What Happened to 4KQ Brisbane?
For decades, 4KQ was the heart and soul of Brisbane radio. With its signature blend of classic hits, relaxed banter, and familiar voices like Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare, and Mark Hine, 4KQ wasn’t just a radio station – it was part of the daily rhythm for thousands of loyal Queenslanders.
You didn’t tune into 4KQ to chase trends. You tuned in for the songs you grew up with, the voices that felt like old friends, and that unmistakable Brisbane flavour that you couldn’t find anywhere else on the dial. Whether it was cruising down the M1, waking up with the morning show, or kicking back on a Sunday, 4KQ was woven into the city’s soundtrack.
Why Did 4KQ Shut Down?
In 2022, much to the disappointment of listeners across southeast Queensland, 4KQ was sold to the Sports Entertainment Network (SEN). SEN took over the frequency and shifted its programming to focus on 24/7 sports talk, effectively ending 4KQ’s legacy as a music-first station.
While SEN has carved out a niche for itself – especially with AFL and NRL fans – many former 4KQ listeners were left asking, “Where do we go now?”
What Can You Listen to Instead?
If you’re craving that familiar classic hits vibe, here are some alternatives that former 4KQ fans have turned to:
- 4BH 1116AM – Offers a similar playlist of easy classics and golden oldies.
- Magic 1278 (via streaming) – Melbourne-based, but hits that resonate with 4KQ fans.
- Spotify/Apple Music playlists based on “classic hits” or “Brisbane favourites”.
- Online radio platforms like iHeartRadio and TuneIn where you can search for similar stations by genre.
If you’re open to something different – and sport happens to be your thing – then SEN’s takeover might not be all bad news. Their programming now includes live AFL, NRL, cricket, and racing coverage, with plenty of opinionated talkback and betting chatter thrown in.
You can also join the Facebook community called After 4KQ – where fellow listeners share their favourite alternatives.