iHeartMedia has begun operating Birach Broadcasting’s 640 WMFN Peotone IL allowing the company to bring its Black Information Network to Chicago.
WMFN was moved into Illinois in 2015 from Zeeland MI and had continued to simulcast Cano’s Broadcasting Regional Mexican “La Poderosa 810” WMJH Rockford/Grand Rapids. It operates with 4.4kW day/1.6kW night from about 40 miles south of Chicago.
The Black Information Network had only been heard in Chicago on 102.7 WVAZ-HD2. The addition of WMFN places the network on primary signals in now 34 markets since its launch in June 2020.
BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 comprehensive national audio news service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective, is now live on Chicago’s BIN 640 AM, and officially made its debut on Thursday, July 14th at 1 p.m. CT.
In Chicago, listeners can tune into BIN 640 AM or on the iHeartRadio app for 24/7 national and local news focused on serving the Black community while also providing an information window for those outside the community to help foster communication, accountability and a deeper understanding. The station features top national on-air anchors and correspondents including award-winning broadcaster Ed Gordon, renowned journalist Roland Martin and Emmy Award-winning anchor Vanessa Tyler.
“BIN: Black Information Network celebrated its second anniversary on June 30th, and the launch of Chicago’s 640 AM is a major milestone for the network,” said Tony Coles, President of BIN: Black Information Network. “BIN brings Chicago the most trusted full-time news network for both local and national news by and for the Black community, and we’re looking forward to the network’s impact in the community for years to come.”
“The launch of Chicago’s BIN 640 AM represents our continued commitment to inform, empower and impact the local Black community, said Matt Scarano, President for iHeartMedia Chicago’s Region. “BIN 640 AM is a tremendous complement to iHeartMedia Chicago’s collection of station brands and represents a significant moment for our community.”
“Chicago’s community has been significantly impacted by the events of the past two years,” said Derrick Brown, Vice President of Programming of iHeartMedia Chicago’s Region and Program Director of BIN 640 AM. “Thus, leading to an increased appetite for objective news and information from the Black perspective. We are proud to add this important voice to our premier collection of brands serving Chicagoland’s Black community.”
On July 18th, Chicago’s Willis Tower Building will illuminate its antenna lights in red and green to celebrate BIN: Black Information Network’s launch in Chicago.
