WRAX-FM

WRAX (called The X at 100.5) was an alternative rock format radio station broadcasting most recently at 100.5 MHz FM. The station was licensed to Helena and broadcast from an 800-foot non-directional tower at 93 kW. The station's coverage area included Tuscaloosa, Brent, Bessemer and most of the western and central Birmingham area. The station's studios were located in Citadel's local headquarters at 244 Goodwin Crest Drive on Red Mountain. The station's general manager was Dale Daniels. The program director since May 2006 was Steve Robison.

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History

The call letters "WRAX" (meaning "rock alternative, the X") originated in 1996 when WWBR (105.9 FM) changed format from album-oriented rock/active rock to modern rock/alternative rock. The on-air name was changed at the same time from "105-9 the Bear" to "106 the X".

In 1998, WRAX switched frequencies with WENN (107.7 FM) and became "107-7 the X". Morning radio team Beaner and Ken debuted on the X that year and became one of the most popular morning teams in the Birmingham market. When the station was sold in 2003, they moved the show to Syracuse, New York and were replaced by Tuttle and Kline.

During the height of its popularity, the X was the third-highest rated station in Birmingham. Several regional and national bands, such as Matchbox Twenty, Train, Creed, Sister Hazel and Vertical Horizon were boosted by the X's promotional efforts.

From 1998 to 2004 the station released a series of seven albums featuring live performances under the name Live in the X Lounge. Profits from the hot-selling CDs benefited United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham.

In March 2005, Citadel changed the station's frequency again, moving to 105.5, the former home of WANZ, which had been competing as an alternative rock station until it was acquired from Apex Broadcasting by Citadel. Citadel also picked up the Beaner and Ken show, which WANZ was syndicating from a Citadel-owned station in Syracuse from April 2003 until December 2004.

In early 2006 program director Dave Rossi, who had been with the X since it was at 107.7 left the station. Various format tweaks were tried before Citadel brought in Robison, most recently from Houston's KTBZ-FM.

Programming

• Weekday/Saturday mornings: Beaner and Ken
• Weekday mid-days: Mark A. D.
• Weekday afternoons: Steve Robison
• Weekday/Saturday evenings: Amber
• Sunday late-mornings: Reg
• Saturday mid-day: Geno
• Sunday evenings: Coyote J.
• Weekends: Michael Vance

Regular live remotes for "Beer, Bands and Bingo" and "On-Airaoke" with Matt Shaw were broadcast from Café Firenze.

References

• "WRAX." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 15 Nov 2006, 05:10 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 29 Nov 2006 [1].
• Carlton, Bob (March 18, 2005) "Beaner and Ken are coming back to The X." Birmingham News.
• Carlton, Bob (May 21, 2006) "Program director hopes to revive the X at 100.5". Birmingham News.

External links

• WRAX website
• The X at 100.5 on MySpace.com