[olyjohn]

From the Portland area, I could pick up KGO from San Fransisco at night. Never cared for the content as a kid, but it was still fascinating!

[tjohns]

If you're not familiar with the term, look up "clear-channel station". (Not to be confused with the advertising company of the same name.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clear-channel_station

https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Station-Albums/WSM/Cle...

Stations like KGO receive special status to protect against interference, and in return are required to transmit 10,000 Watts minimum. Most transmit at 50,000 Watts. The idea was to make sure even the most remote parts of the country with no local stations would be able to receive one of the clear-channel stations at night.