This post will explore the origins of legal radio broadcasting, focusing on the early days of AM radio, the introduction of FM, and how radio became a primary source of information and entertainment.
Radio broadcasting has been a revolutionary force in mass communication since its inception. The journey began in the early 20th century with the development of AM (Amplitude Modulation) radio, which quickly became a staple in households across the world. AM radio allowed people to connect with the world beyond their immediate surroundings, offering news, music, and entertainment on a scale never seen before.
The first legal radio broadcasts began in the 1920s, with stations like KDKA in Pittsburgh making history by airing presidential election results. The technology behind AM radio was ground breaking for its time, but it wasn’t without limitations. The sound quality of AM broadcasts was often poor, particularly in areas with high interference.
In response to the shortcomings of AM radio, Edwin Howard Armstrong developed FM (Frequency Modulation) radio in the 1930s. FM offered a much clearer sound quality and was less susceptible to interference, making it ideal for music broadcasts. Despite initial resistance from the established AM radio industry, FM eventually gained popularity, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.
Legal radio stations were subject to strict regulations to ensure fair broadcasting practices. Licensing requirements, content regulations, and broadcast standards were enforced by regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and Ofcom in the UK. These regulations aimed to maintain high standards in broadcasting, promote local content, and prevent monopolies in the industry.
The shift from AM to FM represented a significant milestone in the history of radio broadcasting. It set the stage for radio to become a dominant force in the media landscape, providing a platform for news, culture, and entertainment that reached millions of listeners daily.
