The following is based on 6+ numbers only:
Winners:
WBBM-AM, WLS-AM, WGN-AM, WTMX-FM, WUSN-FM, WSCR-AM, WILV-FM, WNUA-FM, WBEZ-FM (whew!)
Honorable mention:
WGCI-FM, WDRV-FM, WBBM-FM,WPWX-FM, WLS-FM, WXRT-FM
Big drop as expected:
WLIT-FM
Losers:
Nothing. A first!
Analysis: January was a very strong month for Chicago’s radio stations as more than 15 radio stations showed period-to-period increases, debunking the myth radio in Chicago is “dying”. In fact, if you look at the chart, there really isn’t a negative story to be found (if you excuse WLIT’s drop.)
News and talk radio proved popular once again in the Windy City as WBBM-AM, WLS-AM, and WGN-AM all took the top three spots. WVAZ-FM finished fourth (though down slightly), while WUSN-FM and WTMX surged to 5th and 6th place, respectively with strong showings.
In fact, many radio stations showed increases from last period, as patterns are returning to normal since the Holidays. But one station did take a big spill – and that was WLIT-FM, which declined a whopping 65% from last period. But the drop was expected as the station returned to its Adult Contemporary format from Holiday music on December 26. But the station still had a respectable showing in this post-holiday book and finished 11th.
The only other station to post a major drop was SBS’ WLEY-FM, which fell 18%, but still managed to finish within the top 20.