WKRP Radio Station Revived in Cincinnati After Decades

The iconic call letters from the 1970s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati are now a real low-power FM station in the city.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:35am

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A bold, abstract composition of stark black silhouettes and geometric shapes in high-contrast red and white, representing the iconic WKRP call letters and the concept of a fictional radio station becoming a reality.The revival of the fictional WKRP radio station brings the beloved sitcom's spirit to life on the airwaves, tapping into the enduring power of nostalgia and community-driven media.Today in Raleigh

D.P. McIntire, a lifelong fan of the classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has brought the show's iconic call letters to life by launching a new low-power FM radio station in Cincinnati called WKRP-LP. McIntire, who grew up dreaming of running a station with the WKRP call letters, has turned that childhood fantasy into reality by building the station from the ground up, complete with a transmitter in his garage and an antenna on a flagpole.

Why it matters

This revival of the WKRP call letters is more than just a clever marketing stunt - it's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the cultural impact that media can have. In an era where traditional radio is struggling to stay relevant, the WKRP-LP station represents a grassroots effort to recapture the magic of old-school radio and honor the legacy of the beloved sitcom.

The details

McIntire didn't just acquire the WKRP call letters - he built the entire low-power FM station from scratch, including setting up a transmitter in his garage and an antenna on a flagpole. The station is a labor of love, run by passionate individuals who care more about community than commercial success. This revival comes at a time when traditional radio is facing challenges, with the recent shutdown of CBS News Radio after nearly a century in operation.

  • McIntire watched the first episode of WKRP in Cincinnati as a child and declared he would one day run a station called WKRP.
  • Decades later, McIntire has turned that childhood dream into a reality by launching WKRP-LP in Cincinnati.

The players

D.P. McIntire

The man behind the revival of the WKRP call letters, who grew up watching the sitcom and has now turned his childhood dream into a reality by launching a low-power FM station in Cincinnati.

WKRP in Cincinnati

The iconic 1970s sitcom that featured the fictional WKRP radio station and has become a beloved part of popular culture.

Robert Thompson

A TV historian who has commented on the cultural significance of the WKRP call letters and the enduring legacy of the sitcom.

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What they’re saying

“WKRP, the iconic call letters from the 1978 sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, are no longer just a punchline or a nostalgic memory—they're about to become a living, breathing radio station in Cincinnati.”

— Author

“What this really suggests is that the value of WKRP isn't just in its letters—it's in the emotions and memories it evokes.”

— Robert Thompson, TV historian

What’s next

The new WKRP-LP station is set to launch in Cincinnati in the coming months, giving fans of the classic sitcom a chance to experience the iconic call letters in a real-world setting.

The takeaway

The revival of the WKRP call letters is a heartwarming example of how fiction can inspire reality and how beloved stories can continue to shape our cultural landscape long after their initial release. This grassroots effort to bring the spirit of WKRP to life represents a larger trend of fans and creators finding new ways to honor the media that has left a lasting impact on their lives.