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National Association of Broadcasters
#Radio100 Moment 1: KDKA Makes First Commercial Broadcast (November 2, 1920)
November 2, 1920

Moment 1: KDKA Makes First Commercial Broadcast

The nation’s first commercial radio broadcast was aired by Pittsburgh’s KDKA on November 2, 1920. Choosing to go on air on Election Day gave the station the chance to demonstrate the power of broadcast radio, as listeners could hear the results of the Harding-Cox presidential race before they read them in the newspaper. One hundred years later, radio has adapted to the lives of listeners, providing the music, sports, weather, news and emergency information they rely on every day. Here’s to another 100 years of radio innovation and its enduring impact on every community!


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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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