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Beginning of Radio
Italian inventor Marconi credited with sendin the first radio signal. Not exactly proven, but he is believed to be the inventor of radio because of his achievement. -
Audion Tube-Amplifier
Lee De Forest created, or rather borrowed, the audion tube. It acted as an amplifier for radio waves, making them stronger and more compatible. -
8MK Station
The first news radio program was broadcasted from Detroit, Michigan. 8MK survives today as WWJ and is currently owned by the CBS network. -
First Public Entertainment
2ADD broadcasted what is believed to be the first public entertainment program. It was a series of concerts every Thursday night that could be reached with a 100 mile radius. -
Sports
Radio station 2ADD broadcasted the first sporting event covered on the radio. Sports such as football and baseball began broadcasting on radio stations. -
Commercials on Radio
RAdio station WEAF aired a 10 minute toll braodcast for $50. This marked the beginning of commercials and their integration into radio and media. -
FRC
In 1927, the FRC was established to control the problems caused by Uncle Charlie radio stations. These independent radio stations were interfering with the larger stations and causing them to lose money. -
Integration of Televison
Station W2XB started as the world's first televison station. It broadcasted out of New York and was popularly known as "WGY Television." -
Music Taste
In the 1930s, people enjoyed the swing jazz style that grew popular for many musicians at the time, including Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Although music was rarely broadcasted on the radio at this time because of radio plays and talk shows, music still played a large role in the history of radio. -
FM Radio
Patented by Edwin H. Armstrong, FM used frequency modulation to reduce static and interferences from other signals. This became a much better way to communicate as it produced a clearer sound. -
Experiments with FM
The radio station W1XOJ was the first experimental FM radio station. It was granted a permit by the FCC to use FM radio and showed just how well FM worked compared to AM. -
Color TV
First demonstrated to the FCC on August 29th, color television was a breakthrough for the world of media. It was then showcased to the press on September 4th. -
Music Taste
In the 1950s, a wide variety of usic took hold of the radio indusrty, ranging from pop to rock & roll to R&B. These different genres attracted more listeners constantly and more people started using the radio to listen to their favorite artists. -
Pocket Radios
Regency intruduced a handheld radio that operated on a standard 22.5V battery. Later in 1960, Sony created a small transistorized radio that ran on a small battery. -
Motown Records
Founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., Motown Records introduced a new sound to the masses. The company used the radio to broadcast its stars, causing them to grow in popularity, and Motown became one of the biggest and wealthiest record companies in the 60s.
