What was the call sign of the first licensed commercial radio station in the US, which began broadcasting in 1920?

The call sign KDKA belongs to the pioneering radio station that made history as the first licensed commercial radio station in the United States. It began broadcasting on November 2, 1920, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This groundbreaking station was operated by the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, which saw the immense potential in radio beyond its initial uses for amateur operators and military communications.

KDKA's inaugural broadcast was a momentous event: the live returns of the Harding-Cox presidential election. This immediately demonstrated radio's power to deliver news instantaneously, a stark contrast to waiting for newspaper reports. The station's establishment was largely inspired by the success of Westinghouse engineer Frank Conrad, who had been making popular amateur broadcasts from his garage, playing music and sharing information. Westinghouse recognized the public's demand for such programming and obtained the first commercial radio station license from the Department of Commerce in October 1920.

Beyond election results, KDKA quickly diversified its programming, becoming a staple for news, entertainment, and public service. Early broadcasts included live musical performances, weather reports, and religious services. KDKA also holds the distinction of broadcasting the first major league baseball game in August 1921, followed by the first college football game later that year. Within just a few years of KDKA's launch, the number of radio stations across the country exploded, and millions of Americans began to share a common listening experience, transforming the way information and entertainment reached homes.