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| WXRT | |
|---|---|
| Name | WXRT |
| City | Chicago, Illinois |
| Branding | 93XRT |
| Frequency | 93.1 FM |
| Airdate | 1970 (as progressive rock) |
| Format | Adult album alternative |
| Owner | Audacy, Inc. |
| Sister stations | WBBM, WBBM-FM, WUSN, WFMT, WBBM-TV, WBBM-TV |
| Callsign meaning | eXcel Radio/Radio X (historic branding) |
WXRT is a commercial FM radio station licensed to Chicago, Illinois that broadcasts at 93.1 MHz and is known for a long-running adult album alternative format. The station has been influential in Chicago's music and media scenes, maintaining ties to local venues, record stores, festivals, and cultural institutions. Over decades it has employed prominent personalities from Chicago Tribune, WBEZ, and NPR circles while earning industry recognition from organizations such as the National Association of Broadcasters and the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
The station signed on in 1949 under different ownership and evolved through format changes influenced by shifts in popular music and corporate consolidation in broadcasting. In the 1970s the station adopted a progressive rock approach associated with the countercultural scenes around Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, and Old Town. Corporate transactions linked the station to companies like Westinghouse Electric Corporation and later to conglomerates including CBS Radio and Infinity Broadcasting, before coming under the ownership of Audacy, Inc. (formerly Entercom). The station played a role in launching careers connected to local venues such as The Metro and record labels tied to Chicago blues and Alternative rock movements.
Programming mixes album tracks, deep cuts, and contemporary singer-songwriter material, with specialty shows that highlight genres tied to Chicago's musical heritage, including blues, folk rock, and indie rock. Weekend features and specialty segments have showcased curated sets connected to events at Ravinia Festival and broadcasts from venues like The Vic Theatre. The station has produced live in-studio sessions and concert simulcasts partnering with outlets such as WBEZ, WFMT, and national syndicators like NPR Music for special features. Seasonal programming has included holiday retrospectives and anniversary specials tied to landmark albums associated with artists who recorded at studios like Chicago Recording Company.
Notable on-air figures have included hosts with ties to major Chicago media and national outlets: morning and midday hosts who previously worked for Chicago Sun-Times or Chicago Tribune affiliates, weekend programmers who have collaborated with Pitchfork contributors, and music directors who consulted for festivals including Lollapalooza and Pitchfork Music Festival. Past and present on-air staff have had connections to musicians and producers associated with The Rolling Stones, Wilco, Smashing Pumpkins, R.E.M., and Tom Waits through interviews, live sessions, and promotional partnerships. The station's news and traffic segments have featured reporters formerly from WGN (AM), WBBM (AM), and public radio veterans from NPR member stations.
The station's adult album alternative format emphasizes album-oriented tracks, singer-songwriters, and alternative veterans, balancing heritage acts like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell with contemporary artists such as Wilco, Arcade Fire, and Bon Iver. Specialty rotations spotlight Chicago-rooted genres, bringing attention to artists linked to Chess Records era blues, Chicago house music, and local indie scenes nurtured by venues like Schubas Tavern. Programming philosophy has historically prioritized long-form album tracks, B-sides, and session recordings from studios such as Sun Studio and Electric Lady Studios.
The station has sponsored and promoted benefit concerts, radiothons, and civic initiatives in partnership with civic organizations including The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and arts nonprofits. Annual events and ticketed sessions have featured fundraising ties to local charities, collaboration with festivals like North Coast Music Festival and neighborhood arts councils across Cook County, Illinois. The station's live broadcast series and in-studio performances have supported emerging artists through tie-ins with independent record stores such as Reckless Records and music education programs at institutions like Columbia College Chicago.
The station broadcasts from a transmitter site that provides metropolitan coverage across Chicago metropolitan area and suburbs in Cook County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois, and parts of Lake County, Illinois. Studios and engineering operations have been located in Chicago broadcasting hubs with connections to major broadcast facilities used by stations like WFMT and WBBM-FM. The signal operates on 93.1 MHz with technical coordination through Federal Communications Commission filings and industry-standard engineering firms that have also worked with broadcasters such as iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media for tower siting and HD Radio auxiliary services.
The station and its staff have received awards and nominations from institutions including the National Association of Broadcasters, the Illinois Broadcasters Association, and music industry bodies recognizing community service, programming excellence, and promotion of local music. Individual hosts and programming directors have been honored by local press such as Chicago Tribune critics' polls and industry ceremonies recognizing contributions to live music promotion, journalism, and cultural programming across the Midwest.
Category:Radio stations in Chicago