Radio

In the 1920s, radio became a major form of entertainment and communication. Families everywhere gathered around the radio, tuning in to hear their favorite programs, like Jack Benny, or listen to the news. In 1939, stunned listeners were frozen in fear as they heard reports of aliens landing during the nationwide broadcast of Orson Welles' War of the Worlds.
1. In 1920 WKY of Oklahoma City received the license, becoming one of the first radio stations in the United States, as well as the first west of the Mississippi River.
2. WKY's first news, weather, and sports for broadcast was provided by E. K. Gaylord's OPUBCO, which later bought the radio station.
3. KVOO of Tulsa began in 1924 as KFRU in Bristow and was later purchased by oliman W. G. Skelly.
4. Gene Autry, the "Oklahoma Yodeling Cowboy," got his start with KVOO in the 1920s while Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys entertained on WKY and KVOO in the 1930s.