Historical Events tagged with "communication"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Arts & Culture

MTV Starts Broadcasting with Iconic Video

August 1st, 1981 43 years ago

MTV launched its broadcasting services in the United States, marking a pivotal moment in music and television. The first video aired was 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles, a song that poignantly encapsulated the transition from traditional media to the video age. The network was founded to cater to a growing demand for music videos, particularly among younger audiences, changing the landscape of music promotion and consumption. By targeting a youth demographic, MTV quickly became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, expression, and music itself.

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Science & Technology

Ethernet Specifications Published by Xerox

September 30th, 1980 44 years ago

Xerox, alongside Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation, finalized the specifications for Ethernet technology. This standardization marked a significant development in networking, establishing a framework for local area networks (LANs) that would soon be crucial in computing. Ethernet's ability to connect multiple devices over a cable system, utilizing a simple protocol, laid the groundwork for modern networking as we know it today.

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Science & Technology

FCC Licensing Changes for Home Satellites

October 18th, 1979 45 years ago

In a landmark move, the Federal Communications Commission decided to permit individuals to establish home satellite earth stations without requiring a federal government license. This significant policy shift enabled a broader audience to access satellite communications technology. The decision marked a pivotal moment in telecommunications, as it opened up the market for consumers and small businesses to utilize satellite technology for various purposes including broadcasting, internet access, and personal communication. As a result, this initiative contributed to the burgeoning growth of the satellite industry in the United States.

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Science & Technology

First Unsolicited Bulk Commercial Email Sent

May 3rd, 1978 46 years ago

A Digital Equipment Corporation marketing representative sent an unsolicited bulk email to every ARPANET address across the west coast of the United States. This marked the beginning of a new era in digital communication, as the email aimed to promote a new computer product. The action was intended to reach a vast audience, but it also raised ethical questions regarding unsolicited communication.

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Technology & Innovation

Creation of the First Computer Bulletin Board System

February 16th, 1978 47 years ago

The first computer bulletin board system (CBBS) was created in Chicago, allowing users to connect, share messages, and exchange files via a phone line. Developed by Ward Christensen and Randy Seuss, CBBS marked a significant development in computer networking and online community interaction, setting the stage for future online forums and social platforms. The project was born out of a desire to communicate and share information on a local level, utilizing home computers and modems in a way that had not been done before.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision Between Trident and DC-9 Near Zagreb

September 10th, 1976 48 years ago

A British Airways Hawker Siddeley Trident and an Inex-Adria DC-9 collided near Zagreb, Yugoslavia, resulting in the deaths of 176 individuals. The collision occurred as both aircraft were approaching the airport under poor visibility conditions. Investigators later revealed that a miscommunication regarding altitude and clearances between air traffic control and the pilots contributed significantly to the accident.

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Space Exploration

Broadcasting the Arecibo Message to Space

November 16th, 1974 50 years ago

The Arecibo message was a binary-encoded message sent into space from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. It was transmitted on November 16, 1974, and contained key information about humanity, including DNA and human population data. The message was directed towards the M13 globular star cluster, roughly 25,000 light-years away, in hopes of engaging with extraterrestrial civilizations. Designed by Frank Drake, the transmission showcased human curiosity and the desire for interstellar communication.

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Science & Technology

First Handheld Mobile Phone Call Made

April 3rd, 1973 51 years ago

Martin Cooper, an engineer at Motorola, made the first handheld mobile phone call to Joel S. Engel of Bell Labs from New York City. This groundbreaking moment in telecommunications history marked the transition from large, car-mounted phones to portable devices that could be used anywhere. The call took place on April 3, 1973, as Cooper dialed Engel while demonstrating the Motorola DynaTAC prototype, which showcased the potential of cellular technology in a personal format.

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Politics & Government

False National Alert Sends Panic Across the Nation

February 20th, 1971 54 years ago

An erroneous activation of the United States Emergency Broadcast System led to a national alert mistakenly notifying citizens of an imminent attack. The alarm was activated in the afternoon and quickly broadcast across several states, triggering confusion and concern among the public and officials alike. The system, intended for real emergencies, was meant to safeguard citizens but instead caused panic due to its faulty activation during a routine test. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in communication systems during crises.

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