The technology for radio was developed at the end of the 19^th century, at about the same time that sound recording was being perfected. The medium was used in the early decades of the 20^th century for point-to-point communication, and in 1920 KDKA made the first commercial radio broadcast.

Advertising became the economic base of radio in the 1920s. The Communications Act of 1934 formalized the concept of radio as a public service medium. This time was known as the golden age of radio, until television began to overtake it in popularity after World War II.

Radio is successful today largely because it is local and specialized. The recording industry, on the other hand, is primarily controlled by four major companies. Some concentrated ownership has raised concerns over homogenization and the importance of profit and promotion over artistry. The two industries have changed and prospered due to technological advances such as satellite delivery of music and convergence of radio and the Internet.

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