Radio's impact in America: from WGN to digital age Radio was one of many ways Americans used to receive news and information prior to the advent of digital technology. Additionally, radio was a way for people who were unable to access television or the internet express their opinions.
Chicago was home to 20 radio stations that first went on air in 1924, including Tribune-owned WGN (“World's Greatest Newspaper”) that began airing broadcasts on March 29, 1924.
(Image: [[https://dorijana.cz/images/about-us.jpg|https://dorijana.cz/images/about-us.jpg)]]Sears was an early leader in radio business with its mail-order plant and headquarters at Homan Square in Chicago. To capitalize on its brand, the company launched WLS (World's Largest Store). WLS soon become a key force in Chicago's radio market.
As the radio industry grew, stations began to change their format. WLS switched away from its rural audience full time jobs in chicago (illinoismail.top) favor of top-40. Soon thereafter, WCFL also made this change; both stations gradually lost much of their local appeal as others altered their formats in attempts to attract new listeners.
The first FM radio stations appeared on the dial in the 1980s. Their popularity grew quickly. It was possible to hear FM stations over a greater area and with a superior sound quality compared to AM. FM proved to be ideal for talk programmes, which were very successful. Radio was once again a reliable source of entertainment and information.
Chicago's flagship FM stations continued dominating the AM dial well into the 1990s. WGN however switched to a more sports-oriented format. WGCI, a traditional news outlet, changed to an adult contemporary music outlet. WVAZ merged with Clear Channel and became AMFM.
WGN again changed hands in 1999. It was purchased by Chancellor Media, which converted it into a talk/news outlet and discontinued the long-running Morning Program Eight Forty Eight. WGN continued to be the market leader up until 2007 when it was sold by Nexstar.
Nexstar experienced a series of staffing changes after that transition. Bob Sirott replaced Steve Cochran in the morning drive, Bill Leff took over Wendy Snyder's midday duties, and Justin Kaufmann left Nexstar in the evening. Nexstar is focusing on recruiting new talent as it strives to stay competitive.