WQRL

WQRL (106.3 FM, "Q106.3") is a radio station licensed to Benton, Illinois, covering Southern Illinois, including Marion, Benton, and Harrisburg. WQRL has a classic hits format and is owned by Dana Communications Corporation.^[5]

WQRL

Benton, Illinois
Broadcast area	Southern Illinois / Marion / Harrisburg
Frequency	106.3 MHz
Branding	Q106.3
Programming
Format	Classic hits
Ownership
Owner	Dana Communications Corporation
History
First air date	October 1, 1973[1]
Former call signs	WQRX (1973–1982)[2][3]
Technical information[4]
Licensing authority	FCC
Facility ID	15378
Class	B1
ERP	12,500 watts
HAAT	140 meters (460 ft)
Links
Public license information	Public file LMS
Webcast	Listen Live
Website	wqrlradio.com

The station is an affiliate of the syndicated Pink Floyd program "Floydian Slip."

History

WQRX

The station began broadcasting October 1, 1973, and originally held the call sign WQRX.^[1][2] It had an ERP of 3,000 watts at a HAAT of 300 feet.^[2] The station was branded "The Golden Voice of Southern Illinois",^[6] and had a variety format.^[7] In 1975, the station began airing easy listening music during the day and progressive rock at night.^[7] By 1980, the station had begun airing a top 40 format.^[8]

WQRL

In 1982, the station's call sign was changed to WQRL,^[3] and the station adopted an adult contemporary format.^[9][10] In February 1993, the station's format was changed to country music, airing programming from Unistar's Hot Country network.^[11] In 1994, the station's ERP was increased to 12,500 watts, at a HAAT of 459 feet.^[12] In July 1996, the station adopted an oldies format, which lasted for more than 2 decades.^[13] When the 2020s rolled along, its oldies format tweaked into a classic hits format.