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Marconi
People say he basically invented the radio, however man believe he recieves the credit due to good public relations. -
The Audion Tube
In 1906, Lee De Forest created (possibly "borrowed" idea) the audion tube. it is a vacuum tube that can amplify signals. That way radio signals can be reached miles away.
It is believed that a Canadian inventor, Reginald Fessenden, actually came up with theidea, but may not have had good public relations. -
Marine Industry
When the Titanic sank, they were able to save the survivors due to using a radio to contact rescuers on land. Therefore the radio contributed to saving those lives, and the radio is the way of communication from ships out abroad to land.
They sold Marconi's concept to the Marine industry. -
Radio Stations
8XK, which is now KDKA, was the first radio station started by Frank Conrad. Today the station still broadcasts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. -
The Dawn of Advertising
Commercials became the money for radio and TV. WEAF aired a 10 minute commercial or "toll broadcast" for an apartment complex which charged $50, so $5 per minute. -
Uncle Charlie & The FRC
Uncle Charlie stations were personal radio stations. These stations became too popular, so the FRC was established in 1927. The FRC is now known as the FCC, Federal Communications Commission, and they regulated radio frequencies and who could have a radio station. They organize the licensing of transmitters and assign radio station frequencies, call letters, and power limits.
