Hubbard Chicago

What Hubbard Chicago does

Hubbard Chicago (legally Hubbard Radio Chicago, LLC) is a privately held, full-service media company headquartered at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 2700 in Chicago, Illinois. It operates as a subsidiary of Hubbard Broadcasting, a family-owned media conglomerate with origins dating to the 1920s. The company runs three FCC-licensed radio stations — WTMX 101.9 THE MIX (Hot AC), WDRV 97.1 The Drive (Classic Rock), and WTBC Throwback 100.3 (Hot AC Throwback) — collectively reaching more than 1 million weekly listeners on WTMX alone and nearly 750,000 on WTBC, with WDRV generating over 35% of its ratings from digital streaming. Hubbard Chicago extends beyond radio into podcasts (the 312 Sports Podcast Network and award-winning properties such as 'Behind The Song'), influencer/talent marketing, creative production, custom content, and experiential events, plus a full-service digital marketing agency called 2060 Digital.

The underlying technology stack combines traditional broadcast radio infrastructure with digital streaming across mobile apps (iOS and Android), smart speakers (Alexa), and connected devices, alongside podcast production and distribution systems, and a digital marketing platform spanning SEO, PPC, social media management, website development, email marketing, and connected TV advertising. 2060 Digital is a Premier Google Partner, Facebook Marketing Partner, and IAB-certified digital ad operations shop, with content distribution extended through a PodcastOne partnership and Apple Podcasts placement.

Revenue is generated primarily through radio advertising (broadcast spots, sponsorships, on-air mentions) and digital marketing services sold via direct sales relationships to local and regional Chicago businesses, national advertisers, and small-to-medium businesses. Customer segments targeted by station format include Women 25-54 (WTMX, WTBC) and Adults 25-54 (WDRV), with advertiser case studies spanning retail (Wannemaker's), automotive (Kunes Country Ford), and nonprofit (Goodwill). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company employs 51-100 people and reports zero public funding events, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hubbard Broadcasting.

Name

Hubbard Chicago

Legal name

Hubbard Radio Chicago, LLC

Website

https://hubbardchicago.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hubbard Chicago is a privately held full-service media company operating three Chicago radio stations (WTMX, WDRV, WTBC), a sports podcast network, and the 2060 Digital marketing agency, serving local, regional, and national advertisers with integrated radio, digital, influencer, and experiential marketing services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Radio Broadcasting and Digital Marketing Services

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Advertising Agencies (54181), Media Buying Agencies (54183)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Radio Network Advertising Sales & Representation (MPABABAK), Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication (MPAIAEAG)

Keywords

• Radio advertising services
• Digital marketing agency
• Influencer marketing campaigns
• Podcast production network
• Custom content creation

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Radio Advertising: Traditional radio advertising sales across multiple stations including WTMX 101.9 THE MIX, WDRV 97.1 The Drive, and WTBC Throwback 100.3. Revenue generated through broadcast spots, sponsorships, and on-air mentions targeting specific demographics.
2. Digital Marketing Services: Full-service digital marketing agency services including SEO, PPC, social media management, website development, display advertising, email marketing, video production, and content marketing through 2060 Digital.
3. Influencer/Talent Marketing: Marketing services leveraging popular on-air personalities who can engage and captivate loyal audiences through authentic connections.
4. Creative Services: Award-winning production and promotions services including on-air production, podcast creation, television and video production, graphic design, and social media content creation.
5. Custom Content and Sponsorships: Custom content including social posts, video, display ads, blogs, and sponsorships distributed through substantial social following and email database.
6. Experiential/Events Marketing: Event marketing and brand engagement services including live events, community initiatives, and experiential marketing campaigns.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hubbard Chicago is a full-service media company that operates radio stations (WTMX 101.9 THE MIX, WDRV 97.1 The Drive, WTBC Throwback 100.3), a sports podcast network (312 Sports), and a digital marketing agency (2060 Digital). It sells radio advertising, full-service digital marketing (SEO, PPC, social media management), influencer marketing leveraging on-air talent, creative production, custom content, podcast development, and experiential event marketing to local and national advertisers in the Greater Chicago market.

Product overview

Hubbard Chicago is a full-service media company operating radio stations and digital marketing services. The company operates five radio/podcast brands: WTMX 101.9 THE MIX (Hot AC), WDRV 97.1 The Drive (Classic Rock), WTBC Throwback 100.3 (Hot AC Throwback), 312 Sports Podcast Network (Sports), and 2060 Digital (full-service digital marketing agency). Services include radio advertising, full-service digital marketing (SEO, PPC, social media), influencer marketing, creative services, custom content, podcasts, and experiential events. The portfolio serves the Greater Chicago market with multi-platform brand presence across broadcast, streaming, digital, and event channels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WTMX: Hot AC radio station at 101.9 FM in Chicago, targeting Women 25-54 with Pop music entertainment and personality-driven programming for over 35 years
• WDRV
• WTBC
• 312 Sports Podcast Network
• 2060 Digital

Products and services

• WTMX 101.9 THE MIX

Quantifiable outcome

• Radio advertising increases Google searches by 29%
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Google (Premier Partner)coreTechnology or Integration2060 Digital operates as a Premier Google Partner, using this relationship to create and execute customized digital solutions for clients. This partnership provides access to Google advertising platforms, tools, and certified expertise for search, display, and video advertising campaigns.
• Meta/FacebookcoreTechnology or Integration2060 Digital is a Facebook Marketing Partner, certified to manage Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns for clients, leveraging Meta's advertising platforms and audience targeting capabilities.
• Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)supportingTechnology or Integration2060 Digital maintains IAB Digital Ad Operations Certification, demonstrating adherence to digital advertising industry standards and best practices.
• PodcastOnecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHubbard Chicago has partnered with PodcastOne to distribute podcasts and provide podcast advertising opportunities. This partnership allows clients to be where their customers are—on mobile devices—through PodcastOne's distribution network.
• Apple PodcastscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor312 Sports Podcast Network podcasts are distributed through Apple Podcasts, where Forward Progress currently ranks Top 20 in Football and Top 50 in Sports in the U.S.
• American Veterans Service Dog AcademysupportingOthersThe Drive's annual 'Give A Vet A Pet' campaign partners with the American Veterans Service Dog Academy, raising more than $100,000 each year to provide service dogs to veterans.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• iHeartMedia: iHeartMedia is the largest U.S. radio operator, owning hundreds of stations across major markets including Chicago (e.g., WGCI-FM, WKSC-FM). It also operates iHeartRadio, a major podcast and digital audio platform, making it a direct multi-platform competitor to Hubbard Chicago's combined radio-plus-digital-plus-podcast offering.
• Audacy: Audacy (formerly Entercom/CBS Radio) owns multiple Chicago stations including WBBM-FM (B96), WSCR (670 The Score), and WUSN (US99), directly competing with Hubbard Chicago's WTMX, WDRV, and WTBC. Audacy also operates a national podcast network, making the business model highly comparable.
• Cumulus Media: Cumulus Media is one of the largest U.S. radio broadcasters with stations across major and mid-size markets. It sells integrated radio and digital advertising solutions and competes with Hubbard Chicago for both local advertisers and agency media-buying dollars nationally.
• Bonneville International: Bonneville International is a family-owned broadcasting company (owned by the Deseret Management Corporation), operating radio stations in multiple markets. Its structure — family-owned parent with multi-market radio operations — closely mirrors Hubbard Broadcasting / Hubbard Chicago's ownership and operating model.
• Townsquare Media: Townsquare Media operates over 300 radio stations and digital properties across small and mid-sized U.S. markets. It sells integrated local advertising including radio, digital, and live events, competing with Hubbard Chicago's full-service media offering for regional and local advertiser budgets.
• Emmis Communications: Emmis Communications is an Indianapolis-based radio broadcasting company that has historically owned major-market stations and pivoted toward digital and local media. It has pursued a similar integrated broadcast-plus-digital strategy relevant to Hubbard Chicago's portfolio.
• Beasley Media Group: Beasley Media Group operates radio stations across multiple U.S. markets and has expanded into digital and esports. Comparable to Hubbard Chicago in its mix of terrestrial broadcasting plus emerging digital/audio offerings.
• Salem Communications: Salem Communications (now Salem Media Group) operates a portfolio of radio stations focused on talk, news, and Christian formats, with growing digital and podcast operations. It competes with Hubbard Chicago for national advertisers seeking radio inventory and audio audience reach.

Regional players

• Straight North: Straight North is a Chicago-based digital marketing agency offering SEO, PPC, web design, and creative services — directly comparable to 2060 Digital's offering in the same Chicago metro market.

Broad incumbents

• Tinuiti: Tinuiti is one of the largest independent U.S. performance marketing agencies, holding Premier Google Partner and Meta Business Partner status. Comparable to 2060 Digital at scale, representing the upper end of the digital marketing agency competitive set.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/HubbardChicago
• Facebookfacebook.com/hubbardchicago

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hubbard Chicago