WIRL (AM)

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WIRL (AM) is a radio station in Peoria, Illinois. The current format of the station is country oldies and the station uses the slogan "Classic Country 1290". WIRL broadcasts on an AM frequency of 1290 khz with a power of 5,000 watts in AM stereo.

WIRL is most famous as a Top 40 radio station from 1960 until approximately 1980. WIRL was successful immediately at the time of its' switch to Top 40, as the only competetion was daytime only WPEO 1020 AM. Popular disc jockeys were Robyn Weaver, Lee Ranson, Bill McCluggage, Lee Malcom, and Howard Taylor. For many years WIRL broadcast Bradley University basketball games with Mort Cantor as the play by play man. In the late 1970's, an FM station WKZW 93.3, began programming a Top 40 format and siphoned away many listeners from WIRL. WIRL evolved into a full service personality adult contemporary station at this time.

The adult contemporary format lasted until thr early 1990's. The station also programmed oldies, standards, and sports talk with the calls WWFS. The station returned to the WIRL call sign when it adopted the country oldies format in March 2005.

Official site: [http://www.wirl1290.com

Tribute site: [http://www.thebig1290.com