WLS Radio

We bring back Memories you didn’t know you had

The calls letters are an acronym for world’s largest store. This was the Sears, Roebuck and Company’s slogan. They were the original station owners. There was a WLS AM radio station, FM station, and Channel 7 television station.

The AM radio station (on the dial at 890), started in 1924. From 1960 until 1989 saw WLS at a creative and ratings pinnacle. Who can forget the disc jockeys of the top 40 era. They were: Dick Biondi, Larry Lujack, John ‘Records’ Landecker, and Bob Sirott. In 1989, the station format became all talk. It is still on the air.

WLS’ FM station was at 94.7. This station started operating under these call letters in 1964. Over the years, the format has included ‘beautiful music’, progressive rock, and disco. One big name entertainer was Steve Dahl. The station changed call letters in 1995.

The TV station is an ABC affiliate. The station, under these call letters, started in 1968. There have been many programs over the years. Included in the list are, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Monday Night Football, Chicago Bulls, and for a short while Cubs Baseball. Bill Jackson created Gigglesnort Hotel. BJ and Dirty Dragon were the main characters.