WQRL
 | |
| Broadcast area | Southern Illinois / Marion / Harrisburg |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 106.3 MHz |
| Branding | Q106.3 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Classic hits |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Dana Communications Corporation |
| History | |
First air date | October 1, 1973[1] |
Former call signs | WQRX (1973–1982)[2][3] |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 15378 |
| Class | B1 |
| ERP | 12,500 watts |
| HAAT | 140 meters (460 ft) |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | wqrlradio.com |
WQRL (106.3 FM, "Q106.3") is a radio station licensed to Benton, Illinois, covering Southern Illinois, including Marion, Benton, and Harrisburg. WQRL has a classic hits format and is owned by Dana Communications Corporation.[4]
The station is an affiliate of the syndicated Pink Floyd program "Floydian Slip."
History[edit]
WQRX[edit]
The station began broadcasting October 1, 1973, and originally held the call sign WQRX.[1][2] It had an ERP of 3,000 watts at a HAAT of 300 feet.[2] The station was branded "The Golden Voice of Southern Illinois",[5] and had a variety format.[6] In 1975, the station began airing easy listening music during the day and progressive rock at night.[6] By 1980, the station had begun airing a top 40 format.[7]
WQRL[edit]
In 1982, the station's call sign was changed to WQRL,[3] and the station adopted an adult contemporary format.[8][9] In February 1993, the station's format was changed to country music, airing programming from Unistar's Hot Country network.[10] In 1994, the station's ERP was increased to 12,500 watts, at a HAAT of 459 feet.[11] In July 1996, the station adopted an oldies format, which lasted for more than 2 decades. When the 2020s rolled along, its oldies format tweaked into a classic hits format.[12]
References[edit]
- ^ a b The Broadcasting Yearbook 1991, Broadcasting & Cable, 1991. p. B-96. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b c History Cards for WQRL, fcc.gov. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b Call Sign History, fcc.gov. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ WQRL fcc.gov. Accessed February 3, 2015
- ^ "WQRX", Mt. Vernon Register-News, October 31, 1973. p. 3-A. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ a b Illinois Station Shifts to E.L.", Billboard, May 3, 1975. p. 22. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ Broadcasting Yearbook 1980, Broadcasting, 1980. p. C-64. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Answer Book", The Southern Illinoisan. September 30, 1984. p. 27.
- ^ Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1984, Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1984. p. B-75. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Format Changes", The M Street Journal. Vol. 10 No. 8. February 24, 1993. p. 1. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Construction Permit Activity", The M Street Journal. Vol. 11 No. 3. January 19, 1994. p. 3. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ "Format Changes", The M Street Journal. Vol. 13 No. 30. July 24, 1996. p. 1. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
External links[edit]
- WQRL's website
- WQRL in the FCC FM station database
- WQRL in Nielsen Audio's FM station database