History of WMAQ: Chapter 2, Pt. 2

Reprinted in the January, 2009, Old Radio Times.
(http://www.otrr.org/pg07_times.htm)

The History of WMAQ Radio
Chapter 2
Tom Gootee

Early in the spring of 1922 the Chicago Daily News decided to investigate the possibilities of radio broadcasting, mainly as a means of news dissemination. At about the same time the Fair Department Store, in downtown Chicago, also became interested in broadcasting as a means of advertising their various wares. Late in March the Fair Store and the Chicago Daily News reached an agreement whereby the Fair Store would construct a transmitter and the completed station would be owned jointly by the two parties.

Accordingly, early in April the Fair Store and the Daily News drew up plans, applied for a Federal radio license, and proceeded to buy and install the necessary equipment. Donald A. Weller was hired as the new station’s first, and only, engineer.

- This article was originally published at http://www.richsamuels.com/nbcmm/wmaq/history/ and is reprinted by permission.