Pouring Pure Rock Into Athens, OH

• After a day of stunting with Rick Astley‘s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” Nine Inch Nails‘ “Closer” and Hank Williams, Jr.’s “Country Boy Can Survive,” Jackson County Broadcasting Hot AC WXTQ (Power 105)/Athens, OH officially relaunched on Friday morning as Classic Rock Pure Rock 105 XTQ,” Southern Ohio’s Hometown Rock Station.”

And as promised, the launch was accompanied by the news that legendary Ohio Rock radio personality Suzy Waud is joining Pure Rock 105 XTQ as afternoon drive talent. Waud famously worked at 92.3 WXGT and 99.7 WBZX/Columbus, OH in the ’80s and ’90s.

According to JJ Hale, who juggles the multiple titles of COO, Director of Radio Operations and Program Director, he and a man known simply as “Porterhouse” will relaunch the popular Nutt Hutt morning show they originally made famous in the late ’90s/early ’00s.

“Lizzard” will join the Nutt Hutt from 8-10am before rolling solo in her normal midday shift until 2pm, followed by Ms. Suzy Waud. Former WXTQ afternoon jock Michael “DJ Barticus” Bart is moving across the hall to Classic Hits sister WATH-AM 970/97.3 (W247DR) in advance of what we understand is a pending format flip.

The early reviews are already in, as an enthusiastic Hale told RAMP, “The response from the listeners has been crazy! Our streaming numbers are off the charts as well!” Hale added, “I love rebuilding stations, and this one has been a unique challenge in a unique market. I must say management and ownership here have been incredible. They have given me the ability to make decisions, make changes, and do this exactly the way I wanted to. Their confidence, trust, and support has been wonderful. I might add that this expansion is not over just yet…”