"Call Letters"

 

“Call Letters”

 

As of 2020 there were 15,445 FCC licensed commercial radio stations in the U.S. including AM, FM and educational outlets. With a few grandfathered exceptions those east of the Mississippi River begin with “W” and the western ones start with “K”. Most have four letters but a few older ones, such as WBZ in Boston, WOR in New York City and Chicago’s WGN, have three. Those wishing to start a station can choose their call letters and the FCC usually approves but it cannot duplicate one already licensed. Of course, all are subject to FCC oversight.

Many broadcast outlets pick their call letters based on their location. Some of these from places I’ve lived include WHLI (Hempstead, Long Island), WROC (Rochester, NY), WDLA (Delaware County, NY) and WLKF (Lakeland, FL). Others seem to pull them out of a hat such as WQXR (a classical music station in New York City) and WGBB (Babylon, NY). Then there are the student run (with supervision and accountability) stations at many colleges and universities including WETN (Wheaton College) and WFSU (Florida State University).

In 1996 bracelets with the letters WWJD appeared marking the centennial of Charles Sheldon’s classic novel In His Steps with the subtitle “What Would Jesus Do?” Interestingly I called on my friend Google and found a radio station with the WWJD call letters. It’s operated by Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY and mostly broadcasts contemporary Christian music. The school was founded in 1923, primarily to educate leaders in the Appalachian region, and the station appears to fit into this purpose.

The church we attend has as its four primary emphases Worship (“Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness….”—Psalm 96:9), Grow (“…Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—2 Peter 3:18), Serve (“Serve wholeheartedly….—Ephesians 6:7), Reach (“You will be his witness to all….”—Acts 22:15). (Emphasis added throughout.) WGSR seemed like good call letters if the church ever felt led to sponsor a radio frequency—but alas! I found that it was already being used in Birmingham, AL, standing for Gospel Sounds Radio. Oh, well, so much for creativity. But I pray I’ll never forget the WGSR “call letters” in fulfilling my purpose to God’s glory.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan