WLW

WLW currently broadcasts using 50,000 watts of power, but that wasn't always the case. For about six years WLW experimented with broadcasting at 500,000 watts, the first station in the world to do so, during the overnight hours under callsign W8XO. It stopped in 1939 because of complaints from around the United States and Canada that WLW was overpowering other stations as far away as Toronto. WLW powered up again a few times during World War II in order to send special broadcasts to American troops in Europe, and has not broadcast at 500 kW since. After sundown, the station can be heard across much of the eastern half of the United States.

Related Topics:
Watt - 1939 - United States - Canada - Toronto - World War II - Europe

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The station was started by radio manufacturer Powel Crosley Jr. and operated by the Crosley Broadcasting Corporation until the 1960s.

Related Topics:
Powel Crosley Jr. - Crosley Broadcasting Corporation - 1960s

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The station's first 50-kW transmitter, made by Western Electric, is still functional and sees very occasional service. On December 31, 1999, it was powered up, and served to bring WLW into the year on January 1, 2000. Its unusual diamond-shaped antenna (called a Blaw-Knox Tower) is one of eight still operational in the United States and is featured on the official seal of the City of Mason.

Related Topics:
Western Electric - December 31 - 1999 - January 1 - 2000 - Antenna - Blaw-Knox Tower

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