Merlin Media returned Modern Rock to the dial in Chicago last night, launching WKQX (Q 87.7) with the position "Underground. Alternative." An announcement on the station's new website (www.undergroundq.com) reads, "WKQX is back! You can now find it on 87.7FM. Go ahead...tell people that Alternative is back on the radio in Chicago - but don't let everybody know. If the wrong people find out, we could get shut down again. Here's the deal: older radios won't pick us up...so if someone has a radio that doesn't get 87.7FM, then they don't get it. It's like when someone calls you from their phone. WTF?!? "Dude…are you dying? Just send me a text!""

Merlin Chairman John Gehron said in a statement, "Q87.7 features a melodic, mainstream Alternative music mix designed to attract Chicagoland's young adult listeners. It concentrates heavily on music from the last 18 months by artists like Black Keys, Grouplove, Neon Trees, Mumford & Sons, Gotye and fun. Established core artists include Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Killers, Muse, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins."

As previously reported, 87.7 FM is a low power TV signal that can also be heard over the radio on the 87.7 frequency. Merlin recently entered an LMA agreement with Venture Technologies Group, LLC to program and sell advertising on the frequency.

Meanwhile, Merlin appears to be close to officially launching its News/Talk station in Philadelphia on WWIQ, which the company recently acquired. The station has been stunting as "all Sean Hannity" but the upcoming lineup has been revealed for the station, which will use the positioner "IQ 106.9."

Former Philadelphia newsman Larry Mendte revealed in a YouTube video that he will co-host mornings alongside Al Gardner, formerly of Greater Media Talk WBT/Charlotte. The rest of the lineup is expected to include Glenn Beck, Hannity and Rush Limbaugh.