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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!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1906</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Wireless Radio Broadcast</div><div class='timeline-text'>Reginald Fessenden conducts the first wireless broadcast on Christmas Eve, transmitting voice and music to ships at sea.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>KDKA, First Public Radio Station</div><div class='timeline-text'>KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania becomes the first commercially licensed radio station in the U.S., broadcasting election results on November 2.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1934</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of FCC</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is created by the Communications Act of 1934 to regulate all non-federal government use of the radio spectrum.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Public Broadcasting Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Public Radio (NPR) Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Public Radio Broadcasts Go Digital</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a listening party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to your local public radio station</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a live show taping</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your favorite public radio memories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take to social media and share your favorite moments from public radio broadcasting. Use the hashtag #PublicRadioDay to join in on the celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a public radio station</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides a platform for diverse perspectives</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports independent and non-commercial media</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings attention to important issues and events</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public Radio Began With Educational Intentions</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first non-commercial educational radio license was granted on April 28, 1922, to the Latter-day Saints' University of Salt Lake City.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>NPR, A Major Player, Spans Across The Country</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Public Radio (NPR), founded in 1970, currently serves about 1,000 stations across the United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public Radio Stations Rely On Listener Contributions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Public radio stations depend heavily on funding from listeners, with contributions forming a significant part of their operating budgets.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public Radio Provides a Platform for Diverse Voices</h3><p class='facts-content'>The commitment to public service broadcasting has seen public radio pioneer programming that represents diverse voices and perspectives that often go unheard in commercial media.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cult Favorite "This American Life" Started on Public Radio</h3><p class='facts-content'>The wildly popular show "This American Life," which showcases storytelling and essays, started on the Chicago public radio station WBEZ in 1995.</p></div></div>
Public Radio Broadcasting Day is celebrated on January 13 every year. In 2024 Public Radio Broadcasting Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Jan 13
Friday
2024
Jan 13
Saturday
2025
Jan 13
Monday
2026
Jan 13
Tuesday
2027
Jan 13
Wednesday
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