KQCH
Encyclopedia
KQCH is the callsign for the Omaha, Nebraska
-based Top 40 FM
radio station
"Channel 94.1". It is owned by Journal Broadcast Group.
as "Channel 97.7". The station became a serious challenger to Top 40 Mainstream KQKQ during its three years on the 97.7 frequency.
The 94.1 frequency was originally KOAD, owned by the Omaha World-Herald
, in 1941 at 94.3 until 1949 when it moved to 94.1 and went silent. In 1960 it returned to the air as KMEO, where it had a MOR format until 1968, when it became AOR KOWH. By 1979 KQWH switched formats to R&B as KYNN under then-new owner Great Empire Broadcasting, lasting until 1984 when it flipped to as Country WOW-FM, where it enjoyed a successful 16-year run. In 2000, WOW-FM changed its call letters and re-branded to KSSO "Kiss Country", which prompted a cease and desist letter from Clear Channel Communications
– who had previously trademarked and service-marked the "Kiss" name and had recently launched a "Kiss" station in nearby Lincoln, Nebraska
. After that, they modified the call letters and became KMXM "Max Country" in 2001.
In 2002, Journal Broadcast Group moved KQCH from 97.7 to 94.1 and was relaunched as "Channel 94.1". The station continued in its Rhythmic direction until 2004, when it shifted to a mainstream direction after KQKQ flipped to Adult Top 40. KQCH currently has competition with KOPW
, who ironically happens to be a Rhythmic and KQKQ's sister station.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, United States, and is the county seat of Douglas County. It is located in the Midwestern United States on the Missouri River, about 20 miles north of the mouth of the Platte River...
-based Top 40 FM
FM broadcasting
FM broadcasting is a broadcasting technology pioneered by Edwin Howard Armstrong which uses frequency modulation to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. The term "FM band" describes the "frequency band in which FM is used for broadcasting"...
radio station
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
"Channel 94.1". It is owned by Journal Broadcast Group.
History
KQCH's origins began in 1999, when it flipped from Adult Contemporary to Rhythmic ContemporaryRhythmic Contemporary
Rhythmic contemporary, also known as rhythmic top 40, rhythmic contemporary hit radio or rhythmic crossover, is a music radio format that includes a mix of EDM, upbeat rhythmic pop, hip-hop and R&B hits. Rhythmic contemporary rarely uses rock music or country music in its airplay, but it may...
as "Channel 97.7". The station became a serious challenger to Top 40 Mainstream KQKQ during its three years on the 97.7 frequency.
The 94.1 frequency was originally KOAD, owned by the Omaha World-Herald
Omaha World-Herald
The Omaha World-Herald, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is the primary daily newspaper of Nebraska, as well as portions of southwest Iowa. For decades it circulated daily throughout Nebraska, and in parts of Kansas, South Dakota, Missouri, Colorado and Wyoming. In 2008, distribution was reduced to the...
, in 1941 at 94.3 until 1949 when it moved to 94.1 and went silent. In 1960 it returned to the air as KMEO, where it had a MOR format until 1968, when it became AOR KOWH. By 1979 KQWH switched formats to R&B as KYNN under then-new owner Great Empire Broadcasting, lasting until 1984 when it flipped to as Country WOW-FM, where it enjoyed a successful 16-year run. In 2000, WOW-FM changed its call letters and re-branded to KSSO "Kiss Country", which prompted a cease and desist letter from Clear Channel Communications
Clear Channel Communications
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is an American media conglomerate company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. It was founded in 1972 by Lowry Mays and Red McCombs, and was taken private by Bain Capital LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP in a leveraged buyout in 2008...
– who had previously trademarked and service-marked the "Kiss" name and had recently launched a "Kiss" station in nearby Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
The City of Lincoln is the capital and the second-most populous city of the US state of Nebraska. Lincoln is also the county seat of Lancaster County and the home of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's 2010 Census population was 258,379....
. After that, they modified the call letters and became KMXM "Max Country" in 2001.
In 2002, Journal Broadcast Group moved KQCH from 97.7 to 94.1 and was relaunched as "Channel 94.1". The station continued in its Rhythmic direction until 2004, when it shifted to a mainstream direction after KQKQ flipped to Adult Top 40. KQCH currently has competition with KOPW
KOPW
KOPW is the callsign for the Omaha, Nebraska-based Rhythmic contemporary FM radio station "Power 106.9". It is owned and operated by NRG Media.-History:...
, who ironically happens to be a Rhythmic and KQKQ's sister station.