WNTQ

WNTQ, 93Q, is a Mainstream Top 40 station based in Syracuse, New York. The Cumulus Media outlet operates at 93.1 MHz with an ERP of 97,000 watts.

WNTQ
CitySyracuse, New York
Broadcast areaCentral New York
Frequency93.1 MHz (HD Radio)
Branding93Q
SloganThe #1 Hit Music Station
Programming
FormatMainstream Top 40
Ownership
OwnerCumulus Media
(Radio License Holding CBC, LLC)
WAQX, WSKO
History
First air date
1945 (as WFBL-FM)
Former call signs
WFBL-FM (1945-circa 1955)
WDDS (1955-circa 1975)
Technical information
Facility ID50514
ClassB (Grandfathered)
ERP97,000 watts
HAAT201 meters
Links
WebcastListen live
Website93q.com

History

WNTQ originally went on the air c. 1945 as WFBL-FM on 45.9 MHz (before the FM band was reallocated to the current 88-108 MHz spectrum). It later moved to 93.1 MHz when the FM band moved c. 1946. Reports show that WFBL-FM went off the air several years later, and did not return until 1955, where it went back on the air as WDDS. The station has been in continuous operation since 1955. The call sign changed from WDDS to WNTQ in the 1970s.

WNTQ is known as a "grandfathered super-powered" FM station because its Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of 97,000 Watts exceeds the FCC Class B maximum of 50,000 Watts. Likewise, WNTQ's Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) of 201 meters (660 feet) exceeds the FCC maximum for a Class B facility of 150 meters (492 feet). The FCC rules determining the power and height maxima for Class B stations were not formed until 1964. Because WNTQ was operating at powers in excess of the FCC rules when they were adopted in 1964, WNTQ, and other stations were grandfathered to be permitted to operate with power and height larger than what is permitted by today's rules. This makes WNTQ one of the more powerful stations in the region with great signal coverage compared to most of its competition in the Syracuse market.

WNTQ made its debut with its current format in 1981. They are also one of three Top 40s in Syracuse, the other two being Rhythmic rival WWHT (HOT 107.9) and non-commercial Syracuse University student-run WJPZ(Z89). Unlike WWHT, whose playlist and presentation targets urban teens and young adults, WNTQ's music is more balanced and mass appeal. This approach has worked for 93Q, resulting in 93Q beating HOT 107.9 in total weekly audience every quarter since their rivalry began in 1996. As of October 2012, WWHT has changed their format to mainstream top 40, similar to WNTQ's.

WNTQ was owned by Citadel Broadcasting until their merger with Cumulus Media on September 16, 2011.[1] This caused a slight tweak in the music played, as Cumulus micromanages the playlists of their Top 40 stations, something that Citadel did not practice. Each respective music director was allowed to pick the music played under Citadel's ownership. In its heyday during the 1980s, long time Syracuse personalities were amongst the top DJs of the area entertained at 93q. Dave Laird and Ted Long in the Morning. Of course Ted carries on the morning duties. Rob Cunningham mid days. Bob Brown in the afternoon. Gary Dunes at night. Kenny Dees over night. Also Jim Shields, Brian Ocean, Dollar Bill, Jack Strap and Mike Andrews were all on-air talent. Dave Edwards was the station's engineer. Dave was responsible for Teen Talk. A program on Sunday nights designed to help troubled youngsters with their issues. Mike Andrews wrote and produced 93q's Thursday top 40 countdown hosted by Gary Dunes. Kenny Dees had central New York's hottest dance show on Saturday nights call Club Beat.

Past Air Talent from 93Q
  • American Top 40 With Ryan Seacrest (Moved to Hot 107.9)
  • "Big" Jim Donovan (Moved to do CNY's Saturday Morning News)
  • Brandon C (Removed from 93Q for undisclosed reasons, previously worked Monday-Friday evenings and did the Top 5 At 9. Later Moved To Movin 100.3 & 96.5 (WMVN) in Syracuse. Now at WSKS/WSKU in Utica, NY.
  • Brian Ocean (#1 Recognizable Radio Name for 5 years after leaving WNTQ and went on to work as a Television Engineer)
  • Brian Phillips (On 93Q from time to time usually during the weekends)
  • Dennis Crawford (Previously worked on 93Q Saturday and Sunday evenings)
  • Ellie Cruz (Moved to WAQX-FM, now lives in Tallahassee)
  • Gary Dunes (Remained in the Syracuse market as a Program Director & Morning Drive Host at WSEN 92.1, WZUN Sunny 102 & WMCR 101.1 The Wave)
  • Jack Ryan (Previously worked on 93Q, moved to San Diego for an alternative station, moved back to CNY and now is at WAQX-FM.)
  • Katie Gray (Previously worked on 93Q Sunday evenings)
  • Kevin Charles (Previously worked on 93Q in the evenings before Mike Cauchon)
  • Mike Cauchon (Now an actor)
  • Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 (Countdown)

Events

On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, the station hosted the 10th anniversary of the 93Q Summer Jam concert. The lineup for the concert included The Shadowboxers, Rozes, Livvia, RJ Ward, Mackenzie Nicole, and Taylor Grey.

References
  1. "Cumulus now owns Citadel Broadcasting". Atlanta Business Journal. September 16, 2011. Retrieved September 16, 2011.

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