Radio The Brew (WBWR)

WBWR (105.7 FM) — The Brew 105.7 — is a commercial radio station in Columbus, Ohio airing an 80's Hits rock format. The Brew is the Columbus affiliate for the Cleveland Browns, and was also the English-language radio station of the Columbus Crew (MLS) until the common ownership moved the broadcasts to WTVN in 2008. WBWR is currently owned by Clear Channel Communications. Its transmitter is located in Columbus.

A new station was constructed in Marysville, Ohio at 105.7 MHz in 1990 and premiered as Top 40 WNRJ "Power Pig". (The "NRJ" in the calls signified "energy" as in "Energy 105.7", a name that was originally considered but never used.) The original format lasted until 1991 when the station became urban WWHT "Hot 105". Not long after, 107.1 MHz (changed from WTLT to WAHC) began simulcasting WWHT's signal. The combo (referred to as "Hot 105-Hot 107") was I.D.'d by the on-air personalities as "the station so big it has two towers."

In an effort to again re-image the station, WWHT "Hot 105" was changed to WAKS "105.7 Kiss-FM" playing more mainstream Top 40 with little or no urban product. With its poor signal and undifferentiated format, "Kiss" failed to become a viable competitor to WNCI.

The next format change saw the station become '70s oldies "Arrow 105.7", which was simulcast on Circleville's 107.1 MHz (now WNKK).

Early in 1997, the station was purchased by Jacor Communications and switched to a country format (as WHQK "Kicks Country 105-7".) Just months later, independent programming was dropped from the 105.7 MHz station and simulcasts of country WHOK-FM commenced. (The station stunted in late 1996 when "Country 98-9", WLLD, was briefly simulcast on 105.7 MHz and 107.1 MHz in a short-lived attempt to "surround" country WCOL).

Late in 1997, the station decided to give '70s oldies another try and briefly switched formats again (the third change to take place in 1997). During this time it was known as "The Chicken" in reference to its mascot, a giant whole broiled chicken dressed in seasonal clothing.

105.7 MHz again stunted briefly by airing Ohio State Buckeyes music 24 hours.

The next format change saw 105.7 become urban. Urban programming lasted until a frequency swap with Upper Arlington's alternative rock station WZAZ (then located at 98.9 MHz). So, urban programming moved to 98.9 MHz (the current WXMG) and alternative rock moved to 105.7 MHz.

Eventually, the 105.7 MHz station was moved to Columbus and became '70s and '80s rock "The Fox", replacing alternative "Channel Z". The change from "Channel Z" to "The Fox" and transmitter move took place on June 6, 2000. 2005 saw the beginning of digital broadcasts from WBWR as HD-Radio equipment was brought online and used.

A petition to "Bring back Channel Z" was started after the station switched to '70s and '80s rock, but nothing materialized from this effort. Although many liked the music variety played by "Channel Z", it was not competitive in the ratings with Grove City's alternative station, WWCD.

The station stunted again, playing several episodes of Cheers over the radio. On September 19, 2005, "The Fox" changed formats to become The Brew @ 105.7.