Newsweb dumps music on its FM stations in favor of progressive talk

[babylonsister]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-081018newsweb,0,4365549.story

Three 'Nine FM' stations to become home of liberal talk
Newsweb dumps music on its FM stations in favor of progressive talk

By Phil Rosenthal | Tribune media columnist
3:32 PM CDT, October 18, 2008


Regardless of the election's outcome, liberalism is spreading: Newsweb Radio is dumping the music formats on a trio of its Chicago-area FM stations in favor of simulcasting the progressive talk of its WCPT-AM 820, beginning Monday.

At least a dozen full-time jobs have been eliminated as a result, according to sources.

Newsweb's WDEK-FM (92.5) in DeKalb, WKIE-FM (92.7) in Arlington Heights and WRZA-FM (99.9) in Park Forest -- which have combined forces under the "Nine FM" banner for the last four years -- now will carry WCPT's fare without the Willow Springs AM station's sunrise-to-sunset limitations.

Among those to lose jobs in the consolidation were morning-to-midday personality Melissa Campion, afternoon host Paul Gant and Saturday part-timer Karen Vanee.

"We felt like we were on the verge of something," said one of the affected FM stations' staffers, who were told of the changes Friday. "We felt like we were reaching listeners using good old fashioned ploys, like talking to them and listening to them and playing what they wanted to hear."

The move means extended reach for WCPT syndicated talkers Bill Press, Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Thom Hartmann, Rachel Maddow and Ron Reagan from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, as well as local Saturday hosts Jake Hartford and Dick Kay. The three FM stations will continue to air "Dance Factory" overnights beginning most nights at 9, and 8 on Saturdays.

"Breakout stars like Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller illustrate the enthusiasm that exists for the progressive talk radio format," Harvey Wells, vice president and group manager for Newsweb's stations, said in a statement. "We're thrilled to be able to offer even more outstanding programming to the Chicago area."