WCFS-FM

The station originally held the call sign WLEY and broadcast at 107.1 MHz.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1950/RADIO%20&%20TV%20AL-MT%20YB%201950%20B&W-11.pdf Broadcasting–Telecasting Yearbook Number 1950], Broadcasting–Telecasting, 1950. p. 133. Retrieved February 2, 2019.[https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=83816 History Cards for WCFS-FM], fcc.gov. Retrieved February 2, 2019. WLEY was founded in February 1948, with commercial broadcasts beginning in April. The "LEY" in its call letters stood for Leyden Township, which contains the city of license of Elmwood Park.Ghrist, John R. (1996). Valley Voices: A Radio History. Crossroads Communications. p. 313-314. WLEY was owned by Zeb Zarnecki. The station broadcast in English and Polish.Migała, Józef (1987). Polish Radio Broadcasting in the United States. Eastern European Monographs. pp. 151-156, 231. WLEY broadcast the "Polish Barn Dance", hosted by Zeb Zarnecki, along with other programs for the local Polish community. It is not related to today's 107.9 WLEY-FM in Aurora.

The station's studios and transmitter were located on Harlem Ave, in Elmwood Park. It had an ERP of 320 watts at a height above average terrain (HAAT) of 240 feet. In 1949, its ERP was increased to 1,000 watts and its HAAT was increased to 250 feet. In 1955, the station's ERP was increased to 32,000 watts and its frequency was changed to 105.9 MHz, after the previous occupant of that frequency, WFMT, moved to 98.7 MHz.[https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=80815 History Cards for WFMT], fcc.gov. Retrieved February 2, 2019. WLEY was taken silent in 1956.

In 1957, the station was sold to Evelyn Chauvin Schoonfield, a school teacher from Detroit, for $22,500, and its call sign was changed to WXFM."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1957/1957-01-28-BC.pdf Ownership Changes]", Broadcasting – Telecasting. January 28, 1957. p. 104. Retrieved February 3, 2019. In the early 1960s, the FCC investigated several unauthorized transfers of control, which placed renewal of the station's license in jeopardy."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1963/1963-08-26-BC.pdf Who's on First? Ignorance of the law may cost WXFM (FM) license renewal]", Broadcasting. August 26, 1963. p. 54-55. Retrieved February 3, 2019. However, the FCC allowed Schoonfield to keep the license, and authorized the sale of the station to WXFM Inc., with controlling interest owned by Robert Victor."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Sponsor-Magazine/1964/Sponsor-1964-07-2.pdf Teacher Wins Fight to Operate FM Station]", Sponsor. July 13, 1964. p. 4. Retrieved February 3, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1965/1965-09-06-BC.pdf Ownership changes]", Broadcasting. September 6, 1963. p. 80. Retrieved February 3, 2019.

In the 1960s and 1970s, WXFM featured a variety of musical programming, including classical, jazz, show tunes, folk music, light classical, and MOR programs."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1961/1961-02-20-BC.pdf FM Units Double in Two Year Period]", Broadcasting. February 20, 1961. p. 82. Retrieved February 16, 2019.Bundy, June. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1961/Billboard%201961-02-20.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. February 20, 1961. p. 37. Retrieved February 4, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1960/Billboard%201960-02-08.pdf Music as Written]", Billboard. February 8, 1960. p. 24. Retrieved February 4, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-US-Radio/61/U-S-Radio-1961-Jan.pdf FM Station Key]", U.S. Radio. Vol. 5, No. 1. January 1961. p. 13. Retrieved February 3, 2019.Paige, Earl. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=2AgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32 Chicago MOR/Classical FM Station Encouraged By Triad Programming]", Billboard. May 29, 1971. pp. 32, 36. Retrieved February 4, 2019.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1976/C-1%20%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201976.pdf Broadcasting Yearbook 1976], Broadcasting, 1976. p. C-59. Retrieved February 4, 2019. On October 3, 1962, it became an affiliate of the QXR Network."WXFM Will Join QXR Network on Wednesday", Chicago Tribune. September 28, 1962. p. C10.Biro, Nick. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=fgsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA41 Stereo Called FM's Most Exciting Tool]", Billboard. April 13, 1963. p. 41. Retrieved January 22, 2019.

In 1966, the station's transmitter was moved to 333 North Michigan Ave. in Downtown Chicago, and in 1974 its transmitter was moved to the Sears Tower.

In 1970, Triad Radio, a freeform program, began airing on the station. Triad Radio began in 1969, as a three hour weekly program on 105.1 WEAW-FM. The program eventually aired for five hours nightly on WXFM, and continued to air on the station through 1977.Childers, Scott (2008). [https://books.google.com/books?id=SIWZNF0OhwoC&pg=PA2 Chicago's WLS Radio]. Arcadia Publishing. Retrieved February 5, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive%20R&R/R&R-AOR-Story.pdf Looking Back]", The AOR Story. Radio & Records. 1978. p. 9. Retrieved February 5, 2019. Triad Radio published a free monthly magazine that was distributed through retail outlets.

Dick Lawrence, historian and radio personality, hosted "Sound of the 1920s" an original hour-long feature program of vintage music 'old scratchies' woven together by offbeat historical themes.Heise, Kenan. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-03-31-9201290546-story.html Dick Lawrence, 66; Was Host of WNIB Weekly Radio Show]", Chicago Tribune. March 31, 1992. Retrieved July 19, 2021.

Count Bee-Jay's "Journeys Into Music", broadcast from a truck stop at 39th and Morgan to the radio station was a daily feature on WXFM from the 70s into the early 80s.

In 1978, Herb Kent began hosting a show on WXFM."[https://books.google.com/books?id=wiQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT97 Inside Track]", Billboard. July 8, 1978. p. 82. Retrieved February 4, 2019.Moser, Whet. "[https://www.chicagomag.com/arts-culture/October-2016/RIP-Herb-Kent-Cool-Gent/ RIP Herb Kent: Cool Gent, King of the Dusties (and Former Classical and Punk DJ)]", Chicago. October 26, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2019."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/multimedia/audio/8793-herb-kent-aircheck-wxfm-fm-7-13-81 Herb Kent aircheck, WXFM-FM 7/13/81]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. February 28, 2017. Retrieved February 4, 2019.

In the early 1980s, jazz began to dominate WXFM's schedule.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1983/B-Radio-Ala-Mt-1983-YB.pdf Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1983], Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1983. p. B-73. Retrieved February 4, 2019.McCormick, Moria. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1984/BB-1984-02-11.pdf Count B.J. Out of Work as WXFM Abandons Jazz]", Billboard. February 11, 1984. p. 14. Retrieved February 4, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1984/RR-1984-03-02.pdf Cox Picks Jeffries as WXFM's PD]", Radio & Records. March 2, 1984. pp. 1, 32. Retrieved February 4, 2019. Personalities on the station at this time included Daddy-O Daylie and Dick Buckley.Reich, Howard. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-02-21-9303183325-story.html Air-Waives]", Chicago Tribune. February 21, 1993. Retrieved February 4, 2019. Pervis Spann hosted an overnight blues show.Baker, Cary. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1981/BB-1981-05-16.pdf WXOL Chicago Plays The Blues]", Billboard. May 16, 1981. p. 27. Retrieved February 4, 2019.

In 1984, the station was sold to Cox Communications for $9 million."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1983/RR-1983-08-19.pdf Cox Pays $9 Million For WXFM/Chicago]", Radio & Records. August 19, 1983. p. 3. Retrieved February 4, 2019.[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=60920 Application Search Details – BALH-19830912HC], fcc.gov. Retrieved February 4, 2019. On April 2, 1984, Cox launched a contemporary hits format on the station, and its call sign was changed to WAGO.Bornstein, Rollye. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1984/BB-1984-04-14.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. April 14, 1984. p. 14. Retrieved February 4, 2019. The station was branded "G-106"."[https://books.google.com/books?id=GiUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT13 Chicago's WAGO Switches: Outlet Now AOR-Formatted WCKG]", Billboard. March 16, 1985. p. 14. Retrieved February 4, 2019.

WAGO featured John Records Landecker in mornings, who had made a name for himself on 890 WLS.Bornstein, Rollye. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1984/BB-1984-09-08.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. September 8, 1984. p. 12. Retrieved February 4, 2019.

On March 4, 1985, the station's format was changed to album oriented rock (AOR) and its call letters were changed to WCKG. John Records Landecker continued hosting the morning show on WCKG until 1986, when he returned to 890 WLS.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/Chicago_Magazine/Chicago-Radio-Guide-May-1985.pdf Chicago Radio Guide]. Vol. 1, No. 1. May 1985. Retrieved February 4, 2019.Freeman, Kim. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=XyQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT25 Vox Jox]", Billboard. March 22, 1986. p. 26. Retrieved February 4, 2019.

By 1987, WCKG had transitioned into a classic rock format.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3849851.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208004331/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3849851.html|title=WCKG savors success in 'classic rock' battle|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=October 12, 1987|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 8, 2018|url-status=dead}}[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/City-Magazines-Misc/Chicagoland-Radio-Waves-Two-Issues.pdf Chicagoland Radio Waves], MediaTies. Summer 1988/Spring-Summer 1989. Retrieved February 4, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1987/Billboard-1987-05-02.pdf Winter '87 Arbitron Ratings]", Billboard. May 2, 1987. Retrieved February 4, 2019.Freeman, Kim. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1987/Billboard-1987-05-02.pdf Winter Arbs Hot and Cold]", Billboard. May 2, 1987. p. 81. Retrieved February 4, 2019. On-air personalities included Stephanie Miller, John Howell, Mitch Michaels, Allan Stagg, Joe Thomas, Debbie Alexander, and Rich Koz."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/Chicago_Magazine/Chicago-1989-Fall.pdf WCKG FM 105.9]", Radio Chicago. Fall 1989. p. 34. Retrieved February 4, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/Chicago_Magazine/Chicago-1990-winter.pdf WCKG FM 105.9]", Radio Chicago. Winter 1990. p. 51. Retrieved February 4, 2019.

WCKG picked up the syndicated Howard Stern Show for mornings in March 1995.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4275586.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118095624/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4275586.html|title=WCKG's Shocker: Stern Comes Back|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=March 28, 1995|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2018|url-status=dead}} After Stern tried to foment a local rivalry with the locally-based Mancow Muller on WRCX by attacking the personality, his boss, and their families, Cox dropped the show in October 1995.{{cite magazine|last=Taylor|first=Chuck|title=Vox Jox|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1995/BB-1995-10-14.pdf|date=October 14, 1995|page=79}}{{cite news|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4303222.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119065249/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4303222.html|title=Shock Jock Dumped Again // Vicious attacks, on-air tirades prompt WCKG-FM to drop Howard Stern's morning radio show despite rising ratings|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=October 2, 1995|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}} The station blamed issues with "some of Howard's on-air content", and one day later, it was picked up by WJJD, then owned by Infinity Broadcasting, who distributed the show.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4303175.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119065238/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4303175.html|title=Shock Jock Stern Returns via WJJD|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=October 3, 1995|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}

In an ironic twist, WCKG would sold to Infinity Broadcasting and become WJJD's sister station in 1996, with Cox acquiring Infinity stations in Orlando in exchange.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4334395.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119065850/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4334395.html|title=Infinity Trades Up For WCKG, WYSY|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=May 16, 1996|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1996/R&R-1996-05-24.pdf Transactions]", Radio & Records. May 24, 1996. p. 6. Retrieved February 5, 2019. At the end of the year, Infinity Broadcasting was purchased by the parent company of CBS."[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-06-fi-25879-story.html Westinghouse to Change Name to CBS After Spinoff]", Bloomberg News. Los Angeles Times. February 6, 1997. Retrieved March 10, 2019. This would then clear the way for Stern to return to 105.9 after one year on the AM band.

File:105.9 The Package logo.png

The station began evolving to a hot talk format in July 1996 with the addition of Steve Dahl in the afternoons and Stern returning to mornings, while classic rock continued to air in the remainder of the schedule.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4345273.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119070105/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4345273.html|title=WCKG welcoming Howard Stern back|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=July 16, 1996|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4335340.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119065914/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4335340.html|title=Dahl Joining WCKG To Host Afternoons|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=June 3, 1996|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}Kirk, Jim. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-06-04-0006040206-story.html Contract Talks With Brandmeier, Dahl, Stern a Hot Topic for Infinity]", Chicago Tribune. June 4, 2000. Retrieved February 5, 2019. In 1998, Jonathon Brandmeier began hosting middays on WCKG, and the station further moved into a hot talk format.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4442850.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119071048/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4442850.html|title=WCKG still refining its conversion to talk|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=April 9, 1998|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}} During this time, the station was branded "105.9 The PaCKaGe".{{cite web|url=http://www.1059wckg.com/index_links.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000226072939/http://www.1059wckg.com/index_links.htm|title=WCKG Links|publisher=WCKG|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2000|url-status=dead}}

In 2002, rock music was re-added to the station's schedule in certain hours, and its slogan became "Talk That Rocks".{{cite web|url=http://www.wckg.com:80/staff.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020716134618/http://www.wckg.com:80/staff.shtml|title=WCKG Staff|publisher=WCKG|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2002|url-status=dead}} On April 1, 2002, Kevin Matthews joined WCKG as midday host.Mowatt, Raoul V. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2002-04-19-0204190007-story.html WCKG-FM feels a lot like home to Kevin Matthews]", Chicago Tribune. April 19, 2002. Retrieved February 5, 2019. Other personalities and programs during this era include, Patti Haze & Mary Pat LaRue, Pete McMurray, Opie and Anthony, Karen Hand and Dr. Kelly Johnson,{{cite web|url=http://wckg.com/staff.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605161436/http://wckg.com/staff.shtml|title=WCKG Staff|publisher=WCKG|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=June 5, 2004|url-status=dead}} Bill O'Reilly, Jim Cramer, Buzz Kilman, Wendy Snyder, Frankie "Hollywood" Rodriguez, Bob Sirott, Marianne Murciano, Little Steven's Underground Garage, and The House of Blues Radio Hour with Elwood Blues.{{cite web|url=http://www.thebluesmobile.com:80/briefcase/affiliate.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070521223823/http://www.thebluesmobile.com:80/briefcase/affiliate.shtml|title=HOB Affiliate Stations|website=TheBluesmobile.com|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=May 21, 2007|url-status=dead}} The rock music was removed from the station's schedule by early 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.wckg.com/staff.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212085354/http://www.wckg.com/staff.shtml|title=WCKG Staff|publisher=WCKG|access-date=February 14, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2005|url-status=dead}}

On October 25, 2005, the station was rebranded "Free FM".Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-10-26-0510260182-story.html Meet the new Howard Sterns]", Chicago Tribune. October 26, 2005. Retrieved February 5, 2019.Peterson, Al. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2005/RR-2005-10-28.pdf Stern Replacements Revealed!]", Radio & Records. pp. 1, 12. October 28, 2005. Retrieved February 13, 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsradio.com/press_center/releases/pressrelease142006-10-25-2005.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927161354/http://www.cbsradio.com/press_center/releases/pressrelease142006-10-25-2005.html|title=Infinity Broadcasting Launches 'Free FM' as Part of Howard Stern Replacement Strategy|publisher=CBS Radio|date=October 25, 2005|access-date=February 13, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2007|url-status=dead}} With Stern's departure from terrestrial radio on December 16, 2005, Infinity announced that effective January 3, 2006, WCKG would become the flagship station of Rover's Morning Glory, a show that originated from Cleveland and outside of moving to Chicago, held no previous connection to the Windy City and focused on a much younger audience than the rest of WCKG's staff, meaning the remaining audience which had not moved with Stern to satellite radio and other programs didn't stick around for the rest of the station's schedule. Following months of abysmal ratings, Rover's Morning Glory was dropped on August 1, 2006, and was replaced by the New York-based Opie and Anthony Show."[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-08-01-0608010538-story.html 'Rover' is out; Opie and Anthony are in]", Chicago Tribune. August 1, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2019.

WCKG was also the flagship station of the NBA's Chicago Bulls from 2006 until 2007."[http://prev.dailyherald.com/story/?id=66395&src=150 Bulls returning to ESPN 1000]", Daily Herald. October 29, 2007. Retrieved February 5, 2019.Sherman, Ed. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-10-18-0510180154-story.html Bulls will flip to FM dial in '06, on WCKG]", Chicago Tribune. October 18, 2005. Retrieved February 5, 2019. With the demise of WCKG's talk format, the Bulls returned to all-sports 1000 WMVP.

Steve Dahl's son, Matt Dahl, joined WCKG on March 5, 2007, and Garry Meier joined the station on April 2, hosting late mornings.Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-03-04-0703040002-story.html Oscar honchos smarter than 5th graders?]", Chicago Tribune. March 4, 2007. Retrieved February 6, 2019.Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-03-28-0703270591-story.html Meier finds right fit at last with WCKG]", Chicago Tribune. March 28, 2007. Retrieved February 6, 2019. On May 2, 2007, the station's branding was changed from "Free FM" to "Chicago's FM Talk Station".{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/366091,CST-FIN-feder02.article |work=Chicago Sun-Times |title=Canned country |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504022702/http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/366091,CST-FIN-feder02.article |date=May 2, 2007|archive-date=May 4, 2007 |access-date=February 6, 2019}} It was later rebranded back to "The Package".{{cite web|url=http://www.wckg.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011004848/http://www.wckg.com/|title=WCKG Chicago FM Talk Radio Station|publisher=WCKG|access-date=February 13, 2019|archive-date=October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}} By this time, the weekday lineup consisted of Opie and Anthony, Meier, Stan Lawrence and Terry Armour, Steve and Matt Dahl, Glenn Beck, Loveline, and Bill O'Reilly.

October 29, 2007, was the last day of the talk format on WCKG, as hosts and station staff said their goodbyes on-air.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20071030/283197258974707|title=Cleaning house: Bulls, on-air personalities sign off as WCKG prepares for new format|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=October 30, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2019}} Steve Dahl's show continued to air on WCKG, with best-of clips airing for the rest of the day. His show moved to sister station 104.3 WJMK on November 5.

On November 2, CBS Radio 'tipped' to the media writers at the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune that the station would switch to an all-Christmas format that afternoon before the unveiling of its actual new format.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/632169,CST-FIN-feder02.article |work=Chicago Sun-Times |title=Suddenly Santa: Ready or not, Christmas music starts tonight on WCKG and soon on WLIT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104075854/http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/632169,CST-FIN-feder02.article |date=November 2, 2007 |archive-date=November 4, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2019}} However this was a ruse, designed to throw long-time ratings leader 93.9 WLIT-FM off from its plans to start playing all-Christmas music beginning November 8.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/636374,CST-FIN-feder06.article |work=Chicago Sun-Times |title='Fresh 105.9': Pop goes the music as defunct talker turns to adult-contemporary format |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108205909/http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/636374,CST-FIN-feder06.article |date=November 6, 2007 |archive-date=November 8, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2019}} The trick worked, as WLIT switched to all-Christmas music on November 2, while WCKG continued to play the "Best of Dahl" until November 5. That day, WCKG began stunting by simulcasting several of Chicago's other CBS Radio stations. From 5:30 to 10 a.m., it carried Dahl's first show on WJMK."[https://formatchange.com/wckg-becomes-fresh-1059/ WCKG Becomes Fresh 105.9]", Format Change Archive. Retrieved February 14, 2019. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., it simulcast 670 WSCR; from 2 to 4 p.m., it simulcast 93.1 WXRT, and from 4 to 5 p.m., it simulcast 780 WBBM.

File:Fresh1059.png

At 5 p.m., after the CBS Radio News bell for the top of the hour newscast, WCKG became "Fresh 105.9" with a modern-based adult contemporary format that originally focused on soft rock songs from the 1990s to current product (with some select 80s songs). The first song played was "Beautiful Day" by U2.Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-11-06-0711050456-story.html Fresh sound unveiled at WCKG]", Chicago Tribune. November 6, 2007. Retrieved February 6, 2019. The station shared its branding with co-owned WWFS in New York City. The station's call sign was changed to WCFS-FM, for "Chicago's Fresh",{{cite news |title=Chicago's 'Fresh' Will Get New Calls |url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/32992/chicago-s-fresh-will-get-new-calls |access-date=October 28, 2021 |work=All Access |date=November 21, 2007 |language=en}} on November 26, 2007.

On February 25, 2008, morning personality Mike LeBaron and midday personality Lisa Greene signed on as the first DJ's on Chicago's "Fresh 105.9"."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/36182/fresh-105-9-adds-lebaron-and-greene Fresh 105.9 Adds LeBaron And Greene]", All Access Music Group. February 14, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2019. In April 2008, Program Director Mike Peterson named Rick Hall as afternoon host."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/38785/rick-hall-joins-wcfs-for-afternoons Rick Hall Joins WCFS For Afternoons]", All Access Music Group. April 11, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2019. On October 6, 2009, Roxanne Steele began hosting afternoons on WCFS.Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/towerticker/2009/10/fresh-1059-hires-roxanne-steele.html Fresh 105.9 hires Roxanne Steele]", Chicago Tribune. October 1, 2009. Retrieved February 6, 2019. Rick Hall moved to mornings on a temporary basis after Mike LeBaron left the station.

In November 2009, Steve Fisher debuted as the new morning host on WCFS.Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/towerticker/2009/11/steve-fisher-get-fresh-morning-slot.html Steve Fisher gets Fresh morning slot]", Chicago Tribune. October 1, 2009. Retrieved February 6, 2019. Upon Fisher's arrival, Rick Hall was moved to middays. However, in June 2010, new program director Jim Ryan told reporters that Hall had been released.{{cite news|last=Rosenthal|first=Phil| url=https://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/towerticker/2010/06/midday-host-rick-hall-out-at-fresh-1059.html | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Midday host Rick Hall out at Fresh 105.9 |date=June 18, 2010 |access-date=February 7, 2019}} Evening host Brooke Hunter was moved to middays.{{cite news|last=Lazare |first=Lewis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713035825/http://blogs.suntimes.com/media/2010/07/brooke_hunter_to_host_midday_o.html| url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/media/2010/07/brooke_hunter_to_host_midday_o.html | work=Chicago Sun-Times | title=Brooke Hunter to host midday on CBS Radio Chicago's WCFS-FM|date=July 7, 2010|archive-date=July 13, 2010|access-date=February 7, 2019}}

On March 30, 2010, it was announced that Bill Gamble left CBS Radio Chicago, where he was Program Director of WCFS-FM and WUSN.Rosenthal, Phil. "[https://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/towerticker/2010/03/bill-gamble-out-as-program-director-at-cbs-wusnfm-wcfsfm.html Gamble out as US 99.5, Fresh 105.9 program director]", Chicago Tribune. March 30, 2010. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

On the morning of August 1, 2011, WCFS began redirecting listeners to sister stations 96.3 WBBM-FM and 99.5 WUSN."[http://formatchange.com/fresh-105-9-becomes-newsradio-105-9-wbbm/ Fresh 105.9 Becomes NewsRadio 105.9 WBBM]", Format Change Archive. Retrieved February 7, 2019. It played an hour and a half of "end"-themed songs, concluding with "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men and the first six seconds of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds. Then at 8:10 a.m., WCFS replaced the "Fresh" AC format with an FM simulcast of co-owned all-news station 780 WBBM.{{cite news | url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/93838/goodbye-to-fresh-in-chicago-as-wbbm-a-to-simulcast | title=Goodbye to 'Fresh' in Chicago, as WBBM-A to Simulcast on FM | work=All Access Music Group | date=July 14, 2011 | access-date=February 7, 2019}}Venta, Lance. "[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/52600/fresh-105-9-to-flip-to-wbbm-news-simulcast/ WBBM Chicago Adds Simulcast on 105.9 WCFS]", RadioInsight. April 8, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2019. Until that date, WBBM had been carried on WCFS-HD2, effectively (besides the loss of WCFS's physical staff) making the move merely a swap of the formats for the HD1 and HD2 subchannels."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/5104/major-radio-groups-announce-hd2-formats Major Radio Groups Announce HD2 Formats]", All Access Music Group. January 19, 2006. Retrieved March 10, 2019.

The format change was seen as a counter to WBBM's new competitor, 101.1 WWWN, which switched to an all-news format on July 31, 2011, one day before WCFS's switch.Channick, Robert. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2011-07-31-chi-merlin-media-launches-20110731-story.html Merlin Media launches Chicago's first all-news FM station]", Chicago Tribune. July 31, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2019. The "Fresh" AC format was moved to WCFS-HD2 on August 1, rebranding as "The New Sound of Fresh 105.9 HD2".

The move left 93.9 WLIT-FM as the only adult contemporary radio station at the time in Chicago. The switch also gave the NFL's Chicago Bears an FM outlet."[https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/07/14/newsradio-780-to-simulcast-on-105-9-fm-starting-aug-1/ Newsradio 780 To Simulcast On 105.9 FM, Starting Aug. 1]", CBS 2 Chicago. July 14, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2019. The "FM News" format on WWWN, which later became WIQI, failed in the market and was replaced by a 90's-centric adult hits format on July 17, 2012.Gillers, Heather. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2012-07-17-chi-after-a-year-trying-news-fm101-switches-to-alternative-rock-format-20120717-story.html After a year of trying news, WIQI-FM 101 switches to adult hits]", Chicago Tribune. July 17, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

Though WCFS uses WBBM's on-air branding ("NewsRadio 780 and 105.9 FM, WBBM"), its official call sign remains WCFS, call letters only mentioned once per hour. Arbitron's use of the Portable People Meter for Chicago radio ratings does not need call letter verification to give credit for listening to 105.9 FM.{{cite magazine|url=http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/14850277/it's-official-cbs-to-expand-newsradio-brand-with-fm-simulca|title=It's official: CBS to expand Newsradio brand with FM simulcast|last=Feder|first=Robert|date=July 15, 2011|magazine=Time Out Chicago|access-date=July 15, 2011}} WBBM thus identifies both signals in a rushed form of station identification at :56 past the hour as "WBBM Chicago, WCFS-FM-HD1 Elmwood Park-Chicago".

The two stations have simulcast continuously since August 1, 2011, with one exception. During the 2015 baseball season, WBBM carried Chicago Cubs baseball exclusively over the AM 780 frequency during the 2015 season, while WCFS-FM 105.9 continued to carry the all-news format on its own during Cubs broadcasts.Feder, Robert. "[https://www.robertfeder.com/2015/11/11/play-ball-cubs-move-to-the-score/ Play ball! Cubs move to The Score]", RobertFeder.com. November 11, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2019. Starting with the 2016 season, the Cubs moved to co-owned 670 WSCR. WBBM and WCFS returned to a full-time simulcast at the end of the 2015 season.

On February 2, 2017, CBS Radio announced it would merge with Entercom.Venta, Lance. "[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/116299/cbs-radio-to-merge-with-entercom/ CBS Radio to Merge with Entercom]", RadioInsight. February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2019. The merger was approved on November 9, 2017, and was consummated on November 17.{{cite web|url=http://www.entercom.com/entercom-receives-fcc-approval-for-merger-with-cbs-radio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111164038/http://www.entercom.com/entercom-receives-fcc-approval-for-merger-with-cbs-radio|title=Entercom Receives FCC Approval For Merger With CBS Radio|publisher=Entercom|date=November 2, 2017|access-date=February 7, 2019|archive-date=November 11, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Venta|first=Lance|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121072/entercom-completes-cbs-radio-merger/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222152/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121072/entercom-completes-cbs-radio-merger/|title=Entercom Completes CBS Radio Merger|work=Radio Insight|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=February 7, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2017}}

WCFS-FM broadcasts in the HD Radio format. The HD2 subchannel carries a sports gambling format, branded as "The Bet".[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/206266/entercom-places-an-hd-bet-in-chicago/ Entercom Places An HD Bet In Chicago] Radioinsight - March 22, 2021

The station's HD2 subchannel debuted in January 2006, and simulcast the all-news format of WBBM AM 780. After WBBM began simulcasting on the analog/HD1 in 2011, the HD2 subchannel continued to carry an automated version of WCFS's former AC format (which gradually shifted to Hot AC) as "Fresh 105.9", leading to one of the few situations where the station's callsign meaning referred instead to an HD Radio subchannel. In February 2019, the "Fresh" format was replaced with an electronic dance music format, branded as "Energy". This format had aired on co-owned 96.3 WBBM-FM-HD2 as "B96 Dance" from 2006 until February 2019, when it was replaced with "Channel Q"."[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/174791/channel-q-expands-to-six-more-markets/ Channel Q Expands To Six More Markets]" RadioInsight. February 26, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2019.

On March 19, 2021, WCFS-HD2 switched to carrying a new national format covering legalized sports gaming, branded as "The Bet".

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780}}
• {{FM station data|71283|WCFS-FM}}

{{Chicago Radio}}

{{News/Talk Radio Stations in Illinois}}

{{Entercom}}

{{Chicago Bears}}

CFS-FM

Category:All-news radio stations in the United States

Category:Radio stations established in 1948

Category:1948 establishments in Illinois

Category:Audacy, Inc. radio stations