May 7 — Radio Day in Russia: history and traditions of the holiday

In Russia, Radio Day is celebrated on May 7, a professional holiday for all communications workers. It was on this day 130 years ago that the Russian physicist Alexander Popov presented to his colleagues the device that became the ancestor of modern radios. Read about the history of radio creation and how celebrations are held in different cities of the country in the Izvestia article.

The history of the Radio Day holiday in Russia

The world's first wireless radio system was demonstrated 130 years ago, on May 7, 1895, at a meeting of the Physics Department of the Russian Physico-Chemical Society in St. Petersburg. The receiver created by Popov was named the "thunderstorm detector". It could receive and record electromagnetic vibrations at a distance of up to 60 m.

Then the scientist improved the device and a year later made a wireless signal transmission over a distance of 250 m. The radio message consisted of only two words: "Heinrich Hertz." Thus, Popov paid tribute to his colleague, the German physicist Hertz, who scientifically proved the existence of electromagnetic waves.

In the USSR, Popov's development formed the basis of first-generation radio communications equipment and was recognized as a monument of science and technology. And in 1945, when the 50th anniversary of radio was widely celebrated in the country, the authorities decided to consider May 7 as Radio Day. The holiday began to be held every year. Today, it is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Belarus, Armenia and other post-Soviet states.

In addition, there are several other radio—related dates in the world: World Amateur Radio Day, which is celebrated on April 18, and World Radio Day, which is celebrated on February 13 at the initiative of UNESCO.

How to celebrate Radio Day in 2025

Currently, radio waves are used in many areas of life: television, cellular communications, medicine, navigation. Therefore, Radio Day can be safely called a professional holiday for radio and television broadcasting workers, signalmen, teachers and graduates of specialized universities, manufacturers of radio equipment, as well as all radio amateurs.

On this day, festive events are organized on radio stations. Employees receive congratulations from management and colleagues, and the best of them are awarded with diplomas and awards. Radio engineering conferences and exhibitions are timed to coincide with Radio Day in scientific circles.

Students also celebrate the celebration on a large scale. For example, a radio engineering invention competition is being held at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) in honor of Radio Day. And in St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University (SPbSETU "LETI"), as part of the celebration, a commemorative event is being held at the bust of Popov on the university grounds.

In addition, on May 7, universities organize open days, where future applicants can get acquainted with the main areas of study in their specialty. The celebration is also widely covered in the mass media (mass media).

Interesting facts about Radio Day

In the digital age, radio is still the most popular means of communication. According to a VTSIOM survey, every second Russian in the country listens to radio. Music programs, weather forecasts, and various talk shows are the most popular.

However, thanks to Alexander Popov's outstanding invention, you can not only find out the news and explore the world. It is also an emergency communication method for emergency situations, military and search and rescue operations. Radio communication is also used in tourism, shipping and on the railway.

Earlier, Izvestia told how the Day of the Russian Press is celebrated.