Chciago Voted Best Radio Market in the Country

We know what a great music town this is, but it’s been confirmed by The Infinite Dial Radio Blog, which rated Chicago the best radio market in the country. Here is what they said in summary:

1. When we put together the list of the Ten Best Markets For Radio Listeners–those that offered the best combination of quantity and quality on AM/FM radio–there was some discussion about whether our choice for the No. 1 market would surprise people. After all, it wasn’t New York or Los Angeles, two places that get a lot more attention. But nobody who has ever been connected with Chicago radio will be surprised. This is a market where radio has always been taken very seriously and held to a certain standard.
2. Chicago is a great market for listeners because of the choice it offers.
3. There are more head-to-head battles than you’ll find in most markets (Top 40, Urban, Talk, Mainstream AC, Regional Mexican, Classic Rock, Urban AC, Sports, and even the Variety Hits battle between Jack-FM and Nine-FM).
4. There’s also, seemingly, the most student-run radio per capita of any market,
5. There are more viable suburban radio than in most places.
6. Chicago is also still the morning show capital of the world.
7. Chicago has what many consider to be the best male/female morning show in the country in WTMX (the Mix)’s Eric & Kathy, who still manage to animate what has become a cliché in other markets, and get more out of their callers than most.
8. It’s also a market with a lot of recent activity. WKQX (Q101) has segued from its more eclectic version of Alternative to the cusp of Active Rock, meaning that Heritage Rock sister WLUP has gone more Classic Rock. FM Talker WCKG has become CBS’ second “Fresh FM,” launching while longtime AC WLIT plays Christmas music. WILV (Love 100.3) has segued from Jammin’ Oldies to a broader-based ’70s/’80s party format. Progressive talker WCPT has moved frequencies.