WHO Radio began broadcasting from Des Moines, Iowa, on April 10, 1924, on a frequency of 570 kHz with 500 watts of power. The station was originally established by the Bankers Life Company under president George Kuhns. Kuhns cleverly chose the call letters because listeners searching the radio dial would constantly ask, "Who is it?".
Key Milestones and Power Increases
- Power increased to 5,000 watts in 1925.
- Joined NBC network in September 1927.
- FRC ordered frequency sharing with WOC Davenport.
- Alternated daytime and nighttime weekly broadcast shifts.
The Central Broadcasting Era
Bankers Life exited broadcasting in 1930. They sold the station to Central Broadcasting Company. The new owners were led by B.J. Palmer.
The station successfully synchronized as WOC-WHO. However, an audio dead-zone plagued the midpoint region. To resolve this issue, a massive upgrade began.
On April 22, 1933, a 50,000-watt transmitter debuted. It launched from a new site in Mitchellville, Iowa. This established WHO as a powerful clear-channel station. WOC personnel subsequently relocated to Des Moines. Among them was young sportscaster Ronald Reagan.
Frequency Adjustments and Engineering Feats
- In 1934, installed a 532-foot diamond Blaw-Knox tower.
- Shifted to the iconic 1040 kHz frequency in 1941.
- Alignment followed the North American Radio Agreement.
- Replaced the original transmitter with Westinghouse gear in 1950.
- Erected a massive, groundbreaking 780-foot Franklin tower.
Programming and Cultural Impact
WHO pioneered agricultural reporting with its dedicated farm department. Its popular "Iowa Barn Dance Frolic" drew over a million live fans. The station expanded into new frontiers by launching WHO-FM in 1948. It expanded further into television with the arrival of WHO-TV. Through decades of public service and high-power broadcasting, it earned its reputation as the "Voice of the Middle West."
