Radio

The advent of the radio in the late 1890s signaled a revolution in communication that continues to this day. Radio waves transmit voices, music, images, and data invisibly over long distances. Because of their relatively simple technology, radio transmitters and receivers can be built with just a few low-cost electronic components. Radio broadcasts can reach a large range of people, including some who may not be able to afford a television set or an Internet connection. Radio’s impact on economies and societies is multifaceted, [Page 1373]particularly its role as a quick and accessible means of transmitting sound within a given ­territory—an instrument for sharing information, ideas, and culture.