Talk:WKBO

Commentary about WKBO's origin transferred from main page

The following commentary was originally posted by editor "Tportzline" in 2017, and is more appropriate for the Talk page:

Over the years, several national publications which feature historical information about radio and television stations have stated that WKBO’s original air date was prior to 1925 - as early as 1922. However, the publishers did not cite authoritative sources for their claims, nor did they provide a detailed analysis from "day 1" to WKBO. Because of this, some radio history enthusiasts have drawn their own conclusions by stating that WKBO is an outgrowth of one of Harrisburg’s pre-1925 stations, either WBAK or WABB, making the station older than it really is. Nevertheless, a careful examination of federal records and local newspaper articles makes it clear that: a) There is a direct timeline leading from present-day WKBO back to WPRC, and b) WPRC operated concurrently with WBAK, WABB and WHBG when it appeared in October 1925, proving that these stations were separate and distinct.

To provide further clarity, WBAK existed from 1922 to 1934 and used the same call letters throughout its 12-year duration. (WBAK was converted to a state police dispatch station in 1934 ). WABB operated from 1923 to as late as 1927, also using only one call sign. (WABB's assets were sold at an auction in 1928 ). Because WBAK and WABB overlapped with WPRC when it arrived in 1925, and because there is no record of these stations ever sharing or exchanging call letters, ownership or management, it is reasonable to conclude that WPRC was never part of WBAK or WABB, thereby establishing October 12, 1925 as the correct original air date for WPRC and ultimately for WKBO.-- Transferred by Thomas H. White (talk) 14:02, 9 February 2023 (UTC)

References