Iconic Brisbane Radio Station Dumps Music For Sport

It’s been revealed that iconic Brisbane radio station 4KQ will ditch music in favour of sport.

As Radio Today reports, the major shakeup to its format arrives as national sports radio network SEN acquires the commercial AM licence for 693AM.

It’s expected that SENQ will launch in early July and will be a 24/7 sports radio station.

The news of the $12 million acquisition and rebrand was revealed earlier today by SEN managing director Craig Hutchison.

“We have great respect for the 4KQ brand and would like to acknowledge them in this period of change,” Hutchison said.

“While it will not continue in its current formats, we have huge respect to its role in Australian radio history and its legacy.

“Our business model is sport, and parochial sport is at the heart of that. Queenslanders love their state and its teams and we are excited to play our role in amplifying that passion.”

Previous owner HT&E was required to sell 4KQ following its acquisition of ARN Regional earlier this year as it had reached its threshold of broadcast licenses in the region.

As Brisbane Times notes, the station's current format, with the likes of Laurel Edwards, Mark Hine and Gary Clare helming its breakfast team, has seen great success.

As per recent radio ratings, 4KQ has a 9.4% market share, sitting ahead of ABC Brisbane at 9.3%.