WQNT

WQNT
Broadcast areaCharleston metropolitan area
Frequency1450 kHz
Branding102.1 The City
Programming
FormatClassic Hits
Ownership
OwnerKirkman Broadcasting, Inc.
WJNI, WQSC, WTMZ, WTMZ-FM
History
First air date
1948; 77 years ago (1948) (as WUSN)
Former call signs
WUSN (1948–1955)
WQSN (1955–1987)
WWHT (1987–1989)
WXCH (1989–1990)
WUJM (1990–1996)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID31946
ClassC
Power848 watts
Transmitter coordinates
32°49′7.00″N 79°57′43.00″W / 32.8186111°N 79.9619444°W / 32.8186111; -79.9619444
Translator(s)102.1 W271CP (Charleston)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitethecitycharleston.com

WQNT (1450 kHz) is a commercial radio station in Charleston, South Carolina. It is owned by Kirkman Broadcasting and it airs a classic hits radio format, playing songs from the 1970s and '80s. The playlist leans toward classic rock, only playing a few pop, ballad and dance titles per hour. The studios are on Markfield Drive in the West Ashley neighborhood of Charleston.

WQNT is a Class C AM station transmitting with 848 watts, using a non-directional antenna. The transmitter is off Braswell Street, near the Ashley River, in Charleston.[2] Programming is also heard on 250-watt FM translator W271CP on 102.1 MHz in Charleston.[3] The station uses the translator's frequency in its moniker, "102.1 The City."

History

The station's call sign was originally WUSN. It signed on the air in 1948; 77 years ago (1948).[4] In 1955, its callsign changed to WQSN.[5] It began as a network affiliate of the Mutual Broadcasting System. In the 1970s, the station played country music and carried news from CBS Radio.

For several years, WQNT was an all-news radio station, airing CNN Headline News. In the early 2000s, it was a sports radio outlet, carrying Fox Sports Radio, Clemson Tiger Insider Dan Scott, Primetime with the Packman,[citation needed] "The Jim Rome Show" and the Citadel Sports Network.[6] In 2011, WQNT began airing syndicated sports programs from Steve Czaban and Dan Patrick, with other sports shows from ESPN Radio.

On December 6, 2016, WQNT changed its format from sports to classic hits and oldies, branded as "92.1/102.1 The City." AM 1450 was simulcast on two FM translators: W221CI/92.1—Summerville and 102.1/W254BK—Charleston.[7]

On August 17, 2020, the 92.1 translator split from its simulcast with WQNT. It carries a classic hip hop format from WJNI-HD2 on 106.3 FM in Ladson.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WQNT". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ Radio-Locator.com/WQNT
  3. ^ Radio-Locator.com/W271CP
  4. ^ Broadcasting Yearbook 1977 page C-187. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  5. ^ History Cards for WQNT, fcc.gov. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  6. ^ McDermott, John (13 July 2009). "New player in Charleston area sports-talk game". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
  7. ^ Classic Hits City & Sports Zone Debut in Charleston Radioinsight - December 6, 2016
  8. ^ Kirkman Shuffles Formats In Charleston Radioinsight - August 19, 2020