Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 18, 2026

WGIL

WGIL 1400 AM is a radio station broadcasting a news-talk-sports format. Licensed to Galesburg, Illinois, the station is owned by Galesburg Broadcasting Company.

Last revised
Jul 18, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
475 w
Citations
23
Source
Wikipedia ↗
WGIL
Broadcast area
Galesburg, Illinois
Frequency1400 kHz
BrandingWGIL 93.7FM & 1400AM
Programming
FormatTalk radio
Ownership
OwnerGalesburg Broadcasting Company
WAAG, WLSR, WKAY
History
First air date
June 12, 1938 (1938-06-12)1
Former frequencies
1500 kHz (1938–1941)2
Call sign meaning
Where Galesburg Is Listening3
Technical information4
Licensing authority
FCC
23039
ClassC
Power740 watts
Translator93.7 W229BO (Galesburg)
Links
Public license information
Websitewgil.com

WGIL 1400 AM is a radio station broadcasting a news-talk-sports format. Licensed to Galesburg, Illinois, the station is owned by Galesburg Broadcasting Company.

WGIL carries a variety of local programming, as well as nationally syndicated shows such as Clark Howard and Jim Bohannon.5

History

WGIL began broadcasting on June 12, 1938, with its inaugural ceremony at the Galesburg Armory.31 Among the ceremony's attendees was Edith Luckett Davis, actress and mother of future first lady, Nancy Reagan.3 Congratulatory telegrams were sent by Bing Crosby, Eddy Duchin, Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, and Illinois Governor Henry Horner.3

The station originally broadcast at 1500 kHz, running 250 watts during daytime hours only.23 Nighttime operations were added in 1939.2 In 1941, the station's frequency was changed to 1400 kHz.23 Daytime power was increased to 1,000 watts in 1961.2 Nighttime power was increased to 1,000 watts in 1985. In 1997, the station's power was reduced to 740 watts.6

In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the station aired a MOR format.178 By 1987, the station had begun airing talk programming.9 By 1999, the station had adopted a news-talk-sports format.10

Translator

In 2015, WGIL began to be rebroadcast on 93.7 FM, through a translator in Galesburg.1112

Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) HAAT Class FCC info
W229BO 93.7 FM Galesburg, Illinois 143029 210 96 m (315 ft) D LMS
References

References

  1. 1972 Broadcasting Yearbook, Broadcasting, 1972. p. B-63. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  2. History Cards for WGIL, fcc.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  3. Wilson, Tom. "Tom Wilson: Happy 75th birthday to WGIL", The Register-Mail. June 4, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  4. "Facility Technical Data for WGIL". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  5. WGIL - Programs, WGIL. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  6. "Facilities/Parameters: Grants", The M Street Journal. Vol. 14 No. 43. October 29, 1997. p. 7. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  7. Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1986, Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1986. p. B-87. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  8. Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1997, Broadcasting & Cable, 1997. p. B-136. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  9. Broadcasting/Cablecasting Yearbook 1986, Broadcasting/Cablecasting, 1987. p. B-89. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  10. Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook 1999, Broadcasting & Cable, 1999. p. D-135. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  11. Comprehensive Technical Exhibit Application for License, fcc.gov. March 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  12. "WGIL 93.7 FM & 1400 AM". WGIL. Archived from the original on August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
External links

40°56′47″N 90°22′08″W / 40.94639°N 90.36889°W / 40.94639; -90.36889