Chicago’s Iconic Rock Station ‘The Loop’ Being Sold to Christian Broadcaster

Chicago’s iconic rock station “The Loop” is being sold to a Christian broadcaster for $21.5 million.

According to the Chicago Tribune and a recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission, the Educational Media Foundation has agreed to buy WLUP-97.9 FM from Merlin Media, planning to covert the legendary station into a “non-commercial educational station.”

WLUP, home to the “Mancow” morning show, has long been operated by Cumulus Media, but the company pulled out of plans to buy the station following a bankruptcy filing last month, according to multiple reports.

Cumulus Media and representatives for both companies involved in the newest deal could not immediately be reached for comment.

Randy Michaels, the head of Merlin Media, told the Chicago Tribune after the failed Cumulus deal that he was exploring “all the available options,” including finding a new buyer.

Erich “Mancow” Muller told Robert Feder “the Loop has lasted 41 years” and he had “hoped we’d be on to celebrate her 50th," but wished the new station "all the best."

He added that “lots of great folks will be without a job and that’s very sad.”