Celebrating National Radio Day: A Look Back and Forward with Avail Media

In honor of National Radio Day, Avail Media is taking a moment to celebrate the first electronic mass medium—radio. Since the first news broadcast aired in August 1920, radio has continually evolved, embracing digital innovations like streaming apps while maintaining its core strength: creating strong connections with listeners.

Fun Facts About Radio You Might Not Know

1. KTRH-AM's Origins: Houston’s own KTRH-AM is named after The Rice Hotel (TRH), where it began broadcasting. In 1930, the station's owner, who also owned The Rice Hotel, set up a studio inside the hotel. KTRH-AM continued broadcasting from there until the 1970s.
   
   
2. KPRC-AM's Centennial: Another Houston staple, KPRC-AM, will celebrate its 100th year of operation in 2025!
   
   
3. Toll Broadcasting: Radio advertising was initially known as “toll broadcasting,” a term coined by AT&T.
   
   
4. The First Radio Commercial: The first U.S. radio commercial aired on August 22, 1922, on New York City’s WEAF. The 10-minute ad promoted apartments owned by the Queensboro Corporation.
   
   
5. Wheaties Jingle: Wheaties was the first company to create a radio jingle, which aired on Christmas Eve in 1926.
   
   
6. Broadcasting's Agricultural Roots: The term “broadcasting” originates from farming. In the mid-18th century, it referred to the wide scattering of seeds.
   
   
7. Radio-Gaming: In the 1980s, listeners could download video games from radio broadcasts by recording the sounds onto a cassette tape and playing them on a computer.
   
   
8. W and K Call Signs: Radio stations east of the Mississippi River start their call signs with ‘W,’ while those west of the river start with ‘K.’
   
   
9. Top Song of the 2000s: Nickelback’s "How You Remind Me" was the most played song of the 2000s, with over 1.2 million plays.
   
   
10. The Eiffel Tower’s Radio Connection: The Eiffel Tower, originally intended to stand for only 20 years, was preserved because of its crucial role as a radio tower during World War I.

Radio's Enduring Legacy and Modern Influence

Radio has been instrumental in connecting listeners to news, launching artists, and offering brands a platform to reach a wide audience. While traditional listenership may have declined from its peak, P1 listeners—those who tune into a station more than any other—remain loyal. These "Super Listeners" demonstrate radio’s continued relevance and impact.

Younger generations may not tune in to traditional stations as often, but many radio stations have adapted by streaming online and exploring new ways to connect with their communities. The trust and credibility that radio stations build with their audiences make them powerful tools for promoting events and driving direct response.

For brands, radio offers a unique opportunity to leverage the strong connections between on-air talent and their listeners. On-air personalities can serve as trusted voices to deliver your message. Additionally, live event activations supported by radio stations can set the tone and elevate your brand’s presence.

If you’re interested in exploring how radio can benefit your brand, Avail Media is here to strategize and help you create a customized plan that meets your unique needs.