Why do American radio stations all seem to have these weird four letter names?!
Question: Why do American radio stations all seem to have these weird four letter names!?
Like WDKX, and WKTT, or whatever (yeah, I made those up, but that sort of format)!. It doesn't appear to be the case elsewhere in the world, so I'm just curious!.Www@Enter-QA@Com
Answers:
And to add to the above answers!. One of the reasons the call letters were originally assigned to radio stations was for lost air craft!. Pilots knew at the top (used to be top and bottom) of each hour American radio stations will give their "legal ID" (such as This is WJWT Gotham City) which would allow pilots to better pinpoint their locations!. This was of course before GPS!. :)Www@Enter-QA@Com
They're called Call-Signs!. They're actually used all over the world, but usually are just known by the government or broadcasting system and company!. I believe it's more common in America to actually address the radio station as the actual call sign!. It's kind of like a license plate!. Some are assigned by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and some are "Vanity" like one near my house that's called "WWMX 106!.5" and it's a Mix (hence MX) station, but all are FCC mandated!. In other countries they're more just for the broadcasting system/company/branch of governmentWww@Enter-QA@Com
The FCC mandates it!. Stations east of the divide start with W stations West start with K!. Www@Enter-QA@Com
Yes, they all have to have them, its a rule in America! Www@Enter-QA@Com