What was the first commercial American radio station?
KDKA. A station’s call letters are not initials, they have no meaning. The letters are assigned by a government agency (the FCC). With a few exceptions (for example: KDKA in Pittsburgh and WNAX in Yankton, SD), stations east of the Mississippi begin with “W,” and stations west of the river begin with “K.” Where was it located? East Pittsburgh, PA. When did it go on the air? November 2, 1920. The first broadcast was the returns for the Warren G. Harding / James M. Cox Presidential election. Approximately 1000 listeners heard Harding declaired winner with 60.4% of the popular vote from this tiny 100 watt station. 6. Who owned the station? Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Why did they put it on the air? Westinghouse was planning to market, for $ 25, a radio receiver: The Aeriola Jr.. They knew the public would not buy their sets if there were no programs broadcast to which they could listen. Adjusted for inflation, that set would cost approximately $ 250 in 2006. Because o
