Composite #2: 1380 KWK St. Louis, 106.5 WWWK Granite City | 1979

As confusing as it is listening to this aircheck next to the ‘standalone’ KWK aircheck recently posted, here’s a good example of how the migration of music stations from AM to FM began. In this case, later in 1979, KWK began simulcasting its format on 106.5 WWWK from suburban Granite City. They called it simply, “Stereo KWK”.

Amazingly, and likely somewhat confusing to some listeners, the next break after the live Legal ID, the other slogan from 1979, Thirteen Point Eight, KWK is spoken. I love it, and it always seemed a great move to me to highlight the AM frequency and position on the FM signal.

Perhaps the best example of how things moved to FM that’s similar to this that your webmaster can remember is when WZYQ Frederick moved to FM. It was a simulcast operation in the mid-70s, always using the 14-ZYQ monniker, then made the identity move as well, next calling itself “Z104” on both AM and FM until the AM side went away.

Listeners might have been further confused by what had transpired just prior to this simulcast. WWWK had been an AOR station using the slogan “Stereo WK”. Later on, the KWK call letters would come to 106.5 FM as well, and then another call letter change to WKBQ. The WKBQ calls would stick, as well as a name that would become well known in St. Louis – Q106.5

Enjoy this slice of Stereo KWK. Its from a very short period of time in the station’s evolution. Thanks to Bob Buchhauser for sending it in!