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Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 25, 2026, 10:14 am

This is my observation, no inside scoop. The recent plans to abandon moving the WGN-AM TX antenna & tower for the new AI datacenter being set up, along with cutting expenses, is interesting. WGN-AM could very well be put up for sale, as it does not fit in to the TV portfolio. Truthfully, they could shut it off and if they really want to continue the programming, offer it online and possibly on a TV subcarrier channel. Matter of time, as the demos of WGN-AM are climbing, no FM stereo counterpart, it is the only radio station in Chicago, etc. The same old story about AM stations that is rolling out.

The lukewarm comment they made about the future of the station rang bells when I read it, have resurfaced in my mind. I recall someone on here made a comment about it too.

Z

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by CADXer <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=CADXer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 25, 2026, 11:21 am, in reply to "Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

In a recent Daily Herald article they quoted Nextar officials concerning WGN AM:

But Johnson said plans now call for four data center buildings on a larger portion of the property. He said Nexstar officials told him they can do without the old towers and are able to handle radio transmission in other ways these days.

Officials at the Irving, Texas-based company that acquired the 50,000-watt AM station in 2019 wouldn’t detail future plans, but assured listeners they would not lose service to WGN radio over the air and online.

Here is a link to the full article:

https://www.dailyherald.com/20260128/news/elk-grove-village-extends-deadline-to-build-data-centers-at-wgn-transmitter-site/

Additionaly, about a week ago WGN applied with FCC to slightly correct their transmitter coordinates. Not sure what all this means concerning the future of the WGN transmitter site.

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 26, 2026, 7:43 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

able to handle radio transmission in other ways these days.

Yep!

If they are serious, you will see them procure an FM, FM translator. I strongly doubt that will occur. This is their only radio station in the portfolio and only one in Chicago. With some luck you will see them duplex off another site. There is better chance this will be relocated then sold off.

I am not sure if Nexstar owns the land under the towers and sold it off to the data center owners? If so, money has been earned and the value has already been realized making it more lucrative to sell it off as there is a risk or losses going forward.

Z

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 26, 2026, 8:07 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

Diplexing and Triplexing is the future. Common in the larger markets where there is just not enough land anymore AM sites. The technology has become much better. You will be seeing a more of it.

A lot of radio companies do not own the land under their sites anymore. They don't even own their towers. iHeart and Cumulus sold everything to Vertical Bridge years ago. Audacy did not, which is why they are going to triplex (Technically diplex) with WYLL.

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 26, 2026, 8:20 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

A lot of radio companies do not own the land under their sites anymore.

But that doesn't answer my question. Do you know if Nexstar does?

It is possible they do, because Tribune was from the old school days when these companies did own the land and towers. I am jut not aware.

Z

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 26, 2026, 8:40 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

This should answer your question:
"He said Nexstar officials told him they can do without the old towers and are able to handle radio transmission in other ways these days."

Nexstar officials wouldn't be talking to them about these plans if they didn't own it.

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 26, 2026, 8:57 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

Looking farther back, Nexstar has pretty much the only one talking to the Village about any of this, even talking about annexing some of the land a few years back so I'm pretty sure it's their land.

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by WYTZZ95FM <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=WYTZZ95FM' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 27, 2026, 8:51 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

I asked a question, you replied with an interesting long reply but did not answer what I asked. People including me look up to your deep knowledge of things radio related. That is why I asked you directly, figured you knew, because I do not.

If they own it or are renting it, can lead a lot of clues on the business side of it for the future, keeping the station, diplexing it, selling it, etc.

Z

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 27, 2026, 9:00 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

It's Nexstar's land

Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower

Posted by Jeremy Andrews <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/chicagomediachat/info/user=Jeremy+Andrews' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 27, 2026, 9:04 am, in reply to "Re: Recent changes moving/upgrading WGN-AM Chicago Antenna tower"

Apologies for the long answer. I struggle with severe OCD and sometimes cannot phrase things the way I want, occasionally, like yesterday for short periods of time, I probably should have waited to respond. But yes, it's still owned by Nexstar.

I figure they had planned to sell or lease some of the land and they now just want to sell the entire plot.

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