The Untold Story: The Fascinating History of FM Broadcasting in America

Have you ever wondered how radio evolved in America? While we often associate radio with AM broadcasting, the history of FM broadcasting is equally captivating. This article will take you on a journey through time, unraveling the unsung story behind the development and rise of FM radio in America.

The Birth of FM Radio

FM, which stands for Frequency Modulation, emerged as a rival to the dominant AM (Amplitude Modulation) radio in the mid-1930s. It was Edwin Armstrong, an American electrical engineer and inventor, who revolutionized the radio industry with his breakthrough in FM technology. Armstrong discovered that modulating the frequency of a carrier wave, rather than its amplitude, resulted in stronger and clearer audio signals. This paved the way for the birth of FM radio.

After facing numerous challenges and patent disputes, Armstrong's FM technology gained recognition and was adopted by major broadcasting stations. The first FM broadcasting station in America was established in Alpine, New Jersey, in 1939. This marked the beginning of a new era in radio broadcasting.

Sounds of Change: A History of FM Broadcasting in America

by Christopher H. Sterling (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3804 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	326 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The Struggles and Triumphs of FM Radio

While AM radio dominated the airwaves, FM radio faced significant challenges in gaining widespread acceptance. One of the major hurdles was the availability of FM receivers. During the early days, most radios were designed for AM reception, and the general public was reluctant to invest in new FM equipment.

However, during World War II, FM radio found its niche. The military recognized the superior audio quality of FM and utilized it for communication purposes. This led to an increased demand for FM receivers among civilians after the war, as they became aware of the advantages of FM broadcasting.

FM radio stations faced further difficulties in securing frequencies. The pre-existing AM stations had already occupied the best frequencies, leaving FM stations with higher frequencies that were prone to weaker signal reception. This contributed to the slower growth of FM broadcasting during its early years.

The FM Revolution

The turning point for FM broadcasting came in the 1960s. With the rise of rock 'n' roll and the demand for clearer, high-fidelity sound, FM radio became the choice of younger audiences. FM stations, such as WNEW-FM in New York City and KSAN in San Francisco, pioneered the broadcasting of free-form radio, allowing DJs to have more creative control over the content they played. This attracted a loyal and passionate underground following.

The launch of stereo broadcasting in the mid-1960s further enhanced FM's appeal. Unlike AM broadcasting, which could only deliver monaural sound, FM radio provided a true stereo experience. This attracted music lovers who sought a more immersive listening experience.

The Consolidation of FM Radio

As the popularity of FM radio grew, major broadcasting corporations started to acquire FM stations, expanding their radio empires. This consolidation allowed for more resources to be devoted to FM broadcasting, enabling technological advancements and improved programming.

The gradual shift of music formats from AM to FM was another pivotal moment in radio history. FM stations began playing album-oriented rock, jazz, country, and other specialized genres, catering to more diverse audience preferences. This diversification led to the emergence of FM as the dominant force in radio broadcasting.

The Digital Age of FM Radio

With the advent of digital technology in the late 20th century, FM radio underwent further transformations. Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) was introduced, providing listeners with clearer reception and additional channels. This enhanced the overall radio experience and marked another milestone in the history of FM broadcasting.

In recent years, internet radio and streaming services have gained popularity, providing listeners with an alternative to traditional FM radio. However, FM broadcasting remains an integral part of American culture, with many dedicated stations continuing to thrive and serve their local communities.

The Legacy and Future of FM Radio

The history of FM broadcasting in America is a testament to human ingenuity and the ever-evolving nature of technology. From its humble beginnings to its revolutionary impact on the radio industry, FM radio has left an indelible mark on American society.

As we embark on the digital age, the future of FM radio remains uncertain. However, with its enduring popularity and loyal listenership, FM broadcasting is sure to adapt and find its place alongside emerging technologies, ensuring that the captivating history of FM radio continues to be written.

Sounds of Change: A History of FM Broadcasting in America

by Christopher H. Sterling (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3804 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	326 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

When it first appeared in the 1930s, FM radio was a technological marvel, providing better sound and nearly eliminating the static that plagued AM stations. It took another forty years, however, for FM's popularity to surpass that of AM. In Sounds of Change, Christopher Sterling and Michael Keith detail the history of FM, from its inception to its dominance (for now, at least) of the airwaves.

Initially, FM's identity as a separate service was stifled, since most FM outlets were AM-owned and simply simulcast AM programming and advertising. A wartime hiatus followed by the rise of television precipitated the failure of hundreds of FM stations. As Sterling and Keith explain, the 1960s brought FCC regulations allowing stereo transmission and requiring FM programs to differ from those broadcast on co-owned AM stations. Forced nonduplication led some FM stations to branch out into experimental programming, which attracted the counterculture movement, minority groups, and noncommercial public and college radio. By 1979, mainstream commercial FM was finally reaching larger audiences than AM. The story of FM since 1980, the authors say, is the story of radio, especially in its many musical formats. But trouble looms. Sterling and Keith conclude by looking ahead to the age of digital radio--which includes satellite and internet stations as well as terrestrial stations--suggesting that FM's decline will be partly a result of self-inflicted wounds--bland programming, excessive advertising, and little variety.