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August 4, 1927: WGY First Operation Using 100 KW Transmitter


August 4, 1927: On this day WGY, the General Electric station in Schenectady, NY, previously known as Station 2XAG, started its operation trial. It used a 100 KW transmitter that was later changed to 50 KW on clear channel by FCC regulation to avoid interference between existing radio stations.

WGY was a broadcast group from 1922 until 1983. WGY was also a pioneer of Remote Broadcasting. WGY aired a concert from Union College on February 23, 1922.

WGY was also known as the first radio station to use a condenser microphone, developed by General Electric on February 7, 1923.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 1928, WGY became the first radio station in the world to televise radio drama on separate radio channels.

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