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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1946 Great Crepitation Fart Contest

Not for the faint of heart, here is the remarkable 1946 Crepitation (Fart) Contest (part of the 1946 News Broadcasts Collection ). You'll enjoy the fart-off between champion Englishman Lord Windsmear, and challenger, Australian Paul Boomer who had stowed aboard a cabbage freighter. The hilarious comedy recording was apparently created a spoof by two Canadian radio sportscasters in 1946, but this 15 minute recording definitely has some gems in it. Apparently they made several copies, but it was not for distribution. The recording was copied again and again on disc and reel to reel tape. It was distributed underground and played in dark rooms and back alleys around the world. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element This recording is available with many other delightful treats on Random Rarities #7 available on MP3 CD , Audio CD , and instant download .

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