{{short description|Radio station in Danbury, Connecticut}}
{{short description|Radio station in Danbury, Connecticut}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date= 2025}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WDAQ
| name = WDAQ
| frequency = {{Frequency|98.3|[[MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| frequency = {{Frequency|98.3|[[MHz]]}} {{HD Radio}}
| rds =
| rds =
| branding = ”98Q”
| branding = 98Q
| languages =
| languages =
| format = [[Hot adult contemporary]]
| format = [[Hot adult contemporary]]
| subchannels = {{ubl
| subchannels = {{ubl
| HD2: 94.5 The Hawk ([[Classic hits]])
| HD2: 94.5 The Hawk ([[ hits]])
| HD3: 97.9/107.3
| HD3: 97.9/107.3
The Bull ([[Country music|Country]])
The Bull ([[Country music|]])
| HD4: [[WNPR]] [[simulcast]] (Public Radio)
| HD4: [[]] [[]] ( )
}}
}}
| network =
| network =
| licensee = The Berkshire Broadcasting Corp.
| licensee = The Berkshire Broadcasting Corp.
| operator =
| operator =
| sister_stations = [[WAXB]], [[WLAD]]
| sister_stations = [[WAXB]][[WLAD]]
| founded =
| founded =
| airdate = {{Start date and age|1953}} (as WLAD-FM)
| airdate = {{Start date|1953}} (as WLAD-FM)
| last_airdate =
| last_airdate =
| former_callsigns = WLAD-FM (1953–1979)
| former_callsigns = WLAD-FM (1953–1979)
| former_names =
| former_names =
| former_frequencies =
| former_frequencies =
| callsign_meaning = W”’ DA”’nbury ”’Q”’
| callsign_meaning = Q
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
| licensing_authority = [[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]
| facility_id = 4822
| facility_id = 4822
| class = A
| class = A
| power =
| power =
| erp = 1,300 [[watt]]s
| erp = 1,300
| haat = {{Convert|140|m|ft|sp=us}}
| haat = {{Convert|140|m|ft|sp=us}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41.374|N|73.446|W|type:landmark_region:US-CT_source:FCC|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41.374|N|73.446|W|type:landmark_region:US-CT_source:FCC|display=inline,title}}
}}
}}
”’WDAQ”’ (98.3 [[FM broadcasting|FM]], “98Q”) is a [[Adult Top 40|Hot AC]] [[radio station]] licensed to [[Danbury, Connecticut]], and serving part of Western Connecticut and [[Putnam County, New York]]. The station is owned by The Berkshire Broadcasting Corporation, along with [[sister station]]s [[WLAD]] [[800 AM]] and [[WAXB]] [[850 AM]]. The [[radio studio]]s and offices are located on Mill Plain Road in Danbury.
”’WDAQ”’ (98.3 [[FM broadcasting|FM]], “98Q”) is a radio station licensed to [[Danbury, Connecticut]], and serving part of Western Connecticut and [[Putnam County, New York]]. The station is owned by The Berkshire Broadcasting Corporation, along with [[sister station]]s [[WLAD]] and [[WAXB]]. The and offices are located on Mill Plain Road in Danbury.
WDAQ has an [[Effective Radiated Power]] (ERP) of 1,300 [[watt]]s. The [[transmitter]] is located on Brushy Hill Road, also in Danbury.<ref>[https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/finder?call=wdaq&x=0&y=0&sr=Y&s=C Radio-Locator.com/WDAQ]</ref> It broadcasts using [[HD Radio]] technology. WDAQ has four [[digital subchannel]]s, three of them feeding [[FM translator]]s with formats including [[classic hits]] (94.5), [[country music]] (97.9/107.3) and [[public radio]] (103.7).
WDAQ has an [[ ]] (ERP) of 1,300 . The [[transmitter]] is located on Brushy Hill Road, also in Danbury.<ref>[https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/finder?call=wdaq&x=0&y=0&sr=Y&s=C Radio-Locator.com/WDAQ]</ref> It broadcasts using [[HD Radio]] technology. WDAQ has four [[digital subchannel]]s, three of them feeding [[FM translator]]s with formats including [[classic hits]] (94.5), [[country music]] (97.9/107.3) and [[public radio]] (103.7).
==History==
==History==
===Rural Network===
===Rural Network===
In 1953, the station first [[sign-on|signed on]] as ”’WLAD-FM”’.<ref>[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1955/All-Radio-1955-BC-YB.pdf Information] from [[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting Yearbook]] 1955 page 99</ref> Then, as now, it was owned by Berkshire Broadcasting with studios at the time located at 307 Main Street. WLAD-FM was one of the first [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class A]] FM stations in the [[United States]], designed to have only a regional signal. It was also the first FM station to sign on in the Danbury area, four years prior to the start of 95.1 WINE-FM (now [[WRKI]]).
In 1953, the station first [[sign-on|signed on]] as WLAD-FM.<ref>[https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC-YB/1955/All-Radio-1955-BC-YB.pdf Information] from [[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting Yearbook]] 1955 page 99</ref> Then, as now, it was owned by Berkshire Broadcasting studios at the time located at 307 Main Street. WLAD-FM was one of the first [[List of North American broadcast station classes|Class A]] FM stations in the United States, designed to have only a regional signal. It was also the first FM station to sign on in the Danbury area, four years prior to the start of WINE-FM (now [[WRKI]]).
Originally, WLAD-FM was part of the [[Rural Radio Network]] as one of two Connecticut affiliates of the New York-based chain. Several years later, WLAD-FM evolved into an extension of its then [[daytimer|daytime-only]] sister station, WLAD 800 AM. When the AM facility had to go off the air at sunset, WLAD-FM continued its programming into the evening.
Originally, WLAD-FM was part of the [[Rural Radio Network]] as one of two Connecticut affiliates of the New York-based chain. Several years later, WLAD-FM evolved into an extension of its then [[daytimer|daytime-only]] sister station, WLAD. When the AM facility had to go off the air at sunset, WLAD-FM continued its programming into the evening.
===Beautiful Music===
===Beautiful ===
In the mid-1960s, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] began encouraging AM-FM combos to end full time [[simulcast]]ing. WLAD-FM upgraded to an [[FM stereo]] signal and flipped to a [[beautiful music]] format, which was [[broadcast automation|automated]] in 1975. WLAD-FM played quarter hour sweeps of mostly instrumental [[cover version]]s of popular songs as well as [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] and [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] show tunes.
In the mid-1960s, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] began encouraging AM-FM combos to end full time [[simulcast]]ing. WLAD-FM upgraded to an [[FM stereo]] signal and flipped to a [[beautiful music]] format, which was [[broadcast automation|automated]] in 1975. WLAD-FM played quarter hour sweeps of mostly instrumental [[cover version]]s of popular songs as well as [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] and [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] show tunes.
In 1979, the [[call sign]] was changed to ”’WDAQ”’, to create a separate identity from WLAD. WDAQ was competing with 99.9 [[WEZN]] from [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]], and 100.7 [[WHUD]] from [[Peekskill, New York]], for Greater Danbury’s [[easy listening]] audience.
In 1979, the [[call sign]] was changed to WDAQ, to create a separate identity from WLAD. WDAQ was competing with [[WEZN]] from [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]], and [[WHUD]] from [[Peekskill, New York]], for Greater Danbury’s [[easy listening]] audience.
===Adult Contemporary===
===Adult ===
By the early 1980s, the audience for the easy listening format was aging, with most advertisers then seeking youthful and middle aged consumers. WDAQ added more soft vocals and reduced the instrumentals to appeal to a more youthful audience. By the mid-eighties, WDAQ completed the shift to [[soft adult contemporary]], rebranded as “Lite 98.“
By the early 1980s, the audience for the easy listening format was aging, with most advertisers then seeking youthful and middle aged consumers. WDAQ added more soft vocals and reduced the instrumentals to appeal to a more youthful audience. By the mid-, WDAQ completed the shift to [[soft adult contemporary]], rebranded as “Lite 98”
By the late 1980s, WDAQ faced a more crowded market of adult contemporary signals. [[WEBE]] 107.9 FM in [[Westport, Connecticut]] adopted the AC format in 1984 and then [[WEZN]] contemporized its easy listening format in 1987. Seeing an opportunity between teen formatted [[WKCI-FM]], mainstream AC WEBE and soft AC WEZN, WDAQ was reborn as Hot AC ”98Q” in September, 1989. The station’s initial music mix relied heavily on 1970s titles that had not been played on the radio for several years. Within a year, WDAQ shot to #1 beating co-owned [[full-service radio|full-service]] 800 WLAD and crosstown rocker 95.1 [[WRKI]].
By the late 1980s, WDAQ faced a more crowded market of adult contemporary signals. [[WEBE]] in [[Westport, Connecticut]] adopted the AC format in 1984 and then WEZN contemporized its easy listening format in 1987. Seeing an opportunity between teen formatted [[WKCI-FM]], mainstream AC WEBE and soft AC WEZN, WDAQ was reborn as 98Q in September 1989. The station’s initial music mix relied heavily on 1970s titles that had not been played on the radio for several years. Within a year, WDAQ shot to #1 beating co-owned [[full-service radio|full-service]] WLAD and crosstown rocker WRKI.
During its run as “98Q,” the station has finished first in virtually every Danbury Arbitron/Nielsen ratings survey. The station continues its hyper-focus on Greater Danbury as opposed to the more regional approaches of the other FM stations in the area.
During its run as “98Q” the station has finished first in virtually every Danbury Arbitron/Nielsen ratings survey. The station continues its hyper-focus on Greater Danbury as opposed to the more regional approaches of the other FM stations in the area.
===HD Radio===
===HD Radio===
On August 7, 2015, WDAQ upgraded to [[HD Radio]], and launched a new Alternative station on 103.7 [[Megahertz|MHz]], fed by its HD2 subchannel, as “103.7 Danbury’s New Rock Alternative”, which launched on the 10th at 12 p.m. after stunting with loops of songs that changed each hour, with songs like “[[Rapper’s Delight]]” by [[The Sugarhill Gang]] and “[[Drunk on a Plane]]” by [[Dierks Bentley]]. The first song on 103.7 was “[[Renegades (X Ambassadors song)|Renegades]]” by [[X Ambassadors]].<ref>[http://formatchange.com/danburys-new-rock-103-7-launches/ Danbury’s New Rock 103.7 Launches]</ref> It was announced on-air that 103.7 Rock will cease broadcasting at the end of 2023.<ref>{{cite web | title=Danbury Market to Lose Its Alternative Rock Station | date=November 2023 | url=https://www.insideradio.com/free/danbury-market-to-lose-its-alternative-rock-station/article_db490592-7880-11ee-95d4-c7526bd69c55.html }}</ref>
On August 7, 2015, WDAQ upgraded to [[HD Radio]], and launched a new Alternative station on 103.7 [[Megahertz|MHz]], fed by its HD2 subchannel, as “103.7 Danbury’s New Rock Alternative”, which launched on at 12 p.m. after stunting with loops of songs that changed each hour, with songs like “[[Rapper’s Delight]]” by [[The Sugarhill Gang]] and “[[Drunk on a Plane]]” by [[Dierks Bentley]]. The first song on 103.7 was “[[Renegades (X Ambassadors song)|Renegades]]” by [[X Ambassadors]].<ref>[http://formatchange.com/danburys-new-rock-103-7-launches/ Danbury’s New Rock 103.7 Launches]</ref> It was announced on-air that 103.7 Rock will cease broadcasting at the end of 2023.<ref>{{cite web | title=Danbury Market to Lose Its Alternative Rock Station | date=November 2023 | url=https://www.insideradio.com/free/danbury-market-to-lose-its-alternative-rock-station/article_db490592-7880-11ee-95d4-c7526bd69c55.html }}</ref>
In July 2016, Berkshire launched a new country music station on 107.3 [[Megahertz|MHz]], fed by its HD3 subchannel, as “107.3 The Bull”.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Venta|first1=Lance|title=107.3 The Bull Launches In Danbury|url=https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/107134/107-3-the-bull-launches-in-danbury/|website=radioINSIGHT|date=July 5, 2016 |access-date=17 July 2016}}</ref>
In July 2016, Berkshire launched a new country music station on 107.3 [[Megahertz|MHz]], fed by its HD3 subchannel, as “107.3 The Bull”.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Venta|first1=Lance|title=107.3 The Bull Launches In Danbury|url=https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/107134/107-3-the-bull-launches-in-danbury/|website=radioINSIGHT|date=July 5, 2016 |access-date=July 2016}}</ref>
On February 22, 2017, 97.9 MHz W250CH New Milford has started simulcasting “The Bull” and the station would rebrand to “97.9/107.3 The Bull”.
On February 22, 2017, 97.9 MHz W250CH New Milford started simulcasting “The Bull” and the station would rebrand to “97.9/107.3 The Bull”.
On December 17, 2020, “94.5 The Hawk” was moved from [[WAXB]] to WDAQ-HD4, and continued to simulcast on 94.5 W233CF.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=Juan Debuts In Danbury |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/202917/juan-debuts-in-danbury/ |website=RadioInsight |date=December 17, 2020 |access-date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> It changed its format to classic hits on March 21, 2022, while keeping The Hawk branding.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Classic Hits Returns To Danbury |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/221511/classic-hits-returns-to-danbury/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=RadioInsight |date=March 21, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>
On December 17, 2020, “94.5 The Hawk” was moved from [[WAXB]] to WDAQ-HD4, and continued to simulcast on 94.5 W233CF.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=Juan Debuts In Danbury |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/202917/juan-debuts-in-danbury/ |website=RadioInsight |date=December 17, 2020 |access-date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> It changed its format to classic hits on March 21, 2022, while keeping The Hawk branding.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Classic Hits Returns To Danbury |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/221511/classic-hits-returns-to-danbury/ |access-date=21 |website=RadioInsight |date=March 21, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>
As of late December 2023, 103.7 is rebroadcasting Connecticut Public Radio with The Hawk moving from WDAQ HD-4 to HD-2
As of late December 2023, 103.7 is rebroadcasting Connecticut Public Radio with The Hawk moving from WDAQ HD-4 to HD-2
==Translators==
==Translators==
Radio station in Danbury, Connecticut
WDAQ (98.3 FM, “98Q”) is a radio station licensed to Danbury, Connecticut, and serving part of Western Connecticut and Putnam County, New York, with a hot adult contemporary format. The station is owned by The Berkshire Broadcasting Corporation, along with sister stations WLAD and WAXB. The studios and offices are located on Mill Plain Road in Danbury.
WDAQ has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 1,300 watts. The transmitter is located on Brushy Hill Road, also in Danbury.[2] It broadcasts using HD Radio technology. WDAQ has four digital subchannels, three of them feeding FM translators with formats including classic hits (94.5), country music (97.9/107.3) and public radio (103.7).
Rural Radio Network
[edit]
In 1953, the station first signed on as WLAD-FM.[3] Then, as now, it was owned by Berkshire Broadcasting as the FM sister station of WLAD (800 AM); the studios at the time were located at 307 Main Street. WLAD-FM was one of the first Class A FM stations in the United States, designed to have only a regional signal. It was also the first FM station to sign on in the Danbury area, four years prior to the start of WINE-FM (now WRKI).
Originally, WLAD-FM was part of the Rural Radio Network as one of two Connecticut affiliates of the New York-based chain. Several years later, WLAD-FM evolved into an extension of its then daytime-only sister station, WLAD. When the AM facility had to go off the air at sunset, WLAD-FM continued its programming into the evening.
In the mid-1960s, the Federal Communications Commission began encouraging AM-FM combos to end full time simulcasting. WLAD-FM upgraded to an FM stereo signal and flipped to a beautiful music format, which was automated in 1975. WLAD-FM played quarter hour sweeps of mostly instrumental cover versions of popular songs as well as Broadway and Hollywood show tunes.
In 1979, the call sign was changed to WDAQ, to create a separate identity from WLAD. WDAQ was competing with WEZN from Bridgeport, Connecticut, and WHUD from Peekskill, New York, for Greater Danbury’s easy listening audience.
By the early 1980s, the audience for the easy listening format was aging, with most advertisers then seeking youthful and middle aged consumers. WDAQ added more soft vocals and reduced the instrumentals to appeal to a more youthful audience. By the mid-1980s, WDAQ completed the shift to soft adult contemporary, rebranded as “Lite 98”.
By the late 1980s, WDAQ faced a more crowded market of adult contemporary signals. WEBE in Westport, Connecticut adopted the AC format in 1984 and then WEZN contemporized its easy listening format in 1987. Seeing an opportunity between teen formatted WKCI-FM, mainstream AC WEBE and soft AC WEZN, WDAQ was reborn as hot adult contemporary “98Q” in September 1989. The station’s initial music mix relied heavily on 1970s titles that had not been played on the radio for several years. Within a year, WDAQ shot to #1 beating co-owned full-service WLAD and crosstown rocker WRKI.
During its run as “98Q”, the station has finished first in virtually every Danbury Arbitron/Nielsen Audio ratings survey. The station continues its hyper-focus on Greater Danbury as opposed to the more regional approaches of the other FM stations in the area.
On August 7, 2015, WDAQ upgraded to HD Radio, and launched a new alternative station on 103.7 MHz, fed by its HD2 subchannel, as “103.7 Danbury’s New Rock Alternative”, which launched on August 10 at 12 p.m. after stunting with loops of songs that changed each hour, with songs like “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang and “Drunk on a Plane” by Dierks Bentley. The first song on 103.7 was “Renegades” by X Ambassadors.[4] It was announced on-air that 103.7 Rock will cease broadcasting at the end of 2023.[5]
In July 2016, Berkshire launched a new country music station on 107.3 MHz, fed by its HD3 subchannel, as “107.3 The Bull”.[6]
On February 22, 2017, 97.9 MHz W250CH New Milford started simulcasting “The Bull” and the station would rebrand to “97.9/107.3 The Bull”.
On December 17, 2020, “94.5 The Hawk” was moved from WAXB to WDAQ-HD4, and continued to simulcast on 94.5 W233CF.[7] It changed its format to classic hits on March 21, 2022, while keeping The Hawk branding.[8]
As of late December 2023, 103.7 is rebroadcasting Connecticut Public Radio with The Hawk moving from WDAQ HD-4 to HD-2.
