Chicago’s River Now Classic Alternative
• No sleep for the Alpha Media crew in the hallways of the company’s suburban Chicago group — on the heels of the recent launch of its Free Country Chicago simulcast on WCCQ/Joliet & WXLC/Waukegan, IL, Alpha Media just flipped the switch and magically transformed WERV (95.9 The River)/Aurora, IL from Classic Hits to Classic Alternative, retaining its existing “River” branding.
Phil Becker (left), Alpha Media EVP of Content, commented, “Classic Alternative is a natural extension of Classic Rock. Just as throwback hip-hop stations tapped into a rich vein of nostalgia for 90s rap and R&B about ten years ago, we believe Classic Alternative will do the same for the alternative hits of the 90s. There’s a valuable audience in Chicagoland that’s been overlooked, and 95.9 The River is poised to fill that gap with a format that resonates deeply with listeners who grew up on this music. We anticipate this will be one of the nation’s hottest new formats for those who execute it properly.”
The all-new 95.9 The River will be under the command of newly named Content Director Todd “Nuke ‘Em” Noker (right), longtime Program Director of Broadway Media Alternative KXRK (X96)/Salt Lake City — a position he will retain. “This is a revolutionary approach to programming,” Becker continued. “By working with another radio group like Broadway Media to share Todd’s services, we are pioneering a new way of thinking about talent and content development. Additionally, Alpha Media’s recent move into a shared workspace with Broadway Media highlights our commitment to unconventional and progressive ideas, further solidifying our reputation as industry innovators.”
Nuke ‘Em noted, “I am beyond excited to join 95.9 The River and help shape its new identity as a Classic Alternative station. The ’90s alternative era was a groundbreaking time in music, and I’m thrilled to bring that energy and spirit to Chicagoland.”
Concurrent with this format change, Scott Mackay will continue to host morning drive locally, and Nick Jakusz remains in afternoon drive, while X96 midday personality Artie Fufkin will lend his talents as The River’s evening host.
