WNTQ, 93Q, is a Mainstream Top 40 station based in Syracuse, New York

Syracuse, New York

Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...

. The Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media, Inc. is the second largest Owner and Operator of AM and FM radio stations in the United States, behind Clear Channel Communications, operating 570 stations in 150 markets as of September 16, 2011. The company also owns Cumulus Media Networks...

 outlet operates at 93.1 MHz with an ERP of 97 kW.

History

WNTQ originally went on the air circa 1945 as WFBL-FM on 45.9 MHz (before the FM band was reallocated to the current 88-108 MHz spectrum). It later moved to 93.1 MHz when the FM band moved circa 1946. Reports show that WFBL-FM went off the air several years later, and did not return until 1955, where it went back on the air as WDDS. The station has been in continuous operation since 1955. The call sign changed from WDDS to WNTQ in the 1970s.

WNTQ is known as a "grandfathered super-powered" FM station because it's Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of 97,000 Watts exceeds the FCC Class B maximum of 50,000 Watts. Likewise, WNTQ's Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) of 201 meters (660 feet) exceeds the FCC maximum for a Class B facility of 150 meters (492 feet). The FCC rules determining the power and height maximums for Class B stations were not formed until 1964. Because WNTQ was operating at powers in excess of the FCC rules when they were adopted in 1964, WNTQ, and other stations were "grandfathered" to be permitted to operate with power and height larger than what is permitted by today's rules. This makes WNTQ one of the more powerful stations in the region with great signal coverage compared to most of its competition in the Syracuse market.

WNTQ made its debut with its current format in 1981. They are also one of three Top 40s in Syracuse, the other two being Rhythmic rival WWHT (HOT 107.9)

WWHT-FM

WWHT is a Rhythmic Top 40 station licensed to Syracuse, New York. The Clear Channel Communications outlet broadcasts at 107.9 MHz with an ERP of 50 kW.-History:...

 and non-commercial Syracuse University

Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...

 student-run WJPZ(Z89). Unlike WWHT, whose playlist and presentation targets urban teens and young adults, WNTQ's music is more balanced and mass appeal. This approach has worked for 93Q, resulting in 93Q beating HOT 107.9 in total weekly audience every quarter since their rivalry began in 1996.

On-air line up

Monday Through Friday

• 5:30AM To 10AM: Ted And Amy In The Morning
• 10AM To 3PM: Tom Mitchell
  Tom Mitchell
  Thomas James Mitchell is an Irish republican. He was active in the IRA and took part in a raid on Omagh barracks in 1954, being captured and imprisoned...
  
  
• 3PM To 7PM: Rick Roberts
  Rick Roberts
  Rick Roberts may refer to:* Rick Roberts , Canadian actor* Rick Roberts , American radio talk show host* Rick Roberts , Canadian field hockey player* Rick Roberts , American rock musician, founder of Firefall...
  
  
• 7PM To 5:30AM: 93Q... The #1 Hit Music Station (Music without a personality on the air)

Saturday On Air Line Up

• 7AM To 9AM: The Best Of Ted And Amy
• 9AM To 1PM: Rick Roberts
• 1PM To 5PM: Mike Cauchon
• 5PM To 6:00AM: 93Q... The #1 Hit Music Station (Music without a personality on the air)

Sunday On Air Line Up

• 6AM To 10AM: Rick Dees Weekly Top 40
  Rick Dees Weekly Top 40
  Rick Dees' Weekly Top 40 is an internationally-syndicated radio program created and hosted by American radio personality Rick Dees. It is currently heard on over 200 radio stations worldwide and the American Forces Network. It is distributed domestically by Citadel Media Networks and...
  
   (Countdown)
• 10AM To 4PM: Mike Cauchon
• 4PM To 9PM: Dennis Crawford
• 9PM To 5:30AM: 93Q... The #1 Hit Music Station (Music without a personality on the air)

Past Air Talent from 93Q (WNTQ)

• "Big" Jim Donovan (Moved to do the CNY's Saturday Morning News From 6AM To 8AM on WSYR 106.9FM)
• American Top 40
  American Top 40
  American Top 40 is an internationally syndicated, independent radio program created by Casey Kasem, Don Bustany, Tom Rounds and Ron Jacobs. Originally a production of Watermark Inc...
  
  With Ryan Seacrest (Moved to Hot 107.9 Sunday Mornings From 8AM To 12PM)
• Brian Phillips (On 93Q from time to time usually during the weekends)
• Kevin Charles (Previously worked in the evenings on 93Q before Mike Cauchon)
• Katie Gray (Previously worked on 93Q Sunday evenings)
• Brandon C (Removed from 93Q for undisclosed reasons, previously worked Monday-Friday evenings and did the Top 5 At 9)

Segments/Programs

• New Movie Weekend - Tickets to a new movie are given out as contest prizes throughout the weekend. (Friday afternoon through Sunday evening).

During Ted and Amy in the Morning

• Five Question Quiz - On Tuesday mornings, Amy asks five questions which callers try to answer. The first caller has to get at least one question correct, the second caller two questions and so on. Answers to the Five Question Quiz are revealed on Wednesday mornings.

• Group Therapy Thursday - Listeners contact Ted And Amy with a problem they are having and that problem is announced on air so listeners can call in with ideas for a solution.

• Friday Flashbacks - Older songs not played in a long time are played Friday mornings during Ted And Amy.

External links

• 93Q's website
• List of "grandfathered" FM radio stations in the U.S.