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The Beginning of Radio
Radio began in 1895 when Marconi, an Italian inventor, sent and received the first radio signal. It was not like today, where radio is mostly music, but more like a code. Most people say Marconi invented radio, but back during this time it was easy to fool others into believing you, especially if you had good public relations. This means it's possible he didn't invent it, and could've been lying. Still, to this day, we just say Marconi invented it. -
Slaby-Arco Wireless System
Developed by Adolf Slaby and Georg von Arco in 1900, this device was used to transmit signals wirelessly. -
First Voice
In 1900, Reginald Fessenden made the first weak transmission of a voice over the waves. It is also believed he made the audion tube, but he was never credited for it. -
Audion Tube
Lee De Forest created, or more along the lines of "borrowed", the audion tube. An audion tube is a device that acts as a vacuum to amplify signals. This was a huge breakthrough for radio, making it so that radio signals could reach much farther than before. It is actually believed that a Canadian inventor, Reginald Fessenden was the one who actually came up with the idea, but he was never credited for it. -
Titanic
Radio was sold to the marine companies because people quickly figured out that it was a good way to communicate outside of the ship when it was needed. In 1912, it was used by the Titanic and saved many lives in the process. -
Radio Stations
It took roughly 25 years after Marconi's invention, but in 1920, radio stations were invented. They broadcasted live talks and music. The KDKA was the first radio station and is still around today after 95 years. -
Dawn of Advertising
Advertising began in 1922. Radio makes money off of commercials that air, and the same goes for TV. Companies pay to have their advertisements heard on the radio or shown on the TV. Typically back then, it was $5 for each minute. -
Uncle Charlie
After radio stations became a thing, everyone wanted to have their own station broadcasted. If you had the money and the equipment, you could run your own station. This created many problems as the stations, called Uncle Charlie's, began to pile up and intefere with the main stations. In 1927, the FRC was issued, which meant from then on you had to have an actual liscense to have your own radio station. -
Golden Era
In the 1930s and 40s, it was the time where radio was in its highest form. During this time The Great Depression was underway, and radio was a way for people to calm down and not think about the harsh times they were going through. -
The TV
In 1932, the TV was invented by two famous inventors. The TV was not widely accepted at first, because of the differences in the TV show versus the radio show. People preferred the radio, but since the advertisements were what gave companies money, neither radio nor TV was making money. So, in turn, the radio shows transferred to TV.
