Is FM Broadcasting Coming to an End?
On January 11, 2017, Norway became the first country to officially shut down FM radio broadcasting, marking a shift toward a fully digital audio system. This move reflects a growing global trend as countries explore digital audio broadcasting (DAB) for better sound quality, lower costs, and enhanced accessibility.
The story of radio dates back to 1864, when Scottish physicist James Maxwell theorized electromagnetic waves. By 1888, German scientist Heinrich Hertz proved their existence, laying the foundation for wireless communication.
In 1896, Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi sent the first-ever radio transmission, securing the first radio patent from Britain. Over the 20th century, radio evolved rapidly, with FM waves introduced in 1939 and the transistor radio in 1954, making it more portable and accessible than ever.
The 1990s saw another revolution with the rise of internet radio, pushing radio into the digital age. Today, many countries are reconsidering FM frequencies in favor of digital broadcasting technologies, which offer higher efficiency and better audio quality.
However, as traditional FM signals fade, one question remains: Will FM radio survive in the digital age, or is its era ending?
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