WQXQ (101.9) Central City: Wasted Frequency??

[DJOnAStick]

Having grown up in Central City, right behind the old WKYA (WQXQ), and knowing folks that worked there I shutter at the thought of what they sound like now. The station started life as the sister-FM for the 1,000 watt WNES-AM. All owned by the "local", but totally absent, owners, the Anderson's. Andy Anderson hailed from Ohio County and at one point employed a full fledged air staff. The 100,000 watt WKYA broadcast Top 40 then flipped to "K-Country" and went head-to-head with heritage WBKR. They really couldn't make it work so they picked up the old Jones Radio Hot AC package and changed everything to "Q102" and have let it ride since the mid-90's.

In the time since they've been known as "Q102" they've employed some local DJ's for the morning drive slot (including local "radio legend" Brian Jackson) and continue to do so to this day. Other than that, the station is a phantom station running Dial-Global satellite fed garbage with no nod to the local community. At the start of things, the station made a conscious effort to market themselves as "Owensboro's Station" after Brill Media purchased, and destroyed, the uber-heritage Top 40 WSTO. Q102 went so far as to lease space in Owensboro for a "future" studio and they put up a new 600+ foot stick in far northern Ohio County (ironically close to WBKR's tower outside of Utica, KY). Still, the studios, "programming", and everything else are still in its original home along Everly Brothers Blvd. in Central City. My question is this; If you could change it, what would you change about it? It has a wonderful signal (so long as they maintain the transmitter and its 100,000 watt signal) and the facilities aren't in bad shape at all! I was in the studio about a year and a half ago and all looked perfectly fine to me. See below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/perspectivephotography/3154504885/

Anyone heard anything about WQXQ or its future? I do know that Stan Barnett is still the PD there and a pretty nice guy to boot! Personally I would love to see them return to their roots a bit more and focus more attention on being "Western Kentucky's Station". Their coverage area is really one of the few in west Kentucky that can cover from the Ohio River to the Tennessee state line. As for music formats, well country is overdone in Western Kentucky and Top 40 is really hard to break in to. Any ideas? A "Jack" type format with jocks or play it safe and just keep rollin'?

 

[radiorob2.0]

Gosh, the studio is the same as it was ten years ago except for the Otari that was obviously retired. One correction, the tower went up the same time the Steele family built the WSTO tower in Hebbardsville circa 1982. It's worth noting they haven't been 100,000 watts in years. At best they are at 50kw but there are times they are probably operating at less than 10kw.

The problem is WQXQ along with WNES, 105.5 Greenville and the Ohio County stations are in limbo. As I understand it Andy Anderson's widow and son twenty years ago decided to sell the radio property while continuing the rest of the empire (two newspapers, banks and other stuff). Ironically, the Anderson family expanded their radio empire about fifteen years ago with the purchase of the Greenville frequency and the Ohio county frequencies from Lloyd Spivey. They cleaned house and put 101.9 on autopilot as "Q102". They even showed Legon McDonald the door and he was the manager that brought money into the station. The signals were put on the market but would be only sold to a local owner and trust me the big boys wanted it. Also, they believed the signal was worth lots of money because of the mid nineties buying spree. However, the local folks interested were not going to pay several million dollars (5 mill was the last price tag) for a ghost ship of a frequency. But it is too little too late since the value of signals are going down. I, along with so many that had an association with the station through the years, tried to convince the powers that be to compete but they are not interested. Even the current morning man Paul McRee has tried but no dice. They talk the talk but it ends there.

The other problem revolves around their hiring practice. Since they gave up on it they have hired individuals with "issues". My favorite was the mentally unstable Pentecostal Catholic hired as an account executive. He was banned from many businesses during his time there, attempted to start crap with employees from his competition and if you were on the pro-choice side of the abortion issue then get ready for a barrel full of crazy. Many complained, including myself when he tried to pick a fight with me because I work for a competitor, but they wouldn't fire him. He's no longer there because he quit.

What you hear is what it will always be, a ghost ship on the radio dial. Mama Anderson and Andy Jr. are living off of the rest of the empire and have no interest. It is a damn shame. But it all goes back to the words of former WVJS/WSTO engineer Floyd Hubbard, "It's their little red wagon and if they want to haul sh*t, it's their business."

 

[icycool7227]

I have heard and airchecked this station last summer. Q-102 sounded great to me. I don't think it's a wasted frequency though they could have more local jocks.

 

[DJOnAStick]

Gosh, the studio is the same as it was ten years ago except for the Otari that was obviously retired. One correction, the tower went up the same time the Steele family built the WSTO tower in Hebbardsville circa 1982. It's worth noting they haven't been 100,000 watts in years. At best they are at 50kw but there are times they are probably operating at less than 10kw.

The problem is WQXQ along with WNES, 105.5 Greenville and the Ohio County stations are in limbo. As I understand it Andy Anderson's widow and son twenty years ago decided to sell the radio property while continuing the rest of the empire (two newspapers, banks and other stuff). Ironically, the Anderson family expanded their radio empire about fifteen years ago with the purchase of the Greenville frequency and the Ohio county frequencies from Lloyd Spivey. They cleaned house and put 101.9 on autopilot as "Q102". They even showed Legon McDonald the door and he was the manager that brought money into the station. The signals were put on the market but would be only sold to a local owner and trust me the big boys wanted it. Also, they believed the signal was worth lots of money because of the mid nineties buying spree. However, the local folks interested were not going to pay several million dollars (5 mill was the last price tag) for a ghost ship of a frequency. But it is too little too late since the value of signals are going down. I, along with so many that had an association with the station through the years, tried to convince the powers that be to compete but they are not interested. Even the current morning man Paul McRee has tried but no dice. They talk the talk but it ends there.

The other problem revolves around their hiring practice. Since they gave up on it they have hired individuals with "issues". My favorite was the mentally unstable Pentecostal Catholic hired as an account executive. He was banned from many businesses during his time there, attempted to start crap with employees from his competition and if you were on the pro-choice side of the abortion issue then get ready for a barrel full of crazy. Many complained, including myself when he tried to pick a fight with me because I work for a competitor, but they wouldn't fire him. He's no longer there because he quit.

What you hear is what it will always be, a ghost ship on the radio dial. Mama Anderson and Andy Jr. are living off of the rest of the empire and have no interest. It is a damn shame. But it all goes back to the words of former WVJS/WSTO engineer Floyd Hubbard, "It's their little red wagon and if they want to haul sh*t, it's their business."

"Radiorob", I was hoping that you would comment on this. I really enjoy reading everything you write on here.

The very first "job" I had in radio was working across the street for Brian Smeathers at WMTA. At the time he had WMTA and a very weak LP-TV station on site. Part of my work there included some sales from time to time and I always heard some sort of horror story about the Anderson properties. It bears mentioning that the overall sound of the station has gotten better with Dial-Global taking over the old Jones Radio Networks. I realize that isn't saying much, but consider what JRN sounded like prior to the take over and you'll get the idea. They were abysmal to say the least.

The odd story I have about WNES is the one time I went there to put together my first ever air check. I went in the studio on a Sunday and put everything in audition then found that nothing worked. Awesome! Armed with that knowledge, I then went up the road to WKYA and worked on it in the studio in Greenville. The Q102 studio was off limits at the time due to the fragile nature of Jones Radio Network. LOL!! I would love to hear some old airchecks of the original "WKYA, KY102" and "K-Country, KY102". I really wish something productive would happen at the station because it could work if they did it right.

 

[KyDXIn]

But it all goes back to the words of former WVJS/WSTO engineer Floyd Hubbard, "It's their little red wagon and if they want to haul sh*t, it's their business."

PRICELESS!!

 

[radiorob2.0]

I have heard and airchecked this station last summer. Q-102 sounded great to me. I don't think it's a wasted frequency though they could have more local jocks.

You missed the point of my post, they are not going to hire anyone. The owners are no longer concerned with radio plus their demands for a local buyer and a high purchase price keeps this a ghost ship.

Even their web presence, like their radio station, is a ghost ship. It does nothing and the only update was removing the crazy sales person's name and picture. The coverage map is based on a very low signal voltage and comical considering they haven't been 100,000 watts in years. http://www.wqxq1019.com/

The very first "job" I had in radio was working across the street for Brian Smeathers at WMTA. At the time he had WMTA and a very weak LP-TV station on site. Part of my work there included some sales from time to time and I always heard some sort of horror story about the Anderson properties. It bears mentioning that the overall sound of the station has gotten better with Dial-Global taking over the old Jones Radio Networks. I realize that isn't saying much, but consider what JRN sounded like prior to the take over and you'll get the idea. They were abysmal to say the least.

Brian Smeathers tried, even purchasing spots on Channel 14, but couldn't make a go. 1380 and 1180 Newburgh, Indiana are simulcast via the internet.

It is interesting the same voicetrack format is airing on 104.9 Leitchfield. Technically, Leitchfield is in 101.9's city grade but there are times I can't hear "Q" there.

The odd story I have about WNES is the one time I went there to put together my first ever air check. I went in the studio on a Sunday and put everything in audition then found that nothing worked. Awesome! Armed with that knowledge, I then went up the road to WKYA and worked on it in the studio in Greenville. The Q102 studio was off limits at the time due to the fragile nature of Jones Radio Network. LOL!! I would love to hear some old airchecks of the original "WKYA, KY102" and "K-Country, KY102". I really wish something productive would happen at the station because it could work if they did it right.

My connection was doing remotes and some promotion. Andy Anderson called me on day to fill in for mornings and program the automation. The morning person at the time was out sick and Stan was out of town. I asked Andy if he could show me what needed to be done, he had no idea. I drove down and crashed coursed the situation. One of the things I noticed was WNES was dead air. At the time they simulcasted 105.5, I just brought up the simulcast. There was no telling how long it was dead. Ironically, they did update their weather line.

While there I learned of how the newspaper side of the building has nothing to do with radio. The animosity between each side of the building was from a loyalty for former long time radio general manager Legon McDonald who at the time was doing part time work for the paper. Once I warmed up to Legon and the staff they told me of the past success of the stations. I asked, "what happened?" Legon said Andy (Jr) walked in one day and said his services were no longer needed.

 

[DJOnAStick]

My connection was doing remotes and some promotion. Andy Anderson called me on day to fill in for mornings and program the automation. The morning person at the time was out sick and Stan was out of town. I asked Andy if he could show me what needed to be done, he had no idea. I drove down and crashed coursed the situation. One of the things I noticed was WNES was dead air. At the time they simulcasted 105.5, I just brought up the simulcast. There was no telling how long it was dead. Ironically, they did update their weather line.

Not at all surprising none the less. I remember seeing WKYA (101.9 & eventually 105.5) at the high schools doing live sports broadcast each fall and winter. Back in the 1980's they (WKYA) had a heck of a following for being located in quiet little ol' Central City. LOL!!

While there I learned of how the newspaper side of the building has nothing to do with radio. The animosity between each side of the building was from a loyalty for former long time radio general manager Legon McDonald who at the time was doing part time work for the paper. Once I warmed up to Legon and the staff they told me of the past success of the stations. I asked, "what happened?" Legon said Andy (Jr) walked in one day and said his services were no longer needed.

Legon was a gentleman and a scholar in most peoples eyes. It's really funny to talk with the newspaper folks about the radio station because its as if you are talking in a foreign language to them now. There is a strange vibe in the office still to this day. Personally I don't see anything happening until the Anderson's sell the station or it cease's to exists one day. But hey!!!! Andy Jr. did build a new branch office for Community Bank & Trust in Greenville a few years ago so he is showing a commitment to the community!!!! [/tongue firmly planted in cheek]

I have a feeling that if that station was ever sold, it would be to the outfit that's running the Leitchfield station. They (the owners) are part of the break-up of the old Commonwealth Broadcasting company owned by former Governor B. Jones if I'm not mistaken. What an interesting company Commonwealth was...


Anyways, the on air wars in the 80's between WKYA and WSTO were some great times!! They were the only Top 40 stations in the Tri-State at the time with decent signals if I remember correctly. BTW, the old Harris 100kw transmitter is still in the newspaper building behind the radio station studio in the "stuffing room".

 

[radiorob2.0]

When I was there the current WKYA (105.5) operated from a garage in Greenville. Much like Stan was the caretaker of WQXQ, Richard was WKYA's caretaker. He was a nice guy who my board op during remotes. He has a young voice but was at the time in his fifties or sixties.

Anyways, the on air wars in the 80's between WKYA and WSTO were some great times!! They were the only Top 40 stations in the Tri-State at the time with decent signals if I remember correctly.

Thought they were not 100kw you have to mention WKTG Madisonville. They were Top 40 as "94KTG" until the early nineties when they went satellite with United Stations/Westwood One's "Adult Rock".

 

[DJOnAStick]

When I was there the current WKYA (105.5) operated from a garage in Greenville. Much like Stan was the caretaker of WQXQ, Richard was WKYA's caretaker. He was a nice guy who my board op during remotes. He has a young voice but was at the time in his fifties or sixties.

Anyways, the on air wars in the 80's between WKYA and WSTO were some great times!! They were the only Top 40 stations in the Tri-State at the time with decent signals if I remember correctly.

Thought they were not 100kw you have to mention WKTG Madisonville. They were Top 40 as "94KTG" until the early nineties when they went satellite with United Stations/Westwood One's "Adult Rock".

You know, you are exactly right about that. Thank you for reminding me about them. I should've known that having worked for Sound at WFMW before heading for "The Beaver" in Russellville. Before 'KTG moved towers, they still had a very nice signal from the stick up on the hill in "The Best Town On Earth".

Mr. Danny Koeber was my PD while there. Man, that was a blast working at WFMW too!! That's where I spun my first vinyl (1999) so its got a special place in my life.

 

[radiorob2.0]

Another brief Western Kentucky CHR was WTTL-FM Madisonville. They signed on after KTG went rock. There was a catch, no budget for jingles. So the PD dusted off PAMS Solid Rock used on the AM twenty years earlier. "More Solid Rock" fanfare "WTTL" would go into early nineties hits. The format didn't last long.

 

[DJOnAStick]

Another brief Western Kentucky CHR was WTTL-FM Madisonville. They signed on after KTG went rock. There was a catch, no budget for jingles. So the PD dusted off PAMS Solid Rock used on the AM twenty years earlier. "More Solid Rock" fanfare "WTTL" would go into early nineties hits. The format didn't last long.

I used to listen to their morning show on the FM side and then drive by their "glass studio" next to the AT&T switch house on Main Street. I thought the studios there were just the neatest thing when I was young. When I was at Sound Broadcasters up the road, they still had at least one live shift at WTTL. I don't think they do now though.

 

[cleatusspivey]

I have a feeling that if that station was ever sold, it would be to the outfit that's running the Leitchfield station. They (the owners) are part of the break-up of the old Commonwealth Broadcasting company owned by former Governor B. Jones if I'm not mistaken. What an interesting company Commonwealth was...

WMTL and WKHG in Leitchfield are owned by The Buckles Family. They bought the stations from Kenith Goff in the early 90's I beleive. I started there in 1979, the current owner, Mark Buckles, and I are related. To my knowledge the stations were never owned by Commonwealth. (Which by the way still owns stations accross the state).

 

[DJOnAStick]

I have a feeling that if that station was ever sold, it would be to the outfit that's running the Leitchfield station. They (the owners) are part of the break-up of the old Commonwealth Broadcasting company owned by former Governor B. Jones if I'm not mistaken. What an interesting company Commonwealth was...

WMTL and WKHG in Leitchfield are owned by The Buckles Family. They bought the stations from Kenith Goff in the early 90's I beleive. I started there in 1979, the current owner, Mark Buckles, and I are related. To my knowledge the stations were never owned by Commonwealth. (Which by the way still owns stations accross the state).

Well if you click on their website and pull up the staff photos, they are the same staff members from Stratmeyer Media's stations in Paducah-Mayfield. I have no idea what's going on there. I used to know the PD at K105 and worked with him at the Beaver in Hopkinsville, he even offered me a job there a while back (which I should've taken). FCC has them owned by Heritage Media of Kentucky which is based in Leitchfield. I apologize for any confusion I may have caused.

 

[315n87]

Anyways, the on air wars in the 80's between WKYA and WSTO were some great times!!

Hmmmmmm. I was at WSTO in the 80's, and I don't recall being at war with WKYA.

 

[DJOnAStick]

Anyways, the on air wars in the 80's between WKYA and WSTO were some great times!!

Hmmmmmm. I was at WSTO in the 80's, and I don't recall being at war with WKYA.

From WKYA's perspective, there was a war. Even in the 90's once they flipped out of country right after Brian Jackson left STO there was a protracted sales war between the two because of STO's "abandonment" of their Owensboro presence. It was never a war on the air, but rather one for the sales folks. Needless to say, the "war" didn't last because WSTO was just too big. From a listener's perspective in the 80's, the two coexisted nicely with WKYA being country for the majority of the decade. In my humble opinion if there was any "radio war" with them, it was with WBKR during their "K-Country" days.

 

[mrmister]

I know this post is old. But Q102 has changed.

 

[KyDXIn]

I know this post is old. But Q102 has changed.

How?

 

[mrmister]

They hired a new PD, redid the imaging, branding, website and have a pretty good digital presence. Sounds like a new processor recently as well. Sounds good for what they are working with. http://myqmix.com is the new website.

 

[radiorob2.0]

They hired a new PD, redid the imaging, branding, website and have a pretty good digital presence. Sounds like a new processor recently as well. Sounds good for what they are working with. http://myqmix.com is the new website.

What exactly do you mean, pretty good digital presence? When I have listened much of it has been bad mp3 audio from excessive bit reduction.

 

[mrmister]

my point was, they ACTUALLY have a website, they are pushing TuneIN, yes there is a lot of room for improvement. But whoever they hired is making strides. They sound a heck of alot better than they did 7 months ago. I listen often now, enjoy the format alot. Sounds like a new processor is in too, it jumps off the dial now here in Owboro