KQWK (defunct)

Infobox Radio station
name = KQWK


city = Pittsburg, KS/Joplin, MO
area =
branding = Quick Rock 97
slogan = "Quality Rock 'N' Roll"
frequency = 96.9
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format = Contemporary Hits Radio
power = 100,000 watt
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former_callsigns = KMRJ-FM
affiliations =
owner = Heartland Broadcasting
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sister_stations = KNZS-AM, KSEK-AM
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KQWK 96.9 FM ( "Quick Rock 97" ) was a 100,000 watt radio station that served the Pittsburg, KS/Joplin, MO market from mid-1984 to Fall 1986.

Airing what was by definition a CHR (Contemporary Hits Radio) format, the station took on a much more AOR ( Album Oriented Rock ) tone in the evening hours. During those times, it wasn't unusual to hear a Huey Lewis And The News song followed by a Black Sabbath one. In some ways, the station was airing a Jack format about 15 years before the format was commonplace.

The station's Program Director was Frank Bell, and the disc jockey lineup was as follows :

6AM-10AM : Sally Sherman

10AM-3PM : Frank Bell

3PM-7PM : Scott Porter ( also the Music Director )

7PM-1AM : Rick Allen ( mid-1984 to Fall 1985 )

7PM-1AM : Scott "Scooter" Phillips ( Fall 1985-Fall 1986 )

1AM-6AM : Nancy Wade ( mid-1984 to Spring 1985 )

1AM-6AM : Scott "Scooter" Phillips ( Spring to Fall 1985 )

Some of the more popular features the station broadcast were "The Top 5 At 5" ( the 5 most requested songs of the day ), "Lunch Blocks" ( several tunes by the same artist, played during the Noon hour ), "Smash Or Trash" ( listeners call in to vote on a new song ), and "The Side Show" ( a side of an album, broadcast at 3AM ) .

The station hosted concerts by many of the popular artists of the day, such as Ratt, Night Ranger, Survivor, and others. Most of these shows took place at Joplin's Memorial Hall, but in particular, the Night Ranger concert was held in Pittsburg and culminated in "Night Ranger Day", in which the band received the key to the city from the Mayor.

KQWK was the home of several syndicated programs, including "Rockline", "Metalshop", and "Ticket To Ride". The station was also affiliated with NBC's "The Source" news service.