Allstate to create Mayhem for WGN Radio

Watch out WGN Radio fans! Mayhem is coming your way.

But don’t worry – the station’s listeners are still in “good hands”.

First reported by Chicagoland Radio & Media Friday night, Tribune-owned WGN-AM radio made a deal with Northbrook-based Allstate Co. to rename its Michigan Avenue streetside studio the Allstate Showcase Studio. The studio is basically used for its afternoon and early evening shows, and its morning program (now helmed by Jonathan Brandmeier) on occasion. WGN Radio’s streetside studio has been on Michigan Avenue since 1986.

Allstate signage will be decorated inside the studio and mentioned on-air. The deal takes effect on May 1.

WGN officials, Allstate, and Chicago-based Starcom (Allstate’s advertising client) have been working for more than a year to bring this deal to fruition. Allstate and WGN Radio have had a longtime relationship – the insurer is sponsor of the station “Chicago Hometown Voices” tour, which does live remotes from Chicago’s suburbs (a few years ago, WGN did such a remote in south suburban Homewood, with then-morning host Spike O’Dell.)

This marks the second radio studio Allstate has “sponsored” – Sports station WFAN-AM in New York christened The Allstate Studios two years ago.

Of course, Allstate’s current advertising campaign features “The Mayhem Guy”, who causes mayhem and destruction to unsuspecting louts who don’t have Allstate Insurance.

So one day when Jonathan Brandmeier is doing his morning show from WGN’s Allstate Showcase Studio, don’t be surprised if Mayhem Guy drops by for a visit – by crashing right through the window.

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