WIQI News Fails, Here are alternate suggestions

[aa9vi]

First, I think we can all agree that WIQI FM News is a colossal failure that is going nowhere.  Here are some suggestions on 101.1 FM programming alternatives for Randy to save face before he gets fired:

1. Bring back Q101.  Buy the branding back and launch alternative with the playlist on 87.7 FM.  Add in some personalities and get rid of the lame voice tracking.  Even though it is on a frequency only a fraction of cars can get and it is on a LP station, and it has had NO advertising except for some kiddie-Facebook stuff, it pulled in a 1.0 on the first month.  Nice.  Alternative music has shown to be viable and profitable in most top 10 markets, NYC being one of the exceptions. The original Q101 failed in the later days because of a CRAP, old, dusty playlist (red hot chili peppers and beastie boys over and over and over again, then sprinkled with some rage screaming no talent hack artists).  The new 87.7 is quite good.
2. Make WIQI a Chicagoland talker like WLUP-AM once was when they had Brandmier, Kevin Matthews, Danny Bonaduce, Howard Stern and whoever else. I'm not saying these guys can be brought back but the concept then was compelling and ahead of its time.  It might actually be entertaining if they had some interesting personalities that made me laugh.  Chicago corporate managers of stations are WAY to conservative and stiff these days.  I want something cutting edge and funny to listen to.  I don't want safe radio aimed at narrow demographics or yet another MIX, AC, or Lite Rock station.

... any other suggestions?

[radioman148]

I agree with bringing back Q101

[Roger That]

It will never be Q101 again.  Emmis sold the intellectual property to that prior to Merlin even taking ownership of the stations.

[radioman148]

It will never be Q101 again.  Emmis sold the intellectual property to that prior to Merlin even taking ownership of the stations.

OK, well in that case let them stay in the ratings gutter.

[1069_KIFR]

They should get Mancow. He'll single handidly save the station!
Part Man, Part Cow, All BULL!

[radioman148]

Seriously wouldn't just about any other format they could put on FM 101 draw more listeners?

[scanman1]

If Q101 can't make a comeback, how about a 70's, 80's and 90's Classic Hits format, done in high energy, Top 40 style. That type of programming would spend considerable time tuned in on my radio!

[scanman1]

I agree with bringing back Q101

I'd love for that to happen!

[the golden boy]

I think an FM talk station that has a Chicago focus could be a good idea. Perhaps an FM sports talk station. It could affiliate with the new NBC Sports network whenever it rolls out. Maybe even a talk/sports merger where it's regular talk in the day and sports at night and weekends.

[Roger That]

It will never be Q101 again.  Emmis sold the intellectual property to that prior to Merlin even taking ownership of the stations.

OK, well in that case let them stay in the ratings gutter.

Because those are the only two options?   

They could easily move alternative back to the 101.1 stick, but it just couldn't be Q101, that's all I was saying.  They would have to change the name.  Given the change in music (for the better, IMO), that isn't a bad thing.