WLS 890 AM

Class A clear-channel station operating on regional and national skywave, established in 1924 by Sears, Roebuck and Company as part of its consumer outreach strategy for rural communities. The call letters originally represented the company's marketing slogan. Station ownership transferred to Prairie Farmer magazine in 1928, establishing its identity as a major broadcast outlet for agricultural and rural content. Blue Network affiliation brought national programming including comedy and entertainment broadcasts. Format evolution proceeded from early entertainment programming through farm-focused content to contemporary Top 40 music era spanning 1960 to 1989, featuring influential disc jockeys and original music discovery. Transitioned to all-talk format in 1989, offering conservative and political commentary through nationally syndicated programming. Current ownership under Cumulus Media operates with 50,000 watts, utilizing non-directional antenna and modern transmission equipment, delivering signal across multistate regions via nighttime skywave.