Annual observance

National Radio Day

August 20 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Radio Day, observed annually on August 20th, celebrates the invention of radio and its profound impact on communication, entertainment, and information dissemination worldwide. It's a day to recognize the historical significance of this medium, its evolution from early telegraphy to modern digital broadcasting, and its enduring role in connecting communities, delivering news, and providing diverse programming across the globe.

Observed each year on August 20, National Radio Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Radio Day, observed on August 20, honors the invention of radio and its transformative role in shaping communication and entertainment. This holiday highlights the medium's historical significance and its continued ability to connect communities and disseminate information globally.

Origin and story

Guglielmo Marconi is widely credited with inventing radio telegraphy and sending the first transatlantic radio signal in 1901.

The first public radio broadcast of voice and music is attributed to Reginald Fessenden on Christmas Eve 1906, from Brant Rock, Massachusetts.

Quick facts

  • DateAugust 20
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by National Radio, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Share the story of National Radio Day on social and tag it with #nationalradioday so others can join in.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Share one fast fact about National Radio Day: Guglielmo Marconi is widely credited with inventing radio telegraphy and sending the first transatlantic radio signal in 1901.
  • Add National Radio Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.

Fun facts

  • Guglielmo Marconi is widely credited with inventing radio telegraphy and sending the first transatlantic radio signal in 1901.
  • The first public radio broadcast of voice and music is attributed to Reginald Fessenden on Christmas Eve 1906, from Brant Rock, Massachusetts.
  • KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, generally recognized as the first commercial radio station, began broadcasting on November 2, 1920.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is National Radio Day?
It is observed on August 20 each year.
What is National Radio Day?
National Radio Day, observed annually on August 20th, celebrates the invention of radio and its profound impact on communication, entertainment, and information dissemination worldwide. It's a day to recognize the historical significance of this medium, its evolution from early telegraphy to modern digital broadcasting, and its enduring role in connecting communities, delivering news, and providing diverse programming across the globe.
How do people celebrate National Radio Day?
Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by National Radio, or play music that matches the mood.

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