The development of radio became possible with the harnessing of electromagnetic waves. James Clerk Maxwell and Heinrich Hertz, combined the mathematical theory of these waves and a devise used to generate and detect them to come up with a crude version of the radio. Hertz were used as a measurement to count cycles per second in transmission of electromagnetic waves. With all this new information, radios were soon able to transmit sound and amplify it. In 1906, radio telephony was just that with the work of Reginald Fessiden and Ernst F.W. Alexanderson. Then in 1913, Edwin H. Armstrong patented a circuit that made radio communication more practicable. These men helped pave the way for the first radio communication between ships and shore. In 1920, commercial broadcasting became popular. Music, ads, and radio programs quickly became a big hit. Soon the radio became a common household appliance. Much was transmitted that served more than an entertainment purpose. During war, the radio was a device that supplied information and developments for those at home. Much the same as now, the public learns and benefits greatly from radios.
The radio is truly great invention. Enabling people to communicate over great distances. A means of communication still in use today. Technology has brought from a very large piece of furniture to a device held in your hand. Pictures of older models of the radio, show that the units themselves were works of arts, housed in some beautiful cabinets. A device that provides information as well as entertainment. The radio is used not only by the public for entertainment and information but the military and law enforcement agencies.
ReplyDeleteAn entire industry has been build around the radio. People are able to get news, sports, talk shows, advertising, and of course music all from their radios. I think of Orson Wells telling of the story "The War of the Worlds" on radio and people actually believing there was an invasion. Imagine people listening to their radios and thinking they were going to be attacked, not only speaks to the talent of Mr. Wells but the power of the radio. I can remember, when I was younger, building a crystal radio and listening to rebroadcasts of "The Shadow".
The radio was truely an excellent invention. The radio allows for artists' work to be played openly. Without the radio, artists' work would be contained within the area they play. The spread of music would not be so widely diverse if not for the radio.
ReplyDeleteThe public listens to the radio everyday. It keeps people occupied. This invention not only distributes music but news as well. For people who are driving and do not have access to a television, the radio acts as their source of news. They can find out what is going on while traveling.
One of my favorite inventions would defiantly have to be the radio. It was interesting to read about some of the history surrounding its creation. As in the 1920’s the radio is still one of the most widely used forms of mass communication. As in the 1920’s, people are still able to listen to the news over the radio, but they are able to listen to a wide variety of other formats as well. Some of these include different genres of music (county, hit, rap, rocks, oldies, urban) talk radio on a variety of topics, news radio and religious radio. The radio can help keep society connected by reaching many people at one time. How often do you go into work and ask, did you hear what they talked about on the radio this morning?
ReplyDeleteBecause of the wide range of communication advertisements on the radio have become popular for businesses. Since people can not see what is being advertised, marketing can be difficult. Since they can not show and actual picture marketing companies have to paint a clear picture in the mind of the listener of what they are selling. This art has become the art of marketing and advertising.
~Angela (A Bag of Tricks)
The radio was a lifeline for many families during WWII getting news on the men and women in the pacific and europe arenas of battle. This is a great history of the creation of the device.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show why you need math in school
Remember when the family would gather around the radio on Sunday evenings for FDR's "fireside chats"? Okay, I wasn't around then but I can just imagine trying to get my household to sit in the same room for 20 minutes. It would never happen! The invention of the radio has to be one of my favorite of all time. I can't imagine life without the radio in the car, at home and now on my cell phone. The advances in technology from AM to FM to satellite is astounding.
ReplyDeleteThe radio has evolved greatly since it was first invented. It use to be one of the only forms of entertainment for families. For many households the radio was the centerpeice of their livingrooms. The radio was a way to listen to the nightly news and talk shows more than it was for music. It has since become something to listen to while driving and working. The radio also developed an AM and FM dial, satellite radio, and digital radio. However since most people like to see what they are listening to the TV has taken over as the preferred choice of entertainment in most houses.
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