WQRL
Radio station in Benton, Illinois, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.[5]
| |
| |
| 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[4] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 15378 |
| Class | B1 |
| ERP | 12,500 watts |
| HAAT | 140 meters (460 ft) |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | wqrlradio.com |
The station is an affiliate of the syndicated Pink Floyd program "Floydian Slip."
History
WQRX
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",[6] and had a variety format.[7] In 1975, the station began airing easy listening music during the day and progressive rock at night.[7] By 1980, the station had begun airing a top 40 format.[8]
WQRL
In 1982, the station's call sign was changed to WQRL,[3] and the station adopted an adult contemporary format.[9][10] In February 1993, the station's format was changed to country music, airing programming from Unistar's Hot Country network.[11] In 1994, the station's ERP was increased to 12,500 watts, at a HAAT of 459 feet.[12] In July 1996, the station adopted an oldies format, which lasted for more than 2 decades.[13] When the 2020s rolled along, its oldies format tweaked into a classic hits format.