Open Mike Show Explores History of Radio

Open Mike Show host Tim Coco holds a vacuum tube.

The Open Mike Show explores the history of radio on the eve of network broadcasting turning 90 years old.

Historical recordings include the abdication of King Edward VIII, in order to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite, in 1936; explosion of the Hindenburg passenger zeppelin in 1937 in Lakehurst, N.J.; President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s request for a declaration of war against Japan in 1941; and others.

This fall marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the National Broadcasting Co. (NBC) when Radio Corporation of America (RCA) purchased WEAF and its Red network of stations from AT&T.

A collection of old-time radios is also shown.