Connoisseur Media Chicago has introduced a new identity for WSSR 96.7, unveiling The 9-6-7: Chicagoland’s Classic Pop. A format shift designed to reconnect listeners with the defining pop hits of the late 20th and early 21st centuries while positioning the station squarely within a growing lane of nostalgia-driven radio brands.
Rather than leaning into contemporary chart cycles or traditional classic hits, the station’s new approach centers on the influential Top 40 music that shaped a generation of listeners throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Creating a sound that blends familiarity with energy while targeting audiences who came of age during that era’s pop explosion.
In addition to the musical repositioning, the station will maintain continuity with its on-air talent. A move that signals stability while allowing personalities to evolve alongside the updated brand. Eddie Volkman continues in mornings, Jillian Bass handles middays, Hannah B remains in afternoons and Erik Zachary hosts evenings through Skyview Networks’ syndicated program.
Volkman’s presence, in particular, reinforces the station’s connection to Chicago radio history. His previous success at B96 during the height of the format’s influence provides an authentic bridge between the era being celebrated and the audience now being targeted.
Connoisseur Media has already tested a similar approach in other markets, including Dayton, Ohio, where Z93 adopted a comparable format. This suggests a broader strategic push toward curated nostalgia formats that emphasize high-recognition titles over deeper catalog exploration.
By combining rhythmic pop, alternative crossover hits and enduring singalong favorites, the station is crafting a sound designed to keep listeners engaged through familiarity.
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