bill well enough, that hot mess will continue. Yes, before anyone jumps on, 95.5 is sold as a package with other co-owned stations. I know.
WSCR-AM 670 will not take over 104.3 WBMX's frequency. 'BMX seems to be holding their own. I highly doubt WBBM-FM/96.3, no matter how badly they sound, will change to mirror WBBM-AM 780. It's cheaper to introduce a new format over duplicating an existing one on AM to FM. There are a few exceptions to this rule.
WKQX-FM/101.1 has been around for a long time. What's their story? They seem to be stuck in the mud as they say. Anyone?
One last thing, what works in another market does not necessarily work in Chicago.
I still can't see the pop lean for WLS-FM. It is still The Drive = V8 motor and WLS-FM = I4 motor imitator. Which leads to Q101......
Do not be surprised Todd was brought on to oversee a larger shift or change at Q101.
Newsradio 780 will not show up on 96.3 but do not be surprised if B96 goes away or becomes Jams, or a hybrid, or whatever. 96.3 The Score is not out of the reality sphere. AM radio is on the way out, daytime only signals, split power/antenna signals, full signals, clear channels. Look at what WABC-AN NYC sold for some years ago. How about AM1490 here. The AM values have plummeted. Will continue to do so. The big corporations will shed them faster than smaller outlets to get as much meat left on the bone as possible. Audacity has separated their land holdings and radio holdings, very strategic aka getting out of the AM transmitter land business which is worth $$$$. The most important is, Audacity is headed to BKP. Never say never.