Springfield IL Radio: N/T WTAX, Oldies WQQL To Swap Frequencies

News-Talk WTAX, a nearly 100-year-old Springfield, IL station,  will soon have a stronger FM signal.

Capitol Radio Group announced this week that it is swapping FM outputs on two of its seven stations to give its flagship news network, WTAX, a stronger signal.

WTAX will broadcast on 93.9 FM, a few clicks away from its current setting of 93.5 FM, beginning June 7. It will remain on 1240 AM, as it has for more than 70 years. Capitol Radio Group vice president and general manger Chris Bullock said the move will allow WTAX to reach a larger audience.

Coinciding with the move, the current WQQL Cool 93.9 will change to 93.5 on the same day, though it will live on in spirit as the new Rewind 93.5, also launching on June 7, Bullock said.

"We're promoting it as getting a new coat of paint," Bullock said about the new station, which will broadcast the same 80s-centric pop hits as WQQL with a new brand that "reflects the music more."

WQQL hosts JJ Gerard, Joey McLaughlin and Dave Daniels, among others, will continue their shows on the new Rewind 93.5, Bullock said. WTAX's news coverage will also continue without any changes, he said.

WTAX has local news programs in addition to syndicated shows hosted by Sean Hannity and Hugh Hewitt. WQQL currently broadcasts pop hits from the likes of Billy Joel and Madonna.