- Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi sends and receives the first radio signals over a distance of 2.4 kilometers.
1897 - First transatlantic radio transmission:
- Marconi successfully sends a wireless Morse code signal from Cornwall, England, to Newfoundland, Canada. This marks the birth of long-distance radio communication.
1900s - Early radio broadcasting:
- Radio becomes a significant means of communication, primarily used for military purposes.
1920s - Commercial broadcasting:
- Radio stations begin broadcasting regular programming, including news, music, and entertainment.
- The first radio advertisement airs on New York radio station WEAF.
1930s - Golden Age of Radio:
- Radio reaches its peak popularity. Families gather around the radio to listen to popular radio programs, such as dramas, comedies, and variety shows.
1940s - Development of FM (frequency modulation):
- FM radio is developed, offering better sound quality and reduced static compared to AM (amplitude modulation) radio.
1950s - Rise of television:
- Television becomes widely accessible, leading to a decline in the popularity of radio as the primary source of entertainment.
- Transistor radios become popular, enabling greater portability.
1970s - Satellite radio:
- The first satellite radio service is launched, providing access to a wider variety of programming.
1980s - Digital audio broadcasting (DAB):
- DAB radio introduces digital sound transmission, offering improved audio quality and the ability to broadcast more channels.
1990s - Internet radio:
- The internet revolutionizes radio broadcasting, enabling listeners to access radio stations worldwide through streaming audio.
2000s - Podcasting:
- Podcasting emerges, allowing the creation and distribution of digital audio files (podcasts) over the internet.
- Satellite radio becomes more widespread and offers a variety of channels.
2010s - Convergence:
- The convergence of technologies further blurs the lines between traditional radio, internet radio, and on-demand audio content.
- Smartphones become the dominant device for listening to radio.
Today:
- Radio remains a popular medium, with a wide reach across different demographics.
- Traditional radio broadcasts coexist with digital platforms, podcasts, and streaming services, providing diverse options for listeners.
- Radio continues to evolve, adapting to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences.