"Radio Giant Audacy Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Advertising Decline"
Audacy, the second largest radio chain in the U.S., including major Chicago stations like WBBM-AM 780 and WXRT-FM 93.1, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reduce nearly $2 billion in debt, largely stemming from its 2017 merger with CBS Radio. The company aims to convert long-term loans to equity stakes, reducing its debt to $350 million pending court approval. Despite revenue declines and pandemic challenges, Audacy reassures employees that it will be "business as usual" for its radio stations during the bankruptcy process, with no disruption to wages and benefits.