The Radio

By: Suleiky Guerrero, Thomas Colantuono, and Emily Soroka

History

• In 1888 German physicist, Heinrich Hertz, discovered radio waves. Hertz also discovered how to transmit radio waves by a transmitting oscillator. These waves could be sent to space, and remotely detected. He detected them with a small metal loop. They were affectionately named “Hertzian Waves”.

History Part II

• Guglielmo Marconi was fascinated by Hertz discoveries. He discovered that if you can transmit and detect radio waves over long distances, wireless telegraphy can be created. He experimented with this and patented it in 1897. He received much praise on March 3, 1899, when wireless telegraphy was used to save its first lives.

History III

• In 1907 the human voice was broadcasted for the first time instead of Morse code. In 1920 commercial radio broadcasts were broadcasted for the first time. From then, it has been used from everything to information, to music, to comedy.

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Role/Functions• Information• Entertainment• Military use• Radio gave people in the 1930’s hope during the

Depression.• Radio can be used anywhere radio waves are

present. • Out of all types of media, the radio is most

adaptable in various physical circumstances, such as cooking and cleaning.

Key Players/Examples

• Guglielmo Marconi • R. A. Fendessenden• BBC broadcasting organization• Happidrome was a popular show on the radio

in the 1940’s• FCC (Federal Communications Commission)• During WWI the radio was suspended for

civilians and mainly used for direct communication to planes.

Impact of Digital Age

• Some things that have evolved the radio are XM radio, or Sirius radio. The radio is used more during travel, or in cars, then in household use. The TV has begun to take over.

• Radio began as a beacon of hope, and now 94% of Americans listen to the radio. It had developed in many ways such as the few listed above. Radio has even evolved to be an app on smart phones.

Future Issues/Questions for Discussion & Consideration

• What if radios become obsolete because TVs are put in cars?

• Could a radio be installed in other objects? Ex. Washing machine, Frisbee, Football, etc…