The creation of the radio has been an integral part of social and political movements. The realities of life across the world, and the transformation of music through time are just a two examples of the monumental effect radio had in the last century. Radio also sparked a revolution in propaganda and public opinion that swept the world.

In Czechoslovakia, radio broadcasting began just before World War I. The first program was produced on Oct 28, 1919, from Prague’s Petrin Lookout Tower. Not long after, starting in May of 1923, broadcasts from a tent in Prague-Kbely became a regularly scheduled program. From there, advancement in radio moved quickly.

It wasn’t long before foreign stations were able to pick up Czech Broadcasts. This advancement was revolutionary and in January of 1924, the first special programs and lectures created and tailored to a foreign audience were broadcast. In 1925, the New Broadcasting Station was built by General Electric with an output of 5kW, making it one of the most powerful radio transmitters in Europe. Radiojournal used it for experimental long-distance broadcasts letters from listeners confirmed that broadcasts could be heard from as far as North America.

In the 1930s, Hitler began making his ascent to power. At this time, radio was being used as a way to promote what would be future Nazi propaganda. As a way to combat this hostile propaganda, attempts were made to create a short-wave service to reach further countries. This service would be a more intentional spread of propaganda framed with the intention of influencing foreign listeners. The station was built in Podebrady and finally completed in 1936. With a final output of 34 kW, it became the first radio station used for international service. The testing of this station went on for months with 24-hour broadcasts of both music and messages in a multitude of languages. Finally, the international radio service was officially born on August 31, 1936.

Radio propaganda was an essential vehicle for information in World War II. Becoming a version of self-advertising, leaders began connecting with listeners through talks such as Franklin Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats and the German invention of the Volksempfänger, or the people’s radio. Historic moments became instant news, giving listeners the opportunity to be present. On Sept 3, 1939, listeners tuned in on Britain and France declaring war on Germany live on the air. Wartimes were transformed for those left behind as live-on-the-ground reporting allowed listeners a peek at the realities of life on the battlefront. Radio connected individuals across countries and continents.

Broadcasting Pioneers

Milos Ctrnacty - Journalist

Eduard Svoboda - Businessman

Ladislav Sourek - Director of Radioslavia; (a company distributing radio receivers)

These men are responsible for creating Radiojournal, the internationally known and long-standing station of the Czech Republic. Radiojournal was the first station to become an official radio operator in Czechoslovakia. After pushing through a century of history, Radiojournal is officially celebrating its 100th anniversary as Radio Prague International.

In honor of that, Czech Center Museum Houston is currently displaying a Radio Prague International exhibit from now until the middle of December. We would love for you and your family to come for a visit and explore more of Czech radio history and so much more with us.

Written by Kelsey McDade

‘History of Radio Prague’, Radio Prague International, https://archiv.radio.cz/en/static/history-of-radio-prague, (Accessed 10/31/2023).

Brady, Hillary, ‘Radio on the Frontlines: WWI and WWII’, Digital Public Library of America, 2014, https://dp.la/exhibitions/radio-golden-age/radio-frontlines/radio-homefront-wwii, (Accessed 10/31/2023).

‘WWII Radio’, University of Maryland: University Libraries, 2015, https://exhibitions.lib.umd.edu/libraryofamericanbroadcasting/wwii-radio, (Accessed 10/31/2023).

Marsh, Allison, ‘Inside the Third Reich’s Radio’, IEEE Spectrum, 2021, https://spectrum.ieee.org/inside-the-third-reichs-radio, (Accessed 11/16/2023).