In the past people would just leave their radios on, constantly playing and relaying news and advertisements. In the 50s and 60s stereos weren't that good, but since then they've been getting better and better w even have headphones now! A cellphone is considered a radio because it uses radio waves. Wireless can mean many things, but most often it is used for cellphones these days.

1906 Reginald Fessenden transmits the first voice and music broadcast. 1920 KDKA Pittsburgh becomes the nations first commercial radio station.

During the period between these two the radio scene was in chaos because people could say anything and intrude on one another frequencies.

1934 FCC established to regulate broadcasts. Public radio stations are regulated and one thing they're protected from is obscenity. There used to be a fairness doctrine where if a political person was present someone of the opposite party also had to be there to respond to what they say. FCC usually waits on a complaint before they monitor. Radio stations were required to get a license before they could operate. 1938 "The War of The Worlds' broadcast causes a public panic, makes Orsen Wells famous. 1970 National Public Radio (NPR) goes on air. Cleveland pioneered in the radio scene with its stream the idea stream. 

Radio popularity grew as it became a source for entertainment culture, and public service. Gave millions a free inexpensive form of entertainment for millions. Radio is still very popular, though its usages has went down a bit. A new type of radio, podcasts, is on the rise. Revenue for stations in the all new format however dropped in 2020.

In 2017 99% of households had a radio. 95% of cars have radios. Radio reaches three out of five adults in their cars. 40% of Americans listen to radio at least once a day.

Public safety workers used to walk around with radios to communicate with one another that they had to yell through to relay messages.

Many stations don't like hindrance from their governments and prefer to do their own thing.