WLVQ

WLVQ is an FM radio station in Columbus, Ohio, United States, broadcasting on 96.3 MHz. Its brand identifier is Ohio's Best Rock, QFM 96. WLVQ is currently owned by Wilks Broadcasting and plays classic rock. Q-FM 96 is one of three rock stations in Columbus, the others being CD 101 and 99.7 The Blitz.

History

Originally known as WLWF-FM, the 96.3 MHz frequency was owned by the Crosley Broadcasting Corporation along with sister station WLW-C (now WCMH-TV). The current WLVQ began operations in 1959 as WTVN-FM, owned by Taft Broadcasting Company along with sister stations WTVN (AM) and WTVN-TV (now WSYX). In 1966, the call letters changed to WBUK and the format was changed to adult contemporary. The station again switched formats and started playing "Beautiful Music" (easy listening) in 1969. The station reverted to the WTVN-FM call letters in 1974, but continued to play "Beautiful Music."

The station adopted its current identity on February 14, 1977. The first song they played was; 'New Kid In Town' by The Eagles. For many years the station's mascot was The Q Kangaroo, a creature selected by a listener in a contest.

Q-FM-96 was an early champion of, and outlet for, Columbus's vibrant rock music community, and was particularly notable for its "Hometown Album Project", a series of compilation LPs featuring local artists, which debuted shortly after the station signed on. Another fondly remembered feature in the '80s was the Sunday morning show "Psychedelic Sunday," showcasing '60s-era rock, much of it relatively obscure--the show was sponsored by a local collector-oriented record shop--and hosted by British DJ Russell Carey.

WTVN (AM) still exists, but is owned by Clear Channel Communications, and is no longer affiliated with WLVQ. WLVQ was operated by Clear Channel for a number of years before its sale to Infinity Broadcasting (now CBS Radio). In October 2006 CBS announced an agreement to sell the station to Wilks Broadcast Group, LLC. In November 2006, Wilks Broadcasting took over WLVQ via a local marketing agreement, fired PD Dave Cooper and midday host Dave Man in December and Chris Thomas was promoted to program director. On May 2, 2009, Megan Slater became the program director and mid-day host. On April 27, 2010, Megan's contract expired and Joe "Show" Pasternak was promoted to program director and Sue Leighton was brought on for the mid-day drive. The station's owner is Jeff Wilks. The station has gone through 6.2 bazillion general managers.

WLVQ airs the Wags & Elliott morning show. Other popular personalities include Joe Show, Archie, Kristie Kemper, Sue Leighton and Chris Dylan. They also feature the parody band The Dan Orr Project.

Previous airStaff

• Dave Man
• Tom Teuber
• Pat Still
• John Fisher
• Beth Kepple
• Tim Smith
• Steve Kerrigan
• Bill Pugh
• Wendy Steele
• Mark Munch Bishop
• Fran Kovac
• J.J.Jeffries
• Jo Robinson
• Lee Randall
• Brent Bodhi Ebright
• Mike Eiland
• Sue Wiggins
• Buzz Knight
• Steve Runner
• Russell Carey
• Sky Walker
• Dave Lawrence
• Gail Hogan
• Barry Katz
• Curt Boster

External links

• Official website
• Query the FCC's FM station database for WLVQ
• Radio-Locator information on WLVQ
• Query Arbitron's FM station database for WLVQ
• A page featuring the first Q-FM-96 Hometown Album Project