Raleigh’s country radio landscape just picked up a familiar voice from Florida, and Curtis Media Group isn’t wasting time putting her to work. Jenn Lopez has officially joined 94.7 QDR (WQDR-FM) as the new co-host of the Q Morning Crew, teaming with Mike Wheless in a move that brings an experienced morning personality to one of North Carolina’s established country radio brands.
And for Lopez, this isn’t simply another change of address. It’s a return to a format she already knows, with a new city, a new partner and a fresh opportunity to make mornings memorable.
Lopez arrives from Audacy’s Mix 105.1 (WOMX) in Orlando, where she most recently served as morning co-host. Her Florida radio résumé includes a little bit of everything, from Top 40 and Hot AC to country, making her the kind of personality who understands that great radio isn’t necessarily about the format.
It’s about the connection.
Her Orlando journey began with part-time work at WOMX and sister station 101.9 Amp Radio between 2015 and 2017. She later moved to Country 103.1 The Wolf (WOTW), spending three years as a morning co-host before returning to Mix 105.1 in February 2021.
Following a brief stint in middays, Lopez returned to mornings in September 2023. She departed the Orlando station in late October, setting the stage for her move to Raleigh.
Now she’s stepping into a market where country radio has a loyal following and where morning chemistry can make all the difference.
And that’s where this hire gets interesting.
Pairing Lopez with Mike Wheless gives Curtis Media an opportunity to introduce a new dynamic without completely rebuilding the Q Morning Crew. Wheless provides continuity for existing listeners, while Lopez brings a different perspective, a fresh personality and years of experience connecting with morning audiences.
That combination can be valuable, but it also comes with a challenge. Morning radio chemistry can’t be manufactured in a programming meeting. Listeners have to hear it, believe it and eventually feel like they’re part of it.
Lopez has already navigated several formats and dayparts, and that versatility should serve her well as she settles into her new radio home.
There’s also something refreshing about seeing a personality move from one established morning operation to another without having to abandon the craft she’s spent years developing.
From Orlando’s Mix 105.1 to Raleigh’s 94.7 QDR, Jenn Lopez is bringing her microphone, her experience and, presumably, a few moving boxes.
The sunshine may look a little different in North Carolina, but the alarm clock still rings early.
Welcome to Raleigh, Jenn. Mike Wheless has a new partner, QDR has a new voice, and country mornings just got another reason to be interesting.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.
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