Tri-Cities, TN, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Tri-Cities, TN, has emerged as a dominant player in the radio landscape, featuring the highest number of radio stations in Inside Radio’s TOP 10 rankings for larger markets. Bristol Broadcasting’s WXBQ (96.9) ranks as the leading station, followed closely by WQUT (101.5) and WTFM (98.5). This success not only highlights the area’s vibrant media culture but also reflects its strong audience engagement, with several stations recognized for their quality programming and awards.
Tri-Cities, TN is dominating the radio landscape, boasting the highest number of radio stations ranked in Inside Radio’s listing of the TOP 10 stations in markets ranked at No. 100 or higher, according to Spring 2025 cume delivery data from ACT1. This remarkable achievement showcases the Tri-Cities market, which includes Johnson City and Kingsport in Tennessee, and Bristol, which runs along the Tennessee-Virginia border.
Leading the pack is Bristol Broadcasting’s country station WXBQ (96.9), which has claimed the top spot in cume delivery, marking it as the premier station in the Tri-Cities. In operation since 1978, WXBQ has received widespread recognition, including the 2025 Academy of Country Music award for Small Market Station of the Year. The station’s morning show, the “Morning Air Show,” hosted by Steve Stroud and Nikki Thomas, previously won an ACM award in 2021, further cementing its reputation for quality programming.
The competitive radio scene in the Tri-Cities also features two other notable stations that have made it into the top 10 rankings. Cumulus Media’s classic rock station WQUT (101.5) stands out at sixth place. In ninth position is Holston Valley Broadcasting’s adult contemporary station WTFM (98.5), which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary as an AC station.
Only one other media market has more than one station in the top 10, which is Lexington-Fayette, KY. This market includes iHeartMedia’s country station “98.1 The Bull” WBUL, ranked seventh, and iHeartMedia’s CHR “104.5 The Cat” WLKT, ranked tenth.
Adding a twist to the rankings, the CHR format is notably represented, with three stations making it to the top 10. Apart from WLKT from Lexington-Fayette, KY, Cumulus Media’s “93Q” WNTQ from Syracuse, NY holds the second place, benefiting from a long-standing morning team of Ted Long and Amy Robbins. iHeart’s “92.5 Kiss FM” WVKS from Toledo, OH also performs well, ranking fourth.
Cumulus Media and iHeart Media share the honor of having the most stations in the top 10, with three each. Cumulus’s portfolio also features an eighth-ranked urban contemporary station, WBLX (92.9) from Mobile, AL, renowned for its 45 years of continuous urban-format programming.
Other significant performances in the top 10 include Saga Communications’ classic rocker “Rock 102” WAQY from Springfield, MA, ranked third, and Connoisseur Media’s R&B station “99 Jams” WJMI from Jackson, MS, which, operational since 1973, ranks fifth.
The competition among radio stations within the Tri-Cities exemplifies the region’s robust media presence and high levels of audience engagement. The successful rankings of these stations not only reflect their programming quality but also suggest a vibrant local culture that resonates with listeners.
FAQs
What is the top radio station in the Tri-Cities market?
The top radio station in the Tri-Cities market is WXBQ (96.9), which is operated by Bristol Broadcasting and leads in cume delivery.
What awards has WXBQ won?
WXBQ won the 2025 Academy of Country Music award for Small Market Station of the Year and had its “Morning Air Show” win an ACM award in 2021.
How many stations from the Tri-Cities made it to the top 10?
The Tri-Cities market has three stations in the top 10, including WXBQ, WQUT (101.5), and WTFM (98.5).
Key Features of Tri-Cities Radio Market
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Station | WXBQ (96.9) |
| Second Station | WQUT (101.5) |
| Third Station | WTFM (98.5) |
| Other Notable Markets | Lexington-Fayette, KY (WBUL, WLKT) |
| National Comparison | Cumulus and iHeart Media each have three stations in top 10 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Johnson City Launches Family-Centric Noon Years Eve Celebration
Additional Resources
- ETSU Sports
- Wikipedia: ETSU Sports
- WJHL – July 4th Celebrations
- Google Search: July 4th Celebrations Tri-Cities
- WCYB – NOAA Weather Outage
- Google Scholar: NOAA Weather Outage
- Barrett Media – Don Hurley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Don Hurley
- Knox TN Today – Calvin Sneed
- Google News: Calvin Sneed
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
