Radio

Hans Christian Ørsted discovers the relationship between electricity and magnetism by deflecting a magnetized compass needle with a wire carrying current.

Michael Faraday begins experiments on electromagnetic induction, leading to Faraday's law and the Maxwell equations.

Peter Samuel Munk observes the increase in electrical conductivity in metal filings due to a discharge current, an early example of the coherer effect.

In 1865, James Clerk Maxwell proposed theories of electromagnetism and mathematical proofs demonstrating that light, radio, and x-rays were all types of electromagnetic waves propagating through free space.

In 1866, German scientist Henrich Rudolf Hertz discovered that vibrations of electric current could be projected into space in the form of radio waves, laying the foundation for further advancements in radio communication.

Between 1886 and 1888, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz published the results of experiments wherein he was able to transmit electromagnetic waves (radio waves) through the air, proving Maxwell's electromagnetic theory.

Nikola Tesla invented the first wireless radio in 1893 in St. Louis, Missouri. Although the credit for the first radio went to Guglielmo Marconi, Tesla's contribution to the development of the radio is significant.

Guglielmo Marconi develops the first successful wireless telegraphy system using radio transmissions, with applications demonstrated in marine and military communications. He is later granted a patent for the invention of radio by the US Patent Office.

Oliver Lodge delivers a lecture in memory of Hertz, demonstrating the optical properties of Hertzian waves (radio) and showcasing the 'coherer' as a detector, which he improved from Branly's filing tube.

Italian inventor Marconi sent and received the first Radio Signal in 1895, most likely in the form of Morse Code.

Guglielmo Marconi was issued the first patent for a wireless radio device in England in 1896. This marked a significant milestone in the history of radio communication.

In 1897, Edouard Branly and Gustave-Auguste Ferrie patented the Branly-Capécure Coherer, a crucial component in early radio receivers.

Reginald Fessenden obtained a patent in 1898 for his wireless radio invention, contributing to the development of radio broadcasting.

Nikola Tesla conducts experiments with wireless power in Colorado Springs, exploring the potential of wireless technology and electromagnetic signals.

In 1900, Canadian scientist Reginald Fessenden received the first wireless transmission of a human voice over a short distance, less than one mile, marking a significant milestone in radio communication history.

On December 12, 1901, Guglielmo Marconi flashed the first wireless radio signal across the Atlantic Ocean, a significant milestone in the history of radio communication.

Starting in February 1902, Marconi conducts organized tests aboard the SS Philadelphia, recording signals sent from the Poldhu station showing reception up to 2,100 miles.

In December 1902, the Marconi station in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, transmits the first signal from North America back to Great Britain.

The company Telefunken was founded on May 27, 1903, in Berlin as a joint venture of Siemens & Halske and the Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft for radio engineering.

In 1904, the U.S. Patent Office reverses its decision and awards Marconi a patent for the invention of radio.

Lee De Forest invented the Audion Tube in 1905, which amplified signals and improved radio reception.

On December 24, 1906, Reginald Fessenden makes the first radio audio broadcast from Brant Rock, Massachusetts, playing music on the violin and reading from the Bible.

The first radio broadcast took place on December 25, 1906.

On December 31, 1906, Lee de Forest experiments with transmitting audio amplitude modulated (AM) audio using a 'continuous wave' arc converter across a lab room.

A regular transatlantic radio-telegraph service commenced on 17 October 1907 between Clifden, Ireland, and Glace Bay, marking a significant advancement in global communication.

Charles David Herrold establishes a broadcast station in San Jose, California, implementing omnidirectional antennas to enable signal transmission in multiple directions. The station, later known as KCBS, does not initially use call letters.

On June 23, 1910, Charles David Herrold in San Jose, California, utilized high-frequency spark gap technology to transmit audio 'wireless phone concerts' to local amateur wireless enthusiasts, showcasing early wireless broadcasting.

In 1911, Kaiser Wilhelm II sent Telefunken engineers to West Sayville, New York to erect radio towers, with assistance from Nikola Tesla, establishing wireless communication between North America and Europe.

The radio played a crucial role during the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912, as distress signals were sent out to nearby ships for rescue operations. This event highlighted the significance of radio communication in maritime emergencies.

In 1913, Marconi achieved duplex transatlantic wireless communication between North America and Europe for the first time, a significant advancement in global wireless connectivity.

9XM (now WHA) in Wisconsin started regular broadcasts delivering state weather information in Morse Code.

Launched by Harold J. Power in Medford, Massachusetts, 1XE was an experimental station that started broadcasting in 1917. It had to go off the air during World War I, but started up again after the war, and began regular voice and music broadcasts in 1919. The station did not receive its commercial license, becoming WGI, until 1922.

On 6 November 1919, the Dutch company Nederlandsche Radio-Industrie conducted its first regular entertainment radio broadcast over station PCGG from The Hague, featuring popular programs until financial difficulties arose in 1924.

KQV, one of Pittsburgh's five original AM stations, signed on as amateur station '8ZAE' on November 19, 1919, but did not receive a commercial license until January 9, 1922.

WWJ in Detroit obtained a commercial broadcasting license and initiated regular programming without advertising support.

On August 27, 1920, Sociedad Radio Argentina aired the first entertainment radio broadcast in Argentina, featuring a live performance of Richard Wagner's opera Parsifal from the Coliseo Theater in Buenos Aires.

On 31 August 1920, the Detroit News started daily news and entertainment broadcasts through the 'Detroit News Radiophone', initially as amateur station 8MK and later as WBL and WWJ in Detroit, Michigan.

On October 14, 1920, Union College in Schenectady, New York, started broadcasting over amateur station 2ADD, with African-American student Wendell King hosting Thursday night concerts that reached a wide radius.

The first radio broadcast took place on November 2, 1920, by KDKA. This broadcast covered the presidential race between Harding and Cox, marking a significant milestone in the history of radio broadcasting.

On April 5, 1921, the first baseball game was aired on the radio, allowing people to listen to the game for the first time. The radio covered the Pittsburgh Pirates versus Philadelphia Phillies game.

KDKA broadcast its first professional baseball game on August 5, 1921. Harold Arlin announced a play-by-play of the Pirates’ victory over the Phillies.

KDKA broadcast the first live football game between West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh on October 8, 1921.

In 1922, 'Uncle Charlie' was introduced on radio, marking a significant moment in radio entertainment history. The character became a popular figure in the radio world, captivating audiences with his stories and presence.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) begins collecting license fees from radio stations due to legal disputes over copyright. Radio stations were playing music without compensating the copyright owners, leading to significant fees for large stations.

In a confidential report dated February 25, 1924, the Imperial Wireless Telegraphy Committee discussed the policy to be adopted regarding the Imperial Wireless Services to protect and facilitate public interest. The report highlighted the urgency of the matter and focused on essential factors safeguarding public interests.

On September 20, 1924, radio station 920 AM began broadcasting for the first time under the call letters WAHG, eventually transitioning to WCBS (AM) 880, becoming a significant voice in the radio industry.

The first presidential inauguration was broadcast by more than 20 radio stations when President Calvin Coolidge was sworn in.

BBC's experimental radio station, 5XX, conducts the world's first stereo broadcast. This innovation leads to further experimentation by radio stations globally. The FCC later announces the commencement of regular stereo broadcasting in the US in 1961.

In 1926, during a newspaper strike in the UK, radio broadcasts by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) became the primary source of information for the public. This event signaled a shift in media consumption patterns, with radio gaining prominence over traditional print media.

The Federal Radio Commission (FRC) was established in 1927 to regulate the licensing of transmitters for radio stations. It assigned frequencies, call letters, and power limits to prevent chaos in the radio broadcasting industry.

In 1927, call letters were introduced to differentiate radio stations on the same frequency. Stations east of the Mississippi River were assigned with 'W' while those west were given 'K'. Some existing stations like WBAP and WFAA retained their original names.

Barn Dance aired on WSM-AM, Nashville, hosted by George D. Hay. Shortly after, Barn Dance became Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

In 1928, the automatic volume control (AVC) was first commercially available, allowing for automatic adjustment of sound levels.

In 1929, the UY-224 screen grid tube was introduced as an amplifier designed to operate directly on alternating current. This technological advancement contributed to improving the performance of radio receivers.

Galvin Manufacturing Corporation manufactured the first in-car radios.

In 1932, the production of radios began.

The introduction of Frequency Modulation (FM) radio marks a significant advancement in radio broadcasting technology. FM radio offers improved sound quality and reduced interference compared to Amplitude Modulation (AM) radio.

The Radio Act of 1927 creates the Federal Radio Commission to oversee radio broadcasting, replacing the Department of Commerce in that role. (The FRC is itself replaced by the Federal Communications Commission in 1934.)

The Federal Communications Commission was created to replace the Federal Radio Commission.

Experimental Station WA2XMN was authorized to Major Edwin H. Armstrong for experimental FM broadcasts at 40 kW power in Alpine, NJ.

Edwin H. Armstrong showcased FM radio technology to the Commission for the first time.

The Federal Communications Commission issued its first AM construction permit.

The War of the Worlds radio broadcast in 1938 led to mass panic as many listeners thought the fictional story was real news.

Charles de Gaulle gave a speech instructing the French to continue the fight after the armistice request by France. The speech became emblematic and De Gaulle became the symbol of the French Resistance.

The preserved recording of Charles de Gaulle's speech was broadcasted 4 days later on June 22. This speech marked a significant moment in French history.

In 1943, the Supreme Court of the United States restored some prior radio patents of Oliver Lodge, John Stone Stone, and Nicola Tesla in a case involving the U.S. government vs the Marconi Company.

After World War II, FM radio broadcasting was introduced in Germany. Due to the limited medium-wave frequencies given to Germany at a meeting in Copenhagen, they started broadcasting on UKW (VHF) which was not covered by the Copenhagen plan. This led to the realization that FM radio was a better alternative to AM.

On October 3, 1949, WERD made history by becoming the first radio station to be owned and operated by African Americans.

The integration of music into radio programming in 1950 helped boost its popularity and marked a significant cultural shift for the decade. Previously, music was limited to specific venues, but now it was reaching a wider audience and influencing society.

The Regency TR-1 transistor radio, powered by a 22.5 volt battery, is introduced for sale. Despite its poor sound quality, it becomes a novelty item and sells around 150,000 units.

During the Golden Era of radio, popular shows like Amos N' Andy, Gunsmoke, and The Shadow captivated audiences and became a staple for family entertainment. These shows were a key element in bringing families together to enjoy radio broadcasts.

Sony introduced the first transistorized radio that was small enough to fit in a vest pocket and powered by a small battery, leading to the eventual displacement of tubes by transistors in radio technology.

On April 20, 1961, the Commission approved a standard FM stereo broadcasting method, paving the way for high-quality stereo sound on the radio.

On June 1, 1961, WGFM in Schenectady, New York, became the first radio station to broadcast in stereo, offering listeners a new dimension of sound quality.

Color television was commercially transmitted, and the first communication satellite, TELSTAR, was launched, marking significant milestones in the history of radio and television communication.

Radio Caroline, one of the most famous pirate radio stations, began broadcasting in 1964 from an old Danish ferry, with the first song played being 'Not Fade Away' by the Rolling Stones.

Around 1965, frequencies specified in cycles per second (kilocycles, megacycles) were replaced by the more specific designation of hertz (cycles per second), marking a significant advancement in frequency control.

In 1966, General Electric introduced the P1740, the first integrated circuit (IC) radio, marking a significant advancement in radio technology.

The Commission introduced FM translators and boosters as low power services on the FM band to enhance radio reception in areas with geographical obstacles. This initiative aimed to expand radio coverage and improve service quality.

American Top 40, a radio show counting down the top hits in the United States, debuted with Casey Kasem as the host.

In 1980, the Thin Radio was introduced, revolutionizing the radio industry with its slim design and portability.

The first live radio broadcast of the regular proceedings of the United States House of Representatives was aired, allowing the public to listen to the legislative debates and discussions.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced the General Radiotelephone Operator License to complement existing operator licenses, expanding the qualifications for radio operators.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented the first of several orders to relax the regulations on multiple ownership of radio stations, impacting the media industry.

The Fairness Doctrine, a policy requiring broadcasters to present balanced viewpoints on controversial issues, was repealed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), changing the landscape of broadcast journalism.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the B1, C1, and C2 station classes to open up more spectrum for additional FM radio assignments, enhancing the diversity of radio programming.

The Commission adopted an order to establish the C3 station class, allowing many Class A stations to increase their coverage area.

The Commission introduced the C0 station class to utilize spectrum more efficiently in areas with high demand.

Carl Malamud creates the first internet radio program, 'Internet Talk Radio,' in 1993. This innovation paves the way for the popularity of music programs and the continuous improvement of sound quality in online radio. Without this technology, music streaming platforms like Pandora may not have existed.

The United States National Radio Systems Committee developed the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) to enable FM stations to transmit additional data alongside regular audio, including station information and traffic alerts.

The U.S. Army and DARPA initiated a successful project to develop a software radio that could dynamically change its functionality by altering software, showcasing a significant advancement in radio technology.

Digital radio technology is introduced, marking a significant advancement in radio broadcasting. This innovation brings improved sound quality and additional features to radio transmission.

The Commission established a stereo standard for AM radio broadcasting.

The Commission removed the need for a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit to operate a broadcast station.

The Commission conducted auctions for the initial two satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service licenses.

The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) introduces the world's first DAB (digital audio broadcasting) station, a form of radio broadcasting that was experimented with in the 1980s and later adopted in Europe. This innovation leads to the emergence of different types of digital radio stations worldwide by the end of the decade.

20 years after the first internet radio station, online radio stations became democratized, allowing people to freely broadcast and listen to a variety of content. This marked a significant shift in the radio industry towards more accessibility and diversity.

The Commission introduced the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service to offer localized noncommercial educational broadcasts.

XM Satellite radio was inaugurated on this date.

Sirius Satellite radio was launched on this date.

The Commission authorized the HD radio In-band On-channel (IBOC) system, allowing hybrid digital/analog operations on an interim basis.

The first IBOC digital radio receiver was commercially sold, providing near CD quality reception for FM stations and AM reception comparable to analog FM.

He has been heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee discussing his 'Urban Spelunking' series of stories.

WIYY(FM) marked a milestone by becoming the 1000th station to start transmitting HD radio signals.

The Commission adopted permanent rules for hybrid and digital radio operations, setting the standard for future broadcasting.

The Commission permitted FM translators to rebroadcast AM station signals, addressing service gaps and technical limitations of the AM band.

The Local Community Radio Act (LCRA) was passed by Congress on December 21, 2010. This act aimed to expand low-power FM (LPFM) radio stations, allowing for more local and community-oriented broadcasting.

On October 31, 2013, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted orders to revitalize the AM radio service by updating regulations. Changes included allowing AM stations to own FM translators, modifying coverage standards, eliminating the 'ratchet rule,' and relaxing antenna efficiency standards.

The FCC updated LPFM rules on June 11, 2020, to expand directional antenna use, relax TV Channel 6 protections, redefine 'minor' modifications, and permit LPFM stations to own FM booster stations. These changes aimed to enhance the operations and reach of low-power FM stations.