MeTV, Envision Networks Take MeTV-FM Nationwide

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 25, 2017

MeTV FM (87.7 FM) in Chicago has partnered with Envision Networks to syndicate its new radio format with a winning mix of music from the 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond to U.S. markets. MeTV FM is curated for long listening and features a deep playlist from an active library of more than 3,000 songs across nearly four decades, including singer-songwriters, country crossovers, Motown, iconic groups and many other artists. There's a wide diversity of music programming from folk rock to funk, deep tracks to disco favorites, and sixties British Invasion to eighties pop.

"We created MeTV FM as the musical companion to America's #1 all classic TV network, MeTV. Both our television and radio formats present timeless and memorable entertainment that resonates with hipsters, hippies, baby boomers and beyond, as we like to say," said Weigel Broadcasting Co. Vice Chairman Neal Sabin. "MeTV FM's music format has broken many of the radio rules in terms of presentation, depth of playlist and mixing of genres. Using a challenging dial position in one of the most competitive radio markets in the country, we have proven the validity and viability of the format. We look forward to working with Envision to bring MeTV FM to many more places."

MeTV FM began broadcasting as WRME in February, 2015 on 87.7 FM, an LP TV frequency commonly referred to as "Franken FM," a part of the dial not accessible on all radios in Chicago. Listeners found it and advertisers quickly followed. Within a year, 87.7 was competitive with Chicago's heritage stations and, from 2016 to 2017, its Chicago market share has grown from 2.2 to 2.8 (Persons 6+).

Envision Networks will begin offering MeTV FM in syndication to radio stations in June. "MeTV FM provides the best experience for radio stations to offer their listeners," said Envision Networks President/CEO Danno Wolkoff. "The format supplies the broadest musical choice in the crowded variety music arena and most of all it is FUN for the baby boomers. With promotional tie-ins to the MeTV local TV affiliate in their markets, radio affiliates will be able to cross promote and drive listeners directly to their station."