Why do radio stations all start with W?

All radio stations have a four-letter identification code. The letters ‘N’ and ‘A’ were given to military stations, but ‘K’ and ‘W’ were assigned out for commercial use. Radio stations east of the Mississippi River had to start their stations with ‘W’, and stations west of the Mississippi with ‘K’.

Are radio stations still analog?

U.S. radio broadcasters are now simultaneously broadcasting both traditional analog signals and digital signals that can be picked up with a digital radio receiver. The digital signals offer better sound quality than analog, and, unlike satellite radio services, are free-of-charge.

How often do TV stations have to identify?

1201. Here is the breakdown: A legal identification must be run once per hour of broadcasting. The traditional rule, is that the ID must be run as close to the top of the hour as possible in a natural break in the programming.

What is the difference between K and W radio stations?

In the United States, call signs begin with the letter K, W or N. N is reserved for military and government use, so we are left with K, generally for stations West of the Mississippi River and W for those East.

What is the oldest format on radio?

Radio talk : The radio talk probably is the oldest format on radio. There has been a tradition in India and Britain to invite experts or prominent persons to speak for 10 or 15 minutes on a specific topic. These talks have to go through a process of being changed into radio’s spoken word style.

Why do radio stations have K and W call signs?

The FCC policy covering broadcasting stations limits them to call signs that start with a “K” or a “W”, with “K” call signs generally reserved for stations west of the Mississippi River, and “W” limited to stations east of the river.

Can I request my own call letters for a radio station?

AM, FM, TV and shortwave broadcasting stations can request their own call letters, as long as they are unique. The FCC policy covering broadcasting stations limits them to call signs that start with a “K” or a “W”, with “K” call signs generally reserved for stations west of the Mississippi River, and “W” limited to stations east of the river.

Why do some radio stations have three letters after their name?

There is some discrepancy though since radio stations that already existed before this rule was put in place weren’t required to change their name. The three letters after the ‘K’ or ‘W’ can mean a few different things. Sometimes they represent the networks that own the radio station—for example, WABC, KCBS, and WTBS.

What are the call signs for the radio stations in Texas?

Locations: Three stations have call signs that fully spell out their community of license: WACO-FM (Waco, Texas), WARE (Ware, Massachusetts) and WISE-FM (Wise, Virginia).