WZLR
| Company type | Radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Xenia, Ohio , United States |
Area served | Dayton region |
| Products | Radio broadcasting (1980s classic hits) |
| Owner | Cox Media Group |
| Parent | Cox Media Group |
WZLR (95.3 FM), operating under the brand "95.3 and 101.1 The Eagle," broadcasts a 1980s classic hits format and is owned by Cox Media Group. The station, licensed to Xenia, Ohio, has been serving the Dayton region with a 6,000-watt transmission since 1998. Its studios share space with other Cox Media outlets in Dayton, while the transmitter is located in Xenia, accompanied by a translator situated on the WHIO-TV tower in Germantown, Ohio.
Country Era (1967–1979)
Initially known as WBZI and functioning as the FM counterpart to former WGIC, the station featured country music programming as early as 1967, including a popular countdown show titled the "Flashy 40."
Top 40 Period (1979–1980)
Towards the end of the 1970s, WBZI transitioned to an automated Top 40 format utilizing TM's "Stereo Rock" service. Despite this, local rival WDJX launched a live DJ-driven Top 40 format in Xenia and rapidly gained market dominance.
Return to Country (1980–1988)
Following an AM/FM frequency swap in 1980, the station reverted to country music. It experienced its peak popularity during the early 1980s but consistently remained behind market leader WONE (AM). The station embraced a "progressive country" style branded as "Country Lovin'," mixing mainstream country artists with country-rock crossover acts such as Marshall Tucker and The Eagles, securing its position as one of Dayton’s few FM country broadcasters.
Adult Contemporary Shift (1988–1990)
In 1988, the format changed from country to a nationally syndicated adult contemporary satellite feed from ABC Radio Networks. The station faced challenges in ratings due to competition from established adult contemporary stations WVUD-FM (99.9) and WWSN-FM (107.7), which enjoyed full market coverage unlike WDJK. By late 1989, the satellite programming was abandoned in favor of a locally programmed AC format that incorporated contemporary hit radio tracks.
Contemporary Hit Radio Phase (1990–1993)
In late 1990, the station adopted a mainstream CHR format under the name "DJ 95." This identity lasted until June 1992 when it was rebranded as "Power 95," highlighted by an unusual stunt featuring Boyz II Men's "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" played consecutively 953 times.
Format Changes Preceding Sale (1993)
The CHR/pop format persisted until July 1993 when the station was placed on the market and briefly switched to an '80s oldies format—the first of its kind nationally. This stunt lasted less than a month before transitioning on August 10 to simulcasting sister station WBZI 1500 AM, dropping both the '80s oldies programming and on-air staff. This simulcast arrangement continued until ownership transfer was finalized.
Oldies Format (1993–2000)
Under new ownership by Dick Hunt, who also controlled WCLR/WPTW in Piqua, Ohio, the station operated as a simulcast partner with WCLR "Kool 95," adopting the call sign WZLR as a repeater. In 1998, Cox Media Group purchased the station and refined its programming, ultimately branding it as "Oldies 95" during its last year using this identity.
'80s Hits Era (2000–2002)
In October 2000, the call letters were changed to WDTP to simulcast with 95.7 WDPT "Dayton's Point," focusing on an '80s adult hits format developed by former WRBQ Tampa program director Randy Kabrich and employed by Cox in markets such as Houston. This simulcast was promoted as "95.7 Northside and 95.3 Southside." WDPT maintained this format until September 2002 when it shifted to simulcasting classic rock content.
Classic rock era (2002–2018)
In September 2002, the station reinstated the WZLR call letters and transitioned to a classic rock format after briefly featuring Queen's "We Will Rock You." It adopted a unique approach as Dayton’s first station without DJs. By 2006, the station rebranded itself as "The Eagle," concentrating on rock hits from the 1960s and 1970s, showcasing artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Bob Seger, The Eagles, and The Doobie Brothers.
As many stations moved away from older music to appeal to younger audiences, WZLR made a significant format change on January 7, 2010—immediately following the Bubba the Love Sponge Show—by emphasizing rock from the 1980s alongside classic tracks from the 1970s, using the slogan "Now more '80s and the same great '70s." The first track played under this updated format was Poison’s "Nothin' but a Good Time." Key performers featured included Def Leppard, Billy Joel, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Journey, The Police, Van Halen, John Mellencamp, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, and Aerosmith.
On June 1, 2012, WZLR further refined its focus to "'80s Rock Hits." Later, on May 1, 2018, it shifted toward a heavier classic rock sound with core artists like Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Van Halen, and Aerosmith while reviving the "Dayton's '80s Rock" branding. The new station imaging was inspired by Scott Shannon’s Pirate Radio KQLZ in Los Angeles. The final song played during this classic rock phase was Led Zeppelin’s "Stairway to Heaven."
Classic hits era (2018–present)
On October 15, 2018, WZLR transitioned from classic rock to a more traditional classic hits format similar to stations such as KRTH-FM Los Angeles and WCBS-FM New York. The station’s core playlist includes artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Hall & Oates, Prince, and Journey. Its selection spans dance, alternative, pop, and rock classics. Michael Jackson’s "Wanna Be Starting Something" was the inaugural song under this new direction. This repositioning placed WZLR in competition with Aloha Station Trust’s WRZX "Big 106.5," although WRZX’s transmitter is situated more than 40 miles northwest of Dayton near Greenville, whereas WZLR broadcasts just south of Xenia. On May 4, 2020, WRZX switched to a traditional ’60s oldies format, making WZLR Dayton’s leading classic hits outlet. WRZX later transitioned to religious programming on August 2, 2021.
Bubba The Love Sponge
WZLR introduced the nationally syndicated Bubba the Love Sponge morning program in March 2009 but discontinued it on March 2, 2011. This change aligned with a shift toward music-focused mornings driven by listener preferences.
The Eagle Morning Zoo
Debuting on February 6, 2017, "The Eagle Morning Zoo" was hosted by Dr. Dave—known for his role in the original "Z Morning Zoo" on WGTZ (Z-93) during the mid-1980s through early 1990s. Shortly thereafter, former co-host "Wild Bill" Cox and Alan Kaye from that original team joined the show. Dr. Dave’s final broadcast occurred on December 4, 2017.
The following day, December 5, 2017, the station reverted to an all-music morning setup with Todd Hollst announced as host beginning January 4, 2018; this program concluded in summer of that year. While occasionally still referred to as The Eagle Morning Zoo in branding materials, the current morning format prioritizes music with up to fourteen songs per hour during drive time.
Presently, the morning lineup features Nick Roberts alongside WHIO-TV news reporter Xavier Hershovitz and Brittany Otto—who also anchors morning news for WHIO radio.
Commercial-Free Weekends
Between September 2014 and the format transition on October 15, 2018, the station offered "commercial-free weekends," broadcasting without any advertisements throughout Saturdays and Sundays. This initiative, influenced by New York’s 92.3 AMP Radio and advised by Cox Media Group’s national VP of Radio Programming Steve Smith, was designed to improve the listening experience. Presently, the station airs "52 Minute Music Marathons," featuring only a single commercial break every hour and delivering uninterrupted music for 52 minutes—a considerably lighter advertising presence compared to many local competitors.
Translator
Starting in September 2013, the station expanded its coverage into the Dayton area by transmitting through translator W266BG at 101.1 MHz with a power of 100 watts. This translator, formerly utilized by WSWO-LP, is mounted on the WHIO-TV tower located in Germantown, Ohio. The tower benefits from an FCC grandfathered height of 1,000 feet (325 meters), which is unusually tall for translator facilities. This elevated position enables a robust signal that reaches well beyond standard translator limits, with reception reported as far away as Urbana and Jeffersonville, Ohio.
Streaming
The station began streaming its broadcast via the iHeartRadio platform in summer 2012 and introduced a dedicated mobile application in summer 2013. This app allows listeners to access live streaming content along with interactive features such as "Open Mic," which lets users submit brief voice recordings for possible inclusion on air; an "Alarm Clock" feature that automatically starts streaming at scheduled times; and song voting capabilities that enable audience participation in shaping the playlist.
Cleveland Browns Football
On November 1, 2018, the station assumed the role of Dayton’s new radio broadcaster for the Cleveland Browns, responding to local demand for Browns coverage. Before this change, sister station WHIO held the broadcast rights through the conclusion of the 2018 season. During 2020, both WHIO and WZLR aired Browns games and pre-game programming; however, postgame coverage was exclusive to WHIO while WZLR returned immediately to music after games concluded. From 2021 onward, WHIO remains the sole radio affiliate for Browns football in the market, with WZLR no longer carrying any team broadcasts.