National Radio Day: Honoring the Voices Across the Airwaves
August 20, 2025
National Radio Day: Honoring the Voices Across the Airwaves
August 20, 2025
Today marks National Radio Day, a celebration of one of the most enduring and influential forms of communication in history. Radio has been a companion to millions of Americans for over a century—delivering news, music, entertainment, and comfort across the airwaves.
While the exact origins of National Radio Day are unclear, the observance has been recognized since the early 1990s. The date of August 20 is significant, as it was on this day in 1920 that Detroit station 8MK—now known as WWJ—began broadcasting. The station, originally called the Detroit News Radiophone, grew from the newspaper’s interest in emerging radio technology and inventor Lee de Forest’s promotion of broadcasting.
Although the holiday was not widely celebrated at first, renewed momentum came in 2011 when NPR highlighted the day. Four years later, radio advocate Sabrina Roach, working with non-commercial stations nationwide, spearheaded an organized effort to give National Radio Day greater visibility. That movement continues to unite broadcasters, producers, and listeners in appreciation of the medium.
The story of radio itself stretches back to the late 1800s, with contributions from innovators around the globe. German physicist Heinrich Hertz proved electricity could be transmitted wirelessly, while Croatian-born inventor Nikola Tesla patented devices—including the Tesla coil—that laid the groundwork for radio transmission. In 1906, Canadian Reginald Fessenden made the first broadcast of voice and music for public enjoyment. American Lee de Forest’s Audion vacuum tube soon made live broadcasting possible.
When Guglielmo Marconi introduced the first commercially available wireless system, radio transformed from military and maritime use—famously transmitting the Titanic’s distress signal in 1912—to a powerful tool of public communication. By the 1920s, broadcast stations began reaching homes, and within a generation, radios became nearly as common as kitchen tables.
Even as technology advanced, radio adapted—expanding into FM, satellite, and digital streaming. Today, more than 15,000 licensed broadcast stations operate across the United States, continuing to connect communities in ways both timeless and innovative.
So whether it’s a favorite talk show, the latest chart-topping song, or a comforting voice on a lonely night, radio remains woven into daily life. On National Radio Day, we celebrate not just a piece of technology, but the people, stories, and sounds that give it life.
And from all of us here at WEIS, we want to say thank you. We truly believe we have the best job in the world—being part of this community, sharing great music, local sports, and important news, and keeping you informed each day. Most importantly, it’s you, our loyal listeners, and our wonderful partners in sponsorship who make it all possible. Because of your support, we not only stay on the air, but also continue building strong relationships throughout our community.
From the whole WEIS family—Happy National Radio Day!
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-radio-day-august-20
