30-04-2025
Chicago's WGN Radio adds Ted Cruz to lineup
WGN-AM Radio announced it is bringing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz to the Chicago airwaves.
The big picture: Adding the Texas Republican to the WGN lineup signals the station's shift to be a more conservative outlet.
Driving the news: The "Verdict with Ted Cruz" will begin airing Sunday on WGN. The one-hour program will be from 8-9pm.
Between the lines: WGN was bought by Texas-based Nexstar in 2019 and has drastically changed its lineup since then.
The famously "live and local" AM station once produced local content only, but has since started syndicating programs at night and during weekends.
Although WGN programming skewed to the right politically, it once prided itself on being politically centered.
Since Nexstar took over, the station has brought in more syndicated conservative programming.
State of play: WGN-AM has had a strong start to 2025, shooting back up into the top five in the ratings.
Yes, but: The addition of Cruz to the lineup is the first time they've broadcast programming hosted by a deeply polarizing politician.
Reality check: WGN does not just serve Chicago. Its 50,000-watt signal reaches several states and even Canada.
The intrigue: Nexstar Media Group has contributed to Cruz's Senate campaigns over the years. The company has contributed to several federal campaigns on both sides of the aisle.
