Communication Technology Update and Fundamentals, 14th Edition



9

 

Radio Broadcasting

Gregory Pitts, Ph.D.*

 

(While) radio is valued, radio is also taken for granted. Because it is so pervasive, radio is sometimes overlooked, just like water or electricity.

– National Association of Broadcasters, (n.d.)

Why Study Radio Broadcasting?

• Broadcast radio remains important because it’s free and easy to use – there’s no subscription or expensive receiver.

• Around the world, there are billions of AM or FM receivers. In the U.S. alone, there are 800 million radios.

• Radio technology plays a major communications role around the world for populations in political, economic, and social transition.

Introduction

Radio experienced its golden age in the 1930s ...