On This Day, June 14th

1. 1922: Warren G. Harding becomes first president to be heard on radio

Photo: wiki

Photo: wiki

Photo: pinterest

Photo: pinterest

It was on this date in 1922 that Warren G. Harding was broadcast on the radio, making him the first U.S. President to ever be heard on the airwaves. Harding addressed a crowd at the dedication of the memorial site for Francis Scott Key, the composer of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Harding was known for his advocacy of advanced technology; in 1920 when he won the presidency it was the first time that an election winner was announced live via the radio. He was also the first to have a radio installed in the White House. It was said that as many as 125,000 people heard the memorial dedication, which was a significant breakthrough. Just three years later, President Calvin Coolidge would give the first presidential address via radio broadcast, which is said to have been heard by over 23 million people.