Eastern North Carolina's beloved radio station, The River, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Since 2002, the station has been a simulcast, broadcasting the same format across two frequencies: 92.3 WQSL in Jacksonville and 101.1 WQZL in Belhaven. This simulcast has been a staple for listeners, offering a variety of music genres, from Rhythmic CHR to Adult R&B and Country. However, a recent development is about to change the radio landscape.
The Jacksonville station, 92.3 WQSL, is getting a powerful upgrade. Its signal strength will increase from Class C2 to C1, reaching an impressive 100kW/246m. This upgrade will not only strengthen its coverage in Jacksonville but also extend its reach to adjacent markets like New Bern, Kinston, and even Wilmington. But the real intrigue lies in what this means for the Belhaven station.
The company plans to introduce a new format on 101.1 WQZL, which currently rimshots New Bern and Greenville. This move is strategic, as it allows the station to cater to a different audience in these markets. The question remains: What format will this new station adopt? Will it be a continuation of The River's current style or something entirely different?
The simulcast has been a consistent presence since 2002, with only a brief separation from 2010 to 2013 when it experimented with an Oldies format. The stations have already started promoting the upcoming change, but the exact timing remains a mystery. The anticipation is building, and radio enthusiasts are eager to see how this transformation will shape the Eastern North Carolina airwaves.
