WIBW-FM
 | |
| City of license | Topeka, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Branding | The BIG 94.5 Country |
| Slogan | "Topeka's Most & Best Country" |
| Frequency | 94.5 MHz |
| First air date | September 1, 1961 |
| Format | Country Music |
| ERP | 100,000 Watts |
| HAAT | 351 meters |
| Class | C0 |
| Callsign meaning |
Indiana Broadcast Works (taken from WIBW (AM)) |
| Owner | Morris Communications |
| 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 1970's, 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 on Wanamaker Road 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 ran on a Thursday and Friday, from 6a - 7p, at the local (Hy-Vee) at 29th and Wanamaker. WIBW's DJ's do live remotes, there, as well. They do air songs during the radiothon, however, they choose songs to reflect the theme. Additionally, interviews will be conducted with “ambassador families” during the telethon, telling how they benefited from the St. Jude's Hospital. A part 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]
Programming
Liz Montano reports news on the morning show, along with WIBW (AM).
- Current DJs
- Rusty Walker: Walker Daniels in the Morning 5A – 9A
- Jim Daniels: Walker Daniels in the Morning 5A – 9A
- Stephanie Lynn: Midday with Stephanie Lynn 9 – 2P
- Keith Montgomery: Afternoons with Keith Montgomery 2 – 7P
- Alvin Lawton: Weekends with Alvin Lawton Saturday Afternoons
- Eric Pederson: Sundays with Eric Pederson Sunday Afternoons
- Shows that are not DJ-ed by 94.5 Country are
- Big Time with Whitney Allen 7 – Midnight (weeknights)
- Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 (weekends)
- Crook and Chase Country Countdown (weekends)
- Perk Up with Scott and Diane Perkins (weekends)
- Country Music on The Road (weekends)
References
See also
External links
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Coordinates: 39°01′34″N 95°55′02″W / 39.0261°N 95.9172°W