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U.S. Radio Tradition: 'W' East, 'K' West Since 1928

3/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In the U.S., radio and TV stations proudly carry the letters "W" for those east of the Mississippi River and "K" for the west, a tradition set by the Federal Radio Commission in 1928. This unique system, rooted in a 1912 international conference, allowed existing stations to keep their original letters while newcomers select theirs based on location or channel.

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Story summary

In the U.S., radio and TV stations proudly carry the letters "W" for those east of the Mississippi River and "K" for the west, a tradition set by the Federal Radio Commission in 1928. This unique system, rooted in a 1912 international conference, allowed existing stations to keep their original letters while newcomers select theirs based on location or channel.