The Score is set to debut its FM simulcast on 104.3, the former home of the hip hop and R&B station JAMS, beginning February 2. This marks The Score’s first venture into FM broadcasting, operating under the branding 104.3 The Score and maintaining the same programming currently available on 670 The Score.
This move makes The Score the 20th FM sports station under parent company Audacy. The station, originally launched in 1992 on 820 AM, transitioned to 1160 AM in 1997 before settling at its current frequency in 2000, rebranding the nearly 80-year-old WMAQ as WSCR.
The JAMS station, which started in 2017 after Audacy transformed classic-hits station WJMK into WBMX, will cease operations, resulting in the loss of three jobs. Kevin Cassidy, Audacy Chicago’s senior vice president and market manager, expressed enthusiasm about The Score’s expansion, stating that the simulcast will enhance the station’s ability to engage with an even broader audience of Chicago sports fans.
Alongside its regular programming, The Score broadcasts games for the Chicago Bulls and Cubs, along with NFL games through Westwood One, and recently featured several Sky games. The addition of an FM signal not only broadens The Score’s accessibility but also acts as a safeguard as many automakers phase out AM radio in vehicles. In response to this trend, Congress is advancing the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, aimed at preserving AM radio access. It is anticipated that The Score will discontinue its 104.3-FM HD-2 signal.
In addition to The Score’s expansion, sister station WBBM Newsradio 780 continues to serve listeners with an FM simulcast on 105.9 (WCFS). This transition highlights a notable shift in the radio landscape as Audacy adapts to the evolving preferences of listeners and the changing technological environment.