WKQX

{{See also|WSCR}}

NBC, which had an owned-and-operated station in Chicago since 1931 with WSCR,"[https://books.google.com/books?id=B0UEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52 NBC 25th Anniversary Edition]", Billboard. December 1, 1951. pp. 52, 54. Retrieved February 7, 2020. signed on WMAQ-FM on October 13, 1948, from studios in the Merchandise Mart. Its transmitter was located atop the Civic Opera Building, where it broadcast with an ERP of 24,000 watts. In its early years, WMAQ-FM generally operated as an outright simulcast of WMAQ.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1958/Radio-AL-NE-1958-BC-YB.pdf 1958 Broadcasting Yearbook], Broadcasting, 1958. p. A-276. Retrieved February 7, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-10-16.pdf Stations By Format]", Billboard. October 16, 1965. p. 62. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

The station began airing a classical music format afternoons and evenings in 1966, though it continued to simulcast WMAQ during mornings and early afternoons."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-07-25-BC.pdf NBC plans programming for its O&O FM's]", Broadcasting. July 25, 1966. pp. 38, 40. Retrieved February 8, 2019."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1966/Billboard%201966-11-19.pdf Stations By Format]", Billboard. November 19, 1966. p. 38. Retrieved February 8, 2019. By the early 1970s, it had adopted an easy listening format.Paige, Earl. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=ywgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA17 WMAQ Keeping Up With MOR; Uses Distinguishable Sound]", Billboard. October 9, 1971. p. 17. Retrieved February 8, 2019. In 1970, the station's transmitter was moved to the John Hancock Center.

In late 1972, WMAQ-FM adopted an automated adult hits format, with programming from TM Productions."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1972/BB-1972-12-30.pdf TM's Adult Stereo Rock]", Billboard. December 30, 1972. p. 20. Retrieved February 8, 2019. In 1974, the station's call letters were changed to WJOI. In January 1975, WMAQ 670 adopted a country music format.Hall, Claude. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1975/Billboard%201975-01-11.pdf Chicago's WMAQ Hits Air]", Billboard. January 11, 1975. p. 18. Retrieved February 8, 2019. WJOI followed suit, and aired an automated country music format aimed at a somewhat younger audience than WMAQ, with programming from TM Productions.

In June 1975, the station's call letters were changed to WNIS-FM, and it adopted an all news format carrying NBC Radio Network's News and Information Service (NIS)."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-03-15-BC.pdf Journalism Briefs]", Broadcasting. March 15, 1976. p. 100. Retrieved February 8, 2019.

In January 1977, the station's call sign was changed to WKQX, and it adopted an album-oriented rock format."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1976/1976-11-22-BC.pdf NIS orphans plan their next moves]", Broadcasting. November 22, 1976. p. 25. Retrieved February 8, 2019.Hall, Claude. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=PkUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT57 Vox Jox]", Billboard. January 22, 1977. p. 58. Retrieved February 8, 2019. The program director was Bob Pittman, who later created MTV and is now CEO of iHeartMedia.{{cite web|url=http://www.museum.tv/eotv/pittmanrobe.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422032321/http://www.museum.tv/eotv/pittmanrobe.htm|title=Pittman, Robert W.|publisher=Museum of Broadcast Communications|access-date=February 8, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2015|url-status=dead}} Bob Heymann served as assistant program director and morning drive host, and Bob King was the music director. Mitch Michaels did afternoon drive and Lorna Ozmon did nights.

In the spring of 1977, Chicago gained another AOR station, WLUP,Hall, Claude. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1977/Billboard%201977-03-19.pdf 'War Babies' Target of WLUP]", Billboard. March 19, 1977. p. 16. Retrieved February 8, 2019. resulting in four FM rock stations (WKQX, WXRT, WDAI, and WLUP) competing against each other. By January 1979, WDAI switched to an all-disco format and WKQX became an adult contemporary station;{{Cite news|last=Dahl|first=Steve|author-link=Steve Dahl|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140710/OPINION/140709818/steve-dahl-defends-disco-demolition-35-years-later|title=Disco Demolition 35 years later: That's the way I liked it|work=Crain's Chicago Business|date=July 10, 2014|access-date=February 8, 2019}}Baker, Cary. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1979/Billboard%201979-01-20.pdf Hawaiian Purchases Chicago WLUP-FM]", Billboard. January 20, 1979. p. 28. Retrieved February 8, 2019.Penchansky, Alan. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1979/Billboard%201979-03-24.pdf Chi Turmoil: Changes in Format and Station Personnel Charged to Blizzard]", Billboard. March 24, 1979. p. 22. Retrieved February 8, 2019. Joel Sebastian hosted mornings."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Station-Albums/Chicago-Trib-1979-Mar-About-Chi-Radio.pdf Stations, everywhere: a listeners' guide to the AM and FM bands]", Chicago Tribune Magazine. March 4, 1979. Retrieved February 8, 2019.

In the early 1980s, WKQX began to be branded "Q-101"."[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1981/BB-1981-08-29.pdf Variety & Flexibility AC's Only Constants]", Billboard. August 29, 1981. p. 23. Retrieved February 8, 2019. By the mid-1980s, the station had evolved into a hot AC format.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/Chicago_Magazine/Chicago-Radio-Guide-May-1985.pdf Chicago Radio Guide], Vol. 1, Issue 1. May 1985. Retrieved February 9, 2019. During this period, the station carried Sexually Speaking with Dr. Ruth Westheimer.Sneed, Michael; Lavin, Cheryl. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-02-04-8501070507-story.html That Old Gang of Mine...]", Chicago Tribune. February 4, 1985. Retrieved February 9, 2019.

From 1983 to 1993, Robert Murphy was the morning drive host on Q101.Feder, Robert. "[https://www.robertfeder.com/2016/12/20/robert-murphy-wls-fm/ Robert Murphy out at WLS FM]", RobertFeder.com. December 20, 2016. Retrieved February 9, 2019.Stark, Phyllis; Boehlert, Eric; Borzillo, Carrie. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=cygEAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA111 Vox Jox]", Billboard. May 22, 1993. p. 111. Retrieved February 9, 2019.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4169304.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119063745/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4169304.html|title= Robert Murphy Calls 'Q-101' Quits|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=May 10, 1993|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}} Tommy Edwards joined the station as program director in 1986.McCormick, Moria. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=NCQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT10 New WKQX PD Will 'Freshen' Station's Sound]", Billboard. March 1, 1986. pp. 11, 15. Retrieved February 9, 2019. Starting in 1987, NBC began a two-year-long divestiture of their radio properties.Stevenson, Richard W. "[https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/21/business/nbc-to-sell-its-radio-networks.html NBC to Sell Its Radio Networks]", The New York Times. July 21, 1987. Retrieved February 9, 2019. In 1988, Emmis Communications purchased WKQX, along with four other NBC radio stations, for $121.5 million.Storch, Charles. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-02-21-8804010576-story.html 5-Station Deal Bolsters Broadcaster]", Chicago Tribune. February 21, 1988. Retrieved February 9, 2019.

In the mid to late 1980s, WKQX aired an adult top 40 format, with the slogan "Today's Music".Ross, Sean. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1988/BB-1988-08-20.pdf Adult Top 40's Eclectic Mix Thrives: Less AC, Hard Hits Spark Odd Format]", Billboard. August 20, 1988. p. 10. Retrieved February 9, 2019.[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Other-Documments/City-Magazines-Misc/Chicagoland-Radio-Waves-Two-Issues.pdf Chicagoland Radio Waves], MediaTies. Summer 1988. Retrieved February 9, 2019. Q101 continued to evolve,Ross, Sean; Stark, Phyllis; Levy, Rochelle. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-12-07.pdf Vox Jox]", Billboard. December 7, 1991. p. 73. Retrieved February 9, 2019. and on July 14, 1992, WKQX adopted an alternative rock format as "Chicago's New Rock Alternative".{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4119811.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118093615/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4119811.html|title='Q-101' Rolls Out New Rock Sound|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=July 15, 1992|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2018|url-status=dead}}Stark, Phyllis; Boehlert, Eric; Borzillo, Carrie. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=hxAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA65 Vox Jox]", Billboard. July 25, 1992. p. 65. Retrieved February 9, 2019. Bill Gamble was the station's Program Director.Stark, Phyllis. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=zgsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA84 Chicago's Bill Gamble Keeps WKQX In Tune With Listeners]", Billboard. July 8, 1995. p. 84. Retrieved February 9, 2019. File:Wkqxlogo.jpg

In July 1993, former MTV VJ Mark Goodman was hired as morning host, replacing Robert Murphy, but he remained in this position less than a year.Kening, Dan. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-09-14-9309140079-story.html For Mark Goodman Deejaying at Q-101 Is No Radical Departure]", Chicago Tribune. September 14, 1993. Retrieved February 9, 2019.Stark, Phyllis. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=SggEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA98 Vox Jox]", Billboard. May 14, 1994. p. 98. Retrieved February 9, 2019. In July 1998, Q101 became the new home of Mancow Muller's morning show after he left WRCX the previous month.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4436212.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505114638/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4436212.html|title=Mancow making switch to Q-101|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=June 22, 1998|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-date=May 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}Kirk, Jim. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-06-30-9806300324-story.html So Far, Muller's Mates Aren't Jumping Ship]", Chicago Tribune. June 30, 1998. Retrieved February 9, 2019.

Specialty shows on the station, like Local 101, showcased promising local acts, many of whom went on to achieve greater prominence.Kyles, Kyra. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-07-18-0807180233-story.html Chicago Playlist]", Chicago Tribune. July 18, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2019.

On April 1, 2005, WKQX went "on shuffle", with its playlist expanded from 200 to approximately 1,000 songs.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1571690.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119094142/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1571690.html|title= Ailing alternative Q-101 puts playlist 'on shuffle'|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=March 31, 2005|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2018|url-status=dead}} Instead of focusing solely on new music, they expanded their playlist to include classic alternative rock from the 1980s and 1990s, and some 1970s artists. Mancow was dropped by the station on July 14, 2006, with Emmis Communications replacing his show with one that they felt would better appeal to their target demographic."[https://www.emmis.com/q101-announces-plans-for-new-morning-show/ Q101 Announces Plans For New Morning Show]", Emmis Communications. July 11, 2006. Retrieved February 9, 2019.

On September 18, 2006, Q101 launched The Morning Fix, a morning show led by former WXDX-FM Pittsburgh personality Alan Cox, and presented in a manner similar to The Daily Show, featuring a blend of current events and pop culture.Thomas, Mike. "[https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20060831/282140696855792 Q101 unveils Mancow-free morning cast]", Chicago Sun-Times. August 31, 2006. Retrieved February 9, 2019."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/14940/q101-calls-it-the-morning-fix Q101 Calls It 'The Morning Fix']", All Access Music Group. September 28, 2006. Retrieved February 9, 2019. However, on November 9, 2007, The Morning Fix underwent major changes when it was decided that morning airtime would be more wisely used playing music; the changes resulted in only 2 of the shows' original 6 members remaining, Alan Cox and Jim "Jesus" Lynam.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/642968,CST-FIN-feder09.article|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111104036/http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/642968,CST-FIN-feder09.article|title= 'Fix' is finished|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=November 9, 2007|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-date=November 11, 2007|url-status=dead}} On August 1, 2008, Cox and Lynam were let go, with management moving Brian Sherman and Steve Tingle from afternoons to the morning slot.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=http://www.suntimes.com/business/1086558,emmis080108.article|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805103821/http://www.suntimes.com/business/1086558,emmis080108.article|title=Q101 dumps the 'Morning Fix'|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=August 1, 2008|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2008|url-status=dead}}

During its tenure as an alternative rock station, WKQX served as host to several music festivals and events, mainly Jamboree at Tweeter Center in Tinley Park every June, and Twisted (formerly Twisted Christmas) at various venues every December.VanOsdol, James. "[https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/q101-timeline Q101 Timeline]", Time Out Chicago. August 16, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2019.Kot, Greg. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-05-21-0105210255-story.html Warm and fuzzy fest]", Chicago Tribune. May 21, 2001. Retrieved March 9, 2019."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/1094-wkqx-fm-announces-latest-twisted-concert WKQX-FM Announces Latest 'Twisted' Concert]", Chicagoland Radio & Media. October 25, 2010. Retrieved March 9, 2019.

On June 21, 2011, Emmis announced that it would sell WKQX, sister station WLUP-FM, and WRXP-FM in New York City to Merlin Media, whose CEO was former Tribune Company and Clear Channel Communications executive Randy Michaels."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/1722-wlupwkqx-sold-to-new-company-owned-by-randy-michaels WLUP/WKQX Sold To New Company Owned By Randy Michaels]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. June 21, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2019. Emmis, who retained a minority stake in Merlin Media, granted Merlin a local marketing agreement to operate WKQX and WLUP-FM from July 15 until the sale officially closed on September 1."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/1900-merlin-media-officially-owns-wlup-a-wwwn Merlin Media Officially Owns WLUP & WWWN]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. September 2, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2019. A format flip for WKQX, from alternative rock to all-news, was rumored after the sale was announced.{{cite news|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|title=Q101, Loop deal blows Randy Michaels back into radio business|url=http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/14821755/q101-loop-deal-blows-randy-michaels-back-into-radio-busines|newspaper=Time Out Chicago|date=June 21, 2011|access-date=February 9, 2019}} Michaels was on record as saying, "My favorite format has always been spoken radio... it's time for spoken word to move to FM."

The entire airstaff at Q101 was dismissed upon Merlin Media's formal takeover that July 14.Feder, Robert. "[http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/14848867/new-q101-is-about-to-take-listeners-for-a-ride New Q101 is about to take listeners for a ride]", Time Out Chicago. July 13, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2019. That same day, Emmis sold off the "Q101" name, related intellectual properties, and the Q101.com web domain, to Broadcast Barter Radio Networks."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/1779-q101s-past-present-a-future-to-continue-online-at-new-q101com Q101's Past, Present & Future To Continue Online At New Q101.com]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. July 14, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2019.

Q101's final on-air staffed show, "Local 101", concluded at approximately 1:01 a.m. on July 15; the program ended with "Tonight, Tonight" by Chicago-based The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love" (the first song played at Q101's 1992 inception as an alternative station), and formal goodbyes by Chris Payne, Pogo, and other Q101 staffers."[https://formatchange.com/q101-says-goodbye/ Q101 Says Goodbye]", Format Change Archive. Retrieved February 13, 2019. Q101 would continue solely as an online stream programmed, in part, by Emmis' KROX-FM, before BBRN eventually relaunched it as an internet-only station. WKQX itself continued without on-air staffing until Midnight on July 19; after playing "Closing Time" by Semisonic,"[https://formatchange.com/q87-7-chicago-debuts/ Q87.7 Chicago Debuts]", Format Change Archive. Retrieved February 13, 2019. WKQX began stunting with adult contemporary music along with news reports as "FM New".[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/94458/merlin-s-wwwn-chicago-flips-to-all-news Merlin's WWWN/Chicago Flips To All-News]", All Access Music Group. July 29, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2019.Venta, Lance. "[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/52692/merlin-media-call-letter-changes/ Merlin Media Call Letter Changes]", Radio Insight. April 8, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Robert Murphy returned to the station after 19 years to host mornings along with Lise Dominique for a few weeks until the full format switch took place."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/1785-sneak-peek-at-the-new-station-coming-to-1011-fm Sneak Peek at the New Station Coming to 101.1]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2019.

File:WWNN FM News.png

On July 21, 2011, WKQX changed its call letters to WWWN, a call sign moved from a silent signal in Watseka, Illinois licensed to Randy Michaels' Radioactive LLC.[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=19525&Callsign=WKQX19525 Call Sign History], fcc.gov. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Eight days after the call letter change, on July 29, at 4 pm, WWWN launched an all-news format branded as "FM News 101.1".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 10, 2019.Venta, Lance. "[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/netgnomes/52820/merlin-media-launches-fm-news-101-1-chicago/ Merlin Media Launches "FM News 101.1" Chicago]", RadioInsight. April 8, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2019.

At the outset, "FM News 101.1" sought to differentiate itself from WBBM by highlighting its round-the-clock newswheel (as opposed to Chicago Bears flagship WBBM), aiming for a looser, less formal news presentation with a conversational tone, and deviating from hard news in favor of lifestyle, health and entertainment features."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/1819-merlin-media-officially-announces-fm-news-1011-format Merlin Media Officially Announces FM News 101.1 Format]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. July 31, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2019. The initial on-air and newsroom staff at "FM News 101.1" included several with Chicago radio ties, including Debra Dale and Jennifer O'Neill (both WBBM alumna), Brant Miller and Monica DeSantis (WLS alums), and Ed Curran and Rob Hart (WGN alums). The station's call letters were changed again in December 2011 to WIQI.

"FM News 101.1" was criticized in its early weeks for what was seen as an amateurish, unpolished, and unprepared presentation.Feder, Robert. "[http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/14881353/power-play-newsradio-shows-off-clout-in-simulcast-launch "Power play: Newsradio shows off clout in simulcast launch]", Time Out Chicago. August 4, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2019."[http://www.marcusbrownmedia.com/2012/07/learning-the-lessons-of-fm-news-101-1/ Learning the Lessons of FM News 101.1]", Marcus Brown Media. July 17, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Moreover, Merlin's top management (including Michaels) admitted that the format for both stations were still a work in progress, and "FM News" underwent a continual series of format adjustments.{{cite magazine|title=Randy Michaels: 'We Are Learning and Un-Learning'|url=http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2275337|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419095248/http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2275337|magazine=Radio Ink|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2012|url-status=dead}} These included: the addition of sports and business updates;{{Cite magazine|last=Feder|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Feder|url=http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/14981677/news-wars-randy%E2%80%99s-still-searching-for-some-merlin-magic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015175724/http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/14981677/news-wars-randy%E2%80%99s-still-searching-for-some-merlin-magic|title=News wars: Randy's still searching for some Merlin magic|magazine=Time Out Chicago|date=October 13, 2011|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=October 15, 2011|url-status=dead}} the "informal" testing of a news partnership with WMAQ-TV;Feder, Robert. "[https://www.timeout.com/chicago/tv/nbc-5-testing-partnership-with-merlins-fm-news NBC 5 testing partnership with Merlin's FM News]", Time Out Chicago. January 23, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. and the addition of daily commentary segments from Clark Howard and Lionel.{{cite magazine|title=Merlin Adds Clark Howard Minute|url=http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2386185|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201193016/http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2386185|magazine=Radio Ink|date=February 2, 2012|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Lionel's Blog Minute|url=http://www.fmnewschicago.com/Lionel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415223429/http://www.fmnewschicago.com/Lionel|publisher=WIQI|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2012|url-status=dead}} Later staff changes and reassignments at the station would lead to an increased reliance on "shared anchor arrangements" with its New York counterpart WEMP,Feder, Robert. "[https://www.timeout.com/chicago/tv/merlin-media-finds-its-man-for-underground-alternative Merlin Media finds its man for 'Underground Alternative,']", Time Out Chicago, April 27, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. as well as a non-linear, voicetracking-style of arranging reports, sometimes without any anchor transitions. WIQI also began an advertising campaign that included a controversial series of billboards using the face of imprisoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and the "He Never Listens... to FM News 101.1" tagline.Marek, Lynne. "[https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120503/NEWS06/120509916/merlin-media-slaps-rod-blagojevich-on-billboards Merlin Media slaps Blagojevich on Chicago billboards]", Crain's Chicago Business, May 3, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019.

By June 2012, WIQI began phasing in blocks of "Expanded News Coverage" where the station entered a programming approach similar to talk radio.Feder, Robert. "[https://www.timeout.com/chicago/tv/news-goes-from-bad-to-worse-for-merlin-media "News goes from bad to worse for Merlin Media]", Time Out Chicago, June 14, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Personalities such as Mancow Muller, Neil Steinberg, Kevin Matthews, Mike North and Dan Jiggets and former WGN morning host Greg Jarrett all hosted informal auditions under the "Expanded News Coverage" banner."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/2588-mike-north-a-dan-jiggetts-reunite-on-wiqi-fm Mike North & Dan Jiggetts Reunite On WIQI-FM]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. July 5, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Jarrett himself was promoted to host morning drive on WIQI during the formats' final three weeks of existence."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/2574-even-more-changes-at-wiqi-fm-jarrett-to-mornings-talks-shows-more Even More Changes at WIQI-FM: Jarrett to Mornings, Talks Shows, More]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. June 22, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019.

In spite of constant format tweaks and alterations, the all-news format failed to achieve better than a 0.4 Arbitron ratings share.{{cite news|last=Channick|first=Robert|title=FM News 101.1 finds meager audience, early ratings show|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2011-10-05-ct-biz-1005-fm-news-20111005-story.html|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=February 10, 2019|date=October 5, 2011}} "FM News" was outperformed by the final ratings book for "Q101" and WKQX-LP, the aural signal of a low-power analog television station operated by Merlin under a local marketing agreement with an alternative rock format dubbed "Q87.7".Feder, Robert. "[https://www.timeout.com/chicago/tv/wls-welcomes-friggin-radio-legend-dahl-back-for-more WLS welcomes 'friggin' radio legend' Dahl back for more]", Time Out Chicago. August 9, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2019."Venta, Lance. "[http://radioinsight.com/blog/blogs/59011/in-memoriam-fm-news-2011-2012/ In Memoriam: FM News 2011-2012]", Radio Insight. July 20, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019.

File:I101FMChicago.jpg

At 9 a.m. (CT) on July 17, 2012, with both WIQI and WEMP languishing on the eve of their one-year anniversaries, "FM News" was abruptly dropped on both stations.Venta, Lance. "[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/58967/merlin-flips-fm-news-in-chicago-new-york/ Merlin Flips FM News In Chicago & New York]", Radio Insight. July 17, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019."[http://www.chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/2624-fm-news-1011-ends-flips-to-adult-hits-i101 FM News 101.1 Ends; Flips To Adult Hits I101]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. July 17, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. WIQI flipped to a 1990s-centric adult hits format targeted at females between the ages of 18 and 49, and was branded as "i101".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 10, 2019. The first song on "i101" was Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC. With a few exceptions, most of the WIQI and WEMP news staffs were immediately dismissed, with subsequent layoffs occurring in the following weeks and months."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/2791-merlin-media-chicago-does-another-mass-staffer-layoff Merlin Media Does Another Mass Staffer Layoff]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. September 21, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019.

After one month on the air, "i101" would move towards a hot adult contemporary approach."[http://www.chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/2693-wiqi-fm-flips-formats-once-again "WIQI-FM Flips Formats Once Again]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. August 16, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019."[http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/69613/wiqi-chicago-shifts-current/ WIQI Chicago Shifts Current]", Radio Insight. August 16, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. "i101" included some limited use of on-air staff, including morning host and former WLUP-FM staffer Jane Monzures, who shared morning duties with fellow "Loop" alum Pete McMurray between August and October 2012."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/2855-merlin-media-releases-pete-mcmurray Merlin Media Releases Pete McMurray]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. October 17, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2019. In late 2013, the station shifted to a rhythmic adult contemporary format.Venta, Lance. "[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/86907/i101-chicago-shifts-to-rhythmic-hot-ac/ I101 Chicago shifts to Rhythmic Hot AC]", Radio Insight. December 9, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2019.

File:101 WKQX logo.png. As the "Q101" name and intellectual property were used at the time by an unrelated webcaster, the station branded under their call letters.]]

On January 3, 2014, Merlin Media announced a local marketing agreement (LMA) with Cumulus Media that would see Cumulus take over operations of WIQI, WLUP and WKQX-LP.Marek, Lynee. "[https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140103/NEWS06/140109972/deal-for-the-loop-gives-radio-powerhouse-bigger-reach-in-chicago Deal for 'the Loop' gives radio powerhouse bigger reach in Chicago]", Crain's Chicago Business. January 3, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2019. The deal, which includes an option for Cumulus to purchase WIQI and WLUP, resulted in Merlin relinquishing operations of its last remaining radio stations, and also saw an expansion of Cumulus' Chicago cluster, which includes WLS and WLS-FM."[http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/6246-cumulus-purchases-all-merlin-media-properties-alternative-coming-back-to-101-1 Cumulus Purchasing All Merlin Media Properties; Alternative Coming Back To 101.1]", Chicagoland Radio and Media. January 3, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Cumulus executives indicated that they, at the time of rebranding, had no intentions of acquiring back the online rendition of "Q101" and related intellectual properties from the stations' 1992-2011 era.

In announcing the LMA, Cumulus indicated that it would move the alternative rock format from WKQX-LP onto the 101.1 facility. The move took place on January 10, 2014, when the stations began a transitional simulcast.{{cite web|url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2014/01/11/high-levels-of-radio-activity/|title=High levels of radio activity|last=Feder|first=Robert|work=RobertFeder.com|date=January 11, 2014|access-date=February 10, 2019}}[http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/87280/cumulus-acquires-merlin-medias-chicago-stations/ Alternative Returns To 101.1 Chicago]", RadioInsight. January 10, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2019. "Closing Time" by Semisonic was the last song played on "i101", while the first song played on the 101.1/87.7 simulcast was "Times Like These" by Foo Fighters. The simulcast ended February 17, 2014, when Merlin Media's LMA for 87.7 ended and Tribune Broadcasting began a local marketing agreement for the station (which is now WRME-LD).{{cite web|url=http://www.robertfeder.com/2014/02/14/wgn-takes-over-87-7-fm-on-monday|title=WGN takes over 87.7 FM on Monday|last=Feder|first=Robert|work=RobertFeder.com|date=February 14, 2014|access-date=February 14, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/87682/game-time-for-87-7-chicago|title=Game Time for 87.7 Chicago|last=Venta|first=Lance|work=RadioInsight|date=February 14, 2014|access-date=February 16, 2014}} The WKQX call sign was restored on the 101.1 facility on January 17.

101 WKQX's airstaff initially included Brian Phillips, Lou Lombardo, Lauren O'Neil, PJ Kling, and "wALT" (Walter Flakus of Stabbing Westward).{{cite web|title=Airstaff|url=http://www.101wkqx.com/page.php?page_id=524|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708032337/http://www.101wkqx.com/page.php?page_id=524|publisher=WKQX|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2014|url-status=dead}} In September 2015, Portland radio personality Marconi joined WKQX to host weeknights (replacing PJ Kling).Feder, Robert. "[https://www.robertfeder.com/2015/08/18/wkqx-finally-comes-alive-at-night/ WKQX finally comes alive at night]", RobertFeder.com. August 18, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Marconi left WKQX in January 2018."[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/172791/marconi-exits-nights-at-wkqx-chicago Marconi Exits Nights At WKQX/Chicago]", All Access Music Group. January 3, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2019. Brian Sherman, former on-air personality at Q101 from 2001 to 2011, and one half of the duo Sherman and Tingle, was hired as an on-air personality for weekends. Sherman retained his weekday on air role at suburban classic rocker WFXF. Russell Tanzillo from North Central College's WONC joined as a weekend host in September 2015. In April 2016, the station hired James VanOsdol, another former Q101 personality, to host a new local music showcase titled "Demo 312" (in reference to Chicago's well-known main area code).Feder, Robert. "[https://www.robertfeder.com/2016/04/07/robservations-tina-sfondeles-wins-sun-times-political-beat/ Robservations: Tina Sfondeles wins Sun-Times political beat]", RobertFeder.com. April 7, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2019.

File:WLUP Logo.png

In November 2015, WKQX and WLUP announced their move from the Merchandise Mart, where the 101.1 frequency has been broadcast from since first taking the airwaves in 1948, in favor of a new studio at the NBC Tower. Until the new facility was completed, WKQX broadcast from a temporary facility at 190 N. State. On August 4, 2016, the move of WKQX and WLUP to the NBC Tower was finalized.

In January 2018, as part of Cumulus Media's bankruptcy proceedings, the company requested that a U.S. Bankruptcy Court release the company from several "extremely unprofitable" contracts, including its LMAs with WLUP and WKQX.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/ct-spt-white-sox-bulls-radio-contracts-20180119-story.html|title=WLS-AM's parent company asks court to end 'unprofitable' radio deals with White Sox, Bulls|last=Rosenthal|first=Phil|author-link=Phil Rosenthal|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=January 19, 2018|access-date=February 10, 2019|language=en-US}} Cumulus stated that under the agreement, which carries a monthly fee of $600,000, the company had lost $8.4 million on the two Merlin stations. WLUP was sold by Merlin to the Educational Media Foundation. On April 3, 2018, it was announced that Cumulus would acquire WKQX and the intellectual property of WLUP for $18 million.{{Cite news|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/167580/cumulus-to-acquire-101-1-wkqx-chicago-wlup-ip/|title=Cumulus To Acquire 101.1 WKQX Chicago & WLUP IP|date=April 4, 2018|work=RadioInsight|access-date=February 10, 2019|language=en-US}} The sale to Cumulus was consummated on June 15, 2018.[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=1786007 Application Search Details - BALH-20180404AAI], fcc.gov. Retrieved February 12, 2019.

On April 18, 2022, Cumulus Media announced their purchase of Q101 Chicago from Broadcast Barter Radio Networks, as well as the Q101.com domain name, all underlying trademarks and related intellectual property that Emmis had divested in 2011. Cumulus Chicago Vice President/Market Manager Marv Nyren revealed to Daily Herald journalist Robert Feder that discussions had been ongoing for over four years to reacquire rights to the "Q101" brand.{{Cite web |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=May 3, 2022 |title=WKQX Completes Its Return To Q101 Identity |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/223740/q101-branding-to-return-to-wkqx-chicago/ |access-date=May 3, 2022 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Feder |first=Robert |date=April 18, 2022 |title=Robservations: Q101 comes home to Cumulus Media's WKQX; Chicago Reader staff rallies against co-owner; Wall Street Journal hires Tribune's Lisa Donovan |url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2022/04/18/robservations-q101-comes-home-cumulus-medias-wkqx-chicago-reader-staff-rallies-co-owner-wall-street-journal-hires-tribunes-lisa-donovan/ |access-date=May 5, 2022 |website=robertfeder.com}} The internet station ceased operations, while WKQX reverted to "Q101" during the station's "10th anniversary" concert on May 3, 2022 (celebrating the launch of the current iteration of the format over the former WKQX-LP).

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.q101.com}}{{FM station data|19525|WKQX}}
• [http://www.rocklists.com/q101.html List of Q101 Countdowns]
• [http://www.radiohitlist.com/Q101/Q101-main.htm Q101 Top 101 Countdowns plus a searchable archive]
• [http://www.scottchilders.com/timecapsule/TCWMAQ.htm Scott Childers on WMAQ History] (relevant to WMAQ-FM and eventually WKQX)
• {{YouTube|xhE66R_MX6Q|Audio clip of WKQX ending}}

{{Chicago Radio}}

{{Modern Rock Radio Stations in Illinois}}

{{Cumulus Media}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1948 establishments in Illinois

Category:Alternative rock radio stations in the United States

Category:Cumulus Media radio stations

Category:Modern rock radio stations in the United States

Category:NBC Radio Network affiliates

Category:Radio stations established in 1948

KQX (FM)