WIQI Tweaks The Music, Adds Hot AC Into The Mix

Changes In Chicago

What's up at MERLIN MEDIA Adult Hits WIQI (i101)/CHICAGO? CHICAGORADIOANDMEDIA.COM reports hearing some music that one wouldn't expect on the station.

"Over the last week, i101 began confusing some listeners, by mixing in some current and recent Hot AC hits in to the playlist, including artists like LMFAO and FLO RIDA," notes CHICAGORADIOANDMEDIA's LARZ. "As of just before Midnight last night, the '80s and '90s music is gone and i101 has become just another Hot A/C station, playing mostly current and recent pop hits -- the same music that can be found on other CHICAGO radio stations, including WTMX and WLIT."

Fan reaction on the station's FACEBOOK page has been largely negative. The station addressed those comments by posting, "Thanks for the great response to the new i101! Yes, we’ve begun expanding the playlist. We realize that some of you will miss the mostly all-'90s format, and while we are not turning our backs on the '90s, it is time to add more music to the station to continue growing. We hope you’ll give the new sound a chance and keep us on your presets. As always, your comments are welcomed and we do read all of them -- the positive one and the critical ones."

CHICAGORADIOANDMEDIA posted some of the more critical postings, including "What happened here??? Are you suffering from an identity crisis? Where are the '90s songs? I like ADELE and GOTYE, but it doesn't mean they fit your format. There are a few Top 40 stations I could tune to listen to contemporary hits. Please, go back to normal! I miss my favorite music that you used to play. Have been listening for 30 minutes and I can barely stand it anymore..."

"Everything that is on this morning is horrible..."

"Seriously, there are enough current pop rock stations in CHICAGO! Go back to what people liked - the '90's and early 2000s..."

"I was so happy to discover a station that was playing '90s music ... please stop playing the new crap! "

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