Indeed, they've been boasting for several weeks that they're the oldest radio station on the planet (and what could be more appropriate for a place that broadcasts nothing but the passage of time!) According to the article below, they originally started out playing music before they evolved into the time tone entity they remain to this day. 

And get this fascinating factoid:

"WWV time codes were used in a 1988 project by the city of Los Angeles to synchronize traffic lights at more than 1,000 intersections. City officials estimated that this project saved motorists 55,000 hours a day in driving time, conserved 22 million gallons per year in fuel, and prevented 6,000 to 7,000 tons of pollutants per year."

So THAT'S the answer. Quick, someone tell John Tory!

WWV Celebrates a Century of Service 

I know this thread isn't of vast interest to many here, but it turns out WWV is also a station that the U.S. government would use in the event of a national emergency. 

How A Little-Known Radio Station In Fort Collins Might One Day Save The World

O.K., I'm ashamed to admit I still do that with my watch! Provided I can get the signal, which doesn't always come in.

(I used to joke that the ultimate announcing hell job would be being the guy who announces every minute on WWV! Not only that, but I once had a routine where I imagined they were taking requests from listeners. "This is for Steve in Utah, who wanted to hear 21 hours, 42 minutes. Coordinated Universal Time. He sends it out to Penelope in Rochester, N.Y! Pen - this one's for you! BEEP!")