Pittsburgh Radio: KDKA To Add Translator Simulcast

Another sign of the times. America's first licensed commercial radio station KDKA 1020 AM (50 Kw) is adding an FM simulcast on translator W261AX (99 watts) starting November 2.

Entercom has announced the simulcast to commemorate  the station’s centennial anniversary, News Radio 1020 KDKA will simulcast on FM for the first time ever and be heard on 100.1 FM as 100.1 FM and 1020 AM KDKA, effective November 2.

“KDKA Radio is part of the radio history books not just here in Pittsburgh, but on a national level,” said Michael Spacciapolli, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Pittsburgh. “What started back in 1920 as an opportunity to instantaneously provide news and information about the presidential election returns has blossomed into a key part of our listeners’ lives. 

After serving Pittsburghers on our AM dial for the last 100 years, we are thrilled to expand the reach of historic KDKA on FM. It’s an honor to be part of the team carrying the torch from those before us into the next 100 years.”

Translator W261AX (99 watts) 

On October 27, 1920, the Department of Commerce issued the first commercial radio station license under the call sign KDKA. The station launched on November 2, 1920 when Frank Conrad, an engineer at Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, started 8ZZ and broadcast the results of the presidential election returns between Warren G. Harding and James Cox.

The station’s yearlong centennial celebration has also included various original sound, historical soundbites and a special weekly program every Wednesday.