Back to Top A Brief History of Radio 1897 Marconi experiments with radio telegraphy. The first permanent networks put their first programs on the air. The Radio Act of 1927 divides radio spectrum, reserving portions for public broadcasting, as well as aircraft, police, defense, etc. About 12 million homes have radios. The Communications Act of 1934 results in licensees being assigned specific broadcast frequencies.
Profit is minimal, though.
1960 Radio networks no longer pay their affiliates for carrying their programs. They allow stations to carry programs for the right to sell commercial time within those programs. 1961 Stereo approved for FM broadcasts. FM in 1957 accounted for only 2 percent of radio sales. 1978 KFAI, after long battle, obtains license for 10-watt station in Minneapolis.