Big City Radio Launches Chicago's First All '80s Music Format, The Eighties Channel 103.1 FM WXXY.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 1999--

Big City Radio Inc. (AMEX:YFM), an owner and operator of major metropolitan radio stations, is bringing the energy and excitement of the '80's to Chicago radio with the launch of Chicago's first all '80's music format -- The Eighties Channel 103.1 FM WXXY. Responding to market research that asked audiences to choose the music that inspires them most, '80's music was the clear winner out of numerous possible formats.

"As the first of its kind in the Chicago market, we've designed The Eighties Channel 103.1 FM WXXY to convey that carefree attitude and fun that made the 80's special," said Rich Marston, Vice President and General Manager of Big City Radio's Chicago properties.

Chris Shebel, Program Director for Big City Radio's Chicago properties said that the top on-air personalities of the era, Robert Murphy and Fred Winston, will host the format. Shebel will be aided by Assistant Program Director/Music Director/Evening Personality, Jeffrey T. Mason.

Originating from its state-of-the-art broadcasting facility in downtown Chicago, The Eighties Channel programming change coincides with technical improvements and signal upgrades. In addition to the upgrade, WXXY-FM broadcasts from a new antennae and transmitter.

The Eighties Channel 103.1 FM WXXY is owned and operated by Big City Radio, Inc. Big City Radio Inc. owns and operates radio stations in four of the largest radio markets in the United States. The company's recently acquired radio broadcast properties are located in or adjacent to major metropolitan markets and utilize innovative engineering techniques and low-cost, ratings-driven operating strategies to develop these properties into successful metropolitan radio stations. Stuart Subotnick, chairman of Big City Radio, Inc. and a general partner of Metromedia Company, is a majority shareholder of the Company's Common Stock.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause or contribute to such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing and various other factors beyond the Company's control. This also includes such factors as described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by Big City Radio, Inc., including the most recently filed Forms 10-K and 10-Q.