 |
Harry Phillips Davis, “The Father of Broadcasting” was a Vice President at Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company when he realized the commercial possibilities of radio. He convinced other Westinghouse officials of the potential in manufacturing radio receivers and of the need for radio programming. Davis’ first license application was submitted October 16, 1920 and the Harding-Cox Presidential election was selected to be the first broadcast. Construction of the KDKA facility began one month prior to election night. Broadcasting successfully began at 6 p.m. that evening and continued for eighteen hours. The popularity of KDKA was immediate and by spring of 1921, Westinghouse had plans to build two more stations at other home plants. But H. P. Davis contributed more than the impetus behind the first broadcasting station. He was also instrumental in developing the first announcer’s school; he initiated studies of studio acoustics and of modulation; he was responsible for the first synchronizing of radio stations, transmitting programs on the same wave length without interference. He went on to become the Chairman of The National Broadcasting Company from its inception in 1926 until his death in 1931. The influence of H. P. Davis is felt today – almost 70 years after KDKA signed on and 60 years after Davis ’ death. His integrity and high standards are the ideal that broadcasters everywhere still strive to attain. |