WSCR 670 The Score: A Century of Chicago Broadcasting History

In the bustling media landscape of the Windy City, few frequencies carry as much historical weight as 670 kHz. Today known as 104-3 The Score (WSCR), this station is more than just a hub for sports fanatics; it is the oldest surviving radio station in Chicago. From its early days as a pioneer of the AM band to its current status as a sports radio powerhouse, the station's journey mirrors the evolution of American broadcasting.

Key Facts

Oldest Survivor: WSCR is the oldest surviving radio station in Chicago, first airing on April 12, 1922.
Frequency: Operates on 670 kHz with a powerful 50,000-watt signal.
Current Format: Sports radio, serving as the flagship for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs.
Ownership: Currently owned by Audacy, Inc.
Legacy Call Signs: Originally licensed as WGU, it spent the majority of the 20th century as WMAQ.

The Early Era: From WGU to WMAQ

The station first entered the airwaves on April 12, 1922, under the call sign WGU. While it was the third station licensed in Chicago—following KYW and WBU—it became the sole survivor of that initial group. By early 1923, the Chicago Daily News acquired a majority interest in the station, renaming it WMAQ.

To maximize its reach, the Daily News moved the studios and transmitter to the La Salle Hotel, which was the tallest building in Chicago at the time. This strategic move, coupled with a power increase to 500 watts in late 1923, established WMAQ as a dominant force in early radio.

WMAQ broadcast towers atop La Salle Hotel, where the studios were also located – 1925.

The station's association with the Daily News provided a foundation for journalistic excellence and technical innovation during the golden age of radio.

The former home of WMAQ and the Chicago Daily News

The NBC Years and the Golden Age

For over five decades, WMAQ was a cornerstone of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) network. During this era, the station moved its operations to the Merchandise Mart, where it became a hub for legendary programming and high-profile personalities.

The Merchandise Mart: WMAQ was here for the years it was owned by NBC.

The station's influence extended beyond news, broadcasting iconic entertainment such as Fibber McGee and Molly in the late 1930s. It also experimented with early sound television and maintained a high-profile presence in the city's cultural life.

Fibber McGee and Molly from Chicago, 1937

By 1951, WMAQ was promoting its massive reach and technical superiority, cementing its place as a primary source of information and entertainment for the Chicago metropolitan area.

Transition and the Birth of "The Score"

The landscape shifted in 1988 when NBC, following RCA's merger with General Electric, sold WMAQ to Group W (Westinghouse). This marked a return to the market for Westinghouse, which had previously founded KYW and owned WIND.

The most dramatic change occurred in 2000. After decades of general programming, the WMAQ call sign was retired to make way for the "Score" branding. The sports radio format, which had previously hopped between 820 AM and 1160 AM, finally found a permanent home at 670 kHz under the call sign WSCR.

Former logo as "670 The Score" used from 2008 to 2026

Modern Operations and Sports Dominance

Today, WSCR is a premier destination for sports coverage. It has served as the flagship station for several major franchises, including the Chicago Blackhawks (2001–2008) and the Chicago White Sox (2006–2015). Currently, it is the radio home for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, DePaul Blue Demons, and the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Technically, the station operates as a Class A facility with 50,000 watts of power. Its main transmitter is located in Bloomingdale Township, supported by an auxiliary tower to ensure consistent coverage across the region.

WSCR's transmitter building in Bloomingdale Township

WSCR's main and auxiliary towers in Bloomingdale; former ancient rival and now sister station WBBM moved their transmission to the site in 2019.

In 1989, the station moved to the NBC Tower, and while WSCR later transitioned its broadcast operations, the tower remains a landmark of the station's historical trajectory.

NBC Tower, where WMAQ moved in 1989. WSCR also broadcast here before moving to Two Prudential Plaza.

Station Overview

WSCR 670 The Score Technical and Operational Summary
Feature	Detail
Frequency	670 kHz
Power	50,000 Watts
Class	A
Format	Sports Radio
Owner	Audacy, Inc.
Repeater	104.3 WSCR-FM

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is WSCR considered the oldest surviving station in Chicago?

Although it was the third station licensed in the city (after KYW and WBU), it is the only one of those original three that is still broadcasting today.

What happened to the WMAQ call sign?

The WMAQ call sign was used from 1922 until 2000, when the station transitioned to a sports format and adopted the WSCR call sign to align with "The Score" branding.

Which sports teams are currently affiliated with 670 The Score?

The station is currently the flagship for the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Cubs, and it also carries broadcasts for the DePaul Blue Demons and the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Where are the WSCR transmitters located?

The main and auxiliary transmitter towers are located in Bloomingdale Township, Illinois.

Who owns the station now?

The station is owned and operated by Audacy, Inc. (via Audacy License, LLC).