KDKA Radio: A Historic Station with a Modern Twist

KDKA Radio is one of the oldest radio stations in the United States, having been on air since 1920. It was the first commercially licensed radio station in the country and has played a significant role in shaping the history of broadcasting. Today, KDKA Radio continues to be a leading voice in news, sports, and talk radio.

The History of KDKA Radio

KDKA Radio was founded by Westinghouse Electric Corporation and began broadcasting on November 2, 1920. Its call sign stands for "K-D-K-A," which represents the four states that were part of Westinghouse's original coverage area: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland.

On election night in 1920, KDKA Radio made history by broadcasting the results of the presidential election between Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox. This was the first time that election results were broadcast over the radio, and it marked a turning point in American politics and media.

Over the years, KDKA Radio has covered many important events such as World War II, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and September 11th terrorist attacks.

KDKA Radio Today

Despite its long history, KDKA Radio remains a relevant and modern station today. It broadcasts news updates every hour along with weather forecasts throughout the day. The station also features popular talk shows like "The Wendy Bell Show" and "The Marty Griffin Show."

In addition to news and talk shows, KDKA Radio covers sports extensively with live broadcasts of Pittsburgh Steelers football games as well as Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games during their respective seasons.

Products Offered by KDKA Radio

KDKA Radio offers a variety of products for its listeners, including:

  • Podcasts: KDKA Radio produces several podcasts covering topics like politics, sports, and entertainment.
  • Live Streaming: Listeners can stream KDKA Radio live on their computers or mobile devices through the station's website or app.
  • Contests: KDKA Radio frequently runs contests for its listeners to win prizes like concert tickets and gift cards.

Frequently Asked Questions About KDKA Radio

What is the coverage area of KDKA Radio?

KDKA Radio has a coverage area that extends throughout western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia. It can also be heard online through its website and app.

What kind of programming does KDKA Radio offer?

KDKA Radio offers news updates every hour along with weather forecasts throughout the day. The station also features popular talk shows like "The Wendy Bell Show" and "The Marty Griffin Show." In addition, it covers sports extensively with live broadcasts of Pittsburgh Steelers football games as well as Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games during their respective seasons.

Can I listen to KDKA Radio online?

Yes, you can stream KDKA Radio live on your computer or mobile device through the station's website or app.

Conclusion

KDKA Radio has a rich history in American broadcasting and continues to be a leading voice in news, sports, and talk radio today. With a variety of products for its listeners and extensive coverage of local events, KDKA Radio remains an important part of the media landscape in western Pennsylvania and beyond.



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4: KDKA (AM) - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KDKA_(AM)
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KDKA (1020 kHz) is a Class A, clear channel, AM radio station, owned and operated by Audacy, Inc. and licensed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Broadcast area Pittsburgh metro area Pittsburgh Pirates Radio Network First air date November 2, 1920; Call sign meaning None; assigned from a sequential roster[1] 40°33′34″N 79°57′10″W (main) 40°33′39″N 79°57′20″W (aux) Translator(s) 100.1 W261AX (Pittsburgh) Repeater(s) 93.7 KDKA-HD2 (Pittsburgh) Webcast Listen live (via Audacy) Website www.audacy.com/kdkaradio KDKA (1020 kHz) is a Class A, clear channel, AM radio station, owned and operated by Audacy, Inc. and licensed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Its radio studios are located at the combined Audacy Pittsburgh facility in the Foster Plaza on Holiday Drive in Green Tree, and its transmitter site is at Allison Park. The station's programming is also carried over 93.7 KDKA-FM's HD2 digital subchannel,[2] and is simulcast on FM translator W261AX at 100.1 MHz.[3] KDKA features a news/talk radio format. Operating with a transmitter power of 50,000 watts non-directional, the station can be heard during daylight hours throughout central and western Pennsylvania, along with portions of the adjacent states of Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and New York State, plus the southernmost part of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a good radio, KDKA can be heard throughout the state of Pennsylvania and much of the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada at night. The station serves as western Pennsylvania's Primary Entry Point for the Emergency Alert System. KDKA has described itself as the "Pioneer Broadcasting Station of the World."[4] It is considered by many historians as the first commercially licensed radio station. Initially using the temporarily assigned "special amateur" call sign of 8ZZ, it traces its beginning to its broadcast of the Harding-Cox presidential election results on the evening of November 2, 1920.