100 years – KQV?

Until I realized that it was going to take 100 years to research and write, I was going to write a detailed piece on what is considered by some to be KQV’s first official broadcast day 100 years ago. Well, that depends on what you consider to be “first”. It’s also like pulling teeth to get the precise story. As many readers know, there is claim from several stations – KDKA, Detroit’s WWJ and even LA’s KCBS – for first to be on the air. I wasn’t around then, so I really wouldn’t have authority to say. But, if I may be so bold, I would suggest that what happened in Downtown Pittsburgh 100 years ago today was the forerunner to KQV.

The Doubleday-Hill Electric Company had a store in Pittsburgh which sold radio (which was also called “wireless” in those days) components. They had a branch location in Washington, D.C. and, after the ban was lifted on non-government operated stations was lifted, had applied for a for a commercial station-to-station license between the two locations. It was denied, but an amateur license was granted which would be used for in-store demos and such. The station’s call letters were 8ZAE.

Within a few months, 8ZAE began what I would describe as “regularly sporadic programming” which is to say that they had regular broadcasts at various times of the week. The call letters KQV didn’t come into play for a while thereafter. The FCC AM Query page for KQV states that its first license was granted on January 9, 1922. What’s more is that the Pittsburgh Press published an article where the original operator of the station settled for “second” way back in 1934. (The scanned article is a little hard to read, but you get the gist of the story.)

Like I said, it depends on what action you consider to be “first”. Nonetheless I am prepared for the arguments to come pouring in via email or comments. But before you tell me that I am “wrong”, I am not claiming to be right. Like I said, I wasn’t around then and I rely on the same stories, histories, folklore, and myriad of “beliefs” you do.

Speaking of KQV. It will be back soon. Broadcast Educational Communications, Inc. has until January 10, 2020 to get it back on the air from the WEDO tower in North Versailles. As this editor manages the intended programming for 1410, I expect to get a call any day now to add the “KQV Pittsburgh” legal ID back into the mix. At last report the necessary units are in place, some testing needs to be done and reported to the FCC and, upon approval, it will return.

Please note, that KQV will be a simulcast of WKGO (88.1 Murrysville) for the foreseeable future. I know there are readers and listeners who have ideas about what should be done with the signal. But when you get right down to it, it’s really up to the owners. Stay tuned!