Radio History

Marconi sends and recieves first radio signal

Jan 1, 1895

Many believe Marconi wasn't really the first, but because of his good public relations, he is recognized as such.

AM Radiowaves invented

Apr 7, 1895

AM radiowaves vary in amplitude but have the same frequency

First radio factory opened

Apr 8, 1898

Marconi opens his own radio factory which employed 50 people.

Lee De Forest "invents" audion tube

Apr 4, 1906

Although Forest takes credit for the audion tube, Reginald Fesserden is the true inventor. The audion tube amplified signals so that they could travel farther.

First song played on Radio

Dec 24, 1906

O' Holy Night played on the violin on christmas eve during a Brant Rock show.

Titanic Sends radiowaves

Apr 15, 1912

Just before sinking, the titianic emitted radio signals that allowed rescue ships to know the location of the sinking titanic.

The first radio station founded

Apr 4, 1920

KDKA opened by Frank Conrad.

First commercial advertisement on radio

Aug 28, 1921

WEAF airs a 10 minute commercial for an apartment complex.

FRC is founded

Apr 4, 1927

FRC organized licensing of transmitter, assigned radio station frequencies, call letters, and power limits.

Analog television began

Apr 7, 1930

The rise of television lead to a decline in radio. Watching shows on TV was much more enjoyable than listening in to a radio show.

FM radiowaves patented

Apr 7, 1933

Inventor Edwin H. Armstrong patents FM radiowaves which vary in frequency instead of amplitude.

Elvis's first radio appearance

Jun 7, 1954

WHBQ plays "Thats alright mama" which was elvis's first song on the radio.

Beatles have their first radio appearance

Nov 22, 1968

Beatles play their very first song on the radio.

First aerosmith song on radio

Apr 9, 1973

Aerosmith's "Dream On" plays for the first time on the radio.

First satelite radio station

Apr 7, 1990

Sirius XM Radio founded, allows for radio anywhere.