History of The Radio #4

 

Guglielmo Marconi

https://hamradioacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Marconi_and_his_wireless_apparatus_1897.jpg (1895)

The modern radio started in 1895, when Guglielmo Marconi sent out the first wireless transmission. Amusingly, the first message was, "Can you hear me?" It was sent using radio waves to transmit signals over a distance. Marconi also founded his own company, the Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company, in 1897. He became very successful and was crucial in developing radio communication and wireless telegraphy. Eventually, the company merged with BAE Systems and Ericsson in the early 2000s.

Reginald Fessenden

 

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On December 24, 1906, Reginald Fessenden made the first AM radio broadcast. He Fessenden played "O Holy Night" on the violin. He sang a Christmas carol, read a passage from the Bible, and sent spoken greetings to ships at sea. This radio transmission is the first known broadcast with voice and music rather than Morse code. Reginald Fessenden patented over 500 inventions in his lifetime, covering radio, sonar, and electrical systems. Fessenden developed an underwater sound detection system known as the Fessenden Oscillator. This early sonar technology was used extensively to detect submarines during World War I. This was also (which will be talked about later) used to find icebergs after the Titanic disaster.

The Titanic disaster

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The Titanic disaster highlighted the need for radios on larger ships and for more safety equipment. The Ship had the most state-of-the-art Marconi wireless telegraph system and two Marconi radio operators, Jack Phillips and Harold Bride. The Radio Act required licensed radio operators on large ships and ships to always have licensed radio operators on duty. Marconi Technology was on the Titanic and saved as many lives as possible. It also gave the U.S. government regulatory authority over radio frequencies.

World War 2

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During World War 2, the radio played a critical role in military communication, propaganda, intelligence, and public morale. Frequency modulation (FM) was used extensively during the war. It improved military communications by providing more precise signals that were less susceptible to interference.

Fm Radio

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FM radio became much better and cheaper during the late 40's. With FM, it had much better quality and a more excellent resistance to static This made FM particularly great for music broadcasting, as it could deliver a more transparent and more dynamic sound.

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Disk Jockeys

Due to Allen Freed, Disk jockeys became key players in music broadcasting during the 1950s. Freed, a Cleveland-based DJ, is credited with popularizing the term "rock and roll " and bringing rhythm and blues (R&B) music to a broader audience. 

Rise of Satellite radio

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Sirus and Xm were two companies that realized that they would not survive unless they merged.  A major problem was keeping subscribers. This occurred in 2008. This merger helped them cut costs, reduce competition, and offer a more potent content lineup, including deals with Howard Stern, the NFL, and exclusive music channels.

Podcasts

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While traditional radio relies on scheduled programming and live broadcasts, podcasts offer on-demand, downloadable content, allowing listeners to engage at their convenience. Video podcasts on YouTube and Spotify blur the line between radio and digital media. Joe Rogen has hosted a diverse range of guests, including comedians, scientists, politicians, athletes, and controversial figures. In 2020, Rogan signed an exclusive licensing deal with Spotify, which was reportedly worth $100 million, making it one of the biggest podcast deals ever. This deal shows the true rise of podcasts.

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