9xm Talking Wha Radio And The Wisconsin Idea

When it comes to the history of radio broadcasting, one name stands out among the rest – 9xm Talking Wha Radio. Founded in 1911, this innovative radio station played a crucial role in shaping the Wisconsin Idea and transforming education and public service in the state.

What is the Wisconsin Idea?

9XM Talking: WHA Radio and the Wisconsin Idea

by Randall Davidson (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7170 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages

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The Wisconsin Idea is a concept that aims to extend the boundaries of the university beyond the campus and make its resources available to the people of the state. It promotes the idea of the university as an institution that not only imparts knowledge to its students but also actively engages with the community and addresses its problems.

The Birth of 9xm Talking Wha Radio

9xm Talking Wha Radio was born out of the need to further the Wisconsin Idea. In 1909, the Wisconsin legislature passed a bill allowing the university to establish a radio station and explore the potential of wireless communication for education and public service.

Two years later, on February 4, 1911, 9xm Talking Wha Radio made its first official broadcast. The station was an instant success, reaching thousands of listeners across the state of Wisconsin and beyond. It became a powerful tool for connecting the university to the people and bringing educational content and valuable information into their homes.

The Impact of 9xm Talking Wha Radio

The impact of 9xm Talking Wha Radio on the Wisconsin Idea cannot be overstated. Through its broadcasts, the station disseminated educational lectures, agricultural advice, music performances, and even live sporting events. It became a trusted source of information and entertainment for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Furthermore, 9xm Talking Wha Radio helped bridge the gap between the rural and urban communities in Wisconsin. It provided a platform for farmers to share their experiences, exchange farming techniques, and learn about the latest developments in agriculture. This collaboration between the university and the community fostered innovation and improved the lives of countless individuals.

Technological Advancements

Over the years, 9xm Talking Wha Radio continued to push the boundaries of technology. It embraced advancements such as frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting, which vastly improved audio quality and signal strength. The station's commitment to technological innovation helped set the stage for the future of radio broadcasting.

Legacy and Continued Relevance

Although 9xm Talking Wha Radio ceased operation in 1919, its legacy still resonates today. The station's pioneering efforts paved the way for educational and public service broadcasting around the country. It demonstrated the power of radio as a medium for widespread communication and knowledge sharing.

The Wisconsin Idea remains a core principle of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The university continues to prioritize community engagement and actively seeks ways to address societal challenges through its research, teaching, and outreach initiatives.

In , the story of 9xm Talking Wha Radio and its connection to the Wisconsin Idea is a testament to the transformative power of radio and the importance of community engagement in education. This remarkable radio station revolutionized the way knowledge was disseminated and exemplified the spirit of collaboration between academia and the public. Its impact continues to inspire new generations and serves as a reminder of the enduring value of the Wisconsin Idea.

9XM Talking: WHA Radio and the Wisconsin Idea

by Randall Davidson (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7170 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages

FREE

Randall Davidson provides a comprehensive history of the innovative work of Wisconsin's educational radio stations. Beginning with the first broadcast by experimental station 9XM at the University of Wisconsin, followed by WHA, through the state-owned affiliate WLBL, to the network of stations that in the years following WWII formed the Wisconsin Public Radio network, Davidson describes how, with homemade equipment and ideas developed from scratch, public radio became a tangible example of the Wisconsin Idea, bringing the educational riches of the university to all the state's residents. Marking the centennial year of Wisconsin Public Radio, this paperback edition includes a new foreword by Bill Siemering, National Public Radio's founding director of programming.