Following the Memorial Day Weekend flip of “95.9 The River” WERV-FM Aurora IL from Classic Rock to Classic Alternative, Alpha Media has announced it has partnered with Broadway Media Salt Lake City to bring in “X96” KXRK Salt Lake City Program Director ‘Todd Nuke’Em’ Noker as Content Director for the station.

Noker, who will also host middays at WERV, will continue in his roles as PD and afternoon host at KXRK. He will be joined by KXRK midday host Artie Fufkin, who will track nights for WERV-FM. Previous morning host Scott MacKay and afternoon host Nick Jakusz remain in place locally.

Alpha Media EVP/Content Phil Becker commented on the format change first stating, “Classic Alternative is a natural extension of Classic Rock. Just as throwback hip-hop stations tapped into a rich vein of nostalgia for 90s rap and R&B about ten years ago, we believe Classic Alternative will do the same for the alternative hits of the 90s. There’s a valuable audience in Chicagoland that’s been overlooked, and 95.9 The River is poised to fill that gap with a format that resonates deeply with listeners who grew up on this music. We anticipate this will be one of the nation’s hottest new formats for those who execute it properly.”

Becker then commented on Nuke’Em’s hiring adding, “This is a revolutionary approach to programming. By working with another radio group like Broadway Media to share Todd’s services, we are pioneering a new way of thinking about talent and content development. Additionally, Alpha Media’s recent move into a shared workspace with Broadway Media highlights our commitment to unconventional and progressive ideas, further solidifying our reputation as industry innovators.”

Nuke’Em states, “I am beyond excited to join 95.9 The River and help shape its new identity as a Classic Alternative station. The 90s alternative era was a groundbreaking time in music, and I’m thrilled to bring that energy and spirit to Chicagoland.”