After stunting for hours today, iHeartMedia has flipped Country WEBG (BIG 95.5)/Chicago to Rock as ROCK 95 FIVE, Chicago’s Rock Station. The station formally launched at 5 pm and promises “Rock favorites” including Metallica, Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Mötley Crüe and more.
“Our goal with ROCK 95 FIVE is to provide the music Chicagoland has been missing, a key soundtrack for a large lifestyle group,” said James Howard, Regional SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia-Chicago. “Our purpose is to be a driving force and a companion in the lives of millions of Rock music fans for years to come.”
“I am thrilled to bring Rock music back to Chicago,” said Matt Scarano, President of iHeartMedia-Chicago. “These songs haven’t been played on the air for years. I am looking forward to hearing the soundtrack of our lives on ROCK 95 FIVE.”
The station’s programming lineup will be announced later. iHeart will keep the Country format on WEBG-HD2. Chicago has not had a Mainstream/Active Rock station since Windy City staple WLUP (The Loop) went off the air in 2018.