What do the letters in TV and Radio Stations names stand for?

Question

Like WGHP, or WXII, or KHGP, or whatever. Or, if it's like "K 98.6," what does the K stand for?

Answer 1

Thanks I always wondered about that also! Good question.

Answer 2

When a TV or Radio station wants a license to broadcast, they must file paperwork with the F.C.C. (Federal Communications Commission). Often times a station will ask for a specific set of letters, which matches their company name or a name they wish to be known by. For example, WNBC which is the NBC network. Or WFOX which is the Fox network. In the case of K 98.6, the station is giving you a small part of their license or call sign, and their location on the radio dial, in this case 98.6 on FM. In some cases, the letters mean nothing at all. They are simply a station's designation. An example might be, your example KHGP. For more information, you can go to the FCC website. http://www.fcc.gov/ The K and W were once assigned by the location of the broadcast station in the U.S.

Here is a good link that explains where the W and K came from. http://www.oldradio.com/archives/general...

Have fun.