This simulcast thing has me perplexed. Look, I know there is a lot of stuff going on in the world that deserves more of my attention, but I cannot wrap my head around it.
I mean, when I tune in it is all Dave Ramsey all the time. This is nuts! WCKG actually aired two or three real commercials this afternoon. Where is your bang for your buck as an advertiser?
Joseph J Gentile (WJJG) has to be shaking his head.
Re: WBIG/WCKG
Posted by WYTZZ95FM on March 1, 2026, 4:34 pm, in reply to "WBIG/WCKG"
Tom, I think Matt is just running it thin, eventually to sell the outlets. The CP on Trump tower for the Elmhurst FM translator is running out in a few months.
I will be honest I do not know if the Ramsey show pays a rate to air it on outlets or it is a barter (commercial) ad deal.
Z
Re: WBIG/WCKG
Posted by AM Radio Fan on March 5, 2026, 2:33 am, in reply to "Re: WBIG/WCKG"
JJG is shaking and rolling in his grave for sure. Matt could've continued the tried and true format. It was fun and great listening. The last, down-to-earth station in this market.
In October 2011, all that abruptly changed, for the worse. The Mancow, talk block, with alternative rock did not work. Late 2012-early 2018, general talk with alt-rock (didn't work). FOX Sports was awesome while it lasted. I actually listened to it.
Then, sometime in early 2023 or '22?...1530 suddenly got lazy, and aired our worst nightmare, all day every day. Matt is sure running 1530 thin (thinner than thin). From what I learned, and was told, it's most likely for a tax write off.
Dave Ramsey is too clean, too safe, and the callers are all well-to-do, white, and the kind that go to Disney every year. From promos I heard, every show (in recent years), has callers with sob stories. The show is so burned out and phony. I don't like his sudden Bible lessons he throws in. WJOL did the same thing during COVID (added this show into its lineup).
In contrast with the previous formats (up to FOX Sports)...those that didn't like WJJG (thru 2011), I'm sure their opinions have changed (ever since "The Ramsey Show" took over 1530). There was more programming (and better music) on 1530, when Joe ran the station, vs today.
When it came to music...I have heard lesser known/forgotten oldies, standards (going back to the 1920s), and other great stuff you won't hear anywhere else.
The daytime only status made it more enjoyable. I would be out for a ride, and a song from before WWII, would sound mindblowing. Just before 2010, I loved listening to Pastor Johnny Dodd (still around, on another station). His best shows were on WJJG. Very high energy. Gospel you wouldn't hear elsewhere (1390, 1510, 1570, and 1690 had nothing on this).
Gone, but not forgotten.
Re: WBIG/WCKG
Posted by AM Radio Fan on March 5, 2026, 2:41 am, in reply to "Re: WBIG/WCKG"
Let me change that to "In contrast, with previous formats," up to 2011 (when Matt took over)...for those that didn't like WJJG, has your opinion changed, since "The Ramsey Show," took over the station? I was contradicting myself, and confusing you (somehow).
During the cooler/cold weather months (when Mike Baker was on hiatus), Nick would play music, if time allowed, before sunset. In the car (to/from school, work, errands, etc.), the music sounded unique.
Re: WBIG/WCKG
Posted by detectivetom on March 5, 2026, 8:15 am, in reply to "Re: WBIG/WCKG"
Mike Baker and “the forgotten oldies” as he would sometimes say. Not a bad little show.
Re: WBIG/WCKG
Posted by AM Radio Fan on March 5, 2026, 3:36 pm, in reply to "Re: WBIG/WCKG"
I agree. Mike Baker still has his show. It's on Sunday mornings (I think), on WLTL 88.1 FM. It's great hearing it on FM, year round. It was great having him off hiatus, for the "Hometown Christmas."
Re: WBIG/WCKG
Posted by detectivetom on March 5, 2026, 4:34 pm, in reply to "Re: WBIG/WCKG"
Thanks for that update on Mike Baker. I was unaware he was still on the air.
I believe that station has won several John Drury awards for high school radio.
on March 1, 2026, 4:27 pm