Jump to content

WPBG: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
removing oldradio.com ref as it is an unreliable source; ibx cleanup
 
(33 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Radio station in Peoria, Illinois}}
{{short description|Radio station in Peoria, Illinois}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WPBG
| name = WPBG
| image = WPBG logo.png
| logo = WPBG logo.png
| image_size = 200px
| logo_size = 200px
| city = [[Peoria, Illinois]]
| city = [[Peoria, Illinois]]
| country = US
| area = [[Peoria, Illinois|Peoria]]
| area = [[Peoria, Illinois|Peoria]]
| branding = 93.3 The Drive
| branding = ''93.3 The Drive''
| slogan = No. 1 for Classic Hits
| frequency = 93.3 [[MHz]] {{HD Radio}}
| frequency = 93.3 [[MHz]] {{HD Radio}}
| translator = 102.7 W274BM (Peoria, relays HD2)
| translators = {{ubl|{{Radio Relay|102.7|W274BM|Peoria|HD2}}|{{Radio Relay|95.9|W240DM|Peoria|[[WIRL|HD3]]}}}}
| airdate = {{start date|1947|4}} (as WMBD-FM at 92.5)<ref name="bc1948"/>
| airdate = {{start date|1947|4}} (as WMBD-FM at 92.5)<ref name="bc1948"/>
| format = Analog/HD1: [[Classic hits]]<br>HD2: [[Oldies]] ([[WIRL]] [[simulcast]])
| format = [[Classic hits]]
| subchannels = {{ubl|HD2: [[Oldies]] "102.7 SuperHits"|HD3: [[Conservative talk]] ([[WIRL]] simulcast)|HD4: [[talk radio|News/talk]] ([[WMBD (AM)|WMBD]] simulcast)}}
| erp = 41,000 [[watt]]s
| erp = 41,000 [[watt]]s
| haat = {{convert|168|m|sp=us}}
| haat = {{convert|168|m|sp=us}}
| class = B
| class = B
| facility_id = 42114
| facility_id = 42114
| coordinates = {{coord|40|38|7.00|N|89|32|19.00|W|region:US_type:city}}
| coordinates = {{coord|40|38|7.00|N|89|32|19.00|W|region:US_type:city}}
| callsign_meaning = '''P'''eoria's '''B'''i'''G''' Oldies<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldradio.com/archives/nelson/origins.call-list.html |title=Call Letter Origins |work=Radio History on the Web }}</ref>
| callsign_meaning = "Peoria's Big Oldies" (former branding)
| former_callsigns = '''WMBD-FM''' (1947&ndash;1977)<br>'''WKZW''' (1977&ndash;1994)<br>'''WMXP''' (1994&ndash;1997)
| former_callsigns = {{ubl|WMBD-FM (1947&ndash;1977)|WKZW (1977&ndash;1994)|WMXP (1994&ndash;1997)}}
| former_frequencies = 92.5 MHz (1947&ndash;1960s)
| former_frequencies = 92.5 MHz (1947&ndash;1960s)
| affiliations =
| affiliations =
| owner = Duke Wright
| owner = Duke Wright
| licensee = [[Midwest Communications]]
| licensee = [[Midwest Communications, Inc.]]
| sister_stations = [[WMBD (AM)]] (traditional and current)<br/>[[WKZF]]; [[WIRL]]; [[WSWT]]; [[WXCL]]<br/>[[WMBD-TV]] (former traditional)
| sister_stations = [[WMBD (AM)|WMBD]], [[WKZF]], [[WIRL]], [[WSWT]], [[WXCL]]
| webcast = [https://www.933thedrive.com/player/?playerID=2043 Listen Live]
| webcast = [https://www.933thedrive.com/player/?playerID=2043 Listen Live]<br />[https://1027superhits.com/player/?playerID=2044 Listen Live (HD2)]
| website = {{URL|https://www.933thedrive.com/}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.933thedrive.com/}}<br />{{URL|https://1027superhits.com}} (HD2)
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
}}
}}


'''WPBG''' (93.3 kHz) is an [[FM broadcasting]] station with a classic hits format, and is licensed for [[Peoria, Illinois]]. The station was formerly known as 93.3 WMBD-FM, as well as KZ-93 (WKZW) through 1994, "Mix 93.3" prior to its conversion to Oldies/Classic Hits. The station is owned by [[Midwest Communications]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=WPBG |title=WPBG Facility Record |work=United States [[Federal Communications Commission]], audio division }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.arbitron.com/sip/displaySip.do?surveyID=SU08&band=fm&callLetter=WPBG|title=WPBG Station Information Profile|publisher=[[Arbitron]]}}</ref>
'''WPBG''' (93.3&nbsp;[[FM broadcasting|FM]]) is a [[radio station]] with a [[classic hits]] [[radio format|format]], and is licensed for [[Peoria, Illinois]]. The station was formerly known as 93.3 WMBD-FM, as well as KZ-93 (WKZW) through 1994, "Mix 93.3" prior to its conversion to oldies/classic hits. The station is owned by [[Midwest Communications, Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=WPBG |title=WPBG Facility Record |work=United States [[Federal Communications Commission]], audio division }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.arbitron.com/sip/displaySip.do?surveyID=SU08&band=fm&callLetter=WPBG|title=WPBG Station Information Profile|publisher=[[Arbitron]]}}</ref>


==HD Radio==
WPBG broadcasts in the [[HD Radio]] digital (hybrid) format:
WPBG broadcasts in the [[HD Radio]] digital (hybrid) format:
*'''HD1''' is a digital simulcast of the (traditional) analog format of [[classic hits]].
*HD1 is a digital simulcast of the (traditional) analog format of [[classic hits]].
*'''HD2''' is a simulcast of station [[WIRL]]'s oldies format.<ref>http://www.pjstar.com/news/20160317/peoria-radio-group-makes-move-to-hd</ref>
*HD2 is an oldies format known as 102.7 Super Hits, simulcast on [[FM translator]] W274BM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pjstar.com/news/20160317/peoria-radio-group-makes-move-to-hd|title = Peoria radio group makes move to HD}}</ref><ref name=freedom>{{Cite web |title=WIRL Moves From Superhits To Freedom |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/220645/wirl-moves-from-superhits-to-freedom/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US}}</ref>
*HD3 is a format known as Freedom 95.9, simulcast on [[WIRL]] and [[FM translator]] W240DM.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://freedom959.net|title=Conservative Talk - Freedom 95.9| access-date=2023-09-20}}</ref><ref name=freedom/>
*HD4 is a simulcast of longtime sister station [[WMBD (AM)|1470 WMBD]], also simulcast on [[FM translator]] W262BY.


==History==
==History==
{{refimprove section|date=March 2010}}
{{more citations needed section|date=March 2010}}
'''WMBD-FM''' was established in April 1947 with 17,000 watts on 92.5&nbsp;MHz as a sister station to 1470 WMBD (AM), the only other station in Peoria;<ref name="bc1948">{{cite book | url = http://www.davidgleason.com/Broadcasting%201948%20Yearbook%20Page%20Range%20Guide.htm | title = Broadcasting Yearbook Number | publisher = Broadcasting Publications | location = [[Washington, D.C.]] | year = 1948 | accessdate = 2010-08-30 }} Illinois AM stations on pages 94 & 98; Illinois FM stations on page 294. Page 326 shows 4 additional FM construction permits already in progress for Peoria.</ref> the nearest other FM station was 101.5 WJBC-FM (now [[WBNQ]]) in Bloomington, established the same month as a sister station of 1230 [[WJBC (AM)]].<ref name="bc1948"/><ref>{{cite news | url = http://jeff560.tripod.com/1948fm.html | title = U. S. FM Stations as of 1948 | work = History of American Broadcasting | publisher = Jeff Miller }} Using information from {{cite news | work = Radio Craft |date=June 1948 }} ISSN variously reported as 0033-7862, 1067-9278, or 1067-9286.</ref> By 1950, WMBD-FM was licensed for 20,000 watts.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://jeff560.tripod.com/1950fm.html | title = U. S. FM Stations as of 1950 | work = History of American Broadcasting | publisher = Jeff Miller }} Using information from 1950 ''[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting Yearbook]]''.</ref> WMBD-FM duplicated WMBD (AM) during its early years.<ref name="bc1959">See, for example, 1959 ''Broadcasting Yearbook'', page B-145</ref> It was sold (with AM and TV) to Fetzer Stations on February 1, 1953.<ref name="bc1959"/>
WMBD-FM was established in April 1947 with 17,000 watts on 92.5&nbsp;MHz as a sister station to 1470 WMBD (AM), the only other station in Peoria;<ref name="bc1948">{{cite book | url = http://www.davidgleason.com/Broadcasting%201948%20Yearbook%20Page%20Range%20Guide.htm | title = Broadcasting Yearbook Number | publisher = Broadcasting Publications | location = [[Washington, D.C.]] | year = 1948 | access-date = 2010-08-30 }} Illinois AM stations on pages 94 & 98; Illinois FM stations on page 294. Page 326 shows 4 additional FM construction permits already in progress for Peoria.</ref> the nearest other FM station was 101.5 WJBC-FM (now [[WBNQ]]) in Bloomington, established the same month as a sister station of 1230 [[WJBC (AM)]].<ref name="bc1948"/><ref>{{cite news | url = http://jeff560.tripod.com/1948fm.html | title = U. S. FM Stations as of 1948 | work = History of American Broadcasting | publisher = Jeff Miller }} ISSN variously reported as 0033-7862, 1067-9278, or 1067-9286.</ref> By 1950, WMBD-FM was licensed for 20,000 watts.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://jeff560.tripod.com/1950fm.html | title = U. S. FM Stations as of 1950 | work = History of American Broadcasting | publisher = Jeff Miller }} Using information from 1950 ''[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting Yearbook]]''.</ref> WMBD-FM duplicated WMBD (AM) during its early years.<ref name="bc1959">See, for example, 1959 ''Broadcasting Yearbook'', page B-145</ref> It was sold (with AM and TV) to Fetzer Stations on February 1, 1953.<ref name="bc1959"/>


The station signed-on as with a beautiful music format and utilized the slogan "Music ''Only'' For a Woman".{{citation needed|date=August 2010}} The station was originally on 92.5&nbsp;MHz but moved to 93.3&nbsp;MHz in the early 1960s.
The station signed on as with a beautiful music format and utilized the slogan "Music ''Only'' For a Woman".{{citation needed|date=August 2010}} The station was originally on 92.5&nbsp;MHz but moved to 93.3&nbsp;MHz in the early 1960s.


For several years, WMBD-FM went by the slogan of '''Rock 93'''. Then, in late 1977, the station adopted a Rock-leaning Top 40/CHR format as '''WKZW''', calling itself ''"KZ93"''.<ref>[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1979/C-All%20%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201979-12.pdf]</ref> The station was successful immediately and rapidly overtook Top 40 [[Amplitude Modulation|AM]] WIRL in the ratings. <!-- feel free to challenge the following information -->In late 1983, WKZW started a transition from being a rock-based [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR]] format to a mainstream CHR format. KZ93 ZJs included Tommy Wood, Mark Maloney, Gary Olson, Jeffrey Moore, Cristy Ryan, Keith Edwards, Scott Wheeler, Gene Stern, Derek Johnson, Lee Malcolm, Kenneth "Ken Cook" Hackney, Troy Hamilton, Jefffrey Kingsley, Glen Thomas, Kenny Blum, with Andy Masur, Ray Price, Charlie Quinn, Steve Rodeo and Danny Baker. '''"KZ-93"''' was at or near the top of the ratings in the Peoria radio market throughout its reign as the premiere Top 40/CHR outlet in all of Central Illinois, but by the early 1990s, the ratings began to falter.<ref> "KZ-93 Attempting To Win Back Twentysomething Radio Crowd; Rock Radio Station Begins Pulling Away From A Dying Format," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 2, 1993.</ref><ref> "KZ-93 Goal Remains Unclear," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 11, 1993.</ref> Then, on April 7, 1994, WKZW flipped to a [[Hot AC|hot adult contemporary]] format as '''WMXP''' and the slogan '''"Mix 93.3"'''.<ref> "KZ-93 (And Voices) Are No More," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 8, 1994.</ref><ref> "Now 93.3 Will Offer a Music Mix," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 10, 1994.</ref> The station ran most of its music off of analog broadcast carts during this era (when many stations were converting to CD and/or computer audio playback). During the "Mix" years, the morning show was hosted by Dave Kallaway and Beck Ryan. Other jocks included Gene Stern, Scott Wheeler (now{{when|date=August 2010}} afternoons on [[WCIC]] Pekin as Steve Brown), Mary Lynn, Chris McIntyre (now program director and mornings on WKAY-FM in Galesburg, Illinois), Keith Kelly and Joe Crain (now meteorologist at [[WICS-TV]] in Springfield). Also, for a portion of its time as '''"Mix 93.3"''', the morning radio show was simulcast with the television show on sister station [[WMBD-TV]]. This simulcast show was known as '''"The Morning Mix"'''. The simulcast ended in late 1996. On March 10, 1997, the station flipped to an oldies format as '''"Big Oldies 93.3"''' and adopted the current call sign.<ref> "WMXP's New Mix Will Focus on Rock from Mid 60's; Switch Leaves Peoria With Only One 'Classic Rock' Radio Station," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', March 9, 1997.</ref> At that time, '''"The Morning Mix"''' continued on WMBD-TV for quite some time. The station used the '''"Big Oldies 93.3"''' slogan before the current format of classic hits was adopted in August 2006.<ref> "On the air - Station mix-up befuddles listeners," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', September 3, 2006.</ref>
For several years, WMBD-FM went by the slogan of "Rock 93". Then, in late 1977, the station adopted a Rock-leaning Top 40/CHR format as WKZW, calling itself ''"KZ93"''.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1979/C-All%20%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201979-12.pdf |archive-date=2020-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630093516/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1979/C-All%20%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201979-12.pdf | title=Facilities of Radio}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> The station was successful immediately and rapidly overtook Top 40 [[Amplitude Modulation|AM]] WIRL in the ratings. <!-- feel free to challenge the following information -->In late 1983, WKZW started a transition from being a rock-based [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR]] format to a mainstream CHR format. The KZ93 KZJs included Tommy Wood, Mark Maloney, Gary Olson, Jeffrey Moore, Cristy Ryan, Keith Edwards, Scott Wheeler, Gene Stern, Derek Johnson, Lee Malcolm, Kenneth "Ken Cook" Hackney, Troy Hamilton, Jeffrey Kingsley, Glen Thomas, Kenny Blum, with Andy Masur, Ray Price, Charlie Quinn, Steve Rodeo and Danny Baker. KZ93 was at or near the top of the ratings in the Peoria radio market throughout its reign as the premiere Top 40/CHR outlet in all of Central Illinois, but by the early 1990s, the ratings began to falter.<ref>"KZ-93 Attempting To Win Back Twentysomething Radio Crowd; Rock Radio Station Begins Pulling Away From A Dying Format," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 2, 1993.</ref><ref>"KZ-93 Goal Remains Unclear," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 11, 1993.</ref>
On April 7, 1994, WKZW flipped to a [[Hot AC|hot adult contemporary]] format as WMXP and the slogan "Mix 93.3".<ref>"KZ-93 (And Voices) Are No More," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 8, 1994.</ref><ref>"Now 93.3 Will Offer a Music Mix," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', April 10, 1994.</ref> The station ran most of its music off of analog broadcast carts during this era (when many stations were converting to CD and/or computer audio playback). During the "Mix" years, the morning show was hosted by Dave Kallaway and Beck Ryan. Other jocks included Gene Stern, Scott Wheeler (now{{when|date=August 2010}} afternoons on [[WCIC]] Pekin as Rob Brown), Mary Lynn, Chris McIntyre (now program director and mornings on [[WKAY]] in Galesburg, Illinois), Keith Kelly and Joe Crain (now meteorologist at [[WICS-TV]] in Springfield). Also, for a portion of its time as "Mix 93.3", the morning radio show was simulcast with the television show on sister station [[WMBD-TV]]. This simulcast show was known as "The Morning Mix". The simulcast ended in late 1996. On March 10, 1997, the station flipped to an oldies format as "Big Oldies 93.3" and adopted the current call sign.<ref>"WMXP's New Mix Will Focus on Rock from Mid 60's; Switch Leaves Peoria With Only One 'Classic Rock' Radio Station," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', March 9, 1997.</ref> At that time, "The Morning Mix" continued on WMBD-TV for quite some time. The station used the "Big Oldies 93.3" slogan before the current format of classic hits was adopted in August 2006.<ref>"On the air - Station mix-up befuddles listeners," ''The Peoria Journal-Star'', September 3, 2006.</ref>


The station was recently owned by [[Triad Broadcasting]]. Sister stations include [[WIRL]], WMBD (AM), WDQX (now [[WKZF]]), WXCL and WSWT. Effective May 1, 2013, Triad sold WPBG and 29 other stations to L&L Broadcasting for $21 million.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/79785/larry-wilson-acquires-triad-broadcasting/ Larry Wilson Acquires Triad Broadcasting]</ref> L&L would merge with [[Alpha Media]] in April 2014.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/87668/alpha-and-l-acquire-main-line-broadcasting/ Alpha and L&L To Merge; Acquire Main Line Broadcasting]</ref>
The station was recently owned by [[Triad Broadcasting]]. Sister stations include [[WIRL]], WMBD (AM), WDQX (now [[WKZF]]), WXCL and WSWT. Effective May 1, 2013, Triad sold WPBG and 29 other stations to L&L Broadcasting for $21 million.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/79785/larry-wilson-acquires-triad-broadcasting/ Larry Wilson Acquires Triad Broadcasting]</ref> L&L would merge with [[Alpha Media]] in April 2014.<ref>[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/87668/alpha-and-l-acquire-main-line-broadcasting/ Alpha and L&L To Merge; Acquire Main Line Broadcasting]</ref>


On February 4, 2019, Alpha Media announced that it would sell its Peoria cluster to [[Midwest Communications]] for $21.6 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Midwest Communications Acquires Alpha Media's Peoria Stations |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/174257/midwest-communications-acquires-alpha-medias-peoria-stations/ |website=RadioInsight |date=6 February 2019}}</ref>. {{cns|date=February 2020|The sale closed on May 1, 2019.}}
On February 4, 2019, Alpha Media announced that it would sell its Peoria cluster to [[Midwest Communications]] for $21.6 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Midwest Communications Acquires Alpha Media's Peoria Stations |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/174257/midwest-communications-acquires-alpha-medias-peoria-stations/ |website=RadioInsight |date=6 February 2019}}</ref> {{cns|date=February 2020|The sale closed on April 30, 2019.}}


==References==
==References==
Line 50: Line 57:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{FM station data|WPBG}}
*{{FM station data|42114|WPBG}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|152553|W240DM}}
*{{FMQ|W274BM}}
*{{FXL|W240DM}}
*{{FCC-LMS-Facility|149364|W274BM}}
*{{FXL|W274BM}}
*{{FXL|W274BM}}


{{Peoria Radio}}
{{Peoria Radio}}
⚫
{{Midwest Communications}}
{{Classic Hits Radio Stations in Illinois}}
{{Classic Hits Radio Stations in Illinois}}
⚫
{{Midwest Communications}}


[[Category:Classic hits radio stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Peoria, Illinois|PBG]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Peoria, Illinois|PBG]]

Latest revision as of 19:01, 15 September 2024

WPBG
Broadcast areaPeoria
Frequency93.3 MHz (HD Radio)
Branding93.3 The Drive
Programming
FormatClassic hits
Subchannels
Ownership
Owner
WMBD, WKZF, WIRL, WSWT, WXCL
History
First air date
April 1947 (1947-04) (as WMBD-FM at 92.5)[1]
Former call signs
  • WMBD-FM (1947–1977)
  • WKZW (1977–1994)
  • WMXP (1994–1997)
Former frequencies
92.5 MHz (1947–1960s)
Call sign meaning
"Peoria's Big Oldies" (former branding)
Technical information[2]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID42114
ClassB
ERP41,000 watts
HAAT168 meters (551 ft)
Transmitter coordinates
40°38′7.00″N 89°32′19.00″W / 40.6352778°N 89.5386111°W / 40.6352778; -89.5386111
Translator(s)
  • HD2: 102.7 W274BM (Peoria)
  • HD3: 95.9 W240DM (Peoria)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Listen Live (HD2)
Websitewww.933thedrive.com
1027superhits.com (HD2)

WPBG (93.3 FM) is a radio station with a classic hits format, and is licensed for Peoria, Illinois. The station was formerly known as 93.3 WMBD-FM, as well as KZ-93 (WKZW) through 1994, "Mix 93.3" prior to its conversion to oldies/classic hits. The station is owned by Midwest Communications, Inc.[3][4]

HD Radio

[edit]

WPBG broadcasts in the HD Radio digital (hybrid) format:

History

[edit]

WMBD-FM was established in April 1947 with 17,000 watts on 92.5 MHz as a sister station to 1470 WMBD (AM), the only other station in Peoria;[1] the nearest other FM station was 101.5 WJBC-FM (now WBNQ) in Bloomington, established the same month as a sister station of 1230 WJBC (AM).[1][8] By 1950, WMBD-FM was licensed for 20,000 watts.[9] WMBD-FM duplicated WMBD (AM) during its early years.[10] It was sold (with AM and TV) to Fetzer Stations on February 1, 1953.[10]

The station signed on as with a beautiful music format and utilized the slogan "Music Only For a Woman".[citation needed] The station was originally on 92.5 MHz but moved to 93.3 MHz in the early 1960s.

For several years, WMBD-FM went by the slogan of "Rock 93". Then, in late 1977, the station adopted a Rock-leaning Top 40/CHR format as WKZW, calling itself "KZ93".[11] The station was successful immediately and rapidly overtook Top 40 AM WIRL in the ratings. In late 1983, WKZW started a transition from being a rock-based CHR format to a mainstream CHR format. The KZ93 KZJs included Tommy Wood, Mark Maloney, Gary Olson, Jeffrey Moore, Cristy Ryan, Keith Edwards, Scott Wheeler, Gene Stern, Derek Johnson, Lee Malcolm, Kenneth "Ken Cook" Hackney, Troy Hamilton, Jeffrey Kingsley, Glen Thomas, Kenny Blum, with Andy Masur, Ray Price, Charlie Quinn, Steve Rodeo and Danny Baker. KZ93 was at or near the top of the ratings in the Peoria radio market throughout its reign as the premiere Top 40/CHR outlet in all of Central Illinois, but by the early 1990s, the ratings began to falter.[12][13]

On April 7, 1994, WKZW flipped to a hot adult contemporary format as WMXP and the slogan "Mix 93.3".[14][15] The station ran most of its music off of analog broadcast carts during this era (when many stations were converting to CD and/or computer audio playback). During the "Mix" years, the morning show was hosted by Dave Kallaway and Beck Ryan. Other jocks included Gene Stern, Scott Wheeler (now[when?] afternoons on WCIC Pekin as Rob Brown), Mary Lynn, Chris McIntyre (now program director and mornings on WKAY in Galesburg, Illinois), Keith Kelly and Joe Crain (now meteorologist at WICS-TV in Springfield). Also, for a portion of its time as "Mix 93.3", the morning radio show was simulcast with the television show on sister station WMBD-TV. This simulcast show was known as "The Morning Mix". The simulcast ended in late 1996. On March 10, 1997, the station flipped to an oldies format as "Big Oldies 93.3" and adopted the current call sign.[16] At that time, "The Morning Mix" continued on WMBD-TV for quite some time. The station used the "Big Oldies 93.3" slogan before the current format of classic hits was adopted in August 2006.[17]

The station was recently owned by Triad Broadcasting. Sister stations include WIRL, WMBD (AM), WDQX (now WKZF), WXCL and WSWT. Effective May 1, 2013, Triad sold WPBG and 29 other stations to L&L Broadcasting for $21 million.[18] L&L would merge with Alpha Media in April 2014.[19]

On February 4, 2019, Alpha Media announced that it would sell its Peoria cluster to Midwest Communications for $21.6 million.[20] The sale closed on April 30, 2019.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Broadcasting Yearbook Number. Washington, D.C.: Broadcasting Publications. 1948. Retrieved 2010-08-30. Illinois AM stations on pages 94 & 98; Illinois FM stations on page 294. Page 326 shows 4 additional FM construction permits already in progress for Peoria.
  2. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WPBG". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  3. ^ "WPBG Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  4. ^ "WPBG Station Information Profile". Arbitron.
  5. ^ "Peoria radio group makes move to HD".
  6. ^ a b "WIRL Moves From Superhits To Freedom". RadioInsight. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  7. ^ "Conservative Talk - Freedom 95.9". Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  8. ^ "U. S. FM Stations as of 1948". History of American Broadcasting. Jeff Miller. ISSN variously reported as 0033-7862, 1067-9278, or 1067-9286.
  9. ^ "U. S. FM Stations as of 1950". History of American Broadcasting. Jeff Miller. Using information from 1950 Broadcasting Yearbook.
  10. ^ a b See, for example, 1959 Broadcasting Yearbook, page B-145
  11. ^ "Facilities of Radio" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-06-30.[dead link‍]
  12. ^ "KZ-93 Attempting To Win Back Twentysomething Radio Crowd; Rock Radio Station Begins Pulling Away From A Dying Format," The Peoria Journal-Star, April 2, 1993.
  13. ^ "KZ-93 Goal Remains Unclear," The Peoria Journal-Star, April 11, 1993.
  14. ^ "KZ-93 (And Voices) Are No More," The Peoria Journal-Star, April 8, 1994.
  15. ^ "Now 93.3 Will Offer a Music Mix," The Peoria Journal-Star, April 10, 1994.
  16. ^ "WMXP's New Mix Will Focus on Rock from Mid 60's; Switch Leaves Peoria With Only One 'Classic Rock' Radio Station," The Peoria Journal-Star, March 9, 1997.
  17. ^ "On the air - Station mix-up befuddles listeners," The Peoria Journal-Star, September 3, 2006.
  18. ^ Larry Wilson Acquires Triad Broadcasting
  19. ^ Alpha and L&L To Merge; Acquire Main Line Broadcasting
  20. ^ "Midwest Communications Acquires Alpha Media's Peoria Stations". RadioInsight. 6 February 2019.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=WPBG&oldid=1245893665"