Radio history began in the late 19th century with the work of inventors like Guglielmo Marconi, who is often credited with developing the first successful long-distance radio transmission. In 1901, Marconi sent a signal across the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant milestone in communication technology. By the 1920s, radio broadcasting became popular, with stations like KDKA in Pittsburgh airing the first commercial broadcasts. The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of radio as a primary source of news and entertainment, with programs featuring music, drama, and live events. The introduction of FM radio in the 1930s improved sound quality, while the post-World War II era expanded radio's reach, leading to the development of various formats and the eventual emergence of talk radio and public radio in the following decades.