One of the things of wading through all the information on Columbus radio past is once you think you've got everything nailed down, you find something new.
I found something that sent me back to 1950.
Honestly, what started as a search to solidfy my memory of radio in my pre, teen and post teen years has turned into something beyond the original scope. So that's why I'm scrolling through newspaper articles in 1950. The old Columbus Citizen before it became the hyphenated Citizen-Journal.
One familiar face was there. Jo Reed, radio and tv reporter. Same picture I believe that was used until her retirement in 1970 too! Her column was pretty much limited to the Sunday edition of the paper.
But even more interesting was the info I found.
I did know that WTVN radio was known as WHKC prior to the mid 50's.
What I didn't know was that it had an FM component at the time. WHKC FM broadcast at 98.7.
My understanding was WTVN/WHKC AM had no sister FM until WTVN FM signed on at 96.3 in late 1959. Prior to that, 96.3 was known as WLWF and appears to have simulcast Cincinnati sister station WLW radio. I'll have to go digging to see when Crosely gave up or sold the license. (UPDATE) WLWF was granted permission by the FCC to go silent on May 14, 1953 along with sister FM stations WLWA in Cincinnati and WLWB in Dayton. The Commission granted cancellation of the licenses and deletion of call letters.
But back to the 98.7 frequency. I'll have to do some digging, but it appears that it disappeared sometime in 1951 or 52. (UPDATE) WHKC-FM was granted the ability to go dark by the FCC on June 30, 1953. The station and the license ceased to exist. It was announced on July 7th.
Even more strange was WRFD-FM. No not the one at 97.9 on the dial that later became WNCI. The one on the air for what appears to be only during 1950. After that, I can find no information on it until it re-appears in 1961.
And for the record, WBNS FM was known as WELD. Carried the same programs as sister station WBNS AM and was on 97.1.
Looks like more time in the library is in my future.
3 comments:
My name is David Lee and I served as a "Studio Engineer" (legal term is Control Operator or Transmitter Attendant) for WHKC AM & FM from 1943 through 1951 -- while I worked my way through High School & College. I can contribute much to the topic of broadcasting (I went on to supervise network-TV pickups for AT&T.) The web site tells me that the Moderator has died. PLEASE HELP ME REMEMBER WHEN WHKC FM BEGAN BROADCASTING BECAUSE THAT WILL HELP CORRECT A DIFFERENT STORY IN WIKIPEDIA. "mcleandave@cox.net"
My name is David Lee and I served as a "Studio Engineer" (legal term is Control Operator or Transmitter Attendant) for WHKC AM & FM from 1943 through 1951 -- while I worked my way through High School & College. I can contribute much to the topic of broadcasting (I went on to supervise network-TV pickups for AT&T.) The web site tells me that the Moderator has died. PLEASE HELP ME REMEMBER WHEN WHKC FM BEGAN BROADCASTING BECAUSE THAT WILL HELP CORRECT A DIFFERENT STORY IN WIKIPEDIA. "mcleandave"
My name is David Lee and I served as a "Studio Engineer" (legal term is Control Operator or Transmitter Attendant) for WHKC AM & FM from 1943 through 1951 -- while I worked my way through High School & College. I can contribute much to the topic of broadcasting (I went on to supervise network-TV pickups for AT&T.) The web site tells me that the Moderator has died. PLEASE HELP ME REMEMBER WHEN WHKC FM BEGAN BROADCASTING BECAUSE THAT WILL HELP CORRECT A DIFFERENT STORY IN WIKIPEDIA. -- mcleandave@cox.net"
Post a Comment