WBAP/Dallas Celebrates 95 Years

Cumulus Media’s award-winning News-Talk station WBAP-AM/Dallas-Ft. Worth celebrated 95 years on-air yesterday, making it one of the oldest radio stations in Texas. WBAP marked the occasion with its famous “Cowbell” ID, classic jingles and vintage audio of news events covered over the years. WBAP was founded by Fort Worth businessman Amon G. Carter, creator and publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and it launched on May 2, 1922, packing a mighty 10 watts of power. In those days, radio stations in Texas were still given “W” call letters. The now 50,000-watt WBAP has the greatest daytime coverage of any radio station in America and as much coverage at night as any other U.S. radio station. Until the mid-’70s, WBAP shared the 820 and 570 frequencies with then-WFAA. Whenever WBAP would switch from one frequency to the other, the station would ring its now famous cowbell. The ringing of the bell dates back to the 1920s, when a bell was rung when the station signed on in the morning. Enjoy this 1940s-era shot of a WBAP remote broadcast vehicle.

Over the years, WBAP has won numerous Associated Press Awards, Katie Awards from the Dallas Press Club, Edward R. Murrow Awards — including one this year for Breaking News — and many others. Dan Bennett, RVP of Cumulus Media Dallas & Houston, said, “Our celebration of 95 years is not just an honor for our current staff but for the incredible talent that span 95 years on a signal that covers 38 states. WBAP is truly one of radio’s iconic brands and we look forward to the next 95!”

WBAP News Director Freda Ross remarked, “It’s an honor to work at a station with such prestige and history. Throughout the years WBAP has strived to give the listeners the information they want and need and that mission continues today.” To learn more about the history of WBAP, please visit wbap.com/station-history.