History of Radio Broadcasting Archives - South-All-Gospelern https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/category/history-of-radio-broadcasting/ Broadcasting Blog Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:01:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.2 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-vkbjrvbo-32x32.png History of Radio Broadcasting Archives - South-All-Gospelern https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/category/history-of-radio-broadcasting/ 32 32 The Impact of Digital Streaming on Music Sales https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/the-impact-of-digital-streaming-on-music-sales/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:01:09 +0000 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/?p=128 The music industry has undergone a profound transformation in the digital age, with the rise of digital streaming platforms redefining how music is consumed. This shift has raised important questions […]

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The music industry has undergone a profound transformation in the digital age, with the rise of digital streaming platforms redefining how music is consumed. This shift has raised important questions about its impact on traditional music sales, such as physical albums and digital downloads. In this article, we will explore the evolving landscape of music consumption, examining the effects of digital streaming on music sales.

The Emergence of Digital Streaming

A Paradigm Shift in Music Consumption

The advent of digital streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube has marked a significant departure from traditional music consumption methods. These platforms allow users to access vast libraries of music on-demand, with the convenience of streaming rather than owning physical copies or digital downloads.

A Global Phenomenon

Digital streaming has rapidly become a global phenomenon, transcending geographical boundaries. It provides listeners with access to a diverse range of music genres, artists, and cultures, ultimately contributing to the globalization of music.

The Decline of Physical Sales

The Era of CDs and Vinyl Records

Physical music sales once dominated the industry, with CDs and vinyl records being the primary means of music distribution. However, the advent of digital streaming has led to a decline in physical sales. CDs and vinyl records, once prized possessions, have become niche collectibles for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

The Impact on Record Stores

Traditional record stores, once bustling hubs for music lovers, have faced the brunt of this decline. Many have been forced to close their doors as consumers increasingly opt for the convenience of digital streaming. Some record stores, however, have adapted by diversifying their offerings, focusing on vinyl records and providing a curated, immersive experience for music enthusiasts. This niche approach has allowed a handful of record stores to survive and thrive in the digital streaming era, catering to a dedicated audience of vinyl collectors and audiophiles.

The Shift from Downloads to Streaming

The Rise of Digital Downloads

Before the streaming era, digital downloads were a popular method of acquiring music. Platforms like iTunes allow users to purchase and download individual songs or albums. However, as streaming services gained prominence, digital downloads began to wane in popularity.

Subscription vs. Ownership

Digital downloads require consumers to purchase and own individual tracks or albums, whereas streaming offers a subscription model that grants access to an extensive music library. This shift from ownership to access has fundamentally altered how people value and interact with music.

The Revenue Dilemma

Revenue Streams in the Streaming Era

While digital streaming has revolutionized music consumption, it has also presented challenges in revenue generation for artists and record labels. Streaming services often pay artists a fraction of a cent per stream, leading to concerns about fair compensation.

The Role of Advertisements and Premium Subscriptions

Streaming platforms offer both ad-supported free tiers and premium subscription options. Premium subscribers pay a monthly fee for an ad-free experience and additional features. The revenue generated from these premium subscriptions is crucial for sustaining the music industry.

The Impact on Emerging Artists

Digital streaming platforms have democratized the music industry, enabling independent and emerging artists to reach a global audience without the backing of major record labels. However, the low per-stream payouts can make it challenging for these artists to earn a sustainable income. Getting featured on popular playlists can significantly boost an artist’s visibility and streaming numbers. This has increased the music industry’s emphasis on marketing and playlist promotion strategies.

The Future of Music Sales

The music industry continues to adapt to the digital streaming era by exploring new business models, such as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain technology, to create unique opportunities for artists and collectors alike. But, while digital streaming has disrupted traditional music sales, it’s important to note that physical formats like vinyl records have experienced a resurgence among collectors and audiophiles. This suggests that different formats can coexist in the modern music landscape.

Conclusion

The impact of digital streaming on music sales has been profound, leading to a decline in physical sales and a shift away from digital downloads. While challenges persist regarding fair compensation for artists and record labels, streaming has opened doors for emerging musicians and globalized the music industry. As the music landscape continues to evolve, a coexistence of various formats and innovative business models will likely shape its future.

In this era of digital streaming, music lovers have unparalleled access to an immense world of music, making it an exciting time for artists and fans.

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The Evolution of Recording Technology of Music https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/the-evolution-of-recording-technology-of-music/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:25:04 +0000 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/?p=124 Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people across the globe. Its recording, preservation, and dissemination have witnessed a remarkable evolution. From the early days of Edison’s […]

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Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people across the globe. Its recording, preservation, and dissemination have witnessed a remarkable evolution. From the early days of Edison’s phonograph to the digital age of streaming services, recording technology has continually transformed how we create, consume, and appreciate music. In this article, we’ll take a journey through time to explore the milestones and innovations that have shaped the world of music recording.

The Birth of Sound Recording

Phonograph: Edison’s Ingenious Invention

The story of recorded music begins in the late 19th century with Thomas Edison’s groundbreaking invention – the phonograph. In 1877, Edison introduced this mechanical marvel that could capture and reproduce sound. It worked by etching grooves onto a rotating cylinder, which could then be played back using a stylus. For the first time in history, the phonograph allowed the preservation of live musical performances, speeches, and even everyday sounds.

As sound recording technology advanced, it paved the way for diverse entertainment experiences. Today, you can explore a range of entertainment options on https://play-fortune.pl, offering a variety of interactive and engaging experiences.

Shellac Records and Gramophones

The early 20th century saw the emergence of shellac records and gramophones, which quickly replaced the bulky and fragile phonograph cylinders. Shellac records, made from a mixture of shellac resin and other materials, offered a more durable and consistent medium for music playback. The gramophone, a hand-cranked device, became a household staple, making recorded music accessible to a wider audience.

The Vinyl Era

The 1940s brought a significant technological advancement with the introduction of the long play (LP) record. These 33 1/3 RPM vinyl records could hold up to 25 minutes of music per side, compared to the shorter durations of earlier formats. LPs became the standard for album releases, allowing artists to create cohesive bodies of work. Simultaneously, the 45 RPM single became popular for individual song releases. These smaller records spun faster and featured a single track on each side, making them ideal for hit songs and radio play. The 45 RPM single format became a staple in the music industry for decades.

The Digital Revolution

The 1980s marked a pivotal moment in music recording technology with the advent of compact discs (CDs). These digital optical discs replaced analog formats like vinyl and cassette tapes. CDs offered superior audio quality, durability, and the ability to skip tracks easily. They revolutionized how music was stored and played, eventually leading to the decline of physical formats like vinyl. The late 20th century brought another seismic shift with the rise of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). These software applications allowed musicians to record, edit, and produce music entirely in the digital realm. DAWs offered unprecedented flexibility and control, empowering artists to experiment with new sounds and techniques.

The Streaming Era

As the internet became ubiquitous, the music industry experienced a paradigm shift with the popularity of MP3s and online music stores like iTunes. This allowed consumers to purchase and download individual songs, changing how people acquired and consumed music. However, it was in the mid-2000s that streaming services began to dominate the landscape. Today, streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have become the primary way people access music. With vast libraries of songs available at the tap of a screen, music lovers can effortlessly explore a world of genres and artists. The convenience of streaming has reshaped the music industry’s revenue model, emphasizing subscription services over physical sales.

The Future of Music Recording

As we look ahead, the future of music recording technology promises even more innovation. High-definition audio formats, virtual reality experiences, and AI-driven music production are just a few areas where technology pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. The dynamic nature of the music industry ensures that it will continue to evolve, adapt, and surprise us.

In conclusion, the evolution of music recording technology has been remarkable, from Edison’s phonograph to the digital streaming era. Each era brought new possibilities, reshaping how we create, share, and experience music. As technology advances, the future of music recording holds exciting opportunities, ensuring that music remains a vibrant and integral part of our lives.

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Reasons Why Radio Is Still Relevant in the 2020s https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/reasons-why-radio-is-still-relevant-in-the-2020s/ Mon, 02 Jan 2023 09:24:59 +0000 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/?p=107 Throughout the centuries, radio has been one of the most effective ways to approach an audience. Radio keeps being a top medium for many reasons. With a wide reach and […]

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Throughout the centuries, radio has been one of the most effective ways to approach an audience. Radio keeps being a top medium for many reasons. With a wide reach and immediate delivery, radio allows personal and corporate users to receive and deliver certain information.

These days, almost 3 billion people worldwide are listening to the radio each week. And this number doesn’t seem to decline in the nearest future. Why is it the case? Let’s figure out the most obvious reasons for radio’s relevance.

  1. Radio Is Fast and Easy to Use

Radio is one of the fastest ways to listen to music and get some news while at home or on the go. Listeners can rely on the radio as a great source of information in real time. What’s good is that it works across a variety of devices such as desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

2. Radio Works for Everyone

Radio is one of the most effective media platforms to reach a great number of people. With millions or even billions of people listening to AM/FM radio, radio transmitters can deliver important messages to the audience. No wonder radio stations are still used by companies to promote their products and services.

3. Radio Can Be Customized

Radio has adjusted its operations to fast-pacing technologies and consumer needs. Radio is now accessible through different devices. Listeners can tune into the best radio stations whenever they feel like it. Similar to gambling activities, radio learns how to be more flexible in modern realities. Similar to online casino sites like https://onlinecasinoaussie.com, radio transmitters also have websites where users can switch on one of their favorite stations.

4. Radio is Cost-Effective

Radio can reach the audience more efficiently, with no money involved. You can enjoy radio content while driving your car, doing home cleaning, or having a cup of coffee for breakfast. Thus, you don’t have to pay anything. Don’t worry about the radio owners, as they usually earn money through advertising campaigns with different brands.

5. Radio Can Segment and Target a Specific Audience

Targeting the right audience at the right time is crucial for the success of any project. Radio transmitters choose the formats that allow them to approach listeners in the most effective way. Media companies have an in-depth understanding of the target audience of each station, so they can offer the most accurate insights.

6. Radio Is Local

Radio stations have always been a significant source for sharing local information with people. It’s fast, simple, and convenient to use. One of the most powerful ways to make that connection is by getting air talents engaged. On-air personalities have listeners’ trust while these special connections can boost the idea behind your messages.

7. Radio Is Interactive

Radio offers a more intimate atmosphere for listeners who want to get some political news or psychological bits of advice. Moreover, radio stations never give up on entertaining their listeners. Some contests offer solid rewards like concert tickets or discount vouchers. Radio stations also provide a space for collaboration with social media.

8. Radio Is Well-Trusted

Radio is a well-trusted source of music, entertainment, news, and information in many countries across the world. It’s crucial to remember that listeners trust radio because it’s live, local, and listener-oriented. Radio personalities are viewed by many as well-trusted friends.
On-air personalities curate the format of the whole content that is relevant to the everyday routine. This trust between the on-air personalities and listeners can create a strong connection during a time of uncertainty.

9. Radio Can Save One’s Life

Radio broadcasts have become a significant means of communication in emergency situations. Whatever happens (earthquake, storm, flood, and so on), the radio will speak the details instantly. So you don’t have to google something or rush for buying fresh press in the kiosk. Interestingly, even with a loss of power, an old-fashioned battery-powered radio can be relied on for information.

10. Radio Is Available 24/7

The popularity of radio remains stable, although some experts say the opposite. Millions of people turn out the radio in the background while doing dome work. Technological advances didn’t affect the role of radio. In fact, they made it more accessible. Today, you can listen to the radio whenever and wherever you feel like it. All you need is a mobile device, a desktop computer, or any other gadget.

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The Invention of FM Radio https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/the-invention-of-fm-radio/ Sat, 30 Apr 2022 07:55:00 +0000 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/?p=46 The prospect of additional radio service using frequency modulation (FM) was hardly discussed until the late 1930s.

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The prospect of additional radio service using frequency modulation (FM) was hardly discussed until the late 1930s. Until then, all radio transmissions were based on amplitude modulation (AM). FM service might have died for lack of support had it not been for the tenacious determination of Armstrong, who began work to eliminate static in 1923. Ten years later, Armstrong received five patents for frequency modulation. He showed his invention to David Sarnoff, then president of RCA and NBC. Although Sarnoff recognized the superior sound quality of FM broadcasting, he did not want to support the system because RCA was developing television. FM was considered a competitor to AM radio; it would divert the attention of scientists and the government away from television.

Armstrong didn’t give up. He built an experimental FM station in Alpine, New Jersey , in 1939, provided funding for FM receivers, and petitioned the FCC for FM stations. Although the service was authorized in 1940, by the beginning of World War II there were fewer than 400,000 receivers in the hands of the public . By contrast, twenty-nine million households could listen to AM radio at that time. FM service might have grown after World War II had the FCC not changed the assigned frequency range. When FM moved from 42-50 MHz to 88-108 MHz, all the receivers produced before the frequency change suddenly became obsolete.

Local radio evolves
Between 1946 and 1948, more than fifty million AM receivers were produced. As the price of radios fell, the multifamily household developed. Radios spread from the living room to the kitchen and into the bedroom. The growth of television attracted radio programs and audiences, but radio survived by adopting an all-music format and an emphasis on daytime listening. Radio became a local advertising medium.

One of the most popular music formats used by local radio stations in the 1950s was the Top 40 format. This format was the result of the independent work of four AM station owners: Todd Storz, Gordon McLendon, Gerald Bartell, and Harold Krelstein. In trying to develop a new approach to radio station programming, all four of these men contributed significantly to the development of the Top 40 format, which succeeded in creating a new identity for radio. One of the best explanations for the forty-song radio format came from Storz, who said he observed people playing the same songs over and over in the jukebox and concluded that listeners most wanted to hear the hits over and over again.

The decline of AM radio and the rise of FM radio
The Top 40 format helped change the position of radio, but it also created a group of stations with a similar sound. AM radio stations broadcast similar music and jingles, played loud and long commercials, and tended to have poor playback quality (i.e., sound quality). Thus, in the 1960s, attention shifted to FM radio. In addition to the obvious availability of FM channels, operators began to recognize other benefits of FM. FM provided 24-hour service with the same power levels and coverage areas. The width of the FM channel meant superior sound, including stereo, and less interference.

While the Top 40 AM formula did not suggest playing songs longer than three minutes, FM’s approach was to play an album version of ten minutes. Rock music, which grew out of the anti-Vietnamese “flower children” and “make love, not war” movements, provided much of the content for FM stations’ programming. The music industry has also contributed to the growth of FM radio. Top 40 AM stations’ playlists were tightly controlled, and new songs or new bands had few opportunities to play on the airwaves. Many FM stations would play almost anything, so record companies used FM radio to introduce new artists and styles of music. By 1971, nearly half of all radios sold included FM tuners. In the fall of 1978, the national share of FM listeners exceeded that of AM listeners; 50.698 percent of listeners tuned into FM stations.de facto was the standard for most music radio listeners, causing many AM stations to switch to talk radio formats in the 1980s.

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The heyday of public radio https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/the-heyday-of-public-radio/ Wed, 06 Apr 2022 08:48:00 +0000 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/?p=69 After the Golden Age of Radio came to an end, most listeners tuned into radio stations to listen to music.

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After the Golden Age of Radio came to an end, most listeners tuned into radio stations to listen to music. The variety shows and talk shows that sustained radio in the early years could no longer attract enough listeners to make them a successful business proposition. However, one way that deviated from this general trend was the growth of public radio.

Groups like the Ford Foundation funded public media in the early 1960s. When the foundation decided to stop funding in the middle of the decade, the federal government intervened by passing the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. This law created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and charged it with funding public television and radio. CPB, in turn, created National Public Radio (NPR) in 1970 to provide programming for existing stations. In fact, CPB funded NPR entirely and exclusively until 1982. Public Radio’s first program was All Things Considered . . , an evening news program that focused on analysis and interpretation rather than cutting edge material. In the mid-1970s, NPR brought in Washington-based journalists such as Cokie Roberts and Linda Wertheimer, which gave the coverage a more professional and hard-hitting reporting style.

In 1983, however, public radio was on the verge of financial collapse. NPR survived in part by relying more on its member stations for fundraising campaigns, now a vital component of public radio’s business model. In 2003, Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald’s CEO and philanthropist Ray Kroc, bequeathed a grant of more than $200 million to NPR that could keep it afloat for years to come.

After weathering the financial storm, NPR continued to grow as a respected news provider. During the first Gulf War, NPR first sent correspondents to cover the unfolding events in detail. Public radio’s extensive coverage of the 2001 terrorist bombings drew many new listeners to its radio stations, and it has since expanded.

Although some accuse NPR of presenting news with a liberal bias, in 2005 its listenership was 28 percent conservative, 32 percent liberal and 29 percent moderate. Newt Gingrich, a conservative Republican and former House speaker, said the network is “much less leftist” than some might think.

Public radio broadcasters such as Public Radio International (PRI) and local public radio stations such as WBEZ in Chicago have also produced a range of cultural and entertainment programs, including quiz shows, cooking shows and many local public forum programs. Storytelling programs such as This American Life have created a new kind of free-form radio documentary genre, and shows such as the entertainment show PRI A Prairie Home Companion have revived old radio genres. This variety of popular public radio programming has transformed radio from an environment dominated by music to one that is again exploring its enormous potential.

Conglomerates
In the early 1990s, many radio stations suffered from the effects of the economic downturn. Some stations initiated local marketing agreements (LMAs) to share space and resources in the face of this economic downturn. LMAs led to industry consolidation as radio stations bought other stations to create new centers for the same programming. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 further increased consolidation by eliminating the duopoly rule prohibiting the ownership of two stations in the same market and by removing quantitative restrictions on station ownership by a single person.

As large corporations such as Clear Channel Communications bought up stations across the country, they reformatted stations that had once competed with each other so that each would focus on its own format. This practice led to the current state of mainstream radio, in which narrow formats target very specific demographics.

Ultimately, while industry consolidation in the 1990s made radio profitable, it reduced local reach and programming diversity. As stations across the country served as outlets for a single network, the radio landscape became more homogeneous and predictable. As with chain restaurants and stores, some people like this predictability, while others prefer a more localized, unique experience.

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Interesting facts and chronology of radio https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/interesting-facts-and-chronology-of-radio/ Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:47:00 +0000 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/?p=43 Heinrich Hertz, professor of physics at the Technical University in Karlsruhe, discovered electromagnetic waves propagating at the speed of light in 1887

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Interesting Facts

  • In 1899 radio stations were installed in Kotka (Finland) and on the new icebreaker “Ermak”. In November 1899, thanks to the Ermak radio station, people were saved for the first time – a group of fishermen, who were carried away on an ice floe near the island of Gotland.
  • Heinrich Hertz, professor of physics at the Technical University in Karlsruhe, discovered electromagnetic waves propagating at the speed of light in 1887, and conducted and described experiments to transmit them over a distance without wires using a generator and resonator he created. Hertz did not think about the use of the discovery, stating: “It is absolutely useless. We just have mysterious electromagnetic waves that we can’t see with the eye, but they are there.
  • Nikola Tesla, by then working in the United States, invented the grounded mast antenna in 1893 while researching atmospheric electricity, and later experimented successfully with transmitters and receivers of his own design.
  • Oliver Lodge on August 14, 1894, at Oxford University demonstrated the transmission of a radio signal from one building to another at a distance of 40 meters. For practical use, the equipment had to be improved, but Lodge did not do it, ceding the palm to Popov and Marconi.
  • Guglielmo Marconi, an engineer and inventor from Bologna, began constructing radio transmitters and receivers in December 1894 and filed an invention application on June 2, 1896, that is, two months and eight days after Popov’s first radio broadcast.
  • On September 2 in Salisbury, near London, he publicly demonstrated his apparatus, transmitting not two words but a whole text, and to a distance of 3 km, i.e. 12 times farther than Popov.
  • Marconi became a major entrepreneur, received the Nobel Prize (1909) and the title of Marquis of the Kingdom of Italy.

Chronology of radio

  • In 1897 Marconi established The Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company in Britain and built the first stationary radio station on the Isle of Wight, and in 1898 he opened a radio factory in England with 50 employees.
  • In January 1898, the world first heard the sensational news on the radio – about the grave illness in his home in Wales of former British Prime Minister William Gladstone (the telephone line was cut by a snowstorm).
  • The first transatlantic radio communication session occurred on January 14, 1906.
  • In April 1909, Californian inventor Charles Herrold patented technology that allowed not only Morse code signals but also human voice and music to be transmitted by radio, and coined the term broadcasting (public broadcasting).
  • The death toll of the Titanic on the night of April 14-15, 1912, would have been much higher if the ship’s radio had not broadcast the SOS signal and the coordinates of the wreck. Soon a law was passed in the United States requiring all seagoing vessels to maintain radio contact with shore, and a year later the International Conference for the Safety of Life at Sea made this rule worldwide.
  • On August 20, 1920, Edward Scripp received the first license to open a private commercial radio station in Detroit, still in operation today.
  • In 1924, the BBC began broadcasting accurate time signals over the radio.
  • In 1930, Motorola produced the first car receiver.
  • In 1933, police patrol cars in Bayonne, New Jersey, were equipped with two-way radios for the first time.
  • Participants in Umberto Nobile’s polar expedition (1929) and the wintering on drifting ice led by Ivan Papanin (1938) were rescued thanks to radio amateurs.
  • In 1937, the first FM radio station in the United States began operating.
  • In 1954, the American firm Regency launched the first commercial transistor radio.
  • In the 20th century, authoritarian regimes widely practiced the jamming of “undesirable” radio broadcasts from abroad. This practice now persists in China, North Korea, Iran, and Cuba.
  • There are now over 50,000 public and commercial radio stations and about three million radio amateurs communicating on the shortwave band around the world, and the number of receivers is uncountable. All modern information technologies, including mobile communication, wireless Internet and satellite navigation, are based on the inventions of the founders of radio.
  • In recent decades, radio has given way to television and the Internet as the main medium, but hundreds of millions of people around the world continue to listen to it regularly, especially while driving. In 1984, Queen recorded the famous song “Radio Gaga” with the lyrics “Radio, what’s new? Someone still loves you” (What’s new, radio? Someone still loves you).

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Early development of technology https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/early-development-of-technology/ Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:44:00 +0000 https://www.allsoutherngospel.net/?p=40 No one person in the colorful history of radio can be credited with inventing radio. Almost all radio "inventors" improved on someone else's idea.

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No one person in the colorful history of radio can be credited with inventing radio. Almost all radio “inventors” improved on someone else’s idea. Wireless communication became a theoretical hypothesis in 1864, when the Scottish mathematician and physicist James Clerk Maxwell predicted the existence of invisible electromagnetic waves. More than twenty years later, German physicist Heinrich Hertz conducted experiments in 1887 to prove Maxwell’s theories correct. The fundamental unit of frequency of electromagnetic waves, Hertz (Hz), is named after him, although Hertz never promoted wireless communication.

In the 1890s, four inventors were working simultaneously on wireless transmission and detection. French physicist Edouard Branly invented a signal detector called the “cohereur,” which consisted of a glass tube filled with metal filings that responded to signal detection. The English physicist Oliver Lodge worked on the principle of resonance tuning, which allowed the transmitter and receiver to operate on the same frequency. Alexander Popov of Russia developed the best coherency and vertical receiving antenna.

The fourth and most famous pioneering inventor was the twenty-year-old Italian Guglielmo Marconi, who began experimenting with wireless communication in 1894. Within two years Marconi had created a wireless system capable of sending and detecting a signal. When the Italian government showed no interest in wireless, Marconi’s family connections allowed him to meet investors in England. He founded British Marconi in 1897 and began selling radio as a telegraph that did not require wires to send dots and dashes of Morse code . British Marconi and a subsidiary of American Marconi in the United States dominated wireless communications for ship-to-shore and transatlantic communications until after World War I .

Canadian Reginald Fessenden created a wireless system that would transmit speech. On Christmas Eve 1906, Fessenden broadcast programs from a studio in Brant Rock, Massachusetts. An audience of frightened radio operators on ships at sea, newspaper reporters who had been alerted to his publicity broadcast, and a small number of home experimenters heard Fessenden speak and play the fiddle.

After several failures and allegations that he was a fraud, American Lee De Forest’s radio company aired publicity-inducing broadcasts, including one from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. In 1906, De Forest also took credit for creating one of the most important wireless components, the Audion, a triode electronic tube that amplified signals and improved reception. Previously, receivers had struggled to detect weak radio signals. Although De Forest owned the patent for Audion, historians say he did not fully understand what he had invented or how it worked.

Beginning in 1912, Edwin Armstrong studied Audion and discovered the principle of regeneration. Regeneration improved signal amplification and produced the oscillating signal or carrier wave that has become the fundamental principle of modern radio transmitters.

Greed, the pursuit of fame, or maybe just the association of many individuals pursuing the same subject at the same time, led to a succession of patent lawsuits. The U.S. government stopped these disputes after the United States entered World War I in 1917. During the war, as a security measure, the U.S. Navy took over all radio stations, even those owned by American Marconi, and shut down most amateur and experimental stations. After the war, American Marconi tried to return to regular business, but opposed a foreign company with a monopoly on wireless communications in the United States .Eventually leading to General Electric (GE) buying a controlling interest in American Marconi in 1919. Along with co-owners Westinghouse and American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T), GE transferred American Marconi’s assets to Radio Corporation of America (RCA), which made radio receivers. Probably the biggest breakthrough in receiver design came from Armstrong, who developed a tuner with better amplification and sound quality. The superheterodyne receiver was licensed by RCA in 1920 and was soon put into production.

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