Update 2/17: As its lease for the 87.7 signal expired, Cumulus has relaunched the Alternative format as “101WKQX“.

The entire Q87.7 airstaff remains with the station and are joined by Brian Phillips, formerly of both incarnations of WRXP New York, who most recently had been on-air at the former “I101” format under Merlin Media. Phillips will co-host mornings with incumbent Lou Lombardo.

Listen to the launch of 101WKQX at FormatChange.com.

Original Report 2/12: Cumulus Alternative 101.1 WKQX Chicago will unveil its new identity on Monday, February 17 at 1:01pm.

Identifying as just “101.1” since it reassumed the format from “Q87.7” WKQX-LP in January, we suspect the new identity will be just the frequency and call letters. Prior to Cumulus beginning its lease of the station, 101WKQX.com, 101WKQXFM.com and 101WKQXChicago.com were registered by Merlin Media in late December.

The former “Q101” identity used by the station prior to its sale to Merlin Media is not a possibility as the intellectual property was sold by former owner Emmis to Broadcast Barter Radio Networks. The Q101 brand was kept alive as webcaster Q101.com and there does not appear to be any willingness of Cumulus or owner Matt DuBiel to come to a deal for the brand.