Technological Development

Technology is always changing, developing, and growing. New ideas and inventions are constantly being formed, molded, and put into place. In the 1920s, as radio was beginning to be a main source of media in the home, one of the driving forces behind radio was the technological change that was occurring. As radio began, it was only for morse code communication. What first indicated that it might become a staple in the home was the invention of the vacuum tube in 1906 by Lee de Forest. This invention allowed the radio to broadcast sound, voice, and music. Although it didn't catch on right away, the idea came around again in 1916 with David Sarnoff's message. He predicted that within 10 years radio would be a "household utility" that brings music into the home. Without the development of this technology, radio might have never come about as a major form of media. Because of it's ability to be used as a tool of communication, education, news, and entertainment, radio became a widespread phenomenon. Technological change has continued to drive the development of radio throughout the years. Although it may not look anything like it did back in the 20s, with the invention of iTunes Radio, Pandora, and Satellite Radio, radio has continued to live on in the 21st century.