Alpha Media is consolidating brands and morning and afternoon shows at its three Hot ACs in suburban Chicago.
As we first indicated in our 3/9 Domain Insight, “102.3 XLC” WXLC Waukegan IL will rebrand on Monday as “Star 102.3” to match the branding utilized by “Star 96.7” WSSR Joliet and “Star 105.5” WZSR Crystal Lake.
The changes follow the layoffs of ten staffers earlier this month as Alpha begins to consolidate the on-air lineups at the three stations. WZSR morning hosts Joe Cicero and Tina Bree will now be heard in the morning on all three stations, while WSSR morning hosts Eddie Volkman and Hannah Brummer will move to afternoons. Each station will retain their own midday hosts with WXLC morning co-host Leah Anderson moving to that time slot on that station and Jillian Bass and TC remaining in place on WSSR and WZSR respectively.
“XYZ with Erik Zachary” will be added in evenings at WZSR and WSSR, while John Tesh’s “Intelligence For Your Life” moves to overnights.
Alpha Media announces the launch of a new superstation serving the Chicago Suburbs. Formerly known as WXLC 102.3, the new station WXLC Star 102.3 will now join WSSR Star 96.7 and WZSR Star 105.5 to form the new Star Superstation.
The Star stations will cover the entire Chicago suburbs from the Wisconsin line to Indiana. A variety of live, local programming along with well known national brands will be featured throughout the day::
Mornings with Joe & Tina
Middays Jillian 96.7 / TC 105.5 / Leah 102.3
Afternoons with Eddie & Hannah
Evenings with Erik Zachary
Overnights with John TeshAlpha Media Regional Vice President Brian Foster commented on the announcement: “While maintaining our strong heritage on these brands, this new superstation will allow us to super-serve the Chicago Suburbs in a way that is unique and fun. From our 2 PM Caffeine Kick show, to a morning show personality approach on both the drive to and from work, everything is geared towards a busy suburban mom and getting her through her day.”
“Each commercial break can be customized into a regional message,” said Foster, “giving advertisers a chance to build audience awareness with DJ endorsements that can target the entire suburbs or a regional zone.”
The Chicago Suburbs’ Star Superstation launches March 20, 2023.
