Radio stations could move to Gurnee mall
Gurnee Mills could soon be home to four radio stations, since Gurnee voted to pay to offset some of the costs of the renovation.
Two stations from Kenosha, Wisconsin—WLIP 1050-AM and WIIL 95.1-FM—and two from Waukegan, Illinois—WXLC 102.3-FM and WKRS ESPN Deportes 1220-AM—could soon be broadcasting from the mall. The village board agreed to pay the stations $93,600 over a three-year period to facilitate renovations.
Despite the village’s offer, negotiations with Alpha Media, the conglomerate that owns the stations, remain ongoing, says Karl Wertzler, the stations’ general manager. He acknowledged that he appreciated having the village’s support.
Kristina Kovarik, the mayor of Gurnee, said everybody wins in this deal. If an agreement is reached, Gurnee would help the stations pay for new studios, which would allow mall visitors to watch their favorite radio personalities at work.
In exchange, the stations would broadcast ads on behalf of the village, and one of the shows would carry a live segment entitled ‘Gurnee’s Got It’. The ads are estimated as being worth over $60,000 per year, but it has not been determined which station would run the village ads. Trustee Greg Garner also pointed out that the stations would take over spaces in the mall that have been unoccupied for almost a decade.
Companies like this could distribute promotional products to announce their new address after they relocate.
Two stations from Kenosha, Wisconsin—WLIP 1050-AM and WIIL 95.1-FM—and two from Waukegan, Illinois—WXLC 102.3-FM and WKRS ESPN Deportes 1220-AM—could soon be broadcasting from the mall. The village board agreed to pay the stations $93,600 over a three-year period to facilitate renovations.
Despite the village’s offer, negotiations with Alpha Media, the conglomerate that owns the stations, remain ongoing, says Karl Wertzler, the stations’ general manager. He acknowledged that he appreciated having the village’s support.
Kristina Kovarik, the mayor of Gurnee, said everybody wins in this deal. If an agreement is reached, Gurnee would help the stations pay for new studios, which would allow mall visitors to watch their favorite radio personalities at work.
In exchange, the stations would broadcast ads on behalf of the village, and one of the shows would carry a live segment entitled ‘Gurnee’s Got It’. The ads are estimated as being worth over $60,000 per year, but it has not been determined which station would run the village ads. Trustee Greg Garner also pointed out that the stations would take over spaces in the mall that have been unoccupied for almost a decade.
Companies like this could distribute promotional products to announce their new address after they relocate.