20 Facts About WLW

WLW serves as the Cincinnati network affiliate for ABC News Radio; the AM flagship station for the Cincinnati Reds Radio Network; a co-flagship station for the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network; and the home of radio personalities Mike McConnell, Rocky Boiman and Bill Cunningham.

WLW was the outgrowth of an interest in radio by Powel Crosley Jr.

On January 27,1925 WLW began using its 5,000 watt capable transmitter, although not yet at full power.

Shortly after WLW began operating with 5,000 watts, the major radio manufacturers began work on producing more powerful transmitters.

However, at the dedication ceremonies the station proclaimed that, because WLW was more centrally located than the other 50,000 watt stations, it was "America's first really national Broadcasting station", with a signal that "cut through static like a knife".

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At 50 kilowatts, WLW was heard easily over a wide area from New York to Florida, but Crosley still was not satisfied.

In January 1934, WLW began broadcasting with 500,000 watts after midnight under the experimental call sign W8XO.

In December 1934, WLW was instructed to cut back to 50 kilowatts at night until it had eliminated the interference.

However, WLW was continuing to operate under special temporary authority that had to be renewed every six months; each renewal brought complaints about interference, and undue domination of the market by the high-powered station.

In September 1934, WLW was one of the founding members of the Mutual Broadcasting System, although it withdrew as a primary participant and became a regular affiliate two years later.

From that point until the 1990s, WLW had different owners, including Queen City Communications, Mariner Communications, Seven Hills Broadcasting and Jacor Communications, before Jacor merged with Clear Channel Communications .

WLW was originally on the fourth floor, where it shared studios with sister station WEBN.

WLW continued to carry Harvey's commentaries through all the changes, although after extended absences, Harvey was dropped by WLW in April 2008.

WLW eventually stopped calling itself "The Nation's Station" and adopted the slogan "The Big One".

In 2013, WLW purchased an FM translator from the Northern Kentucky University to be used for simulcasting, and moved it to Port Union, Ohio.

From March 1,2006 to March 6,2009 WLW was simulcast on XM Satellite Radio channel 173, expanding the station coverage to the entire continental United States.

WLW has a 24-hour local news department and is affiliated with ABC News Radio.

Bill Cunningham hosts a weekday program, and WLW is the flagship station for his Live on Sunday Night, which is syndicated by Premiere Networks.

WLW is the flagship radio station for the Cincinnati Reds Radio Network, and airs Cincinnati Bearcats and Xavier Musketeers college games.

WLW serves as a co-flagship station for the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network alongside sister stations WCKY and WEBN, airing any games that do not conflict with Reds games.