WSRQ (AM)

Last updated

WSRQ
Broadcast areaSarasota - Bradenton - Venice
Frequency 1220 kHz
BrandingThe New SRQ
Programming
Format Classic Hits
Affiliations WWSB-TV
Tampa Bay Rays Radio Network
Tampa Bay Lightning Radio Network
Ownership
Owner Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Inc.
WSRQ-FM, WVIJ
History
First air date
January 1, 1961;64 years ago (1961-01-01) (as WSAF)
Former call signs
WSAF (1961 through mid-1970s, at least)
WQSA (1980s to 2002)
WIBQ (2002–2007)
Call sign meaning
SRQ = IATA code for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
Technical information [1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID 27663
Class D
Power 770 watts day
15 watts night
Transmitter coordinates
27°19′26.40″N82°29′45.60″W / 27.3240000°N 82.4960000°W / 27.3240000; -82.4960000
Translator(s) See § Translators
Repeater(s) 91.7 WVIJ (Port Charlotte)
106.9 WSRQ-FM (Zolfo Springs)
Links
Public license information
Webcast Listen Live
Website srqfm.com

WSRQ (1220 kHz) is an AM radio station licensed to Sarasota, Florida. It airs a classic hits radio format featuring 1960s, 70s and 80s songs. It also carries live sports including Tampa Bay Rays baseball and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey. It is owned by Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Inc.

Contents

By day, WSRQ is powered at 770 watts non-directional. But 1220 AM is a clear-channel frequency reserved for XEB Mexico City as a Class A station. So at night, WSRQ reduces power to only 15 watts to avoid interference. WSRQ is also heard in Northern and Central Sarasota County and throughout Manatee County on a pair of 250-watt FM translators: W295BH broadcasts at 106.9 FM in Sarasota and W237FJ broadcasts at 95.3 FM in Venice. Programming is also simulcast on two FM repeater stations: 91.7 WVIJ in Port Charlotte and 106.9 WSRQ-FM in Zolfo Springs.

History

The station signed on the air on January 1, 1961;64 years ago. [2] Its original call sign was WSAF and it was owned by Pan Florida, Inc. WSAF was a daytimer station, powered at 1,000 watts but required to go off the air at night. It eventually was allowed to broadcast after sunset but using low power.

It was announced on July 14, 2011, that WSRQ would be acquired by Florida Talk Radio, LLC. [3] Prior to June 29, 2018, the station was branded as "The Voice of Sarasota-Manatee" and featured a talk radio format.

WSRQ was granted an FCC construction permit to move to a different transmitter site, decreasing daytime power to 770 watts and nighttime power to 15 watts. [4]

The station, along with its translators, was sold by Florida Talk Radio to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Inc. effective December 10, 2018. The price tag was $520,000.

Translators

Broadcast translators for WSRQ (Main Programming)
Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) HAAT Class Transmitter coordinatesFCC info
W237FJ95.3 FM Venice, Florida 201660250104  m (341  ft)D 27°9′3″N82°27′51″W / 27.15083°N 82.46417°W / 27.15083; -82.46417 (W237FJ) LMS
W295BH106.9 FM Sarasota, Florida 140532250137 m (449 ft)D 27°28′31″N82°32′11″W / 27.47528°N 82.53639°W / 27.47528; -82.53639 (W268AN) LMS

Previous logos

WSRQ 106.9-1220 logo.png WSRQ 1220-95.9-106.9 logo.png

References

  1. "Facility Technical Data for WSRQ". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. Broadcasting Yearbook 1965 page B-37. Retrieved Feb. 14, 2025.
  3. BUSINESS BUZZ: WSRQ Radio gets new owners
  4. "FCC Construction Permit". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.

3. WSRQ Radio changing formats - https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180627/wsrq-radio-changing-formats-friday