Cape Girardeau radio station KCGQ rebrands as 99X after more than 20 years

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A longtime Cape Girardeau rock radio station has introduced a new name and expanded music format after more than two decades.

KCGQ, formerly known as “Real Rock,” officially rebranded as 99X on Oct. 2, introducing a modern rock format aimed at combining established artists with newer music.

The station, owned by River Radio, will continue playing artists such as Foo Fighters, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Shinedown and Linkin Park while expanding its lineup to include more contemporary rock acts, including Greta Van Fleet, Beartooth, Papa Roach and Five Finger Death Punch.

Jack Swart, general manager of River Radio in Cape Girardeau, said the change is intended to build on the station’s history while reaching a broader audience.

“This isn’t about walking away from KCGQ’s rock heritage. It’s about building on it,” Swart said.

Swart said the Real Rock identity served the station and its listeners for more than 20 years, but the new format will allow KCGQ to introduce additional artists and songs.

The station’s new branding, “99X – Modern Rock for Southeast Missouri,” reflects its focus on blending familiar rock favorites with emerging artists and current releases.

KCGQ remains part of the River Radio group of stations serving Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri.