Longtime Q-Country Morning Host Chris Allinger to Retire

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 10:02am CT

Chris Allinger

Chris Allinger, the morning host and Operations Manager for Cayuga Media Group's WQNY-FM (103.7 Q-Country) in Ithaca, NY, announced his retirement plans on air Tuesday. After a 35-year career that began in 1990, Allinger has become a staple of the Ithaca radio landscape, spending his entire career at the same station.

Over the years, Allinger has not only entertained but also devoted considerable efforts towards charitable causes. His creative fundraising campaigns have been memorable community highlights. These included spending days elevated in a bucket truck or a pickup, and even two days encased in a block of ice, all to collect donations for local charities. His most recent endeavor involved a week-long walk through every town in Tompkins County to support the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. One of his most notable events gathered 5,000 participants at a Groton gas station to attempt setting a "Line Dancing World Record."

Reflecting on his career, Allinger expressed gratitude for the opportunities radio provided. "It's amazing to me that Radio gave me the ability to raise a family, be a part of a community and have so much fun making so many 'best friends,'" he said.

Cayuga Media Group President Chet Osadchey praised Allinger's impact, noting, "He is truly one of the kindest and most authentic people I have ever worked with. Chris is the same person to everyone in the building that he is to all his massive radio listening audience. He has been a truly great radio ambassador."

While Allinger has not specified an exact retirement date, he mentioned winding down the show in August. As he prepares to sign off, the station plans to celebrate his career with various promotional and programming features throughout the latter half of 2025.