WIBW-FM

WIBW-FM
City Topeka, Kansas
Broadcast area Topeka, Kansas
Branding The BIG 94.5 Country
Slogan Topeka's Most & Best Country
Frequency 94.5 MHz
First air date September 1, 1961 (at 97.3)
Format Country
ERP 98,400 watts
HAAT 351 meters
Class C0
Facility ID 63174
Callsign meaning Indiana Broadcast Works
(taken from WIBW (AM))
Former frequencies 97.3 MHz (1961-2002)
Owner Alpha Media
(Alpha Media Licensee LLC)
Sister stations KTPK, WIBW (AM)
Webcast Listen Live
Website www.94country.com

WIBW-FM (94.5 FM) is a country music radio station in Topeka, Kansas. Until 2000, the station was located at 97.3 FM. The station was moved to make way for a new move-in station in Kansas City. The station also serves as the primary Emergency Alert System station for the state of Kansas along with KTPK.

History

Beginning-2002: WIBW-FM - Rock 97

Before becoming a country station, WIBW-FM had other formats. It was known as "Rock 97" and "The Rock of Kansas" during the 1970s, although its automated music primarily fit in the Top 40 category. The room with the FM programming doubled as the control room for the Kansas City Royals radio network when WIBW held the baseball team's broadcast rights.[1]

2002-present: WIBW-FM - 94 Country

Previously, KJCK-FM in Junction City occupied this frequency. However, in order to move 97.3 into the Kansas City market, WIBW-FM needed to move to 94.5 MHz. KJCK-FM moved to 97.5 MHz. WIBW-FM was still on top of the ratings when the move occurred in September 2002. However, by 2004, KQTP had taken over the top country spot in town briefly. KTPK started to rally in 2005, also topping the ratings. Radio Rich and Louann, morning show hosts for 14 years, left for KQTP in early 2006. In 2011, WIBW-FM tied for fourth in the ratings, but the top five stations were all within a ratings point of each other. WIBW-FM currently airs the syndicated Lia show late at night.[1]

The station became known for a bright red remote truck which looked like a boombox.[2]

The WIBW stations had their studios for decades at 5600 SW 6th in West Topeka. That building received heavy damage from fire January 5, 2012.[3]

94.5 Country's St. Jude's Radiothon

Each February, WIBW-FM holds a radiothon where all proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Each year, it is run on a Thursday and Friday, from 6 am to 7 pm, at the local (Hy-Vee) at 29th and Wanamaker. WIBW's DJs do live remotes there, as well. They do air songs during the radiothon; however, they choose songs to reflect the theme. Additionally, interviews are conducted with “ambassador families” during the telethon, telling how they benefited from the St. Jude's Hospital. Apart from the Radiothon, 94.5 Country sponsors the Country Stampede Music Festival held each year in Manhattan, Kansas, where all proceeds go to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 WIBW-FM History
  2. ↑ "WIBW-FM - Kansapedia - Kansas Historical Society". Kshs.org. Retrieved 2015-08-29.
  3. ↑ WIBW stations old building receives heavy damage from January 2012 Fire
  4. ↑ Big 94.5 Country to air St. Jude's Radiothon

See also

Coordinates: 39°01′34″N 95°55′02″W / 39.0261°N 95.9172°W / 39.0261; -95.9172

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