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WRME-LD (channel 33) is a low-power television station in Chicago, Illinois, United States, affiliated with Jewelry Television. The station's audio channel, transmitting at 87.75 MHz (or VHF channel 6), lies within the FM band; as a result, WRME-LD's audio channel operates as a radio station at 87.7 FM. Owned by Venture Technologies Group and operated under a local marketing agreement (LMA) by Weigel Broadcasting, the station airs a soft adult contemporary/oldies format via the 87.75 MHz audio channel under the brand 87.7 MeTV FM, a brand extension of Weigel's MeTV television network. The WRME-LD studios are co-located with Weigel's headquarters in Chicago's Greektown neighborhood, while the transmitter resides atop the John Hancock Center.

Key Information

Because of the station's low-power status, WRME-LD is not subject to the FCC's educational and informational programming requirements, allowing a full 24/7 format without interruption for other programming. In November 2019, the station (as WRME-LP) began airing news and weather updates from WBBM-TV (channel 2) during the morning and afternoon drive times.[2]

After the 2009 digital television transition for full-power stations, WRME-LP became one of several such "Franken-FM" stations that were actually analog TV stations on channel 6; the video signal aired unrelated material to the audio, including a loop of weather and traffic information. When low-power stations were required to transition to digital, Venture Technologies Group obtained special temporary authority to convert the station to ATSC 3.0 Next Gen TV and also maintain an analog audio signal on 87.7 FM. The ATSC 3.0 channel occupies the lower 5.509 MHz of the 6 MHz channel.

Officially, the second HD Radio channel of Audacy-owned WMYX-FM in Milwaukee is a repeater of WRME-LD's audio signal, and both stations identify together as "WRME-LD, Chicago and WMYX-FM-HD2, Milwaukee". The WMYX-HD2 signal also carried by the Audacy app, which is available throughout the United States and on its website.

History

[edit]

Move to Channel 6

[edit]

When the station first signed on the air in 2003, it broadcast on Channel 55 using the call sign W55DF. It later moved to Channel 6 because of Qualcomm's MediaFLO service expanding to the Chicago area. Its programming once consisted of infomercials, home shopping services, MTV Tr3s, and Azteca América. It became WLFM-LP in 2006.

On March 9, 2009, Venture announced that it signed letters of intent to lease out their Channel 6 signals on both WLFM-LP and KSFV-CA in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley, which would pave the way for the launching a dance format on the stations. Programming was to have begun under that format June 1, 2009, and be patterned after Mega Media's New York City outlet WNYZ-LP and be branded as Pulse 87.

In the interim, on April 1, 2009, Channel 6 switched to an alternative country music format as "The L." One month later, Venture announced it would not pursue the deal with Mega Media.[3] Channel 6 continued with the alt-country format until a format change in Chicago opened a new opportunity.

Smooth Jazz

[edit]

On May 22, 2009, WNUA (95.5 FM) dropped its smooth jazz sound for Spanish contemporary music. That afternoon, Channel 6 immediately picked up the abandoned format, becoming an affiliate of the Broadcast Architecture Smooth Jazz Network, and adopting the name "87.7 Chicago's Smooth Jazz." Channel 6 originally broadcast still photographs of Chicago and Jazz musicians on its video signal, since all television licensees are still required to transmit video while on air. In the summer of 2011, Channel 6 began airing traffic maps and a weather scroll on its video signal.

Initially, WLFM's smooth jazz format consisted of round-the-clock programming from the Broadcast Architecture Smooth Jazz Network. But later on the station added two local weekday hosts, both veterans WNUA DJs: midday host Rick O'Dell (also the station's program director) and evening personality Loni Taylor. In addition, channel 6 featured syndicated shows from Kenny G, Mindi Abair, Dave Ramsey and Dave Koz along with local specialty shows, such as Paul Wertico's Wild World of Jazz Sunday nights at 9 p.m., The Sounds of Brazil with Scott Adams heard Saturdays at midnight, The Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown with Allen Kepler, Dinner Party with Bill Cochran, and Sunrise Soundscapes and The Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch with Rick O'Dell. Channel 6 General Manager Pat Kelley had also worked at WNUA.

In July 2009, Channel 6 began simulcasting on a subchannel of WCHU-LD (33.2, mapped to virtual channel 61.2). In June 2011, Channel 6 became available on Comcast digital cable as Channel 877.[4]

In October 2010, WLFM tweaked its format to "Smooth Adult Contemporary" (again using a Broadcast Architecture source). The format was a mix of mainstream and rhythmic adult contemporary tracks with a few smooth jazz instrumentals per hour.

All-News and Alternative Rock

[edit]

On April 24, 2012, Merlin Media, LLC, entered into a local marketing agreement (LMA) with Venture Technologies Group to take over the programming and ad sales for WLFM-LP as of April 30, 2012. Merlin Media was headed by noted radio executive Randy Michaels. Venture Technologies retained the station's license and ownership. Later on the 24th, Smooth 87.7's Rick O'Dell revealed on the station's website that smooth jazz would be replaced on April 30, 2012. Venture Technologies management termed the LMA with Merlin as a "business decision" based in part on the future status of low-power analog TV stations, whose signals must be turned off or transitioned to digital by September 2015.[5][6] "Smooth 87.7" ended before midnight on April 29, 2012, with David Sanborn's "Chicago Song" the last song played. Afterwards, the station changed over to a simulcast of Merlin's all-news station, WIQI (101.1 FM).[7] (Twice-hourly news updates from WIQI were added to WLFM on April 24, Merlin's first noticeable change to the station.)[8] A call sign change from WLFM-LP to WKQX-LP took effect on May 1, 2012.[9]

The smooth jazz format continued on the HD3 subchannel of Merlin's WLUP-FM (97.9-HD3), which launched on May 3, 2012.[10] Additionally, WLFM-LP alum Rick O'Dell launched an online radio station, SmoothJazzChicago.net, on November 12, 2012.[11][12] The channel was added to the HD2 subchannel of WTMX (101.9-HD2) in January 2014.[13]

On May 6, 2012, WKQX "Q87.7" ("Underground. Alternative.") was launched, with "Satellite" by Chicago band Rise Against as the first song played. The station, perhaps inspired by its low-FM dial position and its uncertain future ("Already there are some people maneuvering to shut us down"), cultivated a hard-edged "outlaw mystique." It targeted a younger audience that may normally listen to music through online sources. A message on the station's website at its launch noted that "older radios won't pick us up... so if someone has a radio that doesn't get 87.7FM, then they just don't get it!"[14]

LMA with Cumulus Media

[edit]

On January 3, 2014, Merlin Media announced a local marketing agreement with Cumulus Media that would have Cumulus take over operations of Merlin-owned 101.1 WIQI and 97.9 WLUP-FM. The deal also created an expansion of Cumulus' Chicago operations. The company already owns and operates talk station WLS (890 AM) and classic hits station WLS-FM (94.7).[15][16]

In announcing the deal, Cumulus indicated that it would move the alternative rock format from WKQX-LP to WIQI. The move took place on January 10, 2014, with both 87.7 and 101.1 simulcasting for approximately 30–45 days. Once the simulcast ended, alt-rock remained on 101.1 which re-adopted the WKQX call sign on January 16, 2014.[17] Cumulus' long-term plans for WKQX-LP were initially unclear.

Sports Talk

[edit]

Cumulus wrapped up its LMA with WKQX-LP on February 17, 2014. Tribune Broadcasting announced that it would enter into a local marketing agreement for WKQX-LP as an "FM expansion" for its primary station, WGN (720 AM).[18][19] Venture applied to change the call sign of WKQX-LP to WGWG-LP.

On February 17, 2014, the Chicago Tribune reported that WKQX-LP would flip to a WGN-produced sports talk format known as "The Game." Jonathon Brandmeier hosted its morning show, while WGN's David Kaplan moved to late-mornings on "The Game." Howard Griffith and Alex Quigley hosted an early afternoon show, with former WMVP personalities Harry Teinowitz and Spike Manton in afternoon drive time, and Mark Carman hosting an evening show. The remaining dayparts featured NBC Sports Radio programming. The Game also served as the alternate station for the Chicago Blackhawks during conflicts with WGN's coverage of Chicago Cubs games, ending the previous agreement with WIND (AM 560).

The arrangement was initially slated to last through September 2015, the FCC's original deadline for converting low-power television stations to digital broadcasting. But in October 2014, the FCC voted to tentatively delay the low-power digital transition.[20][21]

Until sometime in 2014, the FCC database reflected the station's city of license as Rochelle, Illinois, a community in Ogle County located south of Rockford. With the new Tribune LMA, the city of license became Chicago. The station's primary signal does not get far beyond Chicago's western suburbs. The station's signal range remains under restriction due to other Channel 6 stations nearby, WITI in Milwaukee and KWQC-TV in Davenport, Iowa, which had their analog broadcasts on Channel 6 and continue to use that designation for their digital virtual channels.

On November 20, 2014, Robert Feder reported that Tribune would discontinue The Game on December 31, 2014; Jonathon Brandmeier's program, which was simulcast from Tribune's Internet radio station WGN.fm, was also immediately dropped.[22][23] The decision came in response to its low advertising revenue, along with poor ratings. On December 31, 2014, WGWG-LP was changed to an FM simulcast of WGN's talk programming until the end of Tribune's LMA with Venture Technologies Group.[24]

LMA with Weigel Broadcasting

[edit]

On December 30, 2014, Weigel Broadcasting, which owns WCIU-TV and several other low-power TV stations in Chicago, said it would take over WGWG-LP in February 2015. The station marked Weigel's first venture into the radio industry.[25] Weigel assumed control on February 23, 2015, playing a soft oldies format branded as "MeTV FM." It would serve as a brand extension of its MeTV classic television network, seen locally on another low-power station, WWME-CD. The call letters were changed to WRME-LP.[9][26]

MeTV FM features a broad playlist of approximately 3,500 songs, mostly from 1960 to 1989, in the soft to mid-tempo range. "Light My Fire" by The Doors was noted in 2018 as the hardest rock song on the station's playlist, its inclusion having been extensively debated among station staff.[27] In recent years, the range of records played on WRME has expanded to include those by performers usually considered to be "Album-Oriented Rock" artists.

By May 2017, despite the obstacles posed by its frequency and limited signal, WRME was tied in the Nielsen ratings with its full-power competitors WJMK and WLS-FM at an audience share of 2.7, putting it 14th in the market. Weigel decided to syndicate the branding and format through a partnership with Envision Networks.[28] By February 2018, WRME had risen to 6th in the market and second in middays.[29]

To maintain the visual requirements of maintaining television service, WRME-LP's video signal displayed a screen layout reminiscent of that used by cable radio service Music Choice mixed with The Weather Channel's automated Weatherscan service. On the top of the screen, the current artist/song title is displayed, with the station logo to the right, while below it, a consistently panning map of the Chicago metropolitan area displays the latest expressway travel times and weather radar conditions for several parts of the region. Finally, along the right side of the screen, a visual station identification with the station's calls is in the bottom right corner, along with a display ad for Xfinity and the hour's current featured advertiser.

On July 13, 2021, as a result of the final transition deadline for low-power television stations, WRME-LP converted from analog directly to ATSC 3.0, becoming the first Next Gen TV station in Chicago. Its call sign switched to WRME-LD on July 15 to reflect this change, and took the virtual channel of 33. The lone channel broadcast on the television service is Jewelry Television, mapped to virtual channel 33.1. MeTV FM audio programming continued to be available in analog on 87.7 FM due to a Special Temporary Authority grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). On July 20, 2023, an FCC "Report and Order" included this station as one of 13 "FM6" stations allowed to continue to operate an FM radio broadcast, as a "ancillary or supplementary" service.[30] As of 2024, WRME's analog signal radius, freed of any need to carry video content, is comparable to that of most Chicago area full-power FM radio stations and is audible throughout the entirety of Chicagoland, with WRME-LD's signal radius also similar to carry its video programming.

Subchannel

[edit]
Subchannels of WRME-LD
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
6.1 720p 16:9 JTVHD Jewelry TV

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

WRME-LD

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WRME-LD is a low-power station in , , , licensed to WLFM, LLC and owned by Venture Technologies Group. It broadcasts on 6 (VHF digital channel 6 from the John Hancock Center) with an effective radiated power of 3 kilowatts. The station is primarily affiliated with Jewelry Television, airing home shopping programming on its main subchannel. A distinctive feature of WRME-LD is its use of an analog-compatible audio carrier on 87.7 MHz, which functions as a full-power FM radio station known as . This "Franken FM" setup, one of several low-power TV stations repurposed for FM broadcasting, is operated under a (LMA) with Co. plays a soft format, featuring , deep tracks, and from the 1960s through the 1990s, serving as a radio companion to Weigel's television network. The station launched this audio service in late February 2015 and has since become a top-10 rated station in the Chicago market among listeners aged 25-54. The station traces its origins to May 2003, when it signed on as translator W55DF on UHF channel 55. It underwent several call sign changes, including WLFM-LP in 2006, WKQX-LP in 2012, and WGWG-LP in 2014, before adopting WRME-LP in 2015, transitioning to digital in 2021, and updating its callsign to WRME-LD in 2023. During the FCC's 2017-2020 broadcast incentive auction and repack, WRME-LD relocated to its current VHF channel 6 to accommodate spectrum reallocation. In recent years, it has experimented with ATSC 3.0 "NextGen TV" technology, becoming one of the first stations in Chicago to transmit in this advanced format while maintaining its FM audio service with permanent authorization from the FCC as of 2023.

Station Profile

Ownership and Operations

WRME-LD is owned by Venture Technologies Group, LLC, which has held the license since the station's inception. The station first signed on the air on May 16, 2003, under the call sign W55DF, and is licensed by the (FCC) with facility ID 128239. The station's call letters have changed several times over its history: W55DF from 2003 to 2006, WLFM-LP from 2006 to 2012, WKQX-LP from 2012 to 2014, WGWG-LP from 2014 to 2015, WRME-LP from 2015 to 2021, and WRME-LD since 2021. Since December 2014, Venture Technologies Group has operated under a (LMA) with Co., which provides operational control over the station's programming and advertising sales. Prior to this arrangement, the station had entered into LMAs with other entities, including Merlin Media and .

Broadcast Area and Signal

WRME-LD primarily serves the , with its signal providing coverage across the broader Chicagoland region through the 87.7 MHz audio frequency. The station's coverage contour extends approximately 49 miles from the transmitter, encompassing an estimated population of over 9.3 million residents and a total area of about 7,545 square miles. The transmitter is situated atop the John Hancock Center in downtown at coordinates 41°53′56.1″N 87°37′23.2″W, enabling strong over the flat terrain of the Midwest. It broadcasts with an (ERP) of 3 kilowatts using a pattern. The (HAAT) measures 385.1 meters, contributing to reliable reception in urban, suburban, and some rural parts of the metro area despite potential interference from tall structures in the city. A key feature of WRME-LD's signal is its analog audio carrier at 87.75 MHz, which aligns closely with the FM radio band due to the station's allocation on VHF Channel 6; this allows the audio to be received on conventional FM tuners tuned to 87.7 MHz, effectively functioning as an FM radio station without requiring television equipment. To extend its footprint beyond the primary market, the audio programming is on the HD2 subchannel of WMYX-FM (99.1 MHz) in , providing access to listeners in southeastern . This setup, licensed to Venture Technologies Group, leverages the station's low-power television framework to achieve wide FM-style distribution in the region.

History

Establishment and Early Operations (2003–2009)

WRME-LD traces its origins to May 16, 2003, when the (FCC) granted a construction permit for low-power television station W55DF on UHF channel 55, serving the Chicago, , market. The station, licensed to WLFM, LLC, signed on soon after under the ownership of Venture Technologies Group, focusing on local broadcasting as a typical low-power outlet in a competitive urban environment. In early 2006, the call sign was changed to WLFM-LP, reflecting ongoing efforts to establish a stable identity while maintaining operations on channel 55. Ownership remained consistent with Venture Technologies Group throughout this period, providing continuity amid the regulatory landscape for low-power stations. The station encountered operational hurdles typical of low-power television in the mid-2000s, including a prolonged period of silence from October 25, 2006, to October 19, 2007—lasting 359 days—during which it received FCC authority to remain off-air and multiple special temporary authorizations to resume. These interruptions highlighted challenges such as facility modifications and compliance with pre-digital transition requirements, as the station navigated its status as a low-power broadcaster ahead of the full digital shift. By 2009, further license modifications ensured continued operation, setting the stage for subsequent developments.

Move to Channel 6 and Smooth Jazz Era (2009–2012)

In 2009, Venture Technologies Group, the owner of low-power WLFM-LP in , relocated its operations to VHF channel 6, which allowed the station's audio signal to be broadcast on 87.7 MHz within the FM radio band due to the FCC's allocation of channel 6's audio carrier at 87.76 MHz, offset from the visual carrier to avoid interference with FM frequencies. This strategic shift exploited what became known as the "FM6 anomaly" or "Franken FM" loophole, enabling radio-style distribution without obtaining a separate FM radio , as the station remained classified as a television broadcaster under FCC rules. The move coincided with the broader , positioning WLFM-LP to capture untapped radio listenership in the market. The relocation was prompted by the abrupt format change at established station WNUA-FM (95.5 MHz) on May 22, 2009, when Clear Channel flipped it to Spanish-language hot adult contemporary as "Mega 95.5" after 22 years in the genre. Within hours of the announcement, Venture Technologies acquired the rights to Clear Channel's Network and the format on WLFM-LP's 87.7 MHz audio signal, aiming to retain displaced listeners by offering a familiar blend of contemporary jazz instrumentals from artists like , , and . This rapid response filled a significant void in Chicago's landscape, with the station branding itself as "Chicago's 87.7" and incorporating network-hosted segments to build a local identity based on and listener input. WLFM-LP provided 24/7 programming exclusively through its FM audio channel, while the required television video signal consisted of unrelated filler content, such as looping weather maps, still images of landmarks, and infomercials, to comply with FCC television broadcasting mandates. This dual-nature operation emphasized audio reach, with the station transmitting from the John Hancock Center to cover the , achieving notable success in attracting former WNUA audiences despite lacking a traditional radio infrastructure. The format persisted through refinements, including a slight shift toward smoother contemporary elements, until early 2012. On May 1, 2012, WLFM-LP changed its call sign to WKQX-LP, marking the end of the smooth jazz era as the station prepared for subsequent programming shifts while retaining the channel 6 allocation and FM audio capability.

All-News, Alternative Rock, and LMA with Cumulus Media (2012–2014)

In April 2012, Merlin Media, LLC, entered into a (LMA) with Venture Technologies Group, LLC, to program and sell advertising for WLFM-LP (channel 6), the low-power whose audio signal operated on 87.7 FM in . The agreement took effect on April 30, 2012, ending the station's longstanding format, which had been in place since 2009 and held a 1.6 share in the March 2012 Arbitron ratings. Immediately following the transition, the station began simulcasting Merlin's all-news format from WIQI (101.1 FM), known as FM News 101.1, which Merlin had launched in 2011 as Chicago's first FM all-news outlet but had struggled with low ratings. This all-news simulcast lasted only a few days, as shifted focus to revive the format it had discontinued on 101.1 FM the previous year. On , , the station relaunched as WKQX-LP with the branding "Q87.7," featuring a melodic lineup targeted at young adults. The debut playlist emphasized recent hits from artists such as , fun., and , alongside core alternative staples like , , and . Programmed by Jim Richards, formerly of Seattle's KLCK, the station aimed to fill the void left by the 2011 demise of the original Q101 on 101.1 FM, with initial s available on WIQI-HD3. The call letters WKQX-LP were assigned shortly after the LMA, evoking the legacy of the former Emmis Communications station. The format persisted on 87.7 FM through early 2014, achieving modest listenership as a niche FM outlet via the LPTV signal. On January 3, 2014, Merlin Media announced a new LMA with , granting Cumulus operational control over Merlin's Chicago portfolio, including WLUP-FM (97.9, classic rock "The Loop"), WIQI (101.1, then adult hits), and the 87.7 FM alternative rock signal. Under the agreement, Cumulus relocated the Q101 alternative rock programming from 87.7 FM to 101.1 FM, restoring the format to its original frequency after a three-year absence. The 87.7 FM signal the migrating alternative rock content for approximately 45 days during the transition, after which it reverted to Venture Technologies' direct control, paving the way for a subsequent format shift. This LMA effectively doubled Cumulus's market presence to about 10% audience share, integrating the stations with its existing WLS-AM and holdings.

Sports Talk and Initial LMA with Weigel Broadcasting (2014–2015)

In February 2014, Venture Technologies Group's low-power station WKQX-LP (channel 6 audio at 87.7 FM) entered into a (LMA) with to launch Chicago's first FM sports talk format, branded as "The Game 87.7." This followed the end of a prior LMA with , which had featured programming on the frequency. The call letters were changed to WGWG-LP to align with the new sports identity, and the station offered a lineup of local shows including mornings with , mid-days with David Kaplan and David Haugh (simulcast on Comcast SportsNet Chicago), and afternoons with Alex Quigley and Ben Finfer, alongside some network programming and coverage of and MLB games. Daily blocks emphasized Chicago sports commentary, with additional features like "The Jordan Bernfield Show" focusing on local teams and events. Despite the ambitious launch, "The Game 87.7" struggled with low listenership, registering a 0.5 share in the latest Nielsen ratings and tying for 36th place in the market. announced the format's discontinuation in November 2014, with operations ceasing on December 31, 2014, though the underlying 18-month LMA with Venture Technologies extended through September 2015. Post-sports, the station transitioned to simulcasting talk programming from Tribune's WGN-AM 720 as interim content, providing a bridge during the handover period. In February 2015, assumed operational control of the 87.7 FM frequency through a new LMA with Venture Technologies Group, marking the start of its involvement with the station. As part of this shift, the call sign was updated to WRME-LP on February 23, 2015, reflecting preparation for Weigel's upcoming music format while the of WGN continued briefly into early 2015 to facilitate the transition. This period effectively concluded the sports talk era, allowing Weigel to reposition the signal for broader audience appeal.

Launch of MeTV FM and Ongoing Developments (2015–present)

In March 2015, launched FM on 87.7 MHz via WRME-LP, a low-power it operated under a (LMA) with owner Venture Technologies Group. The station adopted a soft adult contemporary and format, featuring music from the through the targeted at , and was branded as a radio companion to Weigel's television network. This followed a brief period of sports talk programming earlier in 2015 under the prior LMA arrangement. The began on February 23, 2015, with full operations by early March, marking Weigel's entry into radio. In November 2019, FM integrated news and weather updates from CBS-owned (channel 2) into its programming, airing segments during morning and afternoon drive times to enhance local content for listeners. This partnership between Weigel and (then ) aimed to provide timely information while maintaining the station's music-focused identity. The updates, produced by 's news team, were broadcast without additional on-air talent from MeTV FM, ensuring seamless incorporation into the existing schedule. On July 15, 2021, the station's call sign was upgraded from WRME-LP to WRME-LD, reflecting its transition to digital low-power television operations while continuing to prioritize FM audio service on 87.75 MHz. This change aligned with broader FCC requirements for low-power stations post-2009 digital transition, allowing WRME-LD to maintain its "Franken-FM" hybrid model. In July 2023, the FCC granted permanent authorization for WRME-LD and twelve other channel 6 stations to continue FM6 operations as an ancillary service, ensuring the station's analog audio on 87.75 MHz could persist beyond the ATSC 3.0 rollout without disrupting radio listeners. This approval, part of a Report and Order (FCC 23-58), required synchronized video and audio transmission and prohibited new FM6 entrants, but preserved service for existing communities like Chicago. The decision followed temporary extensions and addressed interference concerns, solidifying MeTV FM's long-term viability. The LMA with Weigel has remained stable since 2015, supporting ongoing developments such as online webcasting via the FM website and apps, which extend reach beyond the signal. Additionally, Weigel has expanded the format through syndication with Networks, distributing MeTV FM programming to affiliate stations and channels in multiple markets nationwide, including on WMYX-HD2. These efforts have grown the brand's audience while leveraging the original station's infrastructure.

Programming

Television Programming

WRME-LD's television programming primarily features Jewelry Television (JTV) on its main digital channel 6.1, broadcast in high definition with 2.0 audio. This affiliation provides continuous content centered on jewelry sales, auctions, and lifestyle programming targeted at audiences. Prior to this affiliation, the station's video content served mainly as filler to accompany its FM audio signal, consisting of infomercials and looped programming with little original television production. The shift to JTV marked a more defined role for over-the-air video, though the station's emphasis remains on radio broadcasting via the 87.7 MHz audio carrier. In conjunction with Chicago's ATSC 3.0 rollout, WRME-LD became the market's initial host for the advanced standard, delivering JTV in enhanced resolution while maintaining compatibility with legacy ATSC 1.0 receivers. This implementation, launched in late 2023, utilizes the station's low-power signal from the John Hancock Center to cover approximately 49 miles, reaching an estimated population of over 9 million in the area.

Radio Programming

Since its launch in 2015, WRME-LD has operated the FM format, a soft adult contemporary/ station playing hits from the through the , including tracks by artists such as , , and , alongside deep cuts and one-hit wonders from the era. The , comprising around 3,500 songs, emphasizes an eclectic mix of timeless , and to evoke without heavy commercial interruptions. The station maintains a 24/7 music schedule, primarily automated with occasional DJ-hosted segments and voice-overs for artist introductions or station promos, while weekends feature specialty blocks such as tributes. Since 2019, MeTV FM has integrated news and weather updates from , providing 10 brief reports daily during morning and afternoon drive times to complement the music-focused programming. Themed around television as a companion to Weigel's network, the format occasionally includes promotions tying radio content to classic TV shows or events. FM is available via webcast on the platform and the station's website, targeting adults aged 25–54 in the who prefer continuous music with minimal talk.

Technical Information

Facility Details and Licensing

WRME-LD is classified as a low-power digital (LD) television station by the (FCC), assigned facility ID 128239. The station holds a licensed status, with its current granted on March 1, 2024, and set to expire on December 1, 2029. The facility operates with a virtual channel of 6, but transmits its digital signal on RF channel 6 in the VHF band at a center frequency of 87.75 MHz. This allocation enables the station's audio component to be receivable on FM radios tuned to 87.7 MHz, a configuration known as FM6 operation. The effective radiated power (ERP) is 3 kW for the digital signal, utilizing digital modulation to support both television video and the ancillary FM audio service. The antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) measures 383.6 meters (1,258 feet). Licensing for the facility originated in 2003, when it was initially approved as a low-power analog station under the call sign W55DF on UHF channel 55. Subsequent FCC approvals facilitated call sign changes, including to WLFM-LP in 2006, WKQX-LP in 2012, WGWG-LP in 2014, WRME-LP in 2015, and finally WRME-LD on May 17, 2023, upon its transition to digital operations. In recognition of its established FM6 audio service, the FCC granted permanent authority for these operations in a July 20, 2023, Report and Order, allowing WRME-LD to continue the analog FM audio alongside digital TV without further special temporary authority extensions. The transmitter site is shared atop the John Hancock Center in downtown , , at coordinates 41°53′56″N 87°37′23″W, a common broadcast facility for multiple Chicago-area stations; WRME-LD does not maintain an owned tower. This elevated location contributes to the station's signal coverage over the Chicago metropolitan area.

Digital Transition and ATSC 3.0 Implementation

WRME-LD completed its transition from analog to on May 17, 2023. This shift marked the station's adoption of , the next-generation television standard also known as NextGen TV, making it one of the first low-power stations in to implement the technology under a special temporary authority (STA) granted by the FCC. As of November 2025, WRME-LD serves as a host station for in the Chicago market. Post-transition, WRME-LD's primary subchannel (virtual 6.1) carries Jewelry Television programming in high definition at a 16:9 , leveraging ATSC 3.0's capabilities for enhanced video compression and transmission efficiency. The station's is 128239, with an () of 3 kW, enabling reliable coverage over the area from its transmitter atop the John Hancock Center. This upgrade improved video quality through better encoding and potential for future enhancements like higher resolutions and immersive audio, while preserving the station's hybrid television-radio service. Despite the move to digital video, WRME-LD maintained its analog audio transmission on 87.75 MHz (commonly received at 87.7 MHz on FM radios), allowing uninterrupted compatibility with existing radio receivers for its FM programming. This FM6 operation was initially authorized via STA in 2021 and made permanent by an FCC ruling on July 20, 2023, which permitted 13 channel 6 LPTV stations to continue hybrid services under specific conditions, including synchronized video-audio streams and interference protections. The implementation presented challenges, including extensive coordination with the shared John Hancock Center tower for equipment upgrades and to avoid interference with co-located broadcasters. Ongoing FCC compliance ensured the hybrid TV-radio model balanced digital advancement with legacy audio service, without requiring changes to radio listeners' equipment.

References

  1. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=128239
  2. https://www.insideradio.com/free/venture-technologies-asks-fcc-to-keep-franken-fms-on-the-air-in-chicago-and-san/article_1693f0ca-782f-11ec-8acf-9bc5363db423.html
  3. https://metv.fm/about/
  4. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/05/03/metv-fm-goes-from-low-power-tv-station-to-top-10-chicago-radio-station/
  5. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/255456/fcc-makes-thirteen-franken-fm-operations-permanent/
  6. https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=128239
  7. https://rbr.com/fcc-wants-input-on-the-future-of-87-7-mhz-audio/
  8. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-394759A1.pdf
  9. https://worldradiomap.com/us-il/play/metv-fm_live
  10. https://fccdata.org/?facid=128239
  11. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2001/05/01/01-10706/establishment-of-a-class-a-tv-service
  12. https://tedium.co/2016/06/30/frankenfm-radio-fcc-analog-tv/
  13. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-sneaky-way-broadcasters-are-using-tv-on-the-radio
  14. https://www.radiosurvivor.com/2009/12/reply-comment-smackdown-over-the-channel-6-backdoor-to-fm/
  15. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/05/22/wnua-swings-to-spanish-format/
  16. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/05/25/the-l-looks-to-pick-up-jazz-fans/
  17. https://pjofradio.wordpress.com/2018/12/10/the-station-of-multiple-personalities-a-history-of-chicagos-87-7-fm/
  18. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/04/24/merlin-media-picks-up-3rd-chicago-radio-outlet-2/
  19. https://rbr.com/merlin-media-brings-back-wkqx/
  20. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/57279/q87-7-chicago-debuts/
  21. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/01/04/cumulus-grabs-spots-on-chicagos-radio-dial/
  22. https://robertfeder.dailyherald.com/2014/11/20/tribune-media-turning-off-the-game-87-7-fm-dropping-johnny-b-garry-meier/
  23. https://awfulannouncing.com/2014/chicago-sports-radio-hosts-learn-theyre-fired-air.html
  24. https://jordanbernfield.com/
  25. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/05/the-game-is-ending-but-877-fm-will-keep-going/
  26. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/91941/87-7-metv-fm-chicago-to-launch-in-march/
  27. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/02/09/metv-launching-radio-station-at-877-fm/
  28. https://www.tdogmedia.com/2015/02/introducing-metv-the-radio-station.html
  29. https://robertfeder.dailyherald.com/2015/02/09/weigel-broadcasting-to-launch-oldies-on-87-7-metv-fm/
  30. https://robertfeder.dailyherald.com/2019/11/12/metv-fm-partners-cbs-2-news-updates/
  31. https://www.weigelbroadcasting.com/national/metvfm
  32. https://tvnewscheck.com/uncategorized/article/metv-envision-networks-offer-radio-format/
  33. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-383464A1.pdf
  34. https://dbpedia.org/page/WRME-LD
  35. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/pearl-tv-atsc-30-to-reach-75-penetration-with-chicago-launch
  36. https://illinoisentertainer.com/2021/12/media-january-2022-signal-stays-strong-at-metv-fm/
  37. https://www.audacy.com/stations/metvmusic
  38. https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2024/10/07/in-2025-total-u-s-am-fm-radio-listening-levels-to-grow-an-estimated-10-due-to-nielsen-portable-people-meter-crediting-enhancement-am-fm-radio-to-surpass-tv-in-25-54-average-audience/
  39. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-23-58A1.pdf
  40. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/heres-the-fcc-plan-for-fm6-stations
  41. https://www.tdogmedia.com/2023/11/the-media-notepad-chicago-stations-soon-to-launch-atsc-3-0.html
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