WGIL

WGIL
Frequency1400 kHz
BrandingWGIL 93.7FM & 1400AM
Programming
FormatNews/talk/sports
Ownership
OwnerGalesburg Broadcasting Company
(sale to Civic Media pending)
History
First air date
June 12, 1938 (1938-06-12)
Former frequencies
1500 kHz (1938–1941)
Call sign meaning
Where Galesburg Is Listening
Technical information
Licensing authority
FCC
23039
ClassC
Power740 watts
Translator93.7 W229BO (Galesburg)
Links
Public license information
Websitewgil.com

WGIL (1400 AM) is a radio station in Galesburg, Illinois, United States. Owned by Galesburg Broadcasting Company, the station broadcasts a news/talk/sports format.

WGIL carries a variety of local programming, as well as nationally syndicated shows such as Clark Howard and Jim Bohannon.

History

WGIL began broadcasting on June 12, 1938, with its inaugural ceremony at the Galesburg Armory. Among the ceremony's attendees was Edith Luckett Davis, actress and mother of future first lady, Nancy Reagan. Congratulatory telegrams were sent by Bing Crosby, Eddy Duchin, Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, and Illinois Governor Henry Horner.

The station originally broadcast at 1500 kHz, running 250 watts during daytime hours only. Nighttime operations were added in 1939. In 1941, the station's frequency was changed to 1400 kHz. Daytime power was increased to 1,000 watts in 1961. Nighttime power was increased to 1,000 watts in 1985. In 1997, the station's power was reduced to 740 watts.

In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the station aired a MOR format. By 1987, the station had begun airing talk programming. By 1999, the station had adopted a news-talk-sports format.

Translator

In 2015, WGIL began to be rebroadcast on 93.7 FM, through a translator in Galesburg.

Call signFrequencyCity of licenseFIDERP (W)HAATClassFCC info
W229BO 93.7 FMGalesburg, Illinois14302921096 m (315 ft)DLMS

References

  1. ↑ Penn, Michael (October 15, 2026). "Galesburg's media kingdom dissolves". Herald-Whig. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 1972 Broadcasting Yearbook, Broadcasting, 1972. p. B-63. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 History Cards for WGIL, fcc.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wilson, Tom. "Tom Wilson: Happy 75th birthday to WGIL", The Register-Mail. June 4, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for WGIL". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  6. ↑ WGIL - Programs, WGIL. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Facilities/Parameters: Grants", The M Street Journal. Vol. 14 No. 43. October 29, 1997. p. 7. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  8. ↑ Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1986[dead link], Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1986. p. B-87. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  9. ↑ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1997[dead link], Broadcasting & Cable, 1997. p. B-136. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  10. ↑ Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1986[dead link], Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1987. p. B-89. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  11. ↑ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1999, Broadcasting & Cable, 1999. p. D-135. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  12. ↑ Comprehensive Technical Exhibit Application for License, fcc.gov. March 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  13. ↑ "WGIL 93.7 FM & 1400 AM". WGIL. Archived from the original on August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2018.

40°56′47″N 90°22′08″W / 40.94639°N 90.36889°W / 40.94639; -90.36889