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The year 2019-2020 marks the 100th anniversary of broadcasting in Canada. The Musée des ondes Emile Berliner and the Société Québécoise de Collectionneurs de Radios Anciens (SQCRA) have joined their efforts along with various actors of the Montreal area to highlight this event.
In Canada, XWA was the first to broadcast programs. Its experimental broadcasting began in December of 1919 from its William Street studio in Montreal. This radio station was owned by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. of Canada. In May 1920, members of the Royal Society of Canada, gathered at a convention in Ottawa, were privileged to hear a short recital and speeches from Montreal. This broadcast was a first, a feat that made the front page of newspapers of the time! The celebration of the centenary of the first broadcasts aims to recognize the major role of radio in democratization of information and culture.
Radio made it possible to reach remote populations. It entitled women to express themselves. Radio facilitated the spread of music and song. It gave young actors the opportunity to play in radio theaters and radio shows written by local writers. Finally, radio gave employment to thousands of individuals in plants of Canadian manufacturers such as RCA Victor, Northern Electric, Marconi, CGE, Westinghouse and Rogers.
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