Chicago’s 95.9 The River (WERV) has a new sound after a significant programming shift by Alpha Media. The station has flipped formats from Classic Hits to Classic Alternative, with Todd Nuke’Em joining as Content Director in a collaboration with Utah’s Broadway Media.
Nuke’Em is best known for his role at Broadway’s X96 (KXRK) in Salt Lake City, where he has been since 1992. Both companies will share resources for content development as part of the deal.
Aside from the music change, Scott Mcay and Nick Jakusz will continue their roles during the morning and afternoon drives, respectively, ensuring continuity and local coverage. X96’s Artie Fufkin joins The River team as the evening host.
Alpha Media EVP of Content Phil Becker said, “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.”
Nuke’Em added, “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.”
This news comes after Alpha Media Chicago already announced the rebranding of its heritage Country station, WCCQ, to Free Country 98.3 over the Memorial Day weekend. The station now broadcasts on a second signal at 102.3 across the area.
