Update 3/26: “U-Rock 107.9” WUIL is no more as the station flipped today to “Classic Hits 107.9” WKIO.
The station is focusing on pop hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and launching with 10,000 songs commercial free. Mike Haile, VP/GM of the DWS cluster and morning host at sister AC “Lite Rock 97.5” WHMS-FM will serve as face of the station in its formation.
Original Report 3/22: DWS Inc. Rock “U-Rock 107.9” WUIL has set plans in motion for a programming adjustment.
The company applied for new WKIO call letters for the station and matching 1079WKIO.com and WKIO1079.com domains this week. The WKIO call letters have history in the Champaign-Urbana market from their use on what is now Variety Hits “92.5 The Chief” WCFF from 1978 until 2005. Before becoming “The Chief“, 92.5 WKIO ran an Oldies format.
If it were to drop Rock completely, it would be the second station in the market to do so this year. 105.9 WGKC dropped Classic Rock for Country “US 105.9” in January. The market will be left with Rock “Extra 92.1” W221CK and Alternative 107.1 WPGU.
