WUSN
{{Short description|Country music radio station in Chicago}}
{{About||the radio station in Charleston, South Carolina, that held the WUSN call sign from 1948 to 1955|WQNT|the TV station in Charleston, South Carolina|WCBD-TV}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WUSN
| logo = US 99.5 WUSN Chicago.png
| logo_upright = .8
| city = Chicago, Illinois
| country = US
| area = {{ubl|Chicago metropolitan area|Northwest Indiana}}
| frequency = {{frequency|99.5|MHz}} {{HD Radio}}
| branding = US✶99
| language = English
| format = Country music
| owner = Audacy, Inc.
| licensee = Audacy License, LLC
| sister_stations = {{hlist|WBBM|WBBM-FM|WBMX|WCFS-FM|WSCR|WXRT{{cite web | url = https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101400486&formid=316&fac_num=28621 | title = FCC 316: Application for Consent to Assign Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License or to Transfer Control of Entity Holding Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License (BTCH-20100930AFL) | date = September 29, 2010 | first = Thaddeus P. | last = Janowski | publisher = Federal Communications Commission | access-date = March 15, 2011 | archive-date = October 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121026053936/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101400486&formid=316&fac_num=28621 | url-status = live }}}}
| airdate = {{start date and age|1940|2|2|p=y|br=yes}}[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2010/D2-2010-BC-YB-7.pdf#page=33 "Illinois: Chicago"], Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook (2010 edition), p. D-186. Retrieved September 6, 2018.[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1947/1947-BC-YB.pdf#page=228 "Commercial FM Directory: Illinois"] Broadcasting Yearbook (1947 edition), p. 226. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|W51C (1940–1943)[https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=80704 History Cards for WUSN], fcc.gov. Retrieved September 6, 2018.|WWZR (1943–1946)|WEFM (1946–1982)[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=28620 Call Sign History] (Facility ID: 28620){{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907113233/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=28620&Callsign=WUSN28620 |date=September 7, 2018 }}, fcc.gov. Retrieved September 6, 2018.}}
| callsign_meaning = "US Ninety-nine" (frequency)
| licensing_authority = FCC
| facility_id = 28620
| class = B
| erp = {{val|5700|u=watts|fmt=commas}}
| haat = {{convert|425|m|ft|sp=us}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41.899|N|87.623|W|type:landmark_region:US-IL_source:FCC|display=inline,title}}
| webcast = {{Audacy.com|us99}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.audacy.com/us99}}
}}
WUSN (99.5 FM) is a country music radio station in Chicago, Illinois. Owned by Audacy, Inc. and branded as "US✶99", it is based at Two Prudential Plaza in the Loop, and transmits from atop the John Hancock Center with an HD Radio signal.http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=4 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916101138/http://hdradio.com/station_guides/widget.php?id=4 |date=September 16, 2016 }} HD Radio Guide for Chicago
History
=Founding and classical music era=
File:General Electric advertisement for radio station W51C, Chicago (January 19, 1942).jpg
The station began broadcasting on February 2, 1940, as experimental station W9XEN, licensed to Chicago-based radio/television manufacturer Zenith Radio Corporation.Sterling, Christopher H. (2013). [https://books.google.com/books?id=mdQq-663faAC&pg=PA241 Biographical Encyclopedia of American Radio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215225549/https://books.google.com/books?id=mdQq-663faAC&pg=PA241 |date=February 15, 2020 }}. Routledge. Retrieved September 6, 2018. In May 1940, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the establishment, effective January 1, 1941, of an FM radio band operating on 40 channels spanning 42–50 MHz.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112059131711&view=1up&seq=767 "FCC Order No. 67"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115061240/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112059131711&view=1up&seq=765 |date=January 15, 2022 }} Federal Register, May 25, 1940, page 2011. On October 31, 1940, the first fifteen construction permits for commercial FM stations were issued, including one to Zenith for a station in Chicago at 45.1 MHz,[https://archive.org/details/broadcasting19unse/page/n1074/mode/1up "New FM Call Letters Proposed"], Broadcasting, November 15, 1940, page 77. which was issued the call sign W51C.The initial policy for commercial FM station call signs included an initial "W" for stations located east of the Mississippi River, followed by the last two digits of a station's frequency assignment, "51" in this case, and closing with a one or two character regional identifier, which for Chicago was "C". It was one of the first FM stations in the United States, and is the country's oldest FM station still in operation.[https://books.google.com/books?id=h3MPAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA386 "FM Broadcasting Stations Authorized by the FCC"], Broadcasting Yearbook, (1941 edition) p. 386. Retrieved September 6, 2018.Duston, Anne. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=lCgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA23 Attorney Fights to Keep Classical Format on FM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226140428/https://books.google.com/books?id=lCgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA23 |date=2020-02-26 }}", Billboard. July 15, 1972. p. 23. Retrieved September 6, 2018.[https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_multipage_pdf.cfm?pdf=zenith_story_radiomuseum_org.pdf The Zenith Story] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110211/https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_multipage_pdf.cfm?pdf=zenith_story_radiomuseum_org.pdf |date=September 7, 2018 }}. Zenith Electronics Corporation. p. 16. Retrieved September 6, 2018."[https://books.google.com/books?id=_woEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA6 Zenith Pres. McDonald Dies In Chicago] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220230129/https://books.google.com/books?id=_woEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA6 |date=2020-02-20 }}", Billboard. May 19, 1958. p. 6. Retrieved February 23, 2019. Its transmitter was located atop the Field Building.
Effective November 1, 1943, the FCC modified its policy for FM call letters,[https://books.google.com/books?id=mwwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT6 "Standard Broadcast Station Call Letters for All Outlets Starting Nov. 1, FCC Rule"], The Billboard, September 4, 1943, page 7. and the station was assigned new call letters of WWZR.[https://archive.org/details/broadcasting25unse/page/n983/mode/1up "New FM Calls"], Broadcasting, October 18, 1943, page 14. In 1946, the station's call sign was changed to WEFM, which were the initials of Zenith president Eugene F. McDonald.Schneider, John. "[https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/eugene-f-mcdonald-jr-broadcasting-pioneer Eugene F. McDonald Jr.: Broadcasting Pioneer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218010633/http://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/0004/eugene-f-mcdonald-jr-broadcasting-pioneer/340017 |date=2017-12-18 }}", Radio World. July 13, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2018.[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Station-Albums/Chicago-Trib-1979-Mar-About-Chi-Radio.pdf#page=16 "Chicago Radio: Some facts, figures, and things you might not know"], Chicago Tribune Magazine, March 4, 1979. p. 16. Retrieved September 6, 2018. On June 27, 1945, the FCC announced the reassignment of the FM band to 80 channels from 88–106 MHz, which was soon expanded to 100 channels from 88–108 MHz,[https://archive.org/details/broadcasting291unse/page/n16/mode/1up "FCC Allocates 88-106 mc Band to FM"] by Bill Bailey, Broadcasting, July 2, 1945, pages 13-14.[https://archive.org/details/broadcasting291unse/page/n67/mode/1up "FCC Allocations Order Text"], Broadcasting, July 2, 1945, pages 64-68. and WEFM began broadcasting on 98.5 MHz, while temporarily continuing to also broadcast at 45.1 MHz. In 1947, the station's frequency was changed to 99.5 MHz.
From 1940, when the station began broadcasting, until February 1978 the station aired a classical music format.[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/506/246/322409/ Citizens Committee to Save WEFM and Citizens Committee To Save WEFM, Inc., Appellants, v. Federal Communications Commission and United States Of America, Appellees, GCC Communications of Chicago, Inc. Zenith Radio Corporation, Intervenors, 506 F.2d 246 (D.C. Cir. 1974)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110322/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/506/246/322409/ |date=September 7, 2018 }}, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit - 506 F.2d 246 (D.C. Cir. 1974). Justia. Retrieved September 6, 2018.Brenner, Daniel L. "[https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4818&context=penn_law_review Government Regulation of Radio Program Format Changes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508015601/https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4818&context=penn_law_review |date=2019-05-08 }}", University of Pennsylvania Law Review. Volume 127. 1978. Retrieved February 18, 2019."[https://books.google.com/books?id=MSQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT33 Chicago's WEFM-FM Doubles Teen Numbers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226073626/https://books.google.com/books?id=MSQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT33 |date=2020-02-26 }}", Billboard. September 23, 1978. p. 34. Retrieved September 6, 2018."[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1948/1948-10-25-BC-Chicago.pdf FM Outlet Histories] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422020010/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1948/1948-10-25-BC-Chicago.pdf |date=2023-04-22 }}", Broadcasting — Telecasting. A Continuing Study of Major Radio Markets: Study No. 7: Chicago. October 25, 1948. p. 21. Retrieved February 14, 2019. On June 1, 1961, WEFM became the second station in the United States to broadcast in FM stereo.{{cite web|last1=Fitch|first1=Charles|title=How FM Stereo Came to Life|url=http://www.radioworld.com/headlines/0045/how-fm-stereo-came-to-life/337146|website=RadioWorld|date=January 27, 2016|access-date=September 6, 2018|archive-date=January 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123212321/http://www.radioworld.com/headlines/0045/how-fm-stereo-came-to-life/337146|url-status=live}} Few advertisements were aired, and until 1966 the only advertisements were for Zenith products.[https://archive.org/details/broadcastingtele65unse_0/page/n438/mode/1up "Zenith conversion"], Broadcasting & Cable. November 4, 1963. p. 5. Retrieved February 23, 2019.[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1966/1966-02-14-BC.pdf#page=58 "Zenith's FM station goes commercial"], Broadcasting & Cable, February 14, 1966. pp. 58, 60. Retrieved February 23, 2019. In 1966, the station began to sell advertising time, though commercials were limited to five minutes per hour and the ads had to be compatible with WEFM's classical music format. In 1972, the transmitter was moved to the John Hancock Center.
=General Cinema Corporation ownership=
In the early 1970s Zenith agreed to sell WEFM to General Cinema Corporation, which intended to change the station's call letters to WICV (pseudo-Roman numerals for 99.5) and institute a rock format. Litigation delayed the sale and format change until February 1978. As part of the settlement to allow the station's sale, WEFM's classical music library was donated to WNIB and WBEZ. General Cinema converted the station to a top 40 format with program director Brian White and afternoon drive personality Don Cox, but decided not to change the call sign.[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1979/Section%20C%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201979-12.pdf#page=63 "Illinois: Chicago"], Broadcasting Yearbook (1979 edition), p. C-63. Retrieved September 6, 2018."[http://las-solanas.com/surveys/WEFM/WEFM_1978-08-12_1.jpg We Fm 99 (September 7, 2018)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110214/http://las-solanas.com/surveys/WEFM/WEFM_1978-08-12_1.jpg |date=2018-09-07 }}", WEFM. August 12, 1978. Retrieved September 7, 2018. The station was branded "We-FM" and initially broadcast from the studios used by the Zenith classical music format at 120 West Madison street in the Chicago loop."[http://las-solanas.com/surveys/WEFM/WEFM_1978-12-09_1.jpg We Fm 99 (December 9, 1978)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425232649/http://las-solanas.com/surveys/WEFM/WEFM_1978-12-09_1.jpg |date=2019-04-25 }}", WEFM. December 9, 1978. Retrieved April 25, 2019. General Cinema moved studios to the 13th floor of the Hancock Center at 875 N. Michigan Ave in 1980, where the transmitter resides on the 93rd floor. The station leased a 67 kHz subcarrier to the Physicians Radio Network, a news service for medical doctors."[https://www.wtfda.org/vud70s/1975/09-75vud.pdf FCC FM News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025054324/https://www.wtfda.org/vud70s/1975/09-75vud.pdf |date=2020-10-25 }}", VHF-UHF Digest. September 1975. p. 3. Retrieved April 25, 2019."[https://www.nytimes.com/1975/05/20/archives/physicians-radio-network-is-set.html Physicians Radio Network Is Set] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426005824/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/05/20/archives/physicians-radio-network-is-set.html |date=2019-04-26 }}", The New York Times. May 20, 1975. Retrieved April 25, 2019. In early 1981, the station adopted a MOR format, with programming from the syndicated Schulke II package."[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1981/BB-1981-02-14.pdf Fragmentation Stalks Arbitrons In L.A., Chi.]", Billboard. February 14, 1981. p. 23. Retrieved September 7, 2018."[https://books.google.com/books?id=cCQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT18 KSFX Gets 'Talkradio' Format] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214185544/https://books.google.com/books?id=cCQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT18 |date=2020-02-14 }}", Billboard. May 1, 1982. p. 19. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
The WEFM call sign is now used on 95.9 FM in nearby Michigan City, Indiana, which also is imaged as "We-FM."
=US✶99=
In 1982, the station was purchased by First Media Corporation for $9.2 million."[https://books.google.com/books?id=BCUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74 WEFM: New Owners] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215020444/https://books.google.com/books?id=BCUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74 |date=2020-02-15 }}", Billboard. February 13, 1982. p. 74. Retrieved February 26, 2019. On February 6, 1982, the station adopted a country music format, branded "US-99", and its call sign was changed to WUSN on February 25, 1982. The station's initial promotion was that four songs would be played before any commercial break ensued, and that $25,000 would be given to the first person to call if the guarantee was not fulfilled.Kirby, Kip. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=-yMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT19 Country Clicks for WUSN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216230853/https://books.google.com/books?id=-yMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT19 |date=2020-02-16 }}", Billboard. July 3, 1982. pp. 20, 49. Retrieved September 7, 2018. Within the first week, two mistakes were noticed by listeners and $50,000 was given away.
Lee Logan was hired as program director from KFMK in Houston, remaining with the station until 1987, when he departed for KLAC in Los Angeles.Stark, Phyllis. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=lxAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA67 PD of the Week] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115054625/https://books.google.com/books?id=lxAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA67 |date=2020-01-15 }}", Billboard. July 18, 1992. p. 67. Retrieved September 7, 2018. From 1982 to 1985, Don Wade was the station's morning host.Zorn, Eric. "[http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2013/09/radio-legend-don-wade-dies-at-age-72.html Radio legend Don Wade dies at age 72] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908131013/http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2013/09/radio-legend-don-wade-dies-at-age-72.html |date=2018-09-08 }}", Chicago Tribune. September 8, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2018.Bornstein, Rollye. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=iyQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT19 Vox Jox] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217134444/https://books.google.com/books?id=iyQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT19 |date=2020-02-17 }}", Billboard. April 20, 1985. p. 20. Retrieved September 8, 2018. Wade was briefly midday host on the station, before moving to WLS.Freeman, Kim. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=FyQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA15 Vox Jox] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216110505/https://books.google.com/books?id=FyQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA15 |date=2020-02-16 }}", Billboard. January 11, 1986. p. 15. Retrieved September 8, 2018. Shock-Jock Gary Dee replaced Wade as morning host in 1985, but was fired a year later."[https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/07/31/disc-jockey-was-fired-wusn-says/ Disc Jockey Was Fired, WUSN Says] ", Chicago Tribune. July 31, 1986. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
The station's initial country music competitors in Chicago were 670 WMAQ, 104.3 WJEZ, and 1160 WJJD, which switched to the adult standards Music of Your Life format within weeks of "US-99"'s debut. In years when the station lacked major local competition, it has ranked as the nation's most-listened-to country station."[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20031210005343/en/America-Online-Launches-Leading-Infinity-Broadcasting-Stations America Online Launches Leading Infinity Broadcasting Stations Online on Radio@AOL and Radio@AOL for Broadband] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908015731/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20031210005343/en/America-Online-Launches-Leading-Infinity-Broadcasting-Stations |date=2018-09-08 }}", Business Wire. December 10, 2003. Retrieved September 7, 2018."[https://radioink.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/12/Radio-Ink-The-Best-Program-Directors-in-Country-Radio-2015.pdf The Best Program Directors in Country Radio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908054256/https://radioink.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/12/Radio-Ink-The-Best-Program-Directors-in-Country-Radio-2015.pdf |date=2018-09-08 }}", Radio Ink. February 16, 2015. p. CRS18. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
In 1993, Infinity Broadcasting bought WUSN."[https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/infinity-nets-stations-103621/ Infinity nets stations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908130429/https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/infinity-nets-stations-103621/ |date=2018-09-08 }}", Variety. February 2, 1993. Retrieved September 8, 2018. Infinity was acquired by the parent company of CBS in 1997."[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 January 21, 2019.
On August 8, 2016, WUSN rebranded slightly as "US✶99", dropping the .5 from their moniker and unveiling a new logo and slogan, "Chicago's Hottest Country"."[http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/156390/wusn-is-now-chicago-s-hottest-country WUSN Is Now 'Chicago's Hottest Country'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908065819/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/156390/wusn-is-now-chicago-s-hottest-country |date=2018-09-08 }}", All Access Music Group. August 8, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2018.Feder, Robert. "[https://www.robertfeder.com/2016/08/08/us-99-5-rebrands-as-chicagos-hottest-country/#more-12085 US 99.5 rebrands as 'Chicago's Hottest Country'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908130828/https://www.robertfeder.com/2016/08/08/us-99-5-rebrands-as-chicagos-hottest-country/#more-12085 |date=2018-09-08 }}", Robert Feder. August 8, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2018.{{cite web |url=http://us995.cbslocal.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206213035/http://us995.cbslocal.com/ |title=US 99.5 |publisher=CBS Local Media |archive-date=February 6, 2016 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |url-status=dead }} The traditional five-pointed star, which is a common feature of the logos of American country music radio stations representing the Flag of the United States, was changed in the new version to the six-pointed variety represented in the acclaimed Flag of Chicago, with the logo coloring following suit using the flag's light blue and red.
On February 2, 2017, CBS Radio announced it would merge with Entercom.{{Cite web |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/116299/cbs-radio-to-merge-with-entercom/ |title=CBS Radio to Merge with Entercom |date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826120259/http://radioinsight.com/headlines/116299/cbs-radio-to-merge-with-entercom/ |url-status=live }} The merger was approved on November 9, 2017, and was consummated on the 17th.{{Cite web |url=http://www.entercom.com/entercom-receives-fcc-approval-for-merger-with-cbs-radio#.Wg54UWVqaNZ |title=Entercom Receives FCC Approval for Merger with CBS Radio |access-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117122333/http://www.entercom.com/entercom-receives-fcc-approval-for-merger-with-cbs-radio#.Wg54UWVqaNZ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121072/entercom-completes-cbs-radio-merger/ |title=Entercom Completes CBS Radio Merger |date=November 17, 2017 |access-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222152/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121072/entercom-completes-cbs-radio-merger/ |url-status=live }}
==Awards==
File:WEFM 99.5 station logo.png
In 1967, WEFM won the National Federation of Music Clubs' "Special 4-Star Award" for "outstanding programming devoted to American composers"."[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1967/Billboard%201967-08-05.pdf From the Music Capitals of the World]", Billboard. August 8, 1967. p. 37. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
In 1993, 2006, and 2015, WUSN won the Country Music Association's Major Market Station of the Year award.Revsine, Barbara. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-01-22-9501220359-story.html In Tune With Country Music] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231237/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-01-22-9501220359-story.html |date=2019-02-24 }}", Chicago Tribune. January 22, 1995. Retrieved February 24, 2019.Feder, Robert. "[https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20061026/282522948963510 US 99.5 counts on midday star to make a Dent in mornings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231228/https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20061026/282522948963510 |date=2019-02-24 }}", Chicago Sun-Times. October 26, 2006. Retrieved February 24, 2019.[https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/chicagos-us99-5-wins-big-at-the-50th-academy-of-country-music-awards/ Chicago's US99.5 Wins Big At The 50th Academy Of Country Music Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173820/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/02/25/chicagos-us99-5-wins-big-at-the-50th-academy-of-country-music-awards/ |date=February 24, 2019 }}", CBS 2 Chicago. February 25, 2015. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
In 2005, WUSN host Lisa Dent won the Country Music Association's Major Market Personality of the Year award.Lazare, Lewis. "[https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20101015/281848639960581 New WMVP director to battle his old mentor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173528/https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-sun-times/20101015/281848639960581 |date=2019-02-24 }}", Chicago Sun-Times. October 15, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
In 2010 and 2011, the station won Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Aircheck Awards for Station of the Year for a Major Market; the Lisa Dent and Ramblin' Ray Show for Major Market Morning Show and Marci Braun (weeknight host/MD) for Major Market MD.{{cite news | first=Scott | last=Winterroth | title=Word on the Street - March 4 | date=March 4, 2010 | work=Country Music Chicago | url=http://countrymusicchicago.com/2010/03/04/word-on-the-street-march-4/ | access-date=February 24, 2019 | archive-date=July 15, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715000648/http://countrymusicchicago.com/2010/03/04/word-on-the-street-march-4/ | url-status=live }}{{cite news | first=Scott | last=Winterroth | title=It's a Two-Peat! | date=March 5, 2011 | work=Country Music Chicago | url=https://countrymusicchicago.com/2011/03/05/us99-wins-award/ | access-date=February 24, 2019 | archive-date=February 24, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224175251/https://countrymusicchicago.com/2011/03/05/us99-wins-award/ | url-status=live }}
In 2010 and 2015, Lisa Dent and Ramblin' Ray Stevens won the Country Music Association Major Market Personality of the Year for the Lisa Dent and Ramblin' Ray Morning Show.
==Controversy==
On April 13, 2001, a memo from WUSN management asking on-air station employees to attend the George Strait Country Music Festival on May 26, 2001, at their own expense and "work the crowd" on behalf of the station was leaked to Robert Feder's media column for the Chicago Sun-Times.{{cite web |url=http://www.radioink.com/HeadlineEntry.asp?hid=42839 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216032403/http://www.radioink.com/HeadlineEntry.asp?hid=42839 |title=Chicago Newspaper Gets Hold of Internal Infinity Memo. Cost-Cutting Measures Scrutinized |magazine=Radio Ink |date=April 13, 2001|archive-date=February 16, 2012 |access-date=September 8, 2018 |url-status=dead }}
On July 7, 2003, country music radio personality Cliff Dumas sued Infinity Broadcasting Corporation and WUSN in United States District Court, seeking monetary damages. Dumas alleged that station management had induced him to resign gainful employment at a New Mexico radio station to take a job which was offered but then never materialized.[http://vlex.com/vid/18428585 Cliff Dumas, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Infinity Broadcasting Corporation and WUSN-FM], Defendants-Appellees., 416 F.3d 671, Federal Circuits, 7th Cir. (August 1, 2005) Docket number: 04-1133
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.audacy.com/us99}}
{{FM station data|28620|WUSN}}
- [https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=80704 FCC History Cards for WUSN] (covering 1940-1981 as W51C / WWZR / WEFM)
- [https://countrymusicchicago.com/the-scene/ Guide of Chicago Country Radio]
{{Chicago Radio}}
{{Country Radio Stations in Illinois}}
{{Entercom}}
Category:Radio stations established in 1940
Category:1940 establishments in Illinois
Category:2001 controversies in the United States
Category:2003 controversies in the United States
Category:Country radio stations in the United States