WDAD's ownership was relatively stable, having only had four owners in its long history. The station was signed on November 4, 1945 under the corporate name Indiana Broadcasters, Inc. Paul Short served as company president and general manager. The station's studios and offices were housed in the Indiana Theatre Building at 633 Philadelphia Street. The company also operated WARD-AM in nearby Johnstown under the name Central Broadcasting Company, Inc. The station operated at a full-time power of 250 watts from its transmitter site along Old Highway 422 and Twolick Road in neighboring White Township, Pennsylvania.