Names of many radio stations start with 'W', for example WCPN. Does "W" or any such letter mean anything?

Answer 1

New broadcasting stations are assigned a code beginning with "K," if they are west of the Mississippi River, and beginning with "W" if they are east of the river.

The exception are government controlled stations, they don't even necessarily have call signs.

Answer 2

I think it refers to the term 'Wireless' from the early 20th century period when Marconi invented it... also btw, in US the radio & TV stations east of Mississippi river (or was it Ohio river, I am not sure of the exact name) have their name start with the letter 'W' while that to the West, have their names start with the letter 'K' and also the first radio station was esatablished in Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania.

Answer 3

Radio stations in the east begin with W. Radio stations in the west begin with K

Answer 4

Don't know if it stands for anything, but I always heard that stations east of the Mississippi had call letters that started with W, and west of the Mississippi had call letters that started with K.

Answer 5

And all stations in Canada start with C. And there is some rule about the second letter too. That it is between F and N or something. I don't know why though.

Answer 6

It means that the radio station is east of the Mississippi

Answer 7

All stations east of the misissippi start with W except KDKA in Pittsburg. Because it was the first radio station. All Stations West of the Misissippi Start with K

Answer 8

All FM stations start with W

Answer 9

West. I believe that it means west of the Mississippi; but, don;t quote me on that.

Answer 10

The "W" stands for Westinghouse.