Fun Fact About Audio Broadcasting in Oklahoma! 06/27/25

Picture taken in 1958 of Kwtv's Video tower. https://www.flickr.com/photos/193292054@N06/51279887048/

Oklahoma boasts a fascinating history, particularly in communication technology.

Founded in 1921, WKY Radio was a revolutionary force in the world of audio broadcasting. It proudly became the first radio station to transmit west of the Mississippi River, placing Oklahoma on the map for innovative communication.

Constructed in 1954, the KWTV antenna tower, commonly known as the Griffin Television Tower, stands as a remarkable achievement in Oklahoma's engineering history. Reaching an astonishing height of 1,576 feet (480.5 meters), it was hailed as the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1967.

The significance of the Griffin Tower surpasses its impressive height. It marked a transformational moment in television broadcasting. With its powerful signal, KWTV brought high-quality programming to millions of homes, establishing Oklahoma City as a center for television excellence. At its peak, the tower broadcasted to a population of over 1 million, ensuring entertainment and news reached even the most rural areas.