August 18, 1948, 1290 WIRL went on the air
as an ABC affiliate in Peoria, Illinois. The original
studios were located on the top floor of the Peoples Federal
Savings & Loan Association, 115 North Jefferson
Ave. WIRL operated from 6:30 am until 12:00 midnight
at 5,000 watts on both day and night patterns. Programs
included: The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Breakfast
Club, This Is Your FBI and The Lone Ranger with local news broadcasts at 7:45am, 12:30pm and 10:00pm.
WIRL was put on the air by Timothy
Swain, president of The Illinois Valley Broadcasting Company.
In the last 62 years 1290
WIRL has been owned by several other companies, including
Frudeger Broadcasting Co, The Kankakee Daily Journal Co/Mid
America Media Broadcasting, Win Communication, Community
Service Radio, JMP Media and Triad Broadcasting Company.
The studios moved to 121 NE Jefferson Ave.
and then to 22484 Grosenbach Rd., Washington,
IL. The studios are currently located in downtown Peoria
on the top floor of 331 Fulton Street.
