Cumulus Media, owner of news/talk WLS AM 890 and classic hits WLS FM 94.7, is about to double its presence in Chicago with the addition of classic rock WLUP FM 97.9 and WIQI FM 101.1 (which will revert to modern rock WKQX).

“The addition of WKQX and WLUP will add two legendary radio brands to the two legendary radio brands Cumulus already owns in Chicago,” John Dickey, executive vice president and co-chief operating officer of Cumulus, told Inside Radio. “We are excited to be growing our presence in one of the best media markets in the world.”

Terms of the agreement with Merlin Media announced Friday were not yet known. Continue reading →

Big John Howell

WIND AM 560, the Salem Communications news/talk station, kicked off the New Year by unveiling a new lineup that adds two syndicated talkers (Sean Hannity and Bill Bennett) and drops two others (Glenn Beck and Mike Gallagher).

But the big surprise is the expansion of the station’s local morning show to five hours, with Big John Howell and Amy Jacobson starting one hour later and holding forth from 6 to 11 a.m. five days a week. The new schedule begins Monday. Continue reading →

Ten things to look for on the media beat in the coming year:

• Fortified by an expanded broadcast portfolio, Tribune Co. will shed its publishing unit, placing the Chicago Tribune and other daily newspapers under a new debt-laden corporate entity. Continue reading →