| City of license | Forestbrook, South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
| Branding | 96-1 KZQ |
| Slogan | "New Rock" |
| Frequency | 96.1 (MHz) |
| First air date | March 11, 1985 |
| Format | Alternative |
| ERP | 8,500 watts |
| HAAT | 265.4 meters |
| Class | C2 |
| Facility ID | 13890 |
| Former callsigns | WAVF (1985-2008) |
| Owner | NextMedia (NM Licensing LLC) |
| Sister stations | WMYB, WRNN-AM, WRNN-FM, WYAV |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | wkzq.net |
WKZQ-FM (96.1 FM, "96-1 KZQ") is an Alternative rock radio station licensed to Forestbrook, South Carolina and serves the Grand Strand area. The NextMedia outlet is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to broadcast at 96.1 MHz with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 8,500 watts. The station's current slogan is "New Rock."
The format and call sign WKZQ-FM had been on the 101.7 FM frequency since the late 1970s before a frequency swap on September 23, 2008.
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WKZQ-FM signed on July 3, 1969.[1] Originally on the 101.7 frequency, WKZQ was established as a "beautiful music" automated station, operating out of the back room of its big sister AM rocker, WTGR. At one point WKZQ played middle of the road music during the day, and Top 40 at night when WTGR had to go off the air.[1] In the mid-1970s General Manager Bill Hennecy transitioned to an oldies format with limited live announcers in AM drive (Hennecy), afternoons (J. Patrick Milan), and night (Tom Walters). Other day parts were automated until Hennecy hired Greg Fowler who took the FM station live and progressively formatted it to a mix of Top 40 and oldies with female Personality Linda King.
During the 1980s WKZQ had a full-time Top 40 format. WTGR became WKZQ-AM and began simulcasting the FM. In 1985, Marv Clark was morning host and The Freakin' Deacon was also a DJ.[2] When the FM station increased power from 3,000 to 50,000 watts in 1989, the format changed to rock.
On March 11, 1997, Tony Hirsh announced he was buying WKZQ-AM and WKZQ-FM from Tom Rogers, president of Grand Strand Broadcasting, which had owned both stations since each signed on.[1]
Under the direction of Hennecy and Fowler Q-102 overtook its sister station and went on to become Billboard Magazine's Station of the Year and won numerous Brandon 'Station of the Year' awards. Notable rock jocks who passed through KZQ were Sirius Satellite Radio host and programmer, Human Numan (who was known as Shotgun Jeff Stone), the late Bob Decay (killed in auto accident in late 70's), Kenn Heinlein (WLS' Citizen Kenn), The Freakin' Deacon, Brian Phillips, Jay Charland, Mike Urben, John Van Pelt, Chuckie Boo Boo "Boo" Baron (who was named by James Brown!), Bob Chase, Mike Willis, Scott Summers, Marv Clark, Henry Kaye, Chris William, Al Mason, John Kilgo, Ray Mariner, Jack Boston, and Fowler, who left to become manager of country sensation, Alabama. As of May 21, 2009, Milan, Van Pelt, Deacon, and Bob Scarborough can be heard online at QRockRadio, along with Banana Jack, a more recent WKZQ staffer.
In the 1990s, with other stations playing classic rock, WKZQ changed its emphasis to new rock also making the addition of a female in the APD/Music director position- On Air 7-Midnight Summer James (SUMMER) who continues to perform On Air Radio/TV in the Los Angeles & San Diego markets along with imaging stations across the country.
January 2002 Mad Max and Special-K joined KZQ and hosted the Mad Max Morning Show until Special K's exit in February 2005. Mad Max and Special-K brought KZQ back into popularity with #1 ratings and various awards including "Best Of The Beach" from the local Sun News as well as numerous Radio and Records "Best Stunts" awards. The Mad Max Morning Show heavly featured phone pranks, on location stunts as well as listener contests. Abbi along with Jerzee Boy were added to the show in the spring of 2005. Mad Max left KZQ in May 2006.
The station won Radio and Records magazine's 2007 Industry Achievement Award for best Alternative Station for markets 100 and up. It was the station's second nomination in three years and the first win. Finalists also included WJSE, KQXR, WBTZ, KXNA, and WSFM.[3]
In September 2008, WKZQ swapped frequencies with WAVF, abandoning its historic frequency of 101.7 MHz, and migrated to 96.1 MHz.[4]
As of 2010 the stations personalities include Mase, Dr. J, and Crash. They claim to bring you rock n roll via "karate" or "hot choppins." On Monday nights the station runs specialty programs 'The Flight Test' and new local music program Electric Dynamite. Both shows are favorites to win state and national awards for "Best radio program" and "Achievement in sexual longevity."
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