Today in Wheeling History: July 1--WWVA radio increased its broadcasting power to 5,000 watts, greatly expanding its reach and influence (1929).
WWVA, a radio station in Wheeling, West Virginia, began broadcasting in 1926 with a 50-watt transmitter in John Stroebel's home. Over the years, it increased its power and became one of the most powerful and influential stations in the region. A significant milestone occurred on July 1, 1929, when WWVA increased its power to 5,000 watts, greatly expanding its reach. In 1933, WWVA launched the Jamboree, a live country music show that became one of its most popular programs and helped launch many country music careers. The station joined the CBS radio network in 1931, expanding its reach and programming. WWVA played a major role during events like the 1936 Wheeling flood, providing crucial information and entertainment. By the 1940s, WWVA had increased to 50,000 watts, allowing it to reach listeners across much of the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The station changed ownership several times over the decades but maintained its country music format until 1997. Though it later switched to news/talk, the Jamboree continued in various forms. WWVA played a significant role in the growth and popularity of country music, especially in the northeastern United States.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/FbUHy) (https://shorturl.at/4vIEc) (https://shorturl.at/X9bCX) (https://shorturl.at/nI5Nw) (https://shorturl.at/yUDbG) (https://tinyurl.com/yy7x3cxc) (https://tinyurl.com/ufxdfspk) (https://tinyurl.com/5y54zbeh) (https://tinyurl.com/3e8cnnha)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; West Virginia Broadcasting Corporation
WWVA, a radio station in Wheeling, West Virginia, began broadcasting in 1926 with a 50-watt transmitter in John Stroebel's home. Over the years, it increased its power and became one of the most powerful and influential stations in the region. A significant milestone occurred on July 1, 1929, when WWVA increased its power to 5,000 watts, greatly expanding its reach. In 1933, WWVA launched the Jamboree, a live country music show that became one of its most popular programs and helped launch many country music careers. The station joined the CBS radio network in 1931, expanding its reach and programming. WWVA played a major role during events like the 1936 Wheeling flood, providing crucial information and entertainment. By the 1940s, WWVA had increased to 50,000 watts, allowing it to reach listeners across much of the eastern United States and parts of Canada. The station changed ownership several times over the decades but maintained its country music format until 1997. Though it later switched to news/talk, the Jamboree continued in various forms. WWVA played a significant role in the growth and popularity of country music, especially in the northeastern United States.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/FbUHy) (https://shorturl.at/4vIEc) (https://shorturl.at/X9bCX) (https://shorturl.at/nI5Nw) (https://shorturl.at/yUDbG) (https://tinyurl.com/yy7x3cxc) (https://tinyurl.com/ufxdfspk) (https://tinyurl.com/5y54zbeh) (https://tinyurl.com/3e8cnnha)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; West Virginia Broadcasting Corporation
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