Update 2/18: Metroplex Communications launched Oldies “My Mix 94.3” W232CR Alton IL at noon today fed via Hubbard’s 92.3 WIL-HD3 St. Louis as News/Talk 1570 WBGZ signed on 107.1 W296DR Alton.
Original Report 2/13: In the northern suburbs of St. Louis, Metroplex Communications News/Talk 1570 WBGZ/94.3 W232CR Alton IL will soon debut a second brand when it launches 107.1 W296DR Alton.
WBGZ’s current programming with move to the new translator as that one will be permanently tied to the AM signal. The current 94.3 translator will flip to 60s/70s Oldies as “My Mix 94.3” fed by an undisclosed HD subchannel in the market.
WBGZ General Manager Nick Darr told Illinois Business Journal that they hope to launch this month once a tower crew installs the new antenna. He also stated “Being able to add a whole new format is what we’re excited about. We love our news talk listeners. It’s a large and loyal audience, but we also recognized that people listen to music as well. And if you look at the landscape of St. Louis radio, something you won’t find right now are classic hits, an oldies format. There really isn’t anybody playing hits of the ’60s and ’70s in the St. Louis market.”