KDKA in Pittsburgh has a decent claim to being the first commercial broadcaster, and while these things are always murky, it is absolutely not in doubt that they first began broadcasting on November 2, 1920. Stumbled across this article about their early studio and transmitter hardware today, and if you want more history here's their Wikipedia page. Lots of nice grainy old B&W photos of tube amplifiers and wind-up record players – one with what is likely the first electric phono pickup.
It's an odd thing, but when I lived in Pittsburgh I can't recall ever listening in on KDKA. Lots and lots of WRCT, but no KDKA. Eh, I was busy with other things. Way busy.
Side-story: Some years back I met an old gentleman who had grown up in Pittsburgh, and been in his teens circa 1920. Being young and technically-minded, he built a crystal radio to tune in the then-new KDKA. He related that people in the neighborhood were fascinated by his device, but they didn't quite understand what was going on. Word got around and people who barely knew his family were dropping by, asking to have a listen at this mysterious gizmo. One old matron tucked the earpiece to her ear, listened, made some strange faces, listened again, slammed the earpiece down on on the desk, shouted "I still don't believe it!" and stomped out. My, how times have changed.
Anyway, I'll bet that they're planning something interesting and cool next Monday evening. Don't have a clue as to what, but on their 100th birthday they've got to have something planned. Will definitely try to tune them in via skywave. Remember, 1020 AM, a good half-hour after dark.
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