iHeartMedia flipped Regional Mexican “95.5 El Patron” WNUA Chicago to Country “Big 95.5” at noon today.
Branded as “Chicago’s Hit Country” the station is taking direct aim at CBS’ “US 99.5” WUSN. In the December Nielsen Audio PPM ratings, WNUA registered a 1.9 share, albeit on an upward trend from 1.5 in October. WUSN was seventh in the market with a 3.5 share.
The first hour of Big 95.5 consisted of:
Florida Georgia Line/Luke Bryan – This Is How We Roll
Luke Bryan – I See You
Darius Rucker – Homegrown Honey
Billy Currington – We Are Tonight
Kenny Chesney – I Go Back
Brad Paisley – Perfect Storm
Dustin Lynch – Where Its At
Miranda Lambert – White Liar
Big & Rich – Look At You
Parmalee – Close Your Eyes
Keith Urban – You Gonna Fly
Toby Keith – How Do You Like Me Now
Jason Aldean – Burnin’ It Down
Carrie Underwood – Good Girl
Randy Houser – How Country Feels
stevens 
Joseph_Gallant 
I doubt if Bob Pittman will see the same success with this, as he did when he launched country on WMAQ 40 years ago.
“When you answer the phone, don’t say “hello,” say “Big 95.5 is gonna make me rich!”
Where’s Charlie O’Neil these days?
Presumably, the flip was made to give Bobby Bones a Chicago clearance.