Hope comes to WYLL in rebranding

AM 1160It’s that same old-time religion but a new branding and marketing position — “Hope for Your Life” — at Salem Communications Christian talk WYLL AM 1160.

In addition to unveiling a new slogan, logo and on-air station imaging, the station also launched a new website Tuesday at www.1160hope.com.

“This change represents a recommitment by the station to our listeners that we will encourage them in their faith and equip them in their lives,” general manager Jeff Reisman said in a statement. “While much of the programming will remain the same, the sound and mission of the station will focus on sharing the message of hope in Jesus Christ. This has always been a part of who are, but we’re moving it to the forefront of our brand.”

Mark Elfstrand

Mark Elfstrand

Most recently added to the lineup is afternoon host Mark Elfstrand, who hosted mornings for nearly 15 years at Moody Radio Christian talk WMBI FM 90.1 until he was forced out last November. Since May, he’s been on WYLL from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Formerly branded as “Chicago's Christian Talk AM 1160,” it’s billed as “Chicago’s only commercial talk station that provides programming from a Christian-based worldview.”

Hope may not be enough for the station to increase its audience. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, WYLL again did not register in the ratings among the top 60 stations in the market.