“Star Mornings with Dave and Darren” Debuts Across Illinois
Illinois– October 13, 2025 – Regional Media proudly announces the official launch of the Star Radio Network, a bold new multi-market brand bringing energy, personality, and one of radio’s most popular formats to listeners across Illinois.
The launch follows the anniversary celebration of Regional Media’s immensely popular Hog Country Radio Network—a proven success that showcased the company’s ability to build strong regional brands for both listeners and advertisers. With Star, Regional Media expands that momentum with a fresh, music-driven format that reaches even more of Illinois.
The Star Radio Network unites four powerhouse FM stations under one brand, connecting communities across West-Central and Northern Illinois with an upbeat mix of music, entertainment, and local content. Collectively, the network reaches an estimated 250,000 listeners weekly across ten Illinois counties, creating unmatched opportunities for advertisers to engage a wide and loyal audience.
At the heart of the network is “Star Mornings with Dave and Darren,” hosted by Regional Media’s own Dave and Darren—two beloved personalities known for their humor, authenticity, and chemistry. Their show blends laughter, real-life stories, and community-driven conversations with a feel-good music mix that starts every day on the right note.
The Star Radio Network features a Hot AC / Pop Variety format, among the most listened-to formats in the country. The playlist spans generations, with hits from Jewel, Outkast, Survivor, John Mellencamp, Queen, Black Eyed Peas, Prince, and No Doubt—music that resonates with the highly desirable 25–54 demographic advertisers value.
“Star gives advertisers regional scale with a local heartbeat,” said Darren Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Regional Media. “With one buy, brands can reach listeners from Princeton to Sterling and Kewanee to Macomb—on trusted hometown stations—while we layer in creative, digital targeting, and measurement that proves results. It’s the best of broadcast and modern marketing working together.”
Listeners can expect strong local content throughout the day, including community updates, weather, local sports, and events—all supported by Regional Media’s deep commitment to community involvement and storytelling.
Coverage Area by Station
- 98.1 WZOE-FM – Princeton – Serving Bureau, Putnam, LaSalle, and Marshall Counties
- 104.7 FM – Kewanee – Covering Henry, Knox, and Stark Counties
- 100.1 WKAI – Macomb – Broadcasting to McDonough, Warren, Hancock, and Schuyler Counties
- 105.5 WSSQ – Sterling – Reaching Whiteside, Lee, Carroll, and Ogle Counties
Combined, the Star Radio Network reaches more than 250,000 listeners each week across fourteen counties in Illinois.
Tune In to the Star Radio Network
Listeners can now enjoy Star Mornings with Dave and Darren and the full Star Radio Network lineup on-air, online, and through each station’s mobile app:
- 98.1 WZOE-FM – Princeton
- 104.7 FM – Kewanee
- 100.1 WKAI – Macomb
- 105.5 WSSQ – Sterling
About Regional Media
Regional Media is a leading multimedia company serving communities across the Midwest through its expanding network of radio stations, digital platforms, and creative services. With an innovative approach to marketing and community storytelling, Regional Media continues to redefine what local media can be—delivering trusted content, measurable results, and meaningful connections that move people to action.
Media Contact: [email protected]
