Every year on August 20, National Radio Day is observed to recognize the great invention of the radio. The day celebrates the news, information, music, and stories carried across the airwaves.
In the late 1800s, several inventors had a part in the invention of the radio. Each of the components developed through invention and discovery. As these technologies converged the radio came to life.
According to a portal, a noted international effort contributed to the conception of the radio. In Germany, the research of Heinrich Hertz proved electricity could be transmitted wirelessly. The multiple patents of the prolific inventor Nikola Tesla provided the radio with the Tesla coil.
In the 1920s, as wireless came the first broadcast stations began airing programs. News and world events were the first items over the airwaves.
By 1931 the radio ownership grew and two out of five homes owned a radio. Gradually by 1938, four out of five owned a radio.
According to FCC statistics at the end of 2012, there were more than 15,000 licensed broadcast radio stations in the U.S
On October 1, 1999, the first satellite radio broadcast occurred. Worldspace aired the broadcast in Africa.
National Radio Day can be celebrated to listen to your favorite radio station and also by giving special recognition to the station, radio personalities and programs that make your day better.