The CBS AM’s in larger markets were either all news, sports or local news/talk that fits the market. The issue with the ABC stations was, and still is as Cumulus, they are trying to run primarily syndicated conservative talk shows that don’t resonate with the market. They get market clearance but there isn’t much of an audience. Anyone with any sense knows KSFO doesn’t have a prayer in the Bay Area as an example. It works for WJR and WBAP because the programming is more in tune with the market (WBAP is also largely local).Which explains why Cumulus was quick to sell former ABC stations in NY, LA, and DC after their bankruptcy. Had Citadel made that change ten years ago, they would have likely been stronger, and wouldn't have dragged down Cumulus. Comparatively, many of the CBS AMs are still very profitable.
WRQX was doing quite well in the books compared to the other divested FM’s when it was sold to EMF. I’m guessing it was hard to sell as a stand-alone music station, and over all else Cumulus needed the $$$.