Cleveland's KYW: A 70-Year Journey of Radio Innovation and Legal Twists
A Golden Era on the Airwaves
In the vibrant city of Cleveland, a unique radio deal 70 years ago marked the beginning of a golden era on the airwaves. This pivotal moment in radio history, which unfolded on February 13, 1956, was the result of a bold business venture. The story of KYW's birth is a testament to the power of innovation and the impact it can have on an entire community.
A Turning Point in American History
The 1950s were a transformative decade in American history, following the economic and cultural boom post-World War II. At the start of the decade, radios outpaced television sets in American homes, and AM radio dominated the airwaves. In Cleveland, prior to 1956, listeners tuned in to WTAM AM and FM, while viewers watched WNBK, an NBC affiliate on channel 3, as noted by Dr. Richard Klein, a retired professor from Cleveland State University.
A Unique Business Deal
NBC had a grand vision to blanket the East Coast with TV broadcasting. They sought to be the primary carrier of coverage from Boston to Washington. However, they lacked an outlet in Philadelphia. So, they approached Westinghouse with a proposal: move KYW radio and TV to Cleveland, and in return, they would move one of their stations to Philadelphia. This was a groundbreaking idea, and it was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on December 28, 1955.
A Welcome to Cleveland
KYW, which had started in Chicago in 1921, was a welcome addition to Cleveland. It held the eighth oldest call letters in the country and had a rich history of firsts in broadcasting, including live opera broadcasts and groundbreaking moments in football and baseball. The station's arrival in Cleveland was celebrated with a gala at the Statler Hotel, drawing hundreds of dignitaries.
A Perfect Mission Statement
An industry publication beautifully summed up KYW's mission: top-notch entertainment, news coverage, and technical perfection, typical of the Westinghouse broadcasting company. It emphasized public-oriented programming and community trust, reflecting the station's philosophy and the public's love for it.
Innovative Programming and On-Air Antics
KYW started as a traditional middle-of-the-road station but gradually embraced innovative programming, news, entertainment, community service, and education. The station was filled with big names like Specs Howard, Joe Finan, Dick Goddard, and Harry Martin. They promoted unique ideas, such as Bermuda Shorts Day and a traffic-court show, and had catchy slogans like 'When it's news elsewhere, it's history at KYW' and 'Have a KYWonderful weekend'.
A Dynamic Programming Director
In 1961, KYW shifted to all rock and roll, hiring Ken Draper to guide the programming. Draper was a true dynamo, and his influence on the station was significant. He brought a fresh and innovative approach to the airwaves, much like the station's early days.
A Strong Lineup of On-Air Personalities
KYW's success can be attributed to its strong on-air personalities and a very clear signal. AM signals at night would bounce off the ionosphere, reaching distant areas and boosting its popularity. When KYW became a top 40 station in Cleveland, it completely annihilated WHK, the leading top 40 station at the time.
A Lasting Impact
KYW's tenure in Cleveland had a lasting impact on the community. It influenced radio executives like John Gorman, who grew up in Boston but could pick up KYW from Cleveland, 640 miles away. Gorman attributed KYW's success to its clear signal and strong on-air personalities, which were key to radio survival in those days.
A Reverse in Fortune
However, all good things must come to an end. Around 1957, the FCC began to question the deal, and the Justice Department pursued it in court. In 1964, a federal district court ruling in Philadelphia determined that Westinghouse was forced into the swap. The decision reversed the FCC ruling, and the stations were returned to their previous home cities.
A New Beginning in Philadelphia
KYW returned to Philadelphia in summer 1965, and WRCV, the station in Philadelphia, moved back to Cleveland, rebranding as WKYC radio and TV. WKYC became the second all-news station in the country in 1965 in Philadelphia, and later, in mid-1965, it was making plans for an all-color format.
A Legacy in Cleveland
Despite the swap, KYW's legacy in Cleveland remains. The station's impact on the community and its influence on radio executives like John Gorman are a testament to its enduring impact. As Dr. Klein reflects, KYW's time in Cleveland was a period of innovation, entertainment, and community engagement, leaving a lasting mark on the city's radio landscape.
