Posted by chicagomedia.org on May 24, 2009 at 22:11:41:
'The L' hopes to pick up stranded WNUA smooth jazz fans
By Phil Rosenthal | Tribune media columnist
May 25, 2009
Following Clear Channel's switch of WNUA-FM 95.5 to a Spanish format Friday after 22 years with smooth jazz, a Chicago-area broadcaster will try to step in to fill the void.
WLFM-LP, which broadcasts at 87.7 on the FM dial from an antenna at the John Hancock Center with what was originally supposed to be a low-power analog TV signal, has acquired local broadcast rights to the format from the Clear Channel-owned Smooth Jazz Network.
Within two hours of WNUA's switch, the station that wants to be known as "The L" was airing the adult-contemporary format that blends pop instrumentals and jazz influences. The station had launched April 1 with an alternative country format.
"We are going to deliver to Chicago a hipper, cooler smooth jazz station," Patrick Kelley, Chicago-based senior vice president and market manager of WLFM, which is licensed to Los Angeles' Venture Technologies Group, said in a statement. "We are very excited to build this station around the passion Chicagoans have for contemporary jazz."
Much of the station's programming and personalities will be familiar to WNUA listeners, who have been pointed by Clear Channel to yoursmoothjazz.com for their fix. Network hosts include Dave Koz, Miranda Wilson, Kenny G and Brian Culbertson.
The station said it intends to do market research in the coming months, using feedback from area listeners as a basis for an increasing portion of locally based programming.