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    WGN
    Broadcasting and Media

    WGN

    United States flagUnited States

    "Chicago's Very Own"

    Founded 1922-01-01 Chicago, Illinois
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    About

    WGN traces its roots back to 1922 when it launched as WDAP, a radio station that changed its identity forever after the Chicago Tribune bought it in 1924. The newspaper's famous slogan "World's Greatest Newspaper" became the call letters WGN, setting a tone of local pride that still defines the brand today. This media powerhouse grew from a single radio frequency into a dual-platform operation covering both audio and visual content for the Chicago metropolitan area.

    Nexstar Media Group currently owns the brand following its 2019 acquisition of Tribune Broadcasting. Before this major shift, the station served as a flagship asset for the Tribune Company for nearly a century. The ownership change brought new management structures while maintaining the core mission of delivering news, sports, and entertainment to the region.

    The brand operates two distinct pillars: WGN Radio on 720 AM and WGN-TV on Channel 9. Radio listeners tune in for live coverage of breaking news, traffic updates, weather forecasts, and sports commentary featuring teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and White Sox. Television viewers access The CW network programming alongside local news broadcasts that reach audiences in northwest Indiana and southern Wisconsin.

    Products & Sub-brands

    WGN Radio (720 AM)WGN-TV (Channel 9)WGN+ Streaming AppChicago Sports Coverage

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns WGN?
    Nexstar Media Group owns WGN following its 2019 merger with Tribune Broadcasting. Prior to this acquisition, the brand was owned by the Chicago Tribune for decades.
    Is WGN still in business?
    Yes, WGN remains fully operational as both a radio station broadcasting on 720 AM and a television channel on Channel 9, serving the Chicago market with news and entertainment.
    What is the difference between WGN Radio and WGN-TV?
    WGN Radio focuses on talk shows, news, and sports commentary on the airwaves, while WGN-TV provides visual news broadcasts and The CW network programming to television screens.
    Where is WGN headquartered?
    The brand is based in Chicago, Illinois, with operations extending to cover the greater Chicago metropolitan area including parts of northwest Indiana and southern Wisconsin.
    Can I watch WGN online for free?
    Viewers can stream WGN content at no cost using the WGN+ app or by visiting the official website wgntv.com for live streams and on-demand news segments.

    Keywords

    Chicago mediaWGN RadioWGN-TVNexstar Media GroupChicago Tribunelocal newssuperstationCW affiliate

    Sources

    Company Info

    Founded
    1922-01-01
    Founder
    WDAP Founders (Acquired by Chicago Tribune)
    Headquarters
    Chicago, Illinois
    Industry
    Broadcasting and Media
    Parent Company
    Nexstar Media Group
    Original Call Letters
    WDAP
    Tribune Acquisition Year
    1924
    Radio Frequency
    720 AM
    TV Channel Number
    9
    Network Affiliation
    The CW
    Current Owner Since
    2019

    Official Website

    wgntv.com/

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