View source for WVLI

{{short description|Oldies radio station in Kankakee, Illinois}}
{{for|the Kankakee, Illinois, radio station that held the call sign WVLI at 95.1 FM from 1995 to 2012|WFAV}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name                = WVLI
| logo                = File:Site-mast-logo-wvli.png
| city                = [[Kankakee, Illinois]]
| country             = US
| area                = Southern [[Chicago market]]
| branding            = ''The Valley''
| frequency           = 92.7 [[MHz]]
| repeater            =
| airdate             = {{start date and age|1986|9|21}}<ref name="BCYearbook1987">''[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1987/B1-BC-YB-1987.pdf Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1987]'', [[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting/Cablecasting]], 1987. p. B-90. Retrieved December 8, 2018.</ref><ref name="Ghrist"/>
| format              = [[Oldies]]
| erp                 = 3,000 [[watt]]s
| haat                = {{convert|100|m|sp=us}}
| class               = A
| facility_id         = 62360
| coordinates         = {{coord|41|7|22.1|N|87|53|35.1|W|region:US-IL_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| callsign_meaning    = Sounds like "valley"
| former_callsigns    = {{ubl|WLRT (1986–1998)<ref name="CallSign">[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=62360&Callsign=WVLI62360 Call Sign History], fcc.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref>|WBRO (1998)<ref name="CallSign"/>|WKIF (1998–2012)<ref name="CallSign"/>}}
| affiliations        =
| owner               = Milner Media Partners, LLC
| licensee            =
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
| sister_stations     = [[WFAV]], [[WYUR]], [[WIVR]]
| webcast             = {{listenlive|http://player.listenlive.co/42211}}
| website             = {{URL|http://www.wvli927.com/}}
}}
'''WVLI''' (92.7 [[FM broadcasting|FM]]) is a radio station broadcasting an [[oldies]] format. The station is licensed to [[Kankakee, Illinois]], United States. During its days as WKIF, it also broadcast Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Notre Dame Football and other sporting events. WVLI is owned by Milner Media Partners, LLC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=WVLI |title=WVLI Facility Record |work=United States [[Federal Communications Commission]], audio division }}</ref>
==History==
===WLRT===
The station began broadcasting September 21, 1986, holding the call sign WLRT.<ref name="BCYearbook1987"/><ref name="Ghrist">Ghrist, John R. (1996). ''Valley Voices: A Radio History''. Crossroads Communications. p. 300.</ref> The station aired a [[lite rock]] format.<ref name="Ghrist"/><ref name="BCYearbook1987"/> In 1993, the station adopted a [[country music]] format and was branded "T93".<ref>"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-1993-01.pdf Format Changes]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 10, No. 1. January 6, 1993. p. 1. Retrieved December 8, 2018.</ref>
In 1998, the station was sold to Big City Radio, which also purchased [[WCPY|WCBR-FM]] in Arlington Heights (also on 92.7) at the same time.<ref>"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1998/RR-1998-04-24.pdf Big City Buys Four More In Chicago]", ''[[Radio & Records]]''. April 24, 1998. p. 4. Retrieved December 8, 2018.</ref> When Big City Radio took control of the two stations, they stunted with a simulcast of their [[Los Angeles]] sister station 107.1 [[KSSE|KLYY]], which aired a [[modern rock]] format.<ref>"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-1998-08.pdf Format Changes & Updates]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 15, No. 31. August 5, 1998. p. 1-2. Retrieved December 8, 2018.</ref> The station's call sign was changed to WBRO shortly thereafter.<ref name="CallSign"/>
===92 Kiss FM===
[[File:92 Kiss FM logo.PNG|left|thumb|92 Kiss FM logo]]
On November 14, 1998, at Noon, WBRO and WCBR launched their new format, [[Contemporary hit radio|CHR]] as "92.7 Kiss FM", with the first song being "[[Kiss (Prince song)|Kiss]]" by [[Prince (musician)|Prince]].<ref name="Attitude">[[Robert Feder|Feder, Robert]]. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20160505114739/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4464750.html 'Kiss FM' set to debut 'in your face' attitude]", ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''. November 12, 1998. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref name="BecomesKiss">"[https://formatchange.com/wcbr-becomes-92-7-kiss-fm/ WCBR Becomes 92.7 Kiss FM]", ''Format Change Archive''. November 14, 1998. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref>"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-1998-11.pdf Format Changes & Updates]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 15, No. 46. November 18, 1998. p. 1. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> In late December 1998, the station's call sign was changed to WKIF, while WCBR's call sign was changed to WKIE.<ref name="CallSign"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=15520&Callsign=WCPY15520|title=Call Sign History (WCPY)|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|accessdate=December 9, 2018}}</ref>
Big City Radio also purchased [[WCLR (FM)|WDEK]] 92.5 in [[DeKalb, Illinois]], which was airing a locally programmed CHR format at the time, and switched it to a simulcast of WKIF and WKIE in early 1999.<ref>"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-1999-03.pdf Format Changes & Updates]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 16, No. 9. March 3, 1999. p. 2. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> Not long after, the moniker was adjusted to "92 Kiss FM".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.92kissfm.com:80/station/station_main.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000229040653/http://www.92kissfm.com:80/station/station_main.htm |title=92.7 KISS fm |publisher=92 Kiss FM |archive-date=February 29, 2000 |accessdate=December 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Melissa Forman]] hosted mornings on 92 Kiss FM, before moving to 93.9 [[WLIT-FM]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.92kissfm.com:80/station/dj_profile1.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000304110845/http://www.92kissfm.com:80/station/dj_profile1.htm |title=Melissa Forman |publisher=92 Kiss FM |archive-date=March 4, 2000 |accessdate=December 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Rosenthal">[[Phil Rosenthal|Rosenthal, Phil]]. "[http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/towerticker/2009/08/melissa-forman-out-at-wlitfm.html Melissa Forman out at WLIT-FM -- again]", ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. August 13, 2009. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref>
===Energy 92.7&5===
On January 12, 2001, [[iHeartMedia|Clear Channel]]'s WUBT changed formats from [[rhythmic oldies]] to CHR as [[WKSC-FM]] "Kiss 103.5".<ref name="MStreet11701">"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-2001-01.pdf M Street Bazaar... People, Products, and Programming]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 18, No. 03. January 17, 2001. p. 8. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> At that time, Clear Channel filed suit against Big City Radio, alleging the "[[KISS-FM (brand)|Kiss FM]]" branding used by WKIF and its simulcasts violated its national trademark.<ref name="MStreet11701"/><ref name="Ross">Ross, Sean "[https://books.google.com/books?id=KBQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA63 Shebel Energizes WKIE With Dance]", ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''. February 17, 2001. p. 63-64. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> However, Big City Radio had already planned on changing the formats of these stations.<ref name="Ross"/> On January 26, 2001, 92 Kiss-FM signed off, and the three stations adopted a [[dance radio|dance hits]] format as "Energy 92.7&5".<ref name="Ross"/><ref name="MStreet13101">"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-2001-01.pdf Format Changes & Updates]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 18, No. 05. January 31, 2001. p. 1-2. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> The station's airstaff remained intact.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.92kissfm.com:80/station/station_main.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001204165400/http://92kissfm.com:80/station/station_main.htm |title=KISS On Air |publisher=92 Kiss FM |archive-date=December 4, 2000 |accessdate=December 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.92kissfm.com:80/station/station_main.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010410224907/http://www.energy9275.com:80/personalities.shtml |title=Energy Personalities |publisher=Energy 92 7/5 |archive-date=April 10, 2001 |accessdate=December 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The new format was designed by 92 Kiss FM's program director, Chris Shebel, who has stated that the dance hits format is something he had dreamed of doing for a long time.<ref name="Ross"/>
===Onda 92===
In late 2002, Big City Radio, became [[insolvent]] and began the process of selling all of its radio stations.<ref>"[http://hispanicad.com/blog/news-article/had/radio/big-city-radio-announces-auction-stations Big City Radio Announces Auction Of Stations]", ''HispanicAd.com''. October 5, 2002. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> In early 2003, WKIF, WKIE, and WDEK were sold to [[Spanish Broadcasting System]] for $22 million.<ref>Oppelaar, Justin. "[https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/spanish-b-casting-picks-up-chi-trio-1117878168/ Spanish B'casting picks up Chi trio]", ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. January 3, 2003. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> On January 6, 2003, the three stations adopted a [[Spanish language|Spanish]] [[contemporary hit radio|contemporary]] format as "Onda 92".<ref>"[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2003/RR-2003-01-10.pdf Analysts React To Big City Sell-Off]", ''[[Radio & Records]]''. pp. 4 & 6. January 10, 2003. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref name="BCYearbook2003">''[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/2003-04/D-Radio-AL-MT-BC-YB-2003-04.pdf Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 2003-2004]'', [[Broadcasting & Cable]], 2003-2004. p. D-141. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref>"[https://books.google.com/books?id=CA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA21-IA3 Latin Music 6 Pack]", ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''. February 22, 2003. p. LM-2. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onda92fm.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030719234155/http://www.onda92fm.com:80/ |title=Onda 92 |publisher=Onda 92 |archive-date=July 19, 2003 |accessdate=December 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Newsweb ownership===
In 2004, Spanish Broadcasting System sold WKIF, WKIE, and WDEK to [[Newsweb Corporation]] for $28 million.<ref>"[https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/sbs-closes-28-million-sale-of-chicago-fms-to-newsweb SBS Closes $28 Million Sale of Chicago FMs to Newsweb]", ''RadioWorld''. November 30, 2004. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref name="Lazaroff">Lazaroff, Leon. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-07-27-0407270237-story.html Democratic donor plans to purchase 3 stations]", ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', July 27, 2004. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> WKIF was broken off the simulcast and became a full time affiliate of [[CNN Headline News]],<ref>"[https://www.daily-journal.com/business/story/article_3d24bae2-6709-5833-8f61-d5f20767313d.html Story], ''[[Daily Journal (Illinois)|Daily Journal]]''. July 11, 2005. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref name="Cheerful">"[http://illinoisentertainer.com/2009/01/reasons-to-be-cheerful-pt-iii-jbtv/ Reasons To Be Cheerful Pt. III: 'JBTV']", ''Illinois Entertainer''. January 30, 2009. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> while WKIE and WDEK began simulcasting its new [[adult hits]] sister station 99.9 [[WYHI|WRZA]] in [[Park Forest, Illinois]], as "[[Nine FM]]", with the slogan "We Play Anything".<ref name="Kampert">Kampert, Patrick. "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-12-02-0412020193-story.html Nine FM rolls out 'anything' format on 3 frequencies]", ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', December 2, 2004. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> In October 2008, the Nine FM simulcast on WKIE, WDEK, and WRZA was replaced with progressive talk, but on December 19, 2008, Nine FM was brought back on WKIF.<ref name="Cheerful"/>
===The Valley===
In 2012, the station was sold to Milner Broadcasting for $1 million.<ref>"[https://www.rbr.com/milners-have-straight-as-in-kankakee-area/ Milners have straight As in Kankakee area]", ''Radio & Television Business Report''. June 12, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref>[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=101507780&qnum=5040&copynum=1&exhcnum=1 Asset Purchase Agreement], fcc.gov. June 6, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref><ref>[https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/comment.pl?Application_id=1508710&File_number=BALH-20120723AAD Public Notice Comment - BALH-20120723AAD], fcc.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> In August 2012, WKIF changed their format to oldies, simulcasting [[WFAV|WVLI]] 95.1 FM Kankakee, branded as "The Valley".<ref>Venta, Lance. "[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/79770/milner-shifting-programming-in-kankakee/ Milner Shifting Programming In Kankakee]", ''RadioInsight''. November 29, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> On December 27, 2012, WVLI 95.1 (now WFAV) dropped the simulcast of 92.7 and made its anticipated switch to CHR simulcasting [[WYUR|WFAV]] 103.7 in Gilman, Illinois.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wfav1037.com:80/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102193620/http://wfav1037.com:80/ |title=WFAV 95.1 - 103.7 - Your New FAVorite Hit Radio Station |publisher=WFAV |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |accessdate=December 9, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On December 29, 2012, WKIF and WVLI swapped call letters, putting WKIF on 95.1 and WVLI on 92.7.<ref name="CallSign"/><ref>[http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=42656&Callsign=WFAV42656 Call Sign History], fcc.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref> In 2018, Milner Broadcasting was sold to the newly formed Milner Media Partners.<ref>Provost, Lee. "[https://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/new-ownership-for-wvli-wfav/article_181f387a-44b0-11e8-89b0-77918e90fa8e.html New ownership for WVLI, WFAV]", ''[[Daily Journal (Illinois)|Daily Journal]]'', April 21, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2018.</ref>
==References==
<references />
==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.wvli927.com/}}
* {{FM station data|62360|WVLI}}
{{Kankakee Radio}}
{{Oldies Radio Stations in Illinois}}
[[Category:Radio stations in Illinois|VLI]]
[[Category:Oldies radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1986]]
[[Category:1986 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Kankakee, Illinois]]