The Birth of FM Radio Broadcasting

In the early 20th century, American engineer Edwin Howard Armstrong pioneered. Armstrong, known as the “father of FM radio,” spent his life inventing a new radio transmission system to overcome AM (amplitude modulation) radio restrictions. AM was widely utilized but plagued by noise and interference, especially in cities.

Armstrong introduced FM radio in 1933. FM transmitted signals by altering carrier wave frequency rather than amplitude. This eliminated AM broadcast static and hiss for more transparent, higher-fidelity sound.

Early Years and Adoption

FM radio struggled to gain popularity despite its outstanding audio quality. FM receivers cost more; thus, many radio stations hesitated to buy them. FM frequencies were few, and television broadcasters competed for spectrum.

FM radio’s benefits were clear. Broadcasters and listeners liked its high-quality music and clear spoken-word programming. As the technology matured and costs dropped, FM radio gained popularity, especially in metropolitan areas where its signal quality was best.

Rise of FM, Fall of AM

FM radio dominated broadcasting by the 1960s. FM stations provide music, news, and talk shows. AM listenership declined as listeners switched to FM’s higher-fidelity format.

FM Radio Today

FM radio is crucial to broadcasting today. FM still has a large audience, especially in areas with poor digital infrastructure, despite the popularity of DAB+ and internet radio. FM radio’s reliable, free-to-air transmissions give invaluable information and enjoyment to millions worldwide.

Conclusion

FM radio has changed how we listen to music, news, and other audio information since its early 20th-century beginnings. Armstrong’s FM radio invention improved listeners’ experiences and paved the way for audio technology.