Chicago Pairs: Alpha re-launched WCCQ/Joliet, IL today (5/24) at 2pm CT, while also flipping Hot AC WXLC/Waukegan, IL to a simulcast partner. The stations are now branded as "Free Country 98.3 & 102.3." Together, the two 3,000 watt suburban Chicago signals cover the southwestern and northern portions of the market.

Alpha Country Format Captain Rob Kelley is handling programming for now, and tells Country Aircheck, "We saw a great opportunity in Chicago, a lot of the Country listeners are in the coverage of these stations." Former WUSN midday host Drew Walker, who departed that station earlier this month after 20 years (CAT 5/3), joins as Asst. Dir./Content, MD & afternoons. Premiere Network's The Bobby Bones Show will air in mornings, former WXLC afternoon co-host "Hannah B" Brummer will handle middays, and Skyview Network's B-Dub Radio will air at night. In the April Nielsen PPMs, WCCQ pulled a 0.4 share and WXLC had a 0.1 while WUSN was 8th with a 4.1. Stream here.