Merlin Media picks up 3rd Chicago radio outlets

Merlin Media has entered into a local marketing agreement to program and sell advertising on WLFM-LP (87.7 FM), giving the radio company run by former Tribune Company CEO Randy Michaels a third signal in Chicago.

The deal to lease the station from the licensee takes effect April 30. Regular newscasts from Merlin's FM News 101.1 (WIQI-FM 101.1) began airing Tuesday afternoon on WLFM, which is programmed with smooth jazz. Merlin acquired WLUP-FM 97.9 (The Loop) and WKQX-FM 101.1 (now WIQI) from Emmis Communications last June. Classic rock station WLUP is currently ranked 11th in Chicago with a 3.6 share, while FM News 101.1 is tied for 38th with a .3 share, according to Arbitron.