WXKR

Infobox Radio Station
name = WXKR


area = Toledo metropolitan area
city = Port Clinton, Ohio
branding = 94.5 XKR
slogan = Toledo's Classic Rock Station
airdate = October 4, 1961
frequency = 94.5 (MHz)
format = Classic rock
erp = 30,000 watts
haat = 192 meters
class = B
facility_id = 69869
owner = Cumulus Broadcasting
webcast = [http://live.cumulusstreaming.com/WXKR-FM Listen Live]
website = [http://www.wxkr.com/ www.wxkr.com]
callsign_meaning =
former_callsigns = WOSE (5/21/80-6/18/90) WRWR (10/4/61-5/21/80)
sister_stations = WKKO, WLQR, WRQN, WRWK, WTOD, WTWR, WWWMWXKR is an FM radio station in Port Clinton, Ohio, United States, broadcasting on 94.5 MHz with a classic rock format. The station is known as 94.5 XKR, Toledo's Classic Rock Station

History

WRWR

The station dates back to WRWR, which signed on in October 4, 1961, serving the town of Port Clinton. The station's callsign stood for its' founder, Robert W. Reider, a local resident who eventually operated WRWR, WLKR in Norwalk, WAWR in Bowling Green, and WKTN in Kenton via his "Ohio Radio Incorporated" banner. Robert W. Reider operated the station until he died on March 4, 1976, but his company continued operating the station until July 31, 1979, when WRWR, Inc., a subsidiary of Triplett Broadcasting took over operations.

WOSE/X 94.5

On May 21, 1980, the station's callsign was changed to WOSE (for Ottawa, Sandusky, and Erie counties) with an AC format. The station increased its power in 1981 and soon changed format to all-country music. However, WOSE eventually changed back to Top 40 hits less than two years later, in 1983.

In 1990 it became classic rock and was known as WXKR "X-94.5". The station's transmitting power was boosted and moved closer to Toledo.

94-5 K-Rock

In 1996, after being off the air for a couple of days, the station became "94-5 K-Rock, Rock's New Perspective", in a surprise move. The station focused on an adult alternative format with artists such as Tori Amos, Pete Droge, Rusted Root, Eels, Fastball and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with 80's retro songs sprinkled in, each introduced as a "Retro Rewind from the X-K-Archives". Due to a lack of promotion and direction, the station's ratings plummeted. One day, the station announced a radio promo at a golf outing and it was said that nobody even showed up. The station plunged in the ratings to a 1.4. A year later the station was branded as "94-5 K-Rock, Toledo's Modern Rock" with an emphasis on more mainstream rock. This move still failed to boost ratings for the station.

Return to Classic Rock 94.5 XKR

In 1998 Cumulus Broadcasting purchased the station, and the classic rock format was restored. The station stunted one day in 1998 by playing the first five seconds of many classic rock songs for four days. The classic rock format returned the following Monday. The station was renamed "94-5 XKR" and has retained its format ever since, resulting in an upswing in the station's ratings and a subsequent drop in WJZE's ratings, that retained the classic rock format for a year before simulcasting Buzz 106.5. It was announced WXKR (and WTWR) were being spun off from the Cumulus Family. It is not clear if the station is going to be sold just yet or if it is going to state in an LLC trust.

WXKR broadcasts a digital "HD radio" signal in addition to its analog signal, but has no HD2 channel yet.

Airstaff

The Current lineup is as follows:

* Morning Show: The Morning Show - Mark Benson w/ Kelly Carter (News)
* Mid-Days: Andi McKay
* Afternoon Drive: McClintock
* Nighttime: The Nocturnal Transmission - Dave "Muddy" Watter
* Weekend/Fill-in: Brody

External links

* [http://www.wxkr.com WXKR Website]
* [http://www.wrwr.info/history/index.html WRWR/Port Clinton Tribute Site]
*FMQ|WXKR
*FML|WXKR
*FMARB|WXKR