Recent changes to evening programming proven impactful 

The February Arbitron radio ratings released today show strong increases for WGN Radio year over year.  Among overall listeners 12+ Mon-Sun 6a-12m, the station earned a 5.1 share, up 9% from February 2010, while several key dayparts also displayed strong year-to-year improvement.  Among listeners 12+ 8:30a-12:30p, Mike McConnell marked a 4.9 share, up 9% from February 2010.  John Williams displayed a 21% increase year-over-year 12+ 12:30-3p with a 4.6 share, while Garry Meier was up 19% with a 4.4 share 12+ 3-7p.

Other notable improvements include the 7-10pm timeslot occupied by WGN Sports Night, which joined the station’s line-up in December. Among listeners 12+, the show earned a 3.2 share, up 23% from February 2010. WGN Sports Night has also shown consistent month-to-month growth 12+, improving from 3.0 in January 2010, 2.3 in Holiday 2010, and 2.6 in December 2010.

Extension 720 with Milt Rosenberg, which now airs Sunday – Thursday night, also showed significant growth 12+ 10p-12a with an 8.0 share, a 14% increase over February 2010.

“Listener feedback over the past few months has been very positive and now we’re seeing that impact in the ratings,” said WGN Radio VP/General Manager Tom Langmyer. “The recent changes we’ve made with the addition of WGN Sports Night and our strong daytime line-up are moving the station forward and positioning us well for the future.”

All ratings information © 2010 and 2011 Arbitron Inc., All rights reserved.