WNTQ originally went on the air c. 1945 as WFBL-FM on 45.9 MHz. It later moved to 93.1 MHz when the FM band moved c. 1946. Reports show that WFBL-FM went off the air several years later, and did not return until 1955, where it went back on the air as WDDS. The station has been in continuous operation since 1955. The call sign changed from WDDS to WNTQ in the 1970s. WNTQ is known as a "grandfathered super-powered" FM station because its Effective Radiated Power of 97,000 Watts exceeds the FCC Class B maximum of 50,000 Watts. Likewise, WNTQ's Height Above Average Terrain of 201 meters exceeds the FCC maximum for a Class B facility of 150 meters. The FCC rules determining the power and height maxima for Class B stations were not formed until 1964. Because WNTQ was operating at powers in excess of the FCC rules when they were adopted in 1964, WNTQ, and other stations were grandfathered to be permitted to operate with power and height larger than what is permitted by today's rules. This makes WNTQ one of the more powerful stations in the region with great signal coverage compared to most of its competition in the Syracuse market. WNTQ made its debut with its current format in 1981. They are also one of three Top 40s in Syracuse, the other two being Rhythmic rival WWHT and non-commercial Syracuse University student-run WJPZ. Unlike WWHT, whose playlist and presentation targets urban teens and young adults, WNTQ's music is more balanced and mass appeal. This approach has worked for 93Q, resulting in 93Q beating HOT 107.9 in total weekly audience every quarter since their rivalry began in 1996. As of October 2012, WWHT has changed their format to mainstream top 40, similar to WNTQ's. WNTQ was owned by Citadel Broadcasting until their merger with Cumulus Media on September 16, 2011. This caused a slight tweak in the music played, as Cumulus micromanages the playlists of their Top 40 stations, something that Citadel did not practice. Each respective music director was allowed to pick the music played under Citadel's ownership. In its heyday during the 1980s, long time Syracuse personalities were amongst the top DJs of the area entertained at 93q. Dave Laird and Ted Long in the Morning. Of course Ted carries on the morning duties. Rob Cunningham mid days. Bob Brown in the afternoon. Gary Dunes at night. Kenny Dees over night. Also Jim Shields, Brian Ocean, Dollar Bill, Jack Strap and Mike Andrews were all on-air talent. Dave Edwards was the station's engineer. Dave was responsible for Teen Talk. A program on Sunday nights designed to help troubled youngsters with their issues. Mike Andrews wrote and produced 93q's Thursday top 40 countdown hosted by Gary Dunes. Kenny Dees had central New York's hottest dance show on Saturday nights call Club Beat.
