The History of Radio and Important Milestones.

Towards the end of the 19th century many scientists and experimenters began researching into wireless communications, Many different experiments led to the development and introduction of radio and communication systems that we know of today.

In 1831, Michael Faraday began experimenting on electromagnetic induction and discovered that electromagnetic forces could extend into the empty space around a conductor, James Clerk Maxwell extended this experiment between 1861 and 1865. In April 1872 William Henry Ward received a US Patent for radio development and in 1872 Mahlon Loomis also received a US patent for a "Wireless Telegraph" however both Mahlon's and William's inventions could not yet transmit or receive radio waves. Many other scientists have explored the theory of wireless radio including Edison, Hertz and Stubblefield.

In 1901 the very first broadcast was made by Marconi between Cornwall, England to Newfoundland, Canada. People were amazed with this experiment as it was the first ever wireless transatlantic message ever made, However it was not voice sent over instead Morse code was sent.

In 1922 Radio broadcasts started from 2MT in Chelmsford on the AM Frequency. The British Broadcasting Company was setup with agreement from the Post Office and other radio manufacturers, Daily broadcasts also began from a London radio station 2LO.

In 1923 the first valve wireless is put on sale and replaces the original crystal sets also the first edition of the Radio Times was released.

In 1927 and 1928 the British Broadcasting Company became the British Broadcasting Corporation and also American, Paul Galvin invented the Battery eliminator so radios can be installed into cars.

In 1932 the first BBC broadcast was made from Broadcasting house, with the BBC Dance orchestra with radio DJ Henry Hall in 1939 the BBC Home Service launches but sadly a bomb was dropped on the Broadcasting House in 1940, Killing seven people. By 1946 BBC's third programme launches and the first BBC FM broadcast was made from a transmitter in Kent.

1956 brought the first transistor radios to the UK making it possible to listen to the radio anywhere with portable radios and in 1957 the combined license fee was introduced costing £4 however a radio license was charged at £1.

Ten years later in 1967 BBC Radio One was introduced and the other existing radio stations were renamed Radios 2,3 and 4.

In 1971 the Radio license was abolished.

1973 brought the launch of Capital Radio.

In 1979 Conservative Government were elected with the idea to expand commercial radio, In 1989 the Government relaxes certain restrictions on commercial radio.

In 1990 BBC radio 5 started and in 1992 Radio Luxembourg closes down.

In 1994 BBC Radio 4 was renamed as Radio Five Live, Also in 1996 the Broadcasting Act begins planning for the launch of digital broadcasting including DAB Digital Radio.

In 1998 the first commercially available digital radio tuner was invented and made by Arcam and demonstrated in Scotland. Also Digital One was awarded a national digital broadcast license.

In 2001 the first digital portable radios were put on sale and in 2002 BBC launches five new digital radio networks including BBC 1Xtra, Five Live Sports Extra, 6 Music, BBC7 and the BBC Asian Network.