Alpha Media Chicago has announced the rebranding of its heritage Country station, WCCQ, to Free Country 98.3 to mark the Memorial Day weekend. The change goes live at 2p Central. The station will now also broadcast on a second signal at 102.3 across the Chicagoland area.
Alpha Media Executive Vice President of Content Phil Becker commented, “Radio’s greatest benefit is often overlooked – it’s completely free. Free to listen, free to win, and free to subscribe. While streaming services and tech companies are charging for music and content, Free Country at 98.3 and 102.3 is dedicated to providing Country music and fan experiences to Chicagoans at no cost.”
Alpha Media has had previous success with a Country simulcast in the same market. In April 2022, the Alpha launched Bay Country on 94.5 and 92.1 in San Francisco.
Along with the change, Drew Walker is moving across the street from Audacy Chicago’s US99 (WUSN) after serving on-air there since 2004. Walker will serve as Assistant Content Director and Music Director for the station.
Walker commented, “I am elated to be part of Free Country 98.3 and 102.3. What an incredible opportunity to bring the best Country music to even more fans across all of Chicagoland. The team at Alpha Media is truly special, let’s go!”
Chicago Regional Vice President Brian Foster said, “I am in awe of the energy, creativity, and ingenuity our team has shown over the past few weeks. Buckle up, we are about to go on a very exciting ride. Feel ‘free’ to give us a listen!”
Lost another loyal fan of WCCQ – loved the local aspect – support local – guess not. Huge shame.
Really missing Terry Clark on Sundays – she had the BEST show. I miss Bossman and Bobby Bones! BRING THEM ALL BACK.
Sometimes you have to admit defeat and or when your made a huge mistake… and just fix it.
Absolutely hate the new station. I looked forward to my morning car ride to actually have a fair chance of winning tickets and getting to go to multiple concerts for free. I liked the local station feel and the banter. I can listen to the Bobby bones show anywhere and I’ve always chosen not to for a reason. I care about the local stuff going on, not the national generic coverage that gets heard on 100+ stations. You all really did this station a disservice and this was a huge lose for the Chicago land country fans who like true country music instead of just all the popular pop country. Beyond disappointed. No longer my favorite country station since none of the morning show is local to the area.
Not a fan of the new station. I miss the old WCCQ!!! This station doesn’t have the local feeling anymore……. I miss listening to Bossman in the morning!!!
Wow ! Big change & I agree it was a great local station with really good DJ’s !! I moved away but still listened occasionally on my WCCQ APP. I think you will lose all the local listeners !! Like Drew Walker & US99. However, WCCQ was really good when they had Roy & Carol in the morning!!! Not a fan of talk when I want good country music!!!!!!
Don’t listen anymore..Boss Man is missed!! Not the WCCQ I always listened to.
WCCQ was local! Bobby Bones sucks and the station lost the homegrown feel. Bossman is greatly missed. Although, I’ve loved Drew Walker since 2004, Unfortunately, 98.3 is not my morning station any longer.
Well this sucks, No more WCCQ for me. LOVED the local aspect and classic songs.
Love the old format. Too much talk. It’s about the older music. I guess I will just listen to pandora in my car.
Lost another loyal fan of WCCQ – loved the local aspect – support local – guess not. Won’t listen anymore.
Count me in on those leaving. It’s appeal was that it was LOCAL!
If I want canned content I’ll just stick to the streaming services. Hate to see them go, been a listener for decades. Used to listen to it in the car with my dad.
Don’t like the new format. Too much talk. I could care less about Bobby Bones
I liked the small town country station . Not happy with the new lineup. If I wanted to listen to Bobby Bones , I would have turned on another station. Taking 98.3 off my radio going forward.
Hate it. They no longer play the Star-Spangled Banner at 5:00 am. I liked the old morning DJ.
Don’t like the new station. Been a wccq listener for years, not listening anymore. To much blabbing and not enough country music.
Already took it off of the car radio, I’m deeply saddened. I have been a loyal WCCQ listener for over 50 years, end of an awesome era.
What happened to the wccq djs
I can’t stand Drew walker! Like nails on a chalkboard. I won’t be tuning into WCCQ anymore.
I agree , he comes across so fake