WFYR (97.3 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a

country music Country (also called country and western) is a popular music, music genre originating in the southern regions of the United States, both the American South and American southwest, the Southwest. First produced in the 1920s, country music is p ...

format and licensed for

Elmwood, Illinois Elmwood is a city in Peoria County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,097 at the 2010 census. Elmwood is part of the Peoria, Illinois Peoria metropolitan area, Metropolitan Statistical Area. History The settlement was named after a ...

, United States, in the Peoria area. The station is owned by

Cumulus Media Cumulus Media, Inc. is a broadcasting company of the United States and is the second largest owner and operator of AM and FM radio stations in the United States ahead of Audacy and behind iHeartMedia iHeartMedia, Inc., or CC Media Holdi ...

, which purchased the station from

Townsquare Media Townsquare Media, Inc. (formerly Regent Communications until 2010) is an American radio network and media company based in Purchase, New York. The company started in radio and expanded into digital media toward the end of the 2000s, starting wit ...

History

Ever since the station signed on on August 2, 1993, it has always aired a

country A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. When referring to a specific polity, the term "country" may refer to a sovereign state, state with limited recognition, constituent country, ...

format. At first, WFYR used the branding "Fire 97", while using the Jones Satellite Networks' CD Country format on the air. The first local personality on the station was Program Director/Morning Host Dr Chris Michaels (now at competitor WXCL). The second air talent added locally in 1996 was Robb Rose to Afternoon Drive/Promotions Director. In the early-2000s, it was changed to "97.3 River Country". From September 6, 2013, to February 2, 2020, it used the nationally syndicated "Nash FM" branding. Today, they are known for boosting local country music artists, with a weekly feature. From 2013 to 2020, the station competed in the Nash Next National Competition. On February 3, 2020, WFYR rebranded back to its previous identity as "97.3 River Country."

Previous logo

References

External links

* 1993 establishments in Illinois Country radio stations in the United States Cumulus Media radio stations Elmwood, Illinois Radio stations established in 1993 FYR {{Illinois-radio-station-stub