The Chicago market is starving for a station that feels "Fun" again. The current stations feel like "Utilities." A station that brings back the Energy 92.7, Energy 88.7, or Early B96 would likely debut in the Top 10 of the Nielsen ratings within its first two books.
There I said it, and am willing to attach my name to it.
The Chicago market is starving for a station that feels "Fun" again. The current stations feel like "Utilities."
Rob, that is the best way I have ever heard it described.
A station that brings back the Energy 92.7, Energy 88.7, or Early B96 would likely debut in the Top 10 of the Nielsen ratings within its first two books.
I agree. But, 0 PD's in this market will agree with you. Even if they believe it they will NEVER go bring it up to corporate. Corporate does not care, if it is not hip-hop, it is a failed concept.
Radio is not fun anymore. Let's be honest, there are not enough dance titles from the 80s and 90s to drive a format and avoid burn. There are enough of those dance titles and "fun" pop hits to do it. The other negative Rob, they will NEVER invest in on air talent. EVER. The days of E&J, Shebel.... those days are long gone. Even in NYC they are marginalizing the market legend Broadway Bill Lee that was huge in dance radio. Also if you do not have the first 2, there is no incentive for people to sit through 10 minute stops sets 2x an hour + a third shorter one.
I was recently talking to someone in the industry. iHeart has already decided the 90s is trash and dead. They are skipping over it like they did the 70s. Think I am wrong, give a listen to WLS-FM. They are already into the 2K & 2K10 titles, skipping right over the 90s.
Ever hear the iHeart 70s stream? There are like 250 titles in rotation and 95% of them are non Urban or Disco.
When Jobo died, I fully feel the Dance radio era of 80s 90s early 2k dance died with it too. While radio is heavy on classics and the money is around the 54 age group, the 1990 Killer Bee listeners are now over 54 for most of the part.
At the risk of beating a dead horse, there just isn't the advertising revenue left in 2026 to do "fun". Broadcast operators are at this point are trying to stay above water or maybe make just a bit of money in this age of new technology and streaming. And has also been discussed, that's why station values are dropping like a boat anchor.
on February 9, 2026, 9:27 am