Writing for the Radio
Historical Timeline
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The true “inventor” of radio is something up for some debate; Marconi is noteworthy for the
invention of wireless communication
Modern idea of radio (proposal that individual sets be made/sold) also has several worthy
candidates; David Sarnoff rises to the top of the list for proposing the individual set
1919 – First radios available for public purchase
1920’s – Most radio stations are owned privately and locally (department stores, radio
manufacturers); to run a station is a financially challenging endeavor
1923 – Radio stations seek “sponsors” (advertisers) to support & generate profits
At this point in time, no proper regulations for radio caused issues (multiple stations attempting
to broadcast on the same frequency, for example)
1927 – Radio Act of 1927 and est. of Federal Radio Commission (FRC); rules in place to give
station licenses, allocate frequencies, etc.
1926 – NBC (National Broadcasting Company) established – first major network (linked stations)
1928 – CBS (Columbia Phonograph Broadcasting System) established
1929 – Amos ‘n’ Andy premieres on NBC; theaters complain that ticket sales (for vaudeville acts,
for example) drop during time period when show airs
1933 – FDR “fireside chats” broadcast
GREAT DEPRESSION – radio is the medium of choice; free to listener; “escapist fare”
1934 – Mutual Broadcasting System established; no owned stations, just supplied programs
1934 – Communications Act establishes FCC to regulate all electronic forms of communication
(wired and wireless)
WORLD WAR II – first time such immediate transmission of news and sounds possible; method
of choice in which to get news; correspondents give reports
1945 – ABC (American Broadcasting Company) established; formerly a part of NBC
1945 – 95% of households have at least one radio
1948 – Television is widely available
1948 – Transistors make radios portable
1950 – Television takes over as “number one entertainment medium”
1950’s – Many think radio is “doomed” as a medium; some radio programmers seek to match
television’s offerings; rock and roll becomes popular; radio moves toward broadcasting
prerecorded music
1956 – Top 40 format introduced; synonymous with rock and teens
1960 – Rock stations are undeniably successful
1961 – FM broadcasts in stereo; targets classical and “easy listening”; rock remains on AM
1965 – FCC dictates large city broadcasters to break apart FM/AM simulcasts, spurring
development on FM side
1980’s – FM decidedly takes over; more profitable, more listeners, arrival of Top 40