AM Radio - You've Yet To Have Your Finest Hour
In an era dominated by digital streaming and on-demand content, where listeners have an extensive array of options at their fingertips, there's a certain charm and significance to the realm of AM radio.
If you started in radio broadcasting 30 years ago....it's very likely that you dipped your toes in AM in some fashion. In my case, "running the board" for the Boston Red Sox or making sure Paul Harvey was able to give "the rest of the story".
Despite the rapid evolution of technology, AM radio has managed to hold its ground, captivating audiences with its unique characteristics and providing an essential platform for diverse voices and content. J
The Birth and Rise of AM Radio
The history of AM (Amplitude Modulation for radio geeks like me) radio dates back to the late 19th century when inventors like Guglielmo Marconi and Nikola Tesla conducted pioneering work in wireless transmission. However, it was not until the early 20th century that AM radio gained widespread popularity. The invention of the vacuum tube by Lee De Forest in 1907 played a pivotal role in improving signal quality and amplification, setting the stage for the rapid expansion of radio broadcasting.
The 1920s marked a turning point for AM radio, as it transitioned from being a medium for point-to-point communication to a mass medium for entertainment and information. The first commercial AM radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, went on the air in 1920, broadcasting the results of the U.S. presidential election. This landmark event laid the foundation for a new era of radio broadcasting, captivating millions of listeners across the nation.
AM Radio and its Prominent Personalities
Throughout its history, AM radio has been home to a plethora of talented and influential personalities, whose voices have shaped the cultural and political landscape of their time. These radio hosts and broadcasters had the power to engage, inform, and entertain audiences, making them an integral part of people's lives.
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The Importance of Preserving AM Radio in 2023
I left out that AM most recently has been used to boost "translator" signals and while that is incredibly important and successful...it really doesn't speak to the reason why AM is still important.
While technology continues to advance, there are enduring reasons why vehicle manufacturers should keep AM radio in their offerings. From its reliable communication capabilities to its cost-effectiveness, AM radio provides drivers with valuable information and entertainment options. Furthermore, it keeps communities connected, promotes local content, and taps into the emotional connection of tradition and nostalgia. By integrating AM radio into modern vehicles, manufacturers can enhance the driving experience, cater to diverse user preferences, and ensure access to essential information, all while honoring the legacy of this timeless broadcasting medium.
As QUEEN said:
Let's hope you never leave, old friend
Like all good things, on you we depend
So stick around, 'cause we might miss you
When we grow tired of all this visual
Great share, Scott!
Marketing Manager, Monadnock Broadcasting Group
1 年Before TV, streaming, podcasts, FM...there was Radio. Before we had a television, Radio was my companion, my source of entertainment, triggered my imagination to "watch" a program in my mind, my inspiration to work in Radio. It informed me, entertained me. When TV arrived Radio still played my favorite songs until I could play them on the air myself. AM Radio still informs, entertains and is seen as a companion.
Marketing Consultant Expert | Helping Businesses Achieve Sustainable Growth
1 年AM radio was a very important part of my life. At 10 years old, I'd stay up to listen to Larry Glick on WBZ and, later, David Brudnoy was on every night in my house. It's still important. Here and abroad it's the place I tune in for meaningful local talk.