Is Chicago About To Be Annexed To Cat Country?

Clear Channel, the media behemoth that owns six local radio stations, could be prepping a format flip at its longtime smooth jazz outlet, 95.5 WNUA. The company has already made deep staff cuts at both 95.5 and its other local properties, and rumor control suggests that this clock, currently at 12 days and counting, heralds the arrival of CC's Cat Country format to the Chicago market.

With its easy mix of obvious country hitmakers, Cat Country would undoubtedly be lighter on Clear Channel's operating budget than a station with a dedicated local airstaff. A quick Google search reveals eight "Cat" stations, from New Jersey to Florida to South Bend, Indiana, each with nearly identical Web sites and promotions. If the Cat were to appear here, it'd also be the first true format competitor that the CBS-owned US99 has had in years.

There's no official word from Clear Channel or WNUA on the rumored changes. And while the economy hasn't done the broadcast industry any favors, format flips are nothing new. Still, whatever your opinion of smooth jazz or contemporary country, it's clear that terrestrial radio, just like the same-y fast food blah at each highway exit, is tumbling fast toward across-the dial homogeny. This burger tastes like static.