In this modern era, radios are the most common technology in the car and the home. However, this was not always the case because, before the 19th century, wireless radio communication was considered as a thing of fantasy.
Even after the development of the radio in the late 1800s, it took many years before communications went mainstream and became a household fixture. The history of the radio is a fantastic one that tells how the world was connected and communicated from distances both far and near. However, the radio enjoys a long and exciting history. Nowadays everyone wants to know what the history of radio is and what will happen to radio in the future?
There is also some debate as to who invented the radio? However, documentaries believed that it was Marconi that was awarded the very first wireless telegraphy patent in England in 1896.
Before and during World War I
Prior to the 1920s, the radio was used to contact ships that were out at sea. At that time, radio communications were not very clear. Operators typically relied on the use of Morse code messages. This was considered as a great benefit to vessels in the water during emergencies.
However, the importance of radio became apparent with World War I, and it also increased significantly. It is essential to know that the military used it almost exclusively in the war, and it also became an invaluable tool for sending and receiving the messages to the armed forces. Radio helped a lot in communication in real-time without any need for a physical messenger.
Radio and the 1920s
In the 1920s, civilians began to purchase radios for private use. The broadcasting started in the U.S. and Europe with some stations such as KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and England’s British Broadcasting Company.
In 1920, the Westinghouse Company also applied for and received a commercial radio license that allowed for the creation of KDKA. However, all the manufactured radios were finding their way into the mainstream, and home-built radio receivers were considered as the best solution for some households. This development began to create a problem for the manufacturers who were selling pre-made units.
As a result, the RCA was sanctioned by the government. It was reported that individual companies could make receivers, whereas other companies were approved to make transmitters.
It is essential to know that only one company, AT&T, was able to toll and chain broadcast. In 1923, AT&T released its first radio advertisement. However, in the late 20s, CBS and NBC were also created in response to AT&T for broadcasting.
World War II and Changes
During World War II, the radio fulfilled an essential role for both the U.S. and the U.K one more time. Radio relayed news of the war to the public with the help of journalists. It was also considered as a rallying source to gain public support.
It is essential to keep in mind that radio was the primary source of communication In the U.K after the shut-down of television stations. However, how radio was used also changed the whole world after World War II.
As we know that radio had previously been a great source of entertainment from every aspect. However, after the war, it began to focus more on playing the music of the time.
Furthermore, music and radio continued to rise in popularity after the war until they became synonymous with one another. After a short time, FM radio stations also began to overtake the original AM stations, and other new forms of music like rock and roll began to emerge.
Now the time has changed. We find the radio not only at homes, but they are also a staple in vehicles. Radio is not all about news and music, but radio talk shows have also become a popular option for many. Short-range radios have improved communications a lot at worksites, and handheld radios also have become essential in sports, television production, and commercial airline operations.
