Merlin Media had switched FM stations in New York City and Chicago to a news format in 2011, after buying them from Emmis Communications. But ratings fell sharply after the change.
On Tuesday, the company said FM 101.9 in New York City had switched back to music with an alternative rock music format. In Chicago, FM i101 is now playing adult contemporary hits.
The format change for WIQI 101.1 FM lasted almost a year after Randy Michaels' company took alternative rock station Q101 off the air. WKQX LP FM on 87.7 now plays alternative rock.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
