WKQX (FM)

WKQX (FM) is a commercial radio station licensed to Chicago, Illinois, broadcasting an alternative rock format to the Chicago metropolitan area. The station is owned by Cumulus Media, a subsidiary of Cumulus Media Inc., and is one of the company's many properties, including WLS (AM), WLS-FM, and WLUP. WKQX (FM) competes with other Chicago-area radio stations, such as WXRT, WGCI-FM, and WBBM-FM, for listeners in the alternative rock genre, which features artists like The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, and The 1975.

● History

The history of WKQX (FM) dates back to the 1950s, when the station first began broadcasting as WNBC (AM)'s FM counterpart, WNBC-FM. Over the years, the station has undergone several format changes, including beautiful music, adult contemporary, and hot adult contemporary, before finally settling on its current alternative rock format in the 1990s, which is similar to that of KROQ-FM in Los Angeles and WXRK in New York City. During this time, the station has been owned by several different companies, including General Electric, Westinghouse Broadcasting, and CBS Radio, before being acquired by Cumulus Media in 2011, which also owns WGN (AM) and WSM (AM). WKQX (FM) has also been the home of several notable radio personalities, including Mancow Muller, Eddie Volkman, and James VanOsdol, who have worked at other stations like WLUP and Q101.

● Programming

The programming on WKQX (FM) features a mix of alternative rock music, including artists like Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Weezer, as well as talk radio shows and sports radio programming, similar to that of WSCR and WMVP. The station's weekday lineup includes The Brian Phillips Show, which features discussions on topics like politics, entertainment, and sports, with guests like Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and LeBron James. WKQX (FM) also airs various syndicated programs, including The Howard Stern Show and The Jim Rome Show, which are also broadcast on other stations like WXRK and KROQ-FM. In addition to its regular programming, WKQX (FM) also hosts several annual events, including the PIQNIQ music festival, which features performances by artists like The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, and Vance Joy, and is similar to other festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.

● Technical information

WKQX (FM) broadcasts on a frequency of 101.1 MHz and operates with an effective radiated power of 5,700 watts, which is similar to that of other Chicago-area radio stations like WBBM-FM and WGCI-FM. The station's transmitter is located in Willowbrook, Illinois, and its signal covers much of the Chicago metropolitan area, including Cook County, DuPage County, and Kane County. WKQX (FM) is also available online through its website and mobile app, which allows listeners to stream the station's programming from anywhere in the world, similar to other stations like KROQ-FM and WXRK. The station's technical operations are managed by Cumulus Media's engineering team, which is responsible for maintaining the station's equipment and ensuring compliance with FCC regulations, similar to the teams at CBS Radio and Clear Channel Communications.

● Ratings and reception

WKQX (FM) has consistently been one of the top-rated radio stations in the Chicago market, with a strong following among alternative rock fans, who also listen to stations like WXRT and Q101. According to Nielsen Media Research, WKQX (FM) has ranked as one of the top 10 radio stations in the Chicago market in terms of Arbitron ratings, competing with other stations like WLS (AM) and WGN (AM). The station has also received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its eclectic playlist and engaging on-air personalities, similar to those at KROQ-FM and WXRK. However, WKQX (FM) has also faced criticism from some listeners who feel that the station's programming has become too commercialized, with too much repetition of the same songs, similar to the criticism faced by other stations like WBBM-FM and WGCI-FM. Despite this, WKQX (FM) remains one of the most popular and influential radio stations in the Chicago market, with a loyal following among alternative rock fans, who also support other stations like WLUP and WSM (AM). Category:Radio stations in Illinois