WSB Radio 100th Anniversary Special Event Station
Radio station WSB in Atlanta is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022. It is the oldest broadcast station in the Southeast, and one of the oldest stations in the United States. The Atlanta Radio Club W4DOC along with many hams in the Atlanta area will be commemorating this anniversary by conducting a special operating event starting March 12th. Times will be announced shortly
WSB, the South’s first radio station, went on the air on March 15, 1922. Its call letters later provided for the popular slogan “Welcome South, Brother.” Originally owned by the Atlanta Journal, WSB initially broadcast from the Journal’s building on Forsyth Street. In 1925, the station moved to the top floor of the Biltmore Hotel, where it remained for thirty years. Early broadcasts included music, church services, and educational programs. Many celebrities made their first radio broadcasts over WSB microphones, including Rudolph Valentino, who appeared in 1923. In 1939, Ohio Governor James M. Cox bought WSB and it remained part of Cox Enterprises until 2019, when Cox sold their radio and tv division, Cox Media Group, to Apollo Global Management in NYC. Cox Media Group owns WSB radio, tv and about 55 other stations. WSB also established a television station in 1948 and in 1955 both operations moved to a facility known as White Columns on Peachtree Street.1998, WSB Radio moved into new facilities at the intersection of Beverly Road and Peachtree Street, taking with it four columns from White Columns and placing the historic columns in the rear garden of the new buildings.
Amateurs using the callsign W5B will make two-way contact with other amateurs across all bands on SSB, AM, CW, and digital modes. A special QSL card will be sent to anyone who contacts one or more of the special event stations and sends a card accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The card will feature historical photos of WSB over the years as well as a special 100th Anniversary Logo.
Radio station WSB in Atlanta is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022. It is the oldest broadcast station in the Southeast, and one of the oldest stations in the United States. The Atlanta Radio Club W4DOC along with many hams in the Atlanta area will be commemorating this anniversary by conducting a special operating event starting March 12th. Times will be announced shortly
WSB, the South’s first radio station, went on the air on March 15, 1922. Its call letters later provided for the popular slogan “Welcome South, Brother.” Originally owned by the Atlanta Journal, WSB initially broadcast from the Journal’s building on Forsyth Street. In 1925, the station moved to the top floor of the Biltmore Hotel, where it remained for thirty years. Early broadcasts included music, church services, and educational programs. Many celebrities made their first radio broadcasts over WSB microphones, including Rudolph Valentino, who appeared in 1923. In 1939, Ohio Governor James M. Cox bought WSB and it remained part of Cox Enterprises until 2019, when Cox sold their radio and tv division, Cox Media Group, to Apollo Global Management in NYC. Cox Media Group owns WSB radio, tv and about 55 other stations. WSB also established a television station in 1948 and in 1955 both operations moved to a facility known as White Columns on Peachtree Street.1998, WSB Radio moved into new facilities at the intersection of Beverly Road and Peachtree Street, taking with it four columns from White Columns and placing the historic columns in the rear garden of the new buildings.
Amateurs using the callsign W5B will make two-way contact with other amateurs across all bands on SSB, AM, CW, and digital modes. A special QSL card will be sent to anyone who contacts one or more of the special event stations and sends a card accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The card will feature historical photos of WSB over the years as well as a special 100th Anniversary Logo.
