WZAX
WZAX (99.3 MHz) is a commercial FM radio station licensed to Nashville, North Carolina, and serving the Rocky Mount-Wilson area, east of Raleigh. The station airs a beach music format and is owned by First Media Radio, LLC. On Saturdays, WZAX carries American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest, syndicated by Premiere Networks. During football season, it carries the Carolina Panthers.
| Broadcast area | Rocky Mount-Wilson |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 99.3 MHz |
| Branding | 99.3 the Beach |
| Programming | |
| Format | Beach music |
| Affiliations |
|
| Ownership | |
| Owner | First Media Radio, LLC |
| WDWG, WPWZ | |
| History | |
First air date | 1997 (at 99.7) |
Former frequencies | 99.7 MHz (1997-2005) |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 76264 |
| Class | A |
| ERP | 6,000 watts |
| HAAT | 100 meters (330 ft) |
Transmitter coordinates | 35°57′01″N 77°57′26″W |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | movin993 |
WZAX has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 6,000 watts as a Class A station. The transmitter is off East Old Spring Road in Nashville.[1]
History
WZAX signed on in 1997. It was owned by Mainquad Communications and the original frequency was 99.7 FM. Its format was hot adult contemporary, known as the "New Mix 99-7".[2]
The playlist included Steve Miller, Jethro Tull, and Rod Stewart.[3] The station previously featured "Dave and Allen in the Morning" with one member of the morning show in Roanoke Rapids and the other in Rocky Mount.
On November 11, 2009, WZAX changed its format to rhythmic oldies, branded as "Jammin' 99.3". That lasted five years.
On November 30, 2014, WZAX dropped its "Jammin' 99.3" rhythmic oldies format and began stunting with a wide range of music as "99.3 What's It Gonna Be?" The station launched a classic rock format branded as "99.3 Rock City" on January 5, 2015.[4]
On November 30, 2017, WZAX dropped the "Rock City" branding and began playing Christmas music.[5] On January 1, 2018, WZAX ended the Christmas music and launched a rhythmic hot adult contemporary format, branded as "Movin' 99.3".[6]
On May 1, 2023, WZAX changed to beach music as "99.3 the Beach".
References
- Radio-Locator.com/WZAX
- "Raleigh-Durham FM Dial". Archived from the original on 2003-02-01. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
- Fred Marion, "Local radio stations switch, tweak formats," Rocky Mount Telegram, July 21, 2005, Marquee section.
- What's WZAX Gonna Be
- WZAX Drops Rock City Branding and Goes Christmas Radioinsight - November 30, 2017
- WZAX Rocky Mount Gets Movin Radioinsight - January 2, 2018
External links
- WZAX in the FCC FM station database
- WZAX on Radio-Locator
- WZAX in Nielsen Audio's FM station database