WXBQ-FM

WXBQ-FM is a Country formatted broadcast radio station licensed to Bristol, Virginia, serving the Tri-Cities.[1] WXBQ-FM is owned and operated by Bristol Broadcasting Company, Inc.[2]

WXBQ-FM
Broadcast areaTri-Cities
Frequency96.9 FM MHz
Branding96.9 WXBQ
Programming
FormatCountry
AffiliationsFox News Radio
Ownership
OwnerBristol Broadcasting Company, Inc.
WAEZ, WEXX, WWTB, WFHG-FM, WLNQ, WNPC
History
First air date
December 25, 1946
Former call signs
WOPI-FM (1946–1972)
WKYE-FM (1972–1975)
WFHG-FM (1975–1978)
Technical information
Facility ID6876
ClassC
ERP75,000 watts
HAAT683 meters (2,241 ft)
Transmitter coordinates
38°57′22.0″N 77°4′57.0″W
Links
WebcastWXBQ-FM Webstream
WebsiteWXBQ-FM Online

History

WOPI-FM, sister to 1490 WOPI, signed on Christmas Day 1946 from atop Whitetop Mountain, a facility described at the time as "the largest frequency modulation station in the South".[3] After 10 days using a temporary antenna, the station went on air with its regular 10 kW power on January 4, 1947.[4] Building on Whitetop, Virginia's second-tallest mountain, meant bringing power lines six miles to the site and constructing a tower in high winds.[4] When winter weather set in, as it did that February, staff were marooned atop the mountain.[5] WOPI-FM simulcast most of WOPI's NBC and local output and had exclusive coverage of many sporting events.[6]

In 1951, WOPI-FM moved off the mountain and to the AM transmitter tower off Old Abingdon Road in Bristol, Virginia.[7][8] The temporary facility was replaced by a new site in 1954 on the edge of town.[7] Along with WOPI AM, WOPI-FM was sold to W. A. Wilson in 1954, the Pioneer Broadcasting Company in 1959, and the Tri-Cities Broadcasting Company in 1965.[7]

The station was sold twice to different radio partners. In 1972, the Highland Development Corporation of Bristol, owners of 1550 WKYE, acquired 96.9 and renamed it WKYE-FM. The station became WFHG-FM in 1975 upon acquisition by the Bristol Broadcasting Company and adopted its present WXBQ-FM call letters in 1978.[7] The call letters were chosen randomly but to avoid confusion with the AM outlet; by this time, WXBQ-FM had already gone country.[9]

Kenny Chesney credits WXBQ and its longtime program director Bill Hagy for helping start his career; Chesney attended nearby East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.[10]

References
  1. "Arbitron Station Information Profiles". Nielsen Audio/Nielsen Holdings. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  2. "WXBQ Facility Record". Federal Communications Commission, audio division. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  3. "Bristol FM Station On Air From White Top Mountain". Kingsport Times. January 6, 1947. p. 3. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  4. Cady, Mike (April 27, 1947). "Here & There". Bristol Herald-Courier. pp. 1B, 3B. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  5. "Plane Attempts To Drop Food To Trio". Bristol Herald-Courier. February 27, 1947. pp. 1, 2. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  6. "FM Station Has 100-Mile Hearing Area". Bristol Herald-Courier. December 24, 1950. p. 2-A. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  7. FCC History Cards for WXBQ-FM
  8. "WOPI's FM Station To Be Moved Here". Bristol Herald Courier. May 30, 1951. p. 18. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  9. "FM". Kingsport Times-News. March 10, 1979. p. 14. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  10. Tennis, Joe (April 23, 2015). "Midas Touch: WXBQ's Bill Hagy takes a look back at a 50-year-career". Bristol Herald Courier. Retrieved October 16, 2019.


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