WDQX

WDQX (branded as 102.3 Max FM) is an FM radio station, licensed to 102.3 MHz in Morton, Illinois near Peoria. It is owned by L&L Broadcasting. The station has an 80's based classic rock format. WDQX broadcasts from studios in the Civic Center Plaza, 331 Fulton Street in Peoria.

History

The station came on the air as WTAZ, broadcasting an oldies format with NBC features from a facility midway between Morton and Washington, Illinois in Tazewell County (hence WTAZ). Roy Demanes (the owner of the Ramada Inn, a bank and a pharmacy in Peoria, as well as an extensive pre-need burial program) worked with Penny Press Publisher (and former WEEK-TV anchorman) Bud Carter to put the station on the air.

As of the late 1970s, the two were partners in the newspaper previously mentioned (a Peoria based issues and entertainment oriented publication) and the radio station. Demanes exchanged his ownership in the paper for Carter's interest in the paper, then died of a heart attack a short time later.

The paper was purchased by another suburban weekly (the Observer), and Carter relocated to Atlanta where he now is Senior Chairman for the Atlanta operation of an international organization for CEOs (Vistage International).

Through most of the 1980s and 1990s, WTAZ had a talk format featuring personalities such as G. Gordon Liddy, Rush Limbaugh, Dr. Laura, and Art Bell. In 1999, those shows and call letters were moved to AM, and 102.3 became WFXF-FM broadcasting Howard Stern in the morning, and rock music. In late 2000, Stern was dropped, and WFXF-FM played classic hits. In the early 2000s, the station was sold to AAA Entertainment, which was signing on WZIM (then WDQZ) in the Bloomington/Normal market at 99.5FM. 102.3 changed format and began simulcasting a classic rock format with the Bloomington/Normal signal known as "The Eagle" and changed call letters to WDQX. AAA hired the high-profile WJBC morning show of Scott Robbins and Nancy Thiel to do mornings on the new station.

In late 2005 WDQX was sold, along with WXCL, to JMP. WDQX kept a classic rock format, but was rebranded as "Max" and the music was tweaked to be more hard rock.

Talent

Notable air talent on WDQX: Charlie O'Day, Rick Atterberry, Bud Carter, Martin Mitchell, Patty Curtis, Jim Dynan, Charles Earley (now Chuck Collins of WMBD-TV Peoria), Dave Snell (of WMBD-TV and Radio), Ralph Snodsmith, Greg Batton, Derry Farber, Wayne R. Miller, and Cheryl Maddox-Miller. It is the current home of the Markley and Luciano Morning show which airs from 5:30AM - 9AM and airs every Chicago Bear's football game. It is programed by its afternoon personality "Joey D"

External links

• 102.3 Max FM - official website
• Query the FCC's FM station database for WDQX
• Radio-Locator information on WDQX
• Query Nielsen Audio's FM station database for WDQX

Coordinates: 40°43′23″N 89°30′40″W / 40.723°N 89.511°W / 40.723; -89.511