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Public Radio Broadcasting Day

Tune in and support Public Radio Broadcasting Day - where diverse voices, informative discussions, and quality programming come together!

Wednesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 13

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYMedia

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for January 13, because it's time to celebrate Public Radio Broadcasting Day! This day commemorates the first public radio broadcast in the United States, which took place on January 13, 1910. Public radio has continued to be a valuable source of news, entertainment, and education for listeners all over the world. From popular shows like "This American Life" to informative programs like "Fresh Air", public radio has something for everyone. So tune in and join in on the celebration of this important medium on its special day!

TIMELINE

Public Radio Broadcasting Day Timeline

First Wireless Radio Broadcast

Reginald Fessenden conducts the first wireless broadcast on Christmas Eve, transmitting voice and music to ships at sea.

KDKA, First Public Radio Station

KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania becomes the first commercially licensed radio station in the U.S., broadcasting election results on November 2.

Creation of FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is created by the Communications Act of 1934 to regulate all non-federal government use of the radio spectrum.

Public Broadcasting Act

The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 is signed into law, establishing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and eventually leading to the formation of NPR and PBS.

National Public Radio (NPR) Established

National Public Radio (NPR) is established as a network of non-commercial radio stations across the U.S., with the first broadcast airing in 1971.

Public Radio Broadcasts Go Digital

NPR broadcasts the first live radio signal over the internet, expanding the reach of public radio and ushering in a new era of digital broadcasting.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Public Radio Broadcasting Day

Host a listening party

Invite friends over to listen to your favorite public radio shows and discuss the topics. This is a great way to introduce others to the world of public radio broadcasting.

DONATE

Donate to your local public radio station

Show your support for public radio broadcasting by making a donation to your local station. Every little bit helps keep this important form of media alive.

ATTEND

Attend a live show taping

Many public radio shows have live tapings that are open to the public. Attend one and get a behind-the-scenes look at how these shows come together.

Share your favorite public radio memories

Take to social media and share your favorite moments from public radio broadcasting. Use the hashtag #PublicRadioDay to join in on the celebration.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a public radio station

Contact your local public radio station and see if they need any volunteers. This is a great way to give back and get involved in the world of public radio broadcasting.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Public Radio Broadcasting Day

It brings attention to important issues and events

Through its programming, public radio broadcasting raises awareness about local and global issues, as well as significant cultural events. It often features in-depth reporting and thought-provoking discussions on these topics, allowing listeners to expand their knowledge and engage in meaningful conversations with others.

It provides a platform for diverse perspectives

Public radio broadcasting offers a unique space for different viewpoints and voices to be heard. It often features programming that covers a wide range of topics, from news and politics to music, literature, and more. This diversity of content helps to foster understanding and open-mindedness in its listeners.

It supports independent and non-commercial media

Unlike many traditional media outlets, public radio broadcasting is not driven by profit or commercial interests. Instead, it operates with the mission of providing unbiased and informative content to the public. This allows for a more diverse range of perspectives and avoids the influence of corporate sponsors on the content being broadcasted.

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