| WQRL | |
| City: | Benton, Illinois |
| Area: | Southern Illinois / Marion / Harrisburg |
| Branding: | Q106.3 |
| Frequency: | 106.3 MHz |
| Airdate: | October 1, 1973[1] |
| Format: | Classic hits |
| Erp: | 12,500 watts |
| Class: | B1 |
| Facility Id: | 15378 |
| Former Callsigns: | WQRX (1973–1982)[2] [3] |
| Owner: | Dana Communications Corporation |
| Webcast: | Listen Live |
| Website: | wqrlradio.com |
| Licensing Authority: | FCC |
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.[4]
The station is an affiliate of the syndicated Pink Floyd program "Floydian Slip."
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",[5] and had a variety format.[6] In 1975, the station began airing easy listening music during the day and progressive rock at night.[6] By 1980, the station had begun airing a top 40 format.[7]
In 1982, the station's call sign was changed to WQRL,[3] and the station adopted an adult contemporary format.[8] [9] In February 1993, the station's format was changed to country music, airing programming from Unistar's Hot Country network.[10] In 1994, the station's ERP was increased to 12,500 watts, at a HAAT of 459 feet.[11] In July 1996, the station adopted an oldies format, which lasted for more than 2 decades.[12] When the 2020s rolled along, its oldies format tweaked into a classic hits format.