Connoisseur Media Chicago announces WSSR 96.7 officially flipped format to “The 9-6-7: Chicagoland’s Classic Pop”, while retaining the WSSR call letters. The flip marks a new era of pop radio for the greater Chicagoland region, introducing a high-energy, nostalgia-driven format centered around the biggest Top 40 hits from the ‘90s and 2000s.

“The 9-6-7” will feature iconic artists including Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Eminem, No Doubt, Britney Spears, Usher, Beyoncé, Alanis Morissette, Dr. Dre and even…New Radicals—delivering the songs listeners grew up with, still know all the words to, and continue to enjoy today.

“After the success we’ve had in Dayton with Z93, we decided the next station that makes sense for the brand-new classic pop format is WSSR,” said Keith Dakin, SVP of Programming. “With morning show host Eddie V’s history with this sound, it’s a match made in heaven. The pop music Chicagoland grew up with and the DJ they listened to.”

Star 96.7 had been a staple in the market since February 2004, rotating between AC and Hot AC over the years. Most recently a Hot AC, The 9-6-7 brand taking over is built around nostalgia and growing up in the suburbs, capturing a feeling of simpler times and shared musical memories that still resonate with listeners today.

“We all grew up and cruised these Chicagoland suburbs with this music as the soundtrack. It was everywhere,” said Gordon Mays, Operations Manager for Connoisseur Chicago. “It’s been so fun building something we know will feel instantly familiar, and in a way that fits where our listeners are today.”

The station began stunting this past Friday following the Star 96.7 morning show, Eddie V and Friends, going “on hold” through the weekend. “On hold” featured a limited loop of familiar on-hold elevator style
classics, paired with promotional announcements driving listeners to tune in Monday morning for the big reveal.

The current on-air lineup will remain in place with the new format, including Eddie V & Friends (mornings, 6a-10a), Jillian Bass (middays, 10a-2p), Hannah B (afternoon drive, 2p-7p), and Erik Zachary (Nights, 7p-12mid).