Posted by chicagomedia.org on June 19, 2008 at 07:48:32:
'True Oldies' outlet to resurrect WLS-FM as station identification
In a real blast from the past, the fabled call letters of WLS-FM are about to ride the Chicago airwaves again.
Citadel Broadcasting plans to ask the Federal Communications Commission next week to turn WZZN-FM (94.7), the "True Oldies" station, into WLS-FM. If approved, the change is expected to take effect June 26.
The application is considered a formality since Citadel also owns news/talk WLS-AM (890).
Mike Fowler, president and general manager of both stations, said the call letter change would be accompanied by a new set of on-air jingles recalling the rock 'n' roll heyday of WLS, along with a new logo.
He also hinted at a few other surprises, perhaps involving some stars from the old days.
"We're going to develop this into the Top 40 WLS of old," Fowler said. "We want to make it a cohesive package that presents the music in the framework of when it was all new."
The station's local talent lineup already includes two hosts with strong associations to WLS' past. Evening star and Radio Hall of Famer Dick Biondi was part of the station's legendary starting roster in 1960, while morning personality Brant Miller was on from 1977 to 1991.
Fowler said WLS-FM would continue to be targeting listeners between the ages of 25 and 54 with Top 40 hits mainly from the years 1964 to 1982. "The goal is to put the excitement back in the music," he added.
The switch coincides with the start of Portable People Meters, Arbitron's elechicagomedia.orgonic audience measurement system.
Since the new devices do not require listeners to write down a station's call letters, there'll be no chance of confusion between WLS-AM and WLS-FM.
Under ABC ownership, the 94.7 FM frequency last went by the call letters WLS-FM in 1995. Since then, it's been called WKXK, WXCD and WZZN.
(Feder)