Although radio communication (originally known as "wireless telegraphy") was developed in the late 1890s, it was largely unregulated in the United States until the passage of the Radio Act of 1912. This law set up procedures for the Department of Commerce to license radio transmitters, which initially consisted primarily of maritime and amateur stations. The broadcasting of news and entertainment to the general public, which began to be developed early 1920s, was not foreseen by this legislation."An Act to regulate radio communication", approved August 13, 1912, Radio Communication Laws of the United States (July 27, 1914, edition), pages 6-14.
Although radio communication (originally known as "wireless telegraphy") was developed in the late 1890s, it was largely unregulated in the United States until the passage of the Radio Act of 1912. This law set up procedures for the Department of Commerce to license radio transmitters, which initially consisted primarily of maritime and amateur stations. The broadcasting of news and entertainment to the general public, which began to be developed early 1920s was not foreseen by this legislation."An Act to regulate radio communication", approved August 13, 1912, Radio Communication Laws of the United States (July 27, 1914, edition), pages 6-14.