Q: Why did ENERGY 92.7/5 leave the airwaves?

A: First of all, Energy 92.7/5 did not go off the air because of ratings. (In fact, Energy was beating major market radio stations in many key demos!)

Energy's parent company, Big City Radio (AMEX: YFM), made several multimillion dollar station acquisitions since 1998 in the New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Phoenix radio markets. In order to do this, Big City Radio took out many bonds and incrued such a high debt. Unfortunately, due to several unforeseen circumstances such as format changes and changing market conditions at many of its radio stations, Big City Radio could not keep up with its debt payments. This essentially forced Big City Radio to auction off its assets.

On New Year's Eve 2002, it was announced that Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) purchased the ENERGY trimulcast stations (WKIE/WKIF/WDEK) for $22 million. On Thursday, January 2, 2003, SBS announced that it will take over the station through a leased management agreement starting on Monday, January 7 at 12:01am.

ENERGY 92.7&5 delivered its "Last Dance" weekend. The last night featured a spur-of-the-moment appearance in Schaumburg, a countdown of the Top 40 dance songs of 2002, and multiple prize giveaways. The Energy airstaff put together one last "I Am Energy" promo, Rick Hype presented a tribute mix, and the last two hours were all listener requests. It all culminated in an emotional signoff with Program Director Chris Shebel with the entire airstaff in the studio. The last two songs (Dee Dee "Forever" and Donna Summer "Last Dance") were not heard on the radio airwaves (due to totally unintentional circumstances) but were heard on the web stream. Then at midnight, SBS took over the signal with its new Spanish language hit format, "La Nueva Onda 92" (The Wave).

Q: Will there be a DMA ENERGY CD Compilation Part THREE?

A: Unfortunately, DMA (Dance Music Authority magazine) has ceased operations due to an economical downturn. There are no plans for a third CD. If we find out about any new projects, then we will make sure to keep you informed.

Q: Where can I hear my favorite Energy DJs and Air Personalities?

A: Check out our BIOS section for updates. As of December 1, 2003: Joe Vlazny-Smith (afternoons, Imaging Director) has landed afternoons and imaging director duties at Entravision's Dallas dance station, KDL-FM. Bill LaTour (afternoons, Production Director) is currently finishing up production on his new dance music album, due to be released this spring on Morpheus Records! Beth Reynolds (middays) has landed weekends at 93.9 THE LITE (WLIT Chicago). Pat Clark (weekends) has landed nights at U92 (KUUU-FM Salt Lake City) in Utah! Jimmy Knight (weekends) has landed weekends at 101.9 THE MIX (WTMX Chicago). Luis 2 Live Lopez (late nights) has landed weekends at 103.7 KISS-FM (WXSS Milwaukee). Will Calder (Bill The Intern) has landed weekends at 103.7 KISS-FM (WXSS Milwaukee), plus he is the lead mixer for RADIOMIXES.COM with mixes airing at B96 Chicago, WXSS Milwaukee, The Buzz Atlantic City, KKOB-FM Albuquerque, and several more. You can occasionally catch Clubland DJs Jimmie Page and DJ Mike Z online at ENERGY981.COM. Rick Hype could be heard on purePULSEradio.com. Andre Solaris is a resident DJ for Q101 Sonic Boom. You can also catch Jammin'Down JD and Andre Solaris on the nationally-syndicated show, "CLUBJAM: Where Dance Music Lives!", which powers this website.

Q: Is there anything I can do to help bring ENERGY back to the airwaves?

A: Unfortunately, not at this time. We are always working to convince other stations to pick up the format, but the stations in Chicago are locked in with their current programming for now. We'll keep on trying, and we'll let you know if we get lucky. Meanwhile, you could help keep the spirit of ENERGY alive through your support of fan sites such as EnergyChicago, and by attending our EnergyChicago nightclub events!

You have more questions? Post them in our Forum!