Now that classic hits WLS 94.7-FM is riding high in the ratings, and alternative rock WKQX 101.1-FM is looking up, Cumulus Media is finally zeroing in on its chronically underperforming AM station — news/talk WLS 890-AM.

Plans are in the works for a major overhaul of the station’s Monday-through-Friday lineup early next year under operations manager and program director Peter Bolger. Once among the top-rated stations in Chicago, the 50,000-watt AM giant never recovered after the loss of longtime morning star Don Wade, who died in 2013.

In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, WLS ranks 23rd with a 1.7 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 315,200. Among listeners between 25 and 54 — the group tied most closely to advertising — the station tied for 29th with 0.7 share and 96,000 weekly cume.

The highest rated daypart is middays where syndicated hosts Chris Plante and Rush Limbaugh are in 14th place with a 3.1 share. Mornings, hosted by Big John Howell and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens, are 20th with a 2.1 share. Afternoons, hosted by Steve Dahl, are 25th with a 1.4 share. Evenings, with syndicated hosts Mark Levin, Ben Shapiro and John Batchelor, are 27th with a 1.1 share.

“We’re committed to making all of our stations as strong as we can from a program and product standpoint,” said Marv Nyren, vice president and market manager of Cumulus Chicago. “We’re always looking at ways to upgrade what we have.”

Nyren declined to comment on specific plans, but said WLS would continue its news/talk format with a combination of local and syndicated programs on its revamped weekday schedule. The new lineup is expected to debut in January.

I hope someone who still works there and is keeping their job doesn't go on a Twitter rant about how they were mistitled in the piece about coworkers getting fired.

Bring back Coast to Coast AM!

Fuck that, no one wants to listen to George Snoory. Now if they replay some classic Art Bell shows, I'll listen.

Fuck that, no one wants to listen to George Snoory. Now if they replay some classic Art Bell shows, I'll listen.

94.7 is the best radio station going right now.

This is an all-time bad thought.

They need a Hannity & Colmes duo in the afternoons or mornings.

Make Levin live. Batchelor is an enjoyable show, lots of history via interviewing authors.

That'd be some duo. Cross him off the list.

try Midnight in the Desert. art bell started it up as he felt george noory ruined the show. after he died, its been taken over Dave Schraeder who is not as good but decent. The best part is it starts at 11 CT and not midnight. You probably have to stream it.

And yeah, 890 can't be saved. AM is already fully dead in most of the country, Chicago is pretty much its last bastion and now the death spiral is in effect here too.

Dave is pretty good; his Beyond the Darkness podcast is a good listen

We’ll soon be hearing more of Ben Shapiro on WLS 890-AM, according to insiders. The editor-in-chief of DailyWire.com and conservative commentator, whose hourlong podcast now airs at 9 p.m. weekdays, is expected to host a syndicated afternoon show on the Cumulus Media news/talk station. Starting early in the new year, sources said, he’ll replace afternoon star Steve Dahl, whose last show on WLS airs December 21. Confirmation of the deal could come Monday when Shapiro originates his podcast from WLS studios in Chicago.

Syndication in afternoon drive? Looks like the budget must be...



...a little short.