How were the letters for local TV/radio affiliates decided upon? E.g. WLW 700 AM, Channel 5 WLWT? Are they all randomly assigned, or do they stand for something?
In: Culture
The letters are known as [Call signs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_signs_in_the_United_States), and are given out by the FCC.
Originally, they were given out randomly, with the only rule being that transmitters in the west half of the US started with K and the East half started with W.
That rule still stands, but stations are allowed to choose the rest of the letters now.
I have to ask, are you from the Cincinnati area? WLWT is channel 5 here lol
Here in Canada, all of the call signs begin with C with one exception. VOCM in Newfoundand. That station was originated when NFLD was a British Crown colony, before NFLD joined Canada in 1949.
Most radio station that came on the air before 1965, have call signs that relate to where the station is located A few examples CHCH is in Hamilton, Ontario. CKEY is in East York. CKOR is in Orillia. CKMP is in Midland Penetang.
The oldest radio station in Canada is CFRB in Toronto. The CFRB relates to the first ownership…the Rogers Battery less radio company.
JimB.
Latest Answers