The invention of radio can be traced back to the experiments of scientists and inventors like Samuel Morse, who in 1844 successfully transmitted the words “What hath God wrought” in code along 17 kilometres of wire.
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This experiment led to the development of Morse Code and enabled communication to be transmitted across vast distances.
In 1876, Alexander Bell patented a device capable of transmitting a voice signal along a wire and had invented the first practical telephone.
Heinrich Hertz experimented with radio waves in 1887 and in 1895 Guglielmo Marconi used aerials to increase the distance that radio waves could be delivered and detected. Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless waves in 1901.
In 1906, on Christmas Eve, Reginald Fessenden delivered the first radio broadcast of music and spoken word in the United States.
In Australia, the first commercial radio service of concert music was broadcast on 2SB Sydney in 1923.
The Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) was established in 1932 and television was launched in 1956.
Commentators at the time said radio would be replaced by television, however the radio industry re-invented itself with a focus on the growing interest in pop music to stay relevant.
For further interesting reading, the industry body Commercial Radio Australia, has collated a timeline for the growth of that sector on their website.
The association for community broadcasters was formed in 1974 and a handful of licences were issued in the next few years, including the licence for 2MCE.
Most of these early licences were granted to universities and education institutions for community engagement and curriculum support objectives. Charles Sturt University obtained a community licence for 2MCE and we first went to air in May 1976.
Today we still operate to communicate the views, needs, interests and aspirations of the communities in which we operate. We strive to fulfil a community engagement objective on behalf of the university and proudly support students and their learning.
Talking news
THE Talking Newspaper program is broadcast weekdays from noon with readings from the Western Advocate and Central Western Daily.
The program started more than 20 years ago and at the time pioneered the development of print handicapped radio services in Australia.
Our team of Talking Newspaper presenters read articles from the newspapers to keep you up to date with local news.
We’re looking for someone to join our team of readers for a Tuesday noon timeslot to co-read with Sharon.
If you think that’s something you’d like to do, please contact Rhonda on 6338 4790.
We’d love to have you on board.
Check us out
YOU can check out the 2MCE Facebook page for photos and information about our programs and presenters. You can also add your Jukebox requests to the post pinned to the top of our Facebook page.
