by Sophia Wooden ’20

People do not recognize the impact that the radio has on their lives. They take it for granted. The radio is a revolutionary invention that allows people to portably listen to music wherever they go. The first practical radio transmitters and receivers were developed around 1895 by Italian Guglielmo Marconi, and the radio began to be used commercially around 1900. But by 2019, it has been almost entirely replaced by the more modern auxiliary cord. In a society where everyone likes to control everything that they do, the radio nearly disappeared into oblivion.

But, if you act now, it will be proven that this revolutionary object is still relative today. The radio allows people to discover new music outside their own circle. Since the radio features hundreds of different stations to listen to with so many different genres of music, you are sure to be exposed to many styles. When you think about it most people nowadays only discover music through what’s in their social circle. If you only listen to music from the media, you will never get to experience a great song from maybe a smaller singer/songwriter.

Also, the radio is the cheaper option when compared with the aux cord. Aux cords aren’t necessarily expensive, but money does add up. First, there is your initial cost and then there’s no guarantee that the cord will not break or get lost, and then you will have to purchase another one. But then also when you have an aux cord you most likely are listening to music on some sort of music app like Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, etc. Avoiding the numerous commercials costs too! Those monthly payments add up, and this is just another problem to avoid by simply using the radio. 

Finally, haven’t you ever had that magical feeling when that song you forgot you knew comes on the radio? Feelings come rushing back  from the state that you were in when you heard it for the first time. It makes you feel alive and that feeling is priceless. There is power in not having control in everything that you do.

If you want to preserve the radio, start by simply turning it on. Hit scan and just listen. Find your favorite stations and just sit back and enjoy. Trust me, the feeling is wonderful and you will not regret giving up your aux for the 15- minute ride to the grocery car.