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Use and Importance of the radio as a means of communication

Answer Text:
The Radio.
- The invention of the radio was a significant development in the electronics industry.
- In 1864, an English mathematical physicist, clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) suggested that there was the existence of waves.
- In 1888, a german, Heinrich Rudolph Hertz, (1857-94) demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves (vibrations) that travel through space, which were named after him.
- In 1901, an Italian, Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) invented the radio and sent a radio
transmission across the Atlantic from poldhu in Cornwall to Saint John, Newfoundland, Canada.
- Kenya’s Radio Broadcasts before independence depended on the BBC.
- The VOK began to air programmes after independence.
- In 1990, VOK changed its name to KBC.
Importance of radio.
(a) Radio is easy to access since people can afford to buy the device.
(b) News and information from the radio is quickly received throughout the country
(c) It can also be accessed by the illiterate people who can listen and understand the radio news if broadcast in the language they can understand.
(d) Radio is used to enhance communication in transport systems like motor vehicles, railway, ships and airplanes.
(e) Radios are sometimes used to broadcast educational programmes and important government communications on issues like health, agriculture and family planning.
(f) The radio is a source of entertainment. E.g through Music and drama programmes.
(g) Radio can be used by manufacturers and companies to advertise their products thus stimulating business.
(h) Radio communication has enhanced space exploration. Radio signals are used to communicate with space vehicles.