WLFM-FM (87.7 THE L) SWITCHES TO SMOOTH JAZZ

Following WNUA-FM/Chicago's flip to Spanish AC, Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network has relocated to WLFM-FM (87.7 The L) in Chicago. "The L" as they will be referred to plans on reinstituting what it calls "that cutting-edge community-responsive approach to Smooth Jazz in Chicago." Veteran Chicago radio exec Patrick Kelley will oversee "The L," serving as Senior VP/Market Manager. Hopefullly we'll see an edgier smooth jazz format unique to the U.S., and maybe even sounding more like London's Jazz FM (hint hint). We'll wait to see what happens and if it works maybe the folks at Broadcast Architecture get the message that spinning the same old (you know) songs may get people to listen to the format.

According to Patrick Kelley, "We are very excited to build this station around the passion Chicagoans have for contemporary jazz." He added, "One of our main goals is to create a station that has a very strong Chicago identity. We want our listeners to be comfortable riding the 'L' all day and all night long from the first position on the dial. We're launching a radio station that represents the best of what Chicago radio listeners have heard for the past 22 years." Much of the station's programming and personalities will be familiar to WNUA listeners, who have been pointed by Clear Channel to yoursmoothjazz.com for their fix. Network hosts include Dave Koz, Miranda Wilson, Kenny G and Brian Culbertson (a Chicago native).

87.7 FM outlets promote their programming to FM listeners and operate as FM stations, but are licensed to carry video content receivable on analog televisions, in addition to audio programming receivable on FM radios -- although they carry no visual advertising content and promote their programming to radio listeners, rather than to television