World’s First Radio Station

World’s First Radio Station

Doc Herrold launched worlds first radio station in downtown San Jose in 1909. And, coined the term “broadcasting”. His radio station is now KCBS 740 AM.

Hear Doc’s Voice

  1. Don Herrold


Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station

Charles Herrold, a pioneer in radio, was the first person to transmit radio programs of music and news to a listening audience. Beginning in 1909, three years before Congress’ Radio Act of 1912, Herrold broadcast from his College of Engineering and Wireless located in the Garden City Bank Building at First and San Fernando Streets. His first wife, Sybil, was the first woman disc jockey in the country; together they initiated commercial radio advertising. A tireless experimenter, Charles Herrold developed more than fifty radio-related inventions.

Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station Marker

Site of Worlds First Broadcasting Station / World’s First Broadcasting Station

Site of Worlds First Broadcasting Station Marker (Marker 1)

Let’s celebrate the centennial of Charles Herrold’s historic radio broadcasts

Additional Did You Know's

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Jefferson Airplane, South Bay Roots

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Dan Orloff