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Chicago's media landscape, the third-largest in the United States, features a complex mix of public and private ownership structures. Major conglomerates including Tribune Media, Nexstar Media Group, and Sun-Times Media dominate the market, while public broadcasting maintains strong presence through WTTW and WBEZ. The city hosts vibrant independent and nonprofit media sectors serving diverse communities. Tribune Company's historic dominance has fragmented through sales and restructuring, with Nexstar acquiring broadcasting assets in 2019. The market has undergone profound transformations driven by technological change, consolidation pressures, and demographic shifts affecting media diversity and accessibility.
Private media ownership has become increasingly concentrated, with major television networks operating through owned-and-operated stations or affiliates of large broadcast groups. Public broadcasting maintains significant presence through WTTW, one of the nation's most-watched PBS stations founded in 1955, and WBEZ, which merged with the Chicago Sun-Times under nonprofit Chicago Public Media in 2022. The city also hosts independent outlets including Block Club Chicago, City Bureau, and the Chicago Reader, which transitioned to nonprofit status. This ecosystem balances corporate consolidation with community-focused journalism serving Chicago's diverse neighborhoods.
The Federal Communications Commission oversees Chicago's broadcast media, enforcing ownership rules, content standards, and licensing requirements. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 dramatically accelerated consolidation by relaxing cross-ownership restrictions, allowing companies like Sinclair, Nexstar, and Gray Television to control hundreds of stations nationwide. FCC ownership rules face ongoing legal challenges regarding diversity impacts. Illinois-specific regulations include anti-SLAPP protections for news media, expanded in 2022, and credentialing systems for journalists covering government proceedings. The 2009 digital television transition modernized technical infrastructure across Chicago stations.
Chicago emerged as a national broadcasting center from the 1920s through 1950s before production shifted to coastal markets. The newspaper ecosystem contracted dramatically, with the Chicago Daily News closing in 1978, while the Tribune and Sun-Times changed ownership multiple times amid declining print revenue. Internet media led to closures of DNAinfo Chicago in 2017 and Chicagoist, while spurring growth of digital-first nonprofits and hyperlocal organizations. The journalism workforce in Illinois declined 86% over two decades, with Cook County leading journalism job losses nationwide, disproportionately affecting journalists of color and women.
The city's extreme racial segregation has created parallel media ecosystems, with legacy outlets serving predominantly white North Side and downtown audiences while community organizations fill coverage gaps in historically marginalized neighborhoods. Research shows South and West Side residents feel underrepresented by mainstream media, driving targeted community journalism initiatives. Digital divide research reveals approximately 21% of Chicago households lack internet access, with rates exceeding 40% in some communities, fundamentally limiting access to digital news sources and widening information disparities across demographic and geographic lines.
CBS is the most-watched cable network in 2025 with 5,055,000 viewers, experiencing a 12% increase in viewership. As one of the major broadcast networks, CBS offers a diverse programming lineup including news, sports, entertainment, and prime-time dramas. In the Chicago market, WBBM-TV serves as the local CBS affiliate, providing both national CBS programming and local news coverage for the Chicago area.
NBC ranks as the second most-watched network with 4,990,000 viewers and a 10% viewership increase. WMAQ-TV serves as Chicago's NBC affiliate, delivering a comprehensive mix of national programming including news, sports, and entertainment content. The station provides extensive local news coverage alongside NBC's prime-time lineup and sports broadcasts.
ABC holds the third position with 3,861,000 viewers, experiencing a slight 1% decline. WLS-TV operates as Chicago's ABC affiliate, offering a balanced schedule of news, entertainment, and sports programming. The station combines ABC's national content with robust local news coverage and community-focused programming for Chicago residents.
Fox News had a standout year with 2,470,000 viewers and an impressive 30% boost in viewership, outperforming most other cable networks. As a 24-hour cable news channel, Fox News provides continuous news coverage, political commentary, and analysis with a conservative-leaning perspective that resonates strongly with its audience.
ESPN maintains its position as a leading sports network with 1,674,000 viewers, showing a slight 2% decline. As the premier sports entertainment network, ESPN delivers comprehensive sports coverage including live games, sports news, analysis, and original programming across multiple sports and leagues.
MSNBC ranks among the top cable news networks with 1,263,000 viewers and a 4% increase in viewership. The network focuses on news programming with political analysis and commentary, offering a progressive perspective on current events and featuring prominent hosts throughout its daily lineup.
Univision Chicago serves the Hispanic community with 1,044,000 viewers nationally, though experiencing a 17% decline. WGBO-DT operates as the local Univision affiliate in the Chicago market, providing Spanish-language programming including telenovelas, news, sports, and entertainment content tailored to Hispanic audiences.
Telemundo Chicago has shown strong growth with 965,000 viewers nationally and a 12% increase. WSNS-TV serves as the local Telemundo affiliate, offering Spanish-language programming that includes news, sports, entertainment, and original content. The station also operates TeleXitos on a secondary channel.
Ion Television attracts 833,000 viewers nationally, though facing a 16% decline. The network focuses on family-friendly programming with a schedule featuring classic TV shows, movies, and reruns of popular series, providing wholesome entertainment options for viewers of all ages.
Fox rounds out the top ten with 2,841,000 viewers nationally, experiencing a 15% decline. As a major broadcast network, Fox offers a diverse lineup including sports, news, and entertainment programming. The Chicago affiliate provides local news coverage alongside Fox's national content.
WGN-TV is Chicago's legendary independent station and superstation, offering a mix of local news, classic television programming, and syndicated content. The station has deep roots in Chicago broadcasting and provides extensive local news coverage throughout the day, along with entertainment programming that appeals to a broad audience.
WCIU, The U serves as Chicago's independent station with a unique programming mix including local sports, news, and entertainment. The station is the home of the WNBA's Chicago Sky, broadcasting more than 30 games during the 2025 season, and offers diverse local content that reflects Chicago's vibrant community.
MeTV is America's number one classic TV entertainment network, presenting over 60 different programs every week featuring beloved classics like M*A*S*H, The Andy Griffith Show, Perry Mason, and Gunsmoke. The network offers memorable entertainment for the whole family with original shows like Svengoolie and Toon In With Me.
Heroes & Icons presents heroic characters showcased in iconic TV series including NCIS, Walker: Texas Ranger, MacGyver, Batman, Wonder Woman, and all five live-action original Star Trek TV series. The network celebrates Western heroes, justice heroes, and bold All-American heroes across its programming schedule.
MOVIES! is a Weigel Broadcasting network dedicated to bringing viewers classic and contemporary films. The network provides movie enthusiasts with a curated selection of films spanning various genres, offering entertainment for audiences who appreciate both timeless classics and more recent cinema.
MeTV+ expands on the original MeTV concept by offering additional classic television programming and beloved series. The network provides viewers with even more memorable entertainment, complementing its sister network with a carefully selected lineup of vintage television shows.
Start TV features strong female leads in crime dramas and procedural series. The network showcases series that highlight women in powerful roles, offering viewers engaging mysteries and crime-solving adventures with compelling female protagonists at the center of each story.
Catchy Comedy delivers laugh-out-loud entertainment with a lineup of sitcoms and comedy series. The network provides viewers with humorous programming designed to entertain and uplift, featuring both classic and contemporary comedy shows.
Quest focuses on factual entertainment programming, including documentaries, reality shows, and informative content. The network appeals to curious viewers interested in exploration, discovery, and learning about the world around them through engaging visual storytelling.
Grit is dedicated to action-packed Western and adventure programming, celebrating the spirit of the American West. The network features classic Western films, action movies, and series that showcase rugged heroes, frontier justice, and the timeless appeal of the Western genre.
WLIT-FM is an adult contemporary station that has dominated Chicago's radio landscape throughout 2023 and continues to lead the market with the highest ratings share. The station's format focuses on easy-listening contemporary hits and soft pop music, making it a consistent favorite among Chicago listeners seeking a mellow, familiar sound throughout their day.
WDRV-FM is a classic rock station that consistently ranks among the top performers in the Chicago market. The station plays iconic rock hits from the 1960s through the 1990s, appealing to listeners who appreciate legendary artists and timeless rock anthems. Its strong ratings demonstrate the enduring popularity of classic rock in the Chicago area.
WLS-FM is a classic hits station that features popular music primarily from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The station offers a nostalgic listening experience with a carefully curated playlist of memorable songs that defined multiple generations, making it a top choice for listeners seeking familiar favorites from their youth.
WGN-AM is a news and talk radio station that has been a Chicago institution for decades. The station provides comprehensive local news coverage, traffic updates, weather information, and engaging talk programming. Its strong presence in the market reflects Chicago listeners' appetite for informative content and local perspectives on current events.
WTMX-FM is a hot adult contemporary station that plays a blend of current hits and recent favorites spanning multiple decades. The station's format appeals to a broad demographic by mixing contemporary chart-toppers with familiar songs from the past 20-30 years, creating an accessible and upbeat listening experience.
WXRT-FM is an adult album alternative (AAA) station known for its diverse playlist that includes alternative rock, indie music, and emerging artists alongside established acts. The station has built a loyal following among Chicago listeners who appreciate music discovery and a more eclectic approach to rock radio programming.
WKSC-FM is a contemporary hit radio station that plays current top 40 hits and the latest pop music. The station targets younger listeners with high-energy programming, featuring the newest releases from popular artists and trending songs across pop, hip-hop, and dance music genres.
WSCR-AM is Chicago's premier sports talk radio station, providing comprehensive coverage of local teams including the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks. The station features live game broadcasts, sports analysis, call-in shows, and discussion of both local and national sports topics, experiencing ratings boosts during playoff seasons.
WLFM-FM operates as MeTV FM, featuring a classic hits format that focuses on memorable music from past decades. The station capitalizes on nostalgia by playing beloved songs that resonate with listeners seeking familiar tunes and a connection to earlier eras of popular music.
WBMX-FM is a classic hip-hop station that has experienced a resurgence in the Chicago market, moving back into the top 10 ratings. The station focuses on hip-hop classics and old-school rap from the genre's formative decades, appealing to listeners who grew up with hip-hop culture and want to relive its golden era.
| Media Type | Penetration / Share | Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Television (All) | ~100% (3.65M HHs) | Stable, slow growth, aging audience |
| Cable TV | 57.7% | Declining in favor of streaming |
| Internet | >90% | Universal across age groups |
| Radio | 11–13% of media use | Stable, serves commuters |
| <10% regular use | Sharp decline, mostly older adults | |
| Digital/Streaming | >80% among adults under 50 | Rapidly growing, now dominant |
| Out-of-Home | Reach: 98% weekly | High visibility, remains effective |
Assessing media trust involves examining various channels such as television, radio, print media, and online sources. Despite declining trust in media nationwide, local news sources in Chicago, like local TV and word of mouth, remain popular.
56% of U.S. consumers watch three or more hours of TV per day as of 2025. Older adults (50+) remain the most consistent TV viewers, often spending 14+ hours daily with media, much of it through traditional TV platforms.
Radio remains relevant across all age groups, accounting for 11–13% of daily media use in 2025. National data suggest average daily radio listening time remains steady. Radio adapts by integrating streaming and podcasts, maintaining its appeal through personal connection, especially during commutes and daily routines.
Podcasting continues to grow, with radio’s transition into digital audio platforms fueling this trend. Nationally, younger adults are most engaged with podcasts, often listening on smartphones and digital devices. The rise of streaming audio and on-demand content suggests podcasts are increasingly popular among tech-savvy urbanites, but rural adoption may lag.
Smartphones and tablets are the primary media hubs for younger adults (18–34), who consume 66% of their content digitally. Multi-screen and multi-platform engagement is common. Older adults (50+) are slower to adopt digital devices but are gradually increasing their use; they still rely on traditional TV and radio sets. TV sets remain important for linear and streaming video, while computer, tablet, and phone screens are central for news, social media, and podcasts.
National and regional trends indicate distinct patterns. Urban areas—such as Chicago’s core and inner suburbs—see higher digital media adoption, greater use of mobile devices, and more engagement with on-demand, streaming, and podcast content. Rural areas on the fringes of the DMA tend to have slower digital transitions, higher reliance on traditional broadcast media (linear TV and AM/FM radio), and less access to high-speed internet, which limits streaming and podcast consumption. News consumption surveys reveal that digital transformation is most advanced in urban and suburban areas, whereas rural residents may maintain stronger ties to legacy media platforms.
