Illinois Radio Stations Directory

Chicago is the largest radio market in Illinois and ranks #3 nationally according to Nielsen Audio ratings. The Chicago market serves over 8 million potential listeners (8,028,600 persons aged 12+) across the Chicago metropolitan area and suburbs. The market includes approximately 1,347,600 Black listeners and 1,773,100 Hispanic listeners, reflecting the city's diverse demographics.

Chicago trails only New York (#1) and Los Angeles (#2) in market size. The market's strength is evidenced by its support of multiple competing formats including all-news (WBBM), sports talk (670 The Score, ESPN 1000), public radio (WBEZ), and diverse music formats ranging from classic rock to urban contemporary.

As of 2025, Illinois is home to 336 full-service radio stations:

• 103 licensed AM stations - primarily news, talk, and sports formats
• 171 commercial FM stations - diverse music and entertainment formats
• 62 noncommercial educational FM stations - NPR affiliates, college radio, and educational programming

Additionally, Illinois has seen significant growth in Low-Power FM (LPFM) stations, with nearly 50 stations constructed following the FCC's 2013 filing window, many concentrated in Chicago's suburbs. The 2023 filing window resulted in additional licenses awarded in 2024 and 2025, further expanding the state's radio landscape.

According to 2024 Nielsen Audio ratings, Chicago's top-rated stations are:

1. WBBM Newsradio 780 AM/105.9 FM - 5.7 share (#3 overall) - All-News format, saw largest growth driven by 2024 election coverage
2. WVAZ-FM 102.7 "V103" - 5.6 share (#4 overall) - Urban Adult Contemporary, biggest ratings gain from 2023 (4.4 to 5.6)
3. WLS-FM 94.7 - 4.0 share (#6 overall) - Classic Hits, improved from #9 to #6
4. WDRV-FM 97.1 "The Drive" - Top classic rock station
5. WLIT-FM 93.9 "Lite FM" - Leading soft adult contemporary
6. WXRT 93.1 "93XRT" - Premier alternative/AAA rock station

In the sports radio category, 670 The Score (WSCR) is recognized as Chicago's #1 and most-listened to sports station, dominating the men 25-54 demographic over competitor ESPN 1000 (WMVP).

Chicago Cubs: The flagship station for Cubs radio is 670 The Score (WSCR-AM). The Cubs moved to 670 The Score following the White Sox' departure to WLS at the conclusion of the 2015 season. The station provides comprehensive pre-game, live game, and post-game coverage throughout the MLB season.

Chicago White Sox: White Sox games are broadcast on WGN 720 AM and other network affiliates. The White Sox were previously on 670 The Score from 2006-2015 before moving to WLS, and have since returned to the WGN Radio family.

Both teams' games are also available via online streaming through the stations' websites and mobile apps, as well as through MLB.com audio subscriptions for out-of-market listeners.

Illinois has an extensive NPR network serving communities statewide:

• WBEZ 91.5 FM (Chicago) - Chicago Public Media, NPR charter member since 1970, serves Chicagoland with millions of listeners
• WUIS 91.9 FM (Springfield) - NPR Illinois, focuses on state government coverage from the capital
• WILL 580 AM/90.9 FM (Urbana-Champaign) - Illinois Public Media, University of Illinois
• WCBU 89.9 FM (Peoria) - Peoria Public Radio
• WGLT 89.1 FM (Normal) - Illinois State University
• WIUM 91.3 FM (Macomb) - Tri States Public Radio, Western Illinois University
• WSIU 91.9 FM (Carbondale) - Southern Illinois University
• WNIJ 89.5 FM (Rockford/DeKalb) - Northern Public Radio
• WVIK (Rock Island) - Quad Cities NPR
• WDCB 90.9 FM - Jazz & Blues, College of DuPage

These stations collaborate through the Illinois Newsroom network, sharing stories and resources to provide comprehensive coverage of Illinois news and issues.

Yes, virtually all Illinois radio stations offer online streaming through multiple platforms:

Official Station Websites: Most stations provide direct streaming through their websites with additional features like podcasts, song history, and traffic updates.

Mobile Apps: Major broadcasters offer dedicated apps:

• Audacy - Streams WBBM, 670 The Score, WXRT and other Audacy-owned stations
• iHeartRadio - Free app streaming V103, Lite FM, Kiss FM and many iHeart stations
• Individual station apps (WBEZ, WGN, etc.)

Radio Aggregator Platforms:

• TuneIn - Global directory with most Illinois stations
• Radio.com - Audacy's streaming platform
• myTuner Radio - International radio directory

Streaming is typically free and requires only an internet connection. Some platforms offer premium subscriptions for ad-free listening and additional features.

Chicago is home to several notable college radio stations known for independent and alternative programming:

WNUR 89.3 FM - Northwestern University, Evanston

• 7,200-watt transmitter reaching nearly 3 million listeners
• Named one of America's best college radio stations by SPIN magazine (2004)
• Programming: Freeform, Rock, Jazz, Street Beat, Continental Drift
• Operating since 1950; upgraded to current power in 1977

WLUW 88.7 FM - Loyola University Chicago

• Student-run "Chicago Sound Alliance" since 1979
• Emphasizes independent music and Jesuit philosophy of ethical action
• Notable alumni: Maureen Maher (CBS 48 Hours), Ernie Manouse (Emmy-nominated producer)

WIIT 88.9 FM - Illinois Institute of Technology

• Non-commercial variety format: "classical to modern, and everything in between"
• Located in heart of IIT's main campus
• Offers fresh perspectives on music across all genres

These stations provide platforms for music and content rarely heard on commercial radio, serving as training grounds for future broadcast professionals.

Beyond Chicago, Illinois supports several other significant radio markets that address regional interests including agriculture, university events, and community news:

• Springfield (Market #132) - 380,300 persons 12+ | Focus: State government, central Illinois news | Key station: WUIS 91.9 FM (NPR Illinois)
• Peoria (Market #156) - 294,600 persons 12+ | Coverage: 48+ stations in listening range | Key stations: WCBU 89.9 FM (Public Radio), WGLT 89.1 FM
• Rockford (Market #157) - 285,900 persons 12+ | Northern Illinois coverage | Key stations: WNIJ 89.5 FM (Northern Public Radio), WXRX 104.9 FM (The X)
• Champaign-Urbana (Market #169) - University community focus | Key stations: WILL 580 AM/90.9 FM (Illinois Public Media), WKIO 92.5 FM (Chicago Bears Network)

These markets support local stations addressing regional interests such as agriculture, university sports and events, local government, and community news that differ from the urban focus of Chicago media. Each market maintains its own NPR affiliate and mix of commercial music, news, and talk stations.