WLS-FM

WLS-FM is a Classic Hits radio station licensed to Chicago, Illinois, and serving the Chicago metropolitan area. The station is owned by Cumulus Media and is the sister station of WLS (AM), WKQX (FM), and other notable stations like WLUP-FM and WXRT. WLS-FM broadcasts from the Willis Tower and is also available on iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and other online platforms, similar to KLOS, KROQ-FM, and WXRK. The station's programming is also influenced by other popular Classic Hits stations like WCBS-FM, WJMK, and WOMC.

● History

WLS-FM has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, when it was first launched as a beautiful music station, similar to WQXR-FM and WKCR-FM. Over the years, the station has undergone several format changes, including album-oriented rock and hot adult contemporary, influenced by stations like WNEW-FM, WPLJ, and WHTZ. In the 1980s, WLS-FM was a major player in the Chicago music scene, with popular disc jockeys like Steve Dahl and Garry Meier, who also worked at WLUP-FM and WXRT. The station has also been influenced by other notable radio personalities like Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, and Don Imus, who have worked at stations like WXRK, WABC (AM), and WFAN.

● Programming

WLS-FM's current programming lineup features a mix of Classic Hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, with a focus on rock music and pop music, similar to stations like KLOS, KROQ-FM, and WXRK. The station's morning show is hosted by Danny Bonaduce, a veteran radio personality who has also worked at WYSP (FM), KLOS, and The Howard Stern Show. Other notable shows on WLS-FM include The Bob & Tom Show and The Mark & Brian Show, which have also aired on stations like WFBQ, WTUE, and KGB-FM. The station also features news and traffic updates from ABC News and Total Traffic and Weather Network, similar to stations like WBBM (AM), WGN (AM), and WCBS (AM).

● Technical

WLS-FM broadcasts on a frequency of 94.7 MHz and has an effective radiated power of 4,400 watts, similar to stations like WKQX (FM), WLUP-FM, and WXRT. The station's transmitter is located on the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, and its signal covers the entire Chicago metropolitan area, including Cook County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois, and Lake County, Illinois. WLS-FM also has a backup transmitter located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, which can be used in case of an emergency, similar to stations like WBBM (AM), WGN (AM), and WCBS (AM).

● Ratings and Reception

WLS-FM has consistently been one of the top-rated radio stations in the Chicago market, according to Nielsen Media Research and Arbitron. The station has a strong following among adults 25-54 and adults 35-64, who tune in for its unique blend of Classic Hits and entertainment programming, similar to stations like KLOS, KROQ-FM, and WXRK. WLS-FM has also received numerous awards and accolades, including several Marconi Awards and NAB Marconi Radio Awards, which have also been awarded to stations like WBBM (AM), WGN (AM), and WCBS (AM).

● Notable Staff

WLS-FM has a talented team of on-air personalities and behind-the-scenes staff, including program directors like Peter Bowen and Dave Richards, who have also worked at stations like WKQX (FM), WLUP-FM, and WXRT. The station's news director is Jennifer Keiper, a veteran journalist who has also worked at WBBM (AM), WGN (AM), and WCBS (AM). Other notable staff members include traffic reporter Kelli Walker, who has also worked at Total Traffic and Weather Network and ABC News, and sports director Mark Grote, who has also worked at ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. The station has also been influenced by other notable radio personalities like Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, and Don Imus, who have worked at stations like WXRK, WABC (AM), and WFAN. Category:Radio stations in Illinois