WTQR: Difference between revisions

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imported>Ser Amantio di Nicolao
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imported>Gregg - nh153
add transmitter, history and programming info
 
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name             = WTQR
| name               = WTQR
| logo             = WTQR Logo.png
| logo               = WTQR Logo.png
| city             = [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]]
| city               = [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]]
| country          = US
| area               = [[Piedmont Triad]]  
| area             = [[Piedmont Triad]]
| branding           = ''Q104.1''
| branding         = ''Q104.1''
| frequency           = 104.1 [[MHz]] {{HD Radio}}
| frequency       = 104.1 [[MHz]] {{HD Radio}}
| translator         =
| translator       =
| airdate             = {{start date and age|1947|12|1}} (as WSJS-FM)
| airdate         = {{start date|1958}} (as WSJS-FM)
| format             = [[Country music|Country]]
| format           = [[Country music|Country]]
| erp                 = 100,000 [[watt]]s
| erp             = 100,000 [[watt]]s
| haat               = {{convert|528|meters}}
| haat             = {{convert|528|meters}}
| class               = C
| class           = C
| facility_id         = 58392
| facility_id     = 58392
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| licensing_authority = [[FCC]]
| coordinates     = {{coord|36|22|36.9|N|80|22|7.8|W|type:landmark_region:US-NC|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates         = {{coord|36|22|36.9|N|80|22|7.8|W|type:landmark_region:US-NC|display=inline,title}}
| callsign_meaning = "We Are Triad Quality Radio"
| callsign_meaning   = "Triad Quality Radio"
| former_callsigns = WSJS-FM (1958–1974)
| former_callsigns   = WSJS-FM (1958–1974)
| affiliations     = {{ubl|[[Motor Racing Network]]|[[Premiere Networks]]}}
| affiliations       = [[Premiere Networks]]
| owner           = [[iHeartMedia]]
| owner               = [[iHeartMedia]]
| licensee         = iHM Licenses, LLC
| licensee           = iHM Licenses, LLC
| sister_stations = [[WPTI]], [[WMAG]], [[WMKS]], [[WVBZ]]
| sister_stations     = [[WPTI]], [[WMAG]], [[WMKS]], [[WVBZ]]
| webcast         = {{iHeartRadio|q1041-1625}}
| webcast             = {{iHeartRadio|q1041-1625}}
| website         = {{URL|https://q1041.iheart.com/}}
| website             = {{URL|https://q1041.iheart.com/}}
}}
}}


'''WTQR''' (104.1 [[FM broadcasting|FM]], "Q104.1") is a [[country music]] [[radio station|station]] licensed to [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]] and serves the [[Piedmont Triad]] region, including [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]] and [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]]. Owned and operated by [[iHeartMedia]], the station broadcasts at 104.1 MHz with an ERP of 100 kW.  It has studio facilities and offices located on Pai Park in Greensboro, and a transmitter site is located atop Sauratown Mountain near [[Pinnacle, North Carolina]].  They are one of three country music outlets in the market; [[WPAW]] and [[WBRF]] are the others.
'''WTQR''' (104.1 [[FM broadcasting|FM]], "Q104.1") is a [[commercial radio|commercial]] [[radio station]] licensed to [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]], and serves the [[Piedmont Triad]], including [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]] and [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]]. It airs a [[country music]] [[radio format|format]] and is owned by [[iHeartMedia, Inc.]]  It carries two [[radio syndication|nationally syndicated]] country music programs: ''[[The Bobby Bones Show]]'', based in [[Nashville]], is heard in morning [[drive time]]. ''[[Granger Smith|After Midnite with Granger Smith]]'' airs overnight.  The studio facilities and offices are on Pai Park in Greensboro.
 
WTQR has an [[effective radiated power]] (ERP) of 100,000 [[watt]]s, the maximum for most stations.  The [[transmitter]] site is atop [[Sauratown Mountains|Sauratown Mountain]] near [[Pinnacle, North Carolina]].  It is one of three country music outlets in the market; [[WPAW]] and [[WBRF]] are the others.


==History==
==History==
WSJS-FM began broadcasting December 1, 1947, on 104.1&nbsp;MHz with full effective radiated power of 48 KW. It was licensed to Piedmont Publishing Company.<ref>{{cite news|title=WSJS-FM Winston-Salem Is Launched on 104.1 Mc|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1947/1947-12-08-BC.pdf|access-date=25 October 2014|agency=Broadcasting|date=December 8, 1947}}</ref> The tower was on what was then [[U.S. Highway 421]] and was later used for a TV station. Some of the programming was the same as that of [[WSJS]].<ref name="Barron 1966">{{cite news|title=Piano Music From Prison Thrilled Early Radio Fans Here|last=Barron|first=Richard|work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]]|date=April 10, 1966|page=J8}}</ref>
===Classical and Easy Listening===
The station [[signed on]] the air on {{start date and age|1947|12|1}}.<ref>[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1977/C%20Section%20Radio%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201977%20P-6.pdf ''Broadcasting Yearbook 1977'' page C-157. Retrieved June 23, 2025.]</ref>  Its first [[call sign]] was WSJS-FM. It was owned by the Piedmont Publishing Company and was a [[sister station]] to [[WSJS]] 600 AM.<ref>{{cite news|title=WSJS-FM Winston-Salem Is Launched on 104.1 Mc|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1947/1947-12-08-BC.pdf|access-date=25 October 2014|agency=Broadcasting|date=December 8, 1947}}</ref> The tower was on what was then [[U.S. Highway 421]] and was later used for a TV station. WSJS-FM was originally powered at 48,000 watts and most of its programming was [[simulcast]] from WSJS 600.<ref name="Barron 1966">{{cite news|title=Piano Music From Prison Thrilled Early Radio Fans Here|last=Barron|first=Richard|work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]]|date=April 10, 1966|page=J8}}</ref>  In 1953, Piedmont Publishing added a television station, WSJS-TV channel 12 (now [[WXII-TV]]).<ref>[https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1977/B%20Section%20TV%20Broadcasting%20Yearbook%201977%20P-5.pdf ''Broadcasting Yearbook 1977'' page B-122. Retrieved June 23, 2025.]</ref>


WSJS-FM played [[Classical music|classical]] and [[beautiful music|semi-classical music]] after the owners of [[WTOB (AM)|WAAA]] purchased [[WKZL|WYFS]],<ref>"Classical Music Plans Set," ''Twin City Sentinel'', July 21, 1966.</ref> and offered an [[easy listening]] format until 1974{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}}. On November 10, 1972, WSJS and WSJS-FM announced a move to a building built for [[IBM]] in 1961 after IBM moved out.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/937115467/?match=1&clipping_id=136154761|title=Triangle Broadcasting Buys Offices|last=Bost|first=Sid|work=[[Twin City Sentinel]]|date=November 10, 1972|page=5|via=[[newspapers.com]]}}</ref>
After the owners of [[WTOB (AM)|WAAA]] purchased [[WKZL|WYFS]], the company ended the [[classical music]] format on 107.5 FM.  That prompted WSJS-FM to air a mix of classical and [[beautiful music]].<ref>"Classical Music Plans Set," ''Twin City Sentinel'', July 21, 1966.</ref> Over time, the classical selections were dropped and more vocals were added.  WSJS-FM aired an [[easy listening]] format until the early 1970s. On November 10, 1972, WSJS and WSJS-FM announced they would be moving their studios and offices to a building originally constructed for [[IBM]] in 1961.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/937115467/?match=1&clipping_id=136154761|title=Triangle Broadcasting Buys Offices|last=Bost|first=Sid|work=[[Twin City Sentinel]]|date=November 10, 1972|page=5|via=[[newspapers.com]]}}</ref>


WSJS, WSJS-FM and WSJS-TV had been owned by Piedmont Publishing, owners of [[The Winston-Salem Journal]] and [[Twin City Sentinel|The Twin City Sentinel]], Winston-Salem's two newspapers, until 1969. Gordon Gray, who had owned the newspapers and the broadcast stations, wanted to sell the FM station.<ref>Roger Moore, "WSJS, City's First Radio Station Was Born and Raised in the Journal Newsroom," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', April 3, 1997.</ref> However, Roger Stockton believed in the future of FM while most people did not. Stockton spent 22 years at WSJS and WTQR, starting by selling commercials, and was WSJS sales manager by 1969. WSJS was number one in the Triad, and management feared losing that status if the FM became popular. [[Curly Howard (DJ)|Curly Howard]] of [[WSMX (AM)|WKBX]] told Stockton he should do country on FM, and Summit Communications president Lee Wallenhaupt and executive vice president Richard Barron supported letting Stockton take the FM station in a new direction. For one thing, country music was changing from a "twangy" sound to one based on orchestras. Stockton sold national advertising but aired it for free at first, charging advertisers once the station proved itself. By 1976, WTQR was number one in the market, though WSJS held on to the top spot among AMs. Stockton became vice president and general manager of the radio stations in 1979, staying until the stations were sold.<ref>"Retired Radio Executive Turning Down the Volume," ''Greensboro News & Record'', June 3, 2007.</ref><ref>Joe DePriest, "Back on the Air Just Like Family, Curly Howard Is There to Chat Every Morning," ''The Charlotte Observer'', July 15, 1992.</ref>
===Switch to Country===
Piedmont Publishing, in addition to owning WSJS-AM-FM-TV, also owned ''[[The Winston-Salem Journal]]'' and ''[[Twin City Sentinel|The Twin City Sentinel]]'', Winston-Salem's two daily newspapers.  In 1969, Gordon Gray, the head of Piedmont Publishing, wanted to sell the FM station.<ref>Roger Moore, "WSJS, City's First Radio Station Was Born and Raised in the Journal Newsroom," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', April 3, 1997.</ref> However, Roger Stockton believed in the future of FM radio in an era where only some people owned FM receivers. Stockton spent 22 years at WSJS and WSJS-FM/WTQR.  He began by selling commercials, and was WSJS sales manager by 1969. WSJS was number one in the Triad, and management feared losing that status if the FM station became popular. [[Curly Howard (DJ)|Curly Howard]] of [[WSMX (AM)|WKBX]] told Stockton he should play country music on FM, with Stockton agreeing. Summit Communications president Lee Wallenhaupt and executive vice president Richard Barron supported letting Stockton take the FM station in a new direction. In this era, country music began developing a more mainstream, mass-appeal sound.  


In January 1987, Summit Communications Inc. was in the process of selling WSJS and WTQR.<ref>"The Carolinas," ''The Charlotte Observer'', January 14, 1987.</ref>
The station began playing country music in 1974, at first using [[broadcast automation|automation]] instead of [[disc jockey]]s.  The call letters were changed to WTQR, standing for the "Triad's Quality Radio."  Stockton sold national advertising but did not attempt to sell commercials to local advertisers.  He said that would happen once the station proved itself. By 1976, WTQR was number one in the market, though WSJS held on to the top spot among AM stations. Stockton became vice president and general manager of the radio stations in 1979, staying until the stations were sold.<ref>"Retired Radio Executive Turning Down the Volume," ''Greensboro News & Record'', June 3, 2007.</ref><ref>Joe DePriest, "Back on the Air Just Like Family, Curly Howard Is There to Chat Every Morning," ''The Charlotte Observer'', July 15, 1992.</ref>


In Fall 1989, WTQR was still number one as usual in the [[Arbitron]] ratings, but not by as large a margin as before.<ref>Andy Duncan, "WTQR Stays at Top, But Others Gaining," ''Greensboro News & Record'', January 26, 1990.</ref>
===Station personalities===
Dale Mitchell and Aunt Eloise (revealed in 2008 to be Toby Young<ref name=eloise>Tim Clodfelter, "Aunt Eloise Is Out of WTQR Family, ''Winston-Salem Journal'', October 4, 2008.</ref>), morning hosts on WTQR for three years, were nominated for [[Country Music Association]] Broadcast Personality of the Year in 1990. Before discussing "everything from politics to 'possums" they would bang pots and pans.<ref>"Two from WTQR in Contest Finals," ''Greensboro News & Record'', July 23, 1990.</ref> Billy Buck was Aunt Eloise's partner before moving to [[WJMH|WBIG]].<ref>Andy Duncan, "He's a Little Bit Country, and Billy Buck Plans to Stay That Way," ''Greensboro News & Record'', May 18, 1990.</ref> "Big Paul" Franklin and Aunt Eloise, who teamed up in 1994, won the CMA Morning Show of the Year award (large markets) in 1997,<ref>"Local Radio Personalities Win Country Music Award," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 21, 1997</ref> and WTQR won Station of the Year (large markets) in 1998<ref>Jeri Rowe, "WTQR Wins the Oscar of Country Music," ''Greensboro News & Record'', September 3, 1998.</ref> and 2002.<ref>Jamie Kritzer, "WTQR Named Country Station of the Year Again," ''Greensboro News & Record'' October 17, 2002.</ref> In March 1998, Big Paul and Aunt Eloise began airing their show on [[WSOC-FM]] in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]. some shows were done from Winston-Salem, and some from Charlotte.<ref>Dean Smith, "Country Radio Rivals Team Up on Hot Show," ''The Charlotte Observer'', February 22, 1998.</ref> The pairing lasted less than a year.<ref>Mark Washburn, "WSOC's Fall From Radio Grace: Top Dog to Underdog," ''The Charlotte Observer'', April 1, 2001.</ref> Big Paul, whose real name was Paul Fuller Jr., died in a motorcycle crash May 16, 2002 on [[U.S. Route 64|Highway 64]] outside [[Asheboro, North Carolina]].<ref>Patrick Wilson, "WTQR-FM's 'Big Paul' Franklin Is Killed in Wreck," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', May 17, 2002.</ref>  


Dale Mitchell and Aunt Eloise (revealed in 2008 to be Toby Young<ref name=eloise>Tim Clodfelter, "Aunt Eloise Is Out of WTQR Family, ''Winston-Salem Journal'', October 4, 2008.</ref>), morning hosts on WTQR for three years, were nominated for [[Country Music Association]] Broadcast Personality of the Year in 1990. Before discussing "everything from politics to 'possums" they would bang pots and pans.<ref>"Two from WTQR in Contest Finals," ''Greensboro News & Record'', July 23, 1990.</ref> Billy Buck was Aunt Eloise's partner before moving to [[WJMH|WBIG]].<ref>Andy Duncan, "He's a Little Bit Country, and Billy Buck Plans to Stay That Way," ''Greensboro News & Record'', May 18, 1990.</ref> "Big Paul" Franklin and Aunt Eloise, who teamed up in 1994, won the CMA Morning Show of the Year award (large markets) in 1997,<ref>"Local Radio Personalities Win Country Music Award," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 21, 1997</ref> and WTQR won Station of the Year (large markets) in 1998<ref>Jeri Rowe, "WTQR Wins the Oscar of Country Music," ''Greensboro News & Record'', September 3, 1998.</ref> and 2002.<ref>Jamie Kritzer, "WTQR Named Country Station of the Year Again," ''Greensboro News & Record'' October 17, 2002.</ref> In March 1998, Big Paul and Aunt Eloise began airing their show on [[WSOC-FM]] in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]. some shows were done from Winston-Salem, and some from Charlotte.<ref>Dean Smith, "Country Radio Rivals Team Up on Hot Show," ''The Charlotte Observer'', February 22, 1998.</ref> The pairing lasted less than a year.<ref>Mark Washburn, "WSOC's Fall From Radio Grace: Top Dog to Underdog," ''The Charlotte Observer'', April 1, 2001.</ref> Big Paul, whose real name was Paul Fuller Jr., died in a motorcycle crash May 16, 2002 on [[U.S. Route 64|Highway 64]] outside [[Asheboro, North Carolina]].<ref>Patrick Wilson, "WTQR-FM's 'Big Paul' Franklin Is Killed in Wreck," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', May 17, 2002.</ref> "Brother Bill" Dotson and Aunt Eloise were nominated for a CMA award in 2005.<ref>Monica Young, "WTQR Show Earns Nomination for Country-Music Radio Award," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', September 22, 2005.</ref> Aunt Eloise dismissed in 2008,<ref name=eloise/> replaced by Jeff Roper and [[Angie Ward]], who were nominated for [[Academy of Country Music]]  and Country Music Association broadcast personalities of the year (large markets) in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2009/02/09/daily46.html |title=Triad DJs up for country music award |date=Feb 11, 2009 |url-access=subscription |website=bizjournals.com |access-date=2023-03-06}}</ref> Despite critical accolades, "Jeff Roper In The Morning" ratings in key demographics began to deteriorate. Jeff Roper resigned in February 2012 after his show had consistently lost to the market's competing country morning show at WPAW.<ref>"All Access," ''www.AllAccess.com'', February, 2012.</ref>
"Brother Bill" Dotson and Aunt Eloise were nominated for a CMA award in 2005.<ref>Monica Young, "WTQR Show Earns Nomination for Country-Music Radio Award," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', September 22, 2005.</ref> Aunt Eloise dismissed in 2008,<ref name=eloise/> replaced by Jeff Roper and [[Angie Ward]], who were nominated for [[Academy of Country Music]]  and Country Music Association broadcast personalities of the year (large markets) in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2009/02/09/daily46.html |title=Triad DJs up for country music award |date=Feb 11, 2009 |url-access=subscription |website=bizjournals.com |access-date=2023-03-06}}</ref> Despite critical accolades, "Jeff Roper In The Morning" ratings in key demographics began to deteriorate. Jeff Roper resigned in February 2012 after his show had consistently lost to the market's competing country morning show at WPAW.<ref>"All Access," ''www.AllAccess.com'', February, 2012.</ref>


===Changes in ownership===
NewMarket Media Corp. sold WSJS and WTQR to Radio Equity Partners of [[Norwalk, Connecticut]], in a deal completed in April 1994 and worth in excess of $100 million, as the Connecticut company expanded into the Southeast, looking for the best stations possible.<ref>Sheila Long, "Top Triad Radio Stations to Be Sold; WTQR and WSJS Won't Change Formats," ''Greensboro News & Record'', December 29, 1993.</ref> Later in 1994, Radio Equity Partners also bought [[WPTI|WNEU]], switching that station from country to [[modern rock]].<ref>Mark Folk, "Ex-Country Station Ready to Rock 'n' Roll," ''Greensboro News & Record'', September 23, 1994</ref> In 1998, [[iHeartMedia]] (then known as Clear Channel Communications) bought WSJS, WTQR and [[WSML]].<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Radio Personality Lands at WSJS," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 13, 1998.</ref> That company's purchase of AMFM Inc. added [[WMFR]], [[WMAG]] and the market's other country radio station, [[WMKS|WHSL]], in 2000, though Clear Channel sold WMFR, WSJS, and WSML to [[CBS Radio|Infinity Broadcasting]].<ref>Melissa Midgett, "Three Local Radio Stadions Sold," ''Greensboro News & Record'', March 7, 2000.</ref> At the end of 2000, WHSL and WXRA traded frequencies, and WXRA became WWCC, a more classic-leaning station than WTQR;<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Two Local Radio Stations to Trade Frequencies," ''Greensboro News & Record'', December 21, 2000.</ref> that station changed from country early in 2003.<ref>"94.5 FM Says Bye to Country Hi to the Beat," ''Greensboro News & Record'', March 27, 2003.</ref> Also at the end of 2000, WTQR moved from Winston-Salem to Greensboro, the last commercial FM to do so.<ref>"Country Comes to Gate City, Continuing Radio Trend," ''Greensboro News & Record'', December 28, 2000.</ref>
NewMarket Media Corp. sold WSJS and WTQR to Radio Equity Partners of [[Norwalk, Connecticut]], in a deal completed in April 1994 and worth in excess of $100 million, as the Connecticut company expanded into the Southeast, looking for the best stations possible.<ref>Sheila Long, "Top Triad Radio Stations to Be Sold; WTQR and WSJS Won't Change Formats," ''Greensboro News & Record'', December 29, 1993.</ref> Later in 1994, Radio Equity Partners also bought [[WPTI|WNEU]], switching that station from country to [[modern rock]].<ref>Mark Folk, "Ex-Country Station Ready to Rock 'n' Roll," ''Greensboro News & Record'', September 23, 1994</ref> In 1998, [[iHeartMedia]] (then known as Clear Channel Communications) bought WSJS, WTQR and [[WSML]].<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Radio Personality Lands at WSJS," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 13, 1998.</ref> That company's purchase of AMFM Inc. added [[WMFR]], [[WMAG]] and the market's other country radio station, [[WMKS|WHSL]], in 2000, though Clear Channel sold WMFR, WSJS, and WSML to [[CBS Radio|Infinity Broadcasting]].<ref>Melissa Midgett, "Three Local Radio Stadions Sold," ''Greensboro News & Record'', March 7, 2000.</ref> At the end of 2000, WHSL and WXRA traded frequencies, and WXRA became WWCC, a more classic-leaning station than WTQR;<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Two Local Radio Stations to Trade Frequencies," ''Greensboro News & Record'', December 21, 2000.</ref> that station changed from country early in 2003.<ref>"94.5 FM Says Bye to Country Hi to the Beat," ''Greensboro News & Record'', March 27, 2003.</ref> Also at the end of 2000, WTQR moved from Winston-Salem to Greensboro, the last commercial FM to do so.<ref>"Country Comes to Gate City, Continuing Radio Trend," ''Greensboro News & Record'', December 28, 2000.</ref>


In Spring 1995, although still number one with all listeners 12 and over, WTQR lost to [[WKZL]] among listeners ages 25 to 54 in the morning.<ref>Leigh Pressley, "The Eagle Glides to Ratings Summit," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 5, 1995.</ref> A year later, WKZL did it again, this time also winning with the same age group for all daytime hours.<ref>Ethan Pines, "Radio Stations Scramble for Ratings Points," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 20, 1996.</ref> In Fall 1996, WTQR lost to [[WQMG]] among the 25-to-54 audience.<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Changes on Radio Dial Pay Off in High Ratings," ''Greensboro News & Record'', February 1, 1997.</ref> WTQR finally lost its top position (to [[WJMH]]) among all listeners in Fall 1998, for the first time since [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]] and Winston-Salem became one market in the 1970s.<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Hip-Hopping 102 JAMZ Knocks Off WTQR," ''Greensboro News & Record'', February 18, 1999.</ref> In Spring 2008, WTQR was no longer the number one country station among all listeners, having been replaced by WPAW,<ref>
In Spring 1995, although still number one with all listeners 12 and over, WTQR lost to [[WKZL]] among listeners ages 25 to 54 in the morning.<ref>Leigh Pressley, "The Eagle Glides to Ratings Summit," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 5, 1995.</ref> A year later, WKZL did it again, this time also winning with the same age group for all daytime hours.<ref>Ethan Pines, "Radio Stations Scramble for Ratings Points," ''Greensboro News & Record'', August 20, 1996.</ref> In Fall 1996, WTQR lost to [[WQMG]] among the 25-to-54 audience.<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Changes on Radio Dial Pay Off in High Ratings," ''Greensboro News & Record'', February 1, 1997.</ref> WTQR finally lost its top position (to [[WJMH]]) among all listeners in Fall 1998, for the first time since [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], [[High Point, North Carolina|High Point]] and Winston-Salem became one market in the 1970s.<ref>Jeri Rowe, "Hip-Hopping 102 JAMZ Knocks Off WTQR," ''Greensboro News & Record'', February 18, 1999.</ref> In Spring 2008, WTQR was no longer the number one country station among all listeners, having been replaced by WPAW.<ref>{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504080358/http://www.radio-info.com:80/content/arbitron.php?market=045 |archive-date=May 4, 2008 |title=Arbitron Ratings |access-date=2023-03-06}}</ref> WPAW had flipped to country music in October 2006.<ref>Tim Clodfelter, "Greensboro's Oldies 93 Goes Country," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', October 5, 2006.</ref>
 
{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504080358/http://www.radio-info.com:80/content/arbitron.php?market=045 |archive-date=May 4, 2008 |title=Arbitron Ratings |access-date=2023-03-06}}</ref> which went country in October 2006.<ref>Tim Clodfelter, "Greensboro's Oldies 93 Goes Country," ''Winston-Salem Journal'', October 5, 2006.</ref>
 
On August 5, 2011 at exactly 1:04 PM [[Eastern Time Zone|EDT]], WTQR relaunched as '''Q104.1''', with the commitment to play more contemporary country music. The station had been "under construction" for most of the summer, and a relaunch/rebranding had been in the works.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/52924/104-1-wtqr-to-finish-reconstruction/|title = 104.1 WTQR Rebuilds as Q104.1| date=5 August 2011 }}</ref> Changes included <ref name="countryaircheck.com">[https://www.countryaircheck.com/pdf_publication/Issue_300%20-%20June%2025,%202012.pdf Country Aircheck Weekly], June 25, 2012</ref> [[Angie Ward]] as the lone holdover after the relaunch, moving from mornings to midday. David Dean joined the station in January 2012 as APD/afternoon host. Tige & Daniel joined in April 2012 for mornings. Evenings are hosted by Dusty.


By February 2012 WTQR had climbed into a virtual dead heat with WPAW for the country crown among adults P25-54.<ref name="countryaircheck.com"/>  In July WTQR pulled into the lead where it remains.
On August 5, 2011 at exactly 1:04 PM, WTQR relaunched as "Q104.1."  It changed its [[playlist]] to concentrate on more contemporary country music. The station had been "under construction" for most of the summer, and a relaunch/rebranding had been in the works.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/52924/104-1-wtqr-to-finish-reconstruction/|title = 104.1 WTQR Rebuilds as Q104.1| date=5 August 2011 }}</ref> Changes included <ref name="countryaircheck.com">[https://www.countryaircheck.com/pdf_publication/Issue_300%20-%20June%2025,%202012.pdf Country Aircheck Weekly], June 25, 2012</ref>  DJ [[Angie Ward]] was the lone holdover after the relaunch, moving from mornings to midday. David Dean joined the station in January 2012 as APD/afternoon host. Tige & Daniel joined in April 2012 for mornings. Evenings were hosted by Dusty.


==Sports programs==
===Sports coverage===
WTQR was a local affiliate for [[NASCAR]] [[Sprint Cup Series]] racing, carrying [[Motor Racing Network|MRN]] events & programs until 2011,<ref>http://eastgreensboro.myfox8.com/content/wsjs-carrying-nascar-radio-triad, FOX 8, January 25, 2011</ref> and [[Performance Racing Network|PRN]] events & programs until 2000.
WTQR was a local [[network affiliate|affiliate]] for [[NASCAR]] [[Sprint Cup Series]] racing.  It carried [[Motor Racing Network]] (MRN) events & programs until 2011.<ref>http://eastgreensboro.myfox8.com/content/wsjs-carrying-nascar-radio-triad, FOX 8, January 25, 2011</ref> [[Performance Racing Network]] (PRN) events and programs aired until 2000.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 21:25, 23 June 2025

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WTQR (104.1 FM, "Q104.1") is a commercial radio station licensed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and serves the Piedmont Triad, including Greensboro and High Point. It airs a country music format and is owned by iHeartMedia, Inc. It carries two nationally syndicated country music programs: The Bobby Bones Show, based in Nashville, is heard in morning drive time. After Midnite with Granger Smith airs overnight. The studio facilities and offices are on Pai Park in Greensboro.

WTQR has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 watts, the maximum for most stations. The transmitter site is atop Sauratown Mountain near Pinnacle, North Carolina. It is one of three country music outlets in the market; WPAW and WBRF are the others.

History

Classical and Easy Listening

The station signed on the air on Template:Start date and age.[1] Its first call sign was WSJS-FM. It was owned by the Piedmont Publishing Company and was a sister station to WSJS 600 AM.[2] The tower was on what was then U.S. Highway 421 and was later used for a TV station. WSJS-FM was originally powered at 48,000 watts and most of its programming was simulcast from WSJS 600.[3] In 1953, Piedmont Publishing added a television station, WSJS-TV channel 12 (now WXII-TV).[4]

After the owners of WAAA purchased WYFS, the company ended the classical music format on 107.5 FM. That prompted WSJS-FM to air a mix of classical and beautiful music.[5] Over time, the classical selections were dropped and more vocals were added. WSJS-FM aired an easy listening format until the early 1970s. On November 10, 1972, WSJS and WSJS-FM announced they would be moving their studios and offices to a building originally constructed for IBM in 1961.[6]

Switch to Country

Piedmont Publishing, in addition to owning WSJS-AM-FM-TV, also owned The Winston-Salem Journal and The Twin City Sentinel, Winston-Salem's two daily newspapers. In 1969, Gordon Gray, the head of Piedmont Publishing, wanted to sell the FM station.[7] However, Roger Stockton believed in the future of FM radio in an era where only some people owned FM receivers. Stockton spent 22 years at WSJS and WSJS-FM/WTQR. He began by selling commercials, and was WSJS sales manager by 1969. WSJS was number one in the Triad, and management feared losing that status if the FM station became popular. Curly Howard of WKBX told Stockton he should play country music on FM, with Stockton agreeing. Summit Communications president Lee Wallenhaupt and executive vice president Richard Barron supported letting Stockton take the FM station in a new direction. In this era, country music began developing a more mainstream, mass-appeal sound.

The station began playing country music in 1974, at first using automation instead of disc jockeys. The call letters were changed to WTQR, standing for the "Triad's Quality Radio." Stockton sold national advertising but did not attempt to sell commercials to local advertisers. He said that would happen once the station proved itself. By 1976, WTQR was number one in the market, though WSJS held on to the top spot among AM stations. Stockton became vice president and general manager of the radio stations in 1979, staying until the stations were sold.[8][9]

Station personalities

Dale Mitchell and Aunt Eloise (revealed in 2008 to be Toby Young[10]), morning hosts on WTQR for three years, were nominated for Country Music Association Broadcast Personality of the Year in 1990. Before discussing "everything from politics to 'possums" they would bang pots and pans.[11] Billy Buck was Aunt Eloise's partner before moving to WBIG.[12] "Big Paul" Franklin and Aunt Eloise, who teamed up in 1994, won the CMA Morning Show of the Year award (large markets) in 1997,[13] and WTQR won Station of the Year (large markets) in 1998[14] and 2002.[15] In March 1998, Big Paul and Aunt Eloise began airing their show on WSOC-FM in Charlotte, North Carolina. some shows were done from Winston-Salem, and some from Charlotte.[16] The pairing lasted less than a year.[17] Big Paul, whose real name was Paul Fuller Jr., died in a motorcycle crash May 16, 2002 on Highway 64 outside Asheboro, North Carolina.[18]

"Brother Bill" Dotson and Aunt Eloise were nominated for a CMA award in 2005.[19] Aunt Eloise dismissed in 2008,[10] replaced by Jeff Roper and Angie Ward, who were nominated for Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association broadcast personalities of the year (large markets) in 2009.[20] Despite critical accolades, "Jeff Roper In The Morning" ratings in key demographics began to deteriorate. Jeff Roper resigned in February 2012 after his show had consistently lost to the market's competing country morning show at WPAW.[21]

Changes in ownership

NewMarket Media Corp. sold WSJS and WTQR to Radio Equity Partners of Norwalk, Connecticut, in a deal completed in April 1994 and worth in excess of $100 million, as the Connecticut company expanded into the Southeast, looking for the best stations possible.[22] Later in 1994, Radio Equity Partners also bought WNEU, switching that station from country to modern rock.[23] In 1998, iHeartMedia (then known as Clear Channel Communications) bought WSJS, WTQR and WSML.[24] That company's purchase of AMFM Inc. added WMFR, WMAG and the market's other country radio station, WHSL, in 2000, though Clear Channel sold WMFR, WSJS, and WSML to Infinity Broadcasting.[25] At the end of 2000, WHSL and WXRA traded frequencies, and WXRA became WWCC, a more classic-leaning station than WTQR;[26] that station changed from country early in 2003.[27] Also at the end of 2000, WTQR moved from Winston-Salem to Greensboro, the last commercial FM to do so.[28]

In Spring 1995, although still number one with all listeners 12 and over, WTQR lost to WKZL among listeners ages 25 to 54 in the morning.[29] A year later, WKZL did it again, this time also winning with the same age group for all daytime hours.[30] In Fall 1996, WTQR lost to WQMG among the 25-to-54 audience.[31] WTQR finally lost its top position (to WJMH) among all listeners in Fall 1998, for the first time since Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem became one market in the 1970s.[32] In Spring 2008, WTQR was no longer the number one country station among all listeners, having been replaced by WPAW.[33] WPAW had flipped to country music in October 2006.[34]

On August 5, 2011 at exactly 1:04 PM, WTQR relaunched as "Q104.1." It changed its playlist to concentrate on more contemporary country music. The station had been "under construction" for most of the summer, and a relaunch/rebranding had been in the works.[35] Changes included [36] DJ Angie Ward was the lone holdover after the relaunch, moving from mornings to midday. David Dean joined the station in January 2012 as APD/afternoon host. Tige & Daniel joined in April 2012 for mornings. Evenings were hosted by Dusty.

Sports coverage

WTQR was a local affiliate for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing. It carried Motor Racing Network (MRN) events & programs until 2011.[37] Performance Racing Network (PRN) events and programs aired until 2000.

References

Template:Reflist

External links

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  1. ↑ Broadcasting Yearbook 1977 page C-157. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Broadcasting Yearbook 1977 page B-122. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Classical Music Plans Set," Twin City Sentinel, July 21, 1966.
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Roger Moore, "WSJS, City's First Radio Station Was Born and Raised in the Journal Newsroom," Winston-Salem Journal, April 3, 1997.
  8. ↑ "Retired Radio Executive Turning Down the Volume," Greensboro News & Record, June 3, 2007.
  9. ↑ Joe DePriest, "Back on the Air Just Like Family, Curly Howard Is There to Chat Every Morning," The Charlotte Observer, July 15, 1992.
  10. ↑ a b Tim Clodfelter, "Aunt Eloise Is Out of WTQR Family, Winston-Salem Journal, October 4, 2008.
  11. ↑ "Two from WTQR in Contest Finals," Greensboro News & Record, July 23, 1990.
  12. ↑ Andy Duncan, "He's a Little Bit Country, and Billy Buck Plans to Stay That Way," Greensboro News & Record, May 18, 1990.
  13. ↑ "Local Radio Personalities Win Country Music Award," Greensboro News & Record, August 21, 1997
  14. ↑ Jeri Rowe, "WTQR Wins the Oscar of Country Music," Greensboro News & Record, September 3, 1998.
  15. ↑ Jamie Kritzer, "WTQR Named Country Station of the Year Again," Greensboro News & Record October 17, 2002.
  16. ↑ Dean Smith, "Country Radio Rivals Team Up on Hot Show," The Charlotte Observer, February 22, 1998.
  17. ↑ Mark Washburn, "WSOC's Fall From Radio Grace: Top Dog to Underdog," The Charlotte Observer, April 1, 2001.
  18. ↑ Patrick Wilson, "WTQR-FM's 'Big Paul' Franklin Is Killed in Wreck," Winston-Salem Journal, May 17, 2002.
  19. ↑ Monica Young, "WTQR Show Earns Nomination for Country-Music Radio Award," Winston-Salem Journal, September 22, 2005.
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ "All Access," www.AllAccess.com, February, 2012.
  22. ↑ Sheila Long, "Top Triad Radio Stations to Be Sold; WTQR and WSJS Won't Change Formats," Greensboro News & Record, December 29, 1993.
  23. ↑ Mark Folk, "Ex-Country Station Ready to Rock 'n' Roll," Greensboro News & Record, September 23, 1994
  24. ↑ Jeri Rowe, "Radio Personality Lands at WSJS," Greensboro News & Record, August 13, 1998.
  25. ↑ Melissa Midgett, "Three Local Radio Stadions Sold," Greensboro News & Record, March 7, 2000.
  26. ↑ Jeri Rowe, "Two Local Radio Stations to Trade Frequencies," Greensboro News & Record, December 21, 2000.
  27. ↑ "94.5 FM Says Bye to Country Hi to the Beat," Greensboro News & Record, March 27, 2003.
  28. ↑ "Country Comes to Gate City, Continuing Radio Trend," Greensboro News & Record, December 28, 2000.
  29. ↑ Leigh Pressley, "The Eagle Glides to Ratings Summit," Greensboro News & Record, August 5, 1995.
  30. ↑ Ethan Pines, "Radio Stations Scramble for Ratings Points," Greensboro News & Record, August 20, 1996.
  31. ↑ Jeri Rowe, "Changes on Radio Dial Pay Off in High Ratings," Greensboro News & Record, February 1, 1997.
  32. ↑ Jeri Rowe, "Hip-Hopping 102 JAMZ Knocks Off WTQR," Greensboro News & Record, February 18, 1999.
  33. ↑ Template:Webarchive
  34. ↑ Tim Clodfelter, "Greensboro's Oldies 93 Goes Country," Winston-Salem Journal, October 5, 2006.
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Country Aircheck Weekly, June 25, 2012
  37. ↑ http://eastgreensboro.myfox8.com/content/wsjs-carrying-nascar-radio-triad, FOX 8, January 25, 2011
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