From Robert Feder‘s Media Column about Sportsbook Radio ® Chicago WCKG:
Robservations on the media beat:
WCKG 1530-AM, the DuPage Radio sports/talk station that’s been calling itself “Fox Sports Radio,” this 
week is being rebranded as “Sportsbook Radio.” The move capitalizes on the legalization of sports wagering at casinos in Illinois. No word yet on any new programming at the west suburban Elmhurst station or on a replacement for Rich Eisen, whose syndicated midday show will be dropped by Premiere Networks, as of April 7. “We’re planning to develop long-form and short-form ‘Sportsbook Radio’ content on WCKG, with local casino and media partners to be announced,” said station manager Matt Dubiel. “That work is underway, but rather than have sports personalities cover gambling, we’d prefer to have gambling experts on air. Ultimately, we will see our studio inside a Chicago-area sportsbook to get as close to the action as possible.”
WCKG DROPS FOX REBRANDS AS SPORTSBOOK RADIO®
Elmhurst, IL – After nearly two years as Chicago’s Fox Sports Radio Affiliate, WCKG (AM 1530) is dropping the “Fox Sports Radio” moniker and rebranding as “Sportsbook Radio.” The move coincides with the State of Illinois launching sports gambling this week with local sports legend Eddie Olczyk placing the first wager at Rivers Casino Sportsbook in Des Plaines.
Sportsbook Radio ® promises to offer guidance to sports fans and gamblers on everything from how to get started, to where the best odds can be found, locally and digitally.
WCKG management has not offered any insight on programming changes, other than to point out that the syndicated Rich Eisen Show (Premiere) will no longer be heard on AM 1530 as of April 7, 2020. Eisen’s show has been canceled by Premiere. Sportsbook Radio will continue to carry Clay Travis (5A-8A) and Dan Patrick (8A-11A) live weekdays, for the time being.
“We’re planning to develop long-form and short-form Sportsbook Radio ® content on WCKG, with local casino and media partners to be announced. That work is underway, but rather than have sports personalities cover gambling, we’d prefer to have gambling experts on-air. Ultimately, we will see our studio inside a Chicago-area sportsbook, to get as close to the action as possible. We are exploring that idea with a few local partners.”, WCKG Station Manager Matt Dubiel said.
In the meantime, Sportsbook Radio ® is offering fans a free newsletter at WCKG.com with tips, local sports gambling information and reviews of online sportsbooks. For partnership opportunities please contact WCKG here.
ABOUT WCKG
WCKG broadcasts from sunrise to sunset on AM 1530 and online at WCKG.com. AM 1530 WCKG is licensed to the City of Elmhurst and reaches roughly 80% of the Chicago radio market. WCKG also simulcasts on a low power FM translator broadcasting from Elmhurst on 102.3 FM. The FCC allows parent company DuPage Radio, LLC to split up AM 1530 and 102.3 FM this October. W272DQ was granted a construction permit to move their 102.3 FM to the top of Trump Tower in downtown Chicago. WCKG was granted approval to increase power of AM 1530 from 760 watts to 4,000 watts. WCKG can be found on Twitter @WCKGChicago and on Facebook.com/ WCKGChicago
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