After winning the election for a full-term presidency following the death of President Warren G. Harding, President Calvin Coolidge opted for a simple inauguration proceeding on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. In order for those in attendance to hear better and allow people at home to experience the event, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company installed a series of loud speakers and microphones on the inaugural platform that were operated from a room below the Capitol’s steps. In addition, a radio announcer’s booth was constructed on the platform and more than 20 radio stations broadcast the proceedings to an estimated 23 million listeners, including millions of school children listening from auditoriums fitted with radio equipment to hear the address.
November 2, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the first commercial radio broadcast. To celebrate this special anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on 100 key moments in radio's history.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating your favorite radio memories throughout 2020. Use the hashtag #Radio100 across social media to share these moments with the world. Here’s to 100 wonderful years of radio, and to at least 100 more!
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