1895
Signals without a wire
Marconi experimented with wireless signals in 1895. Explore the step from laboratory work to communication over distance; wireless telegraphy and spoken broadcasting are different stages of this story.
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1844 → / Sending without wires
Morse: a language of timing
Short and long signals represent letters and numbers. Morse and Vail’s early American system differs from the modern International Morse code used in our game. ITU specifies both the signals and their spacing.
Listen today →Keep exploring
1920–1925
Listening through a crystal
This Science Museum Group record describes a crystal receiver made in Manchester around 1920–1925. A small object opens a question: how much skill did early listening require?
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1922
2LO: a voice from London
The Science Museum dates the first BBC broadcast from 2LO to 14 November 1922. A transmitter helps us connect technical equipment with the growth of regular programmes.
Read the story →WORLD RADIO NOW · LIVE
From radio history to radio today
World Radio Now helps you listen to live stations around the world. Explore a historical voice, then discover music, news and culture on today’s airwaves.