Viewing Radios with Tuners through the Lens of Diffusion Theory

Before I delve into the developmental process in which the initial radios with tuners underwent, I'd first like to ask a simple question. Has there ever been a product or idea in which you were an early supporter who faced backlash or criticism for your beliefs? If the answer is yes, I'm very sorry to disappoint, however, your behaviors and actions do not stray from the status quo.

Roger's Diffusion of Innovations Theory

Roger's Diffusion of Innovations theory is laid out through a power curve divided into five (or six) sections. It is a theory that helps explain the adoption of new ideas or technologies among the public. Each Section of the power curve represents a different demographic, each adapting an idea or technology at a different pace. 

The order is as follows: Pioneers, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, and Laggards. the sixth section of the chart is considered the "long tail", which consists of those who never adapt to an idea. When looking at the initial radios with tuners, we can determine each demographic of each section by looking into the history of its development. 

Erst Alexanderson

Pioneers

Pioneers are the visionaries who develop a product or idea despite others' reactions. In this case, the pioneers of radio technology would consist of both Gugliemo Marconi and Ernst Alexanderson. Guglielmo Marconi initialized the idea behind radio transmission across considerable distances and founded the first embodiment of antenna structures that allowed for wireless communication. Alexanderson then theorized his own hypothesis and streamlined the process of being able to locate specific frequencies.  

Early Adopters 

The Early Adopters of Ernst Alexanderson's ideas would include the United States military. During the development of tuned radio frequency receiving, the world was in the midst of World War 1, in which there was a need for wireless transmission. This was important for both national security and efficiency, as ground communication was slow and insecure. 

Early Majority

This demographic would consist of average US citizens adapting the technology into their homes for casual and commercial use. People realized the potential for advertising and entertainment with the ability to listen to a specific frequency. Many households were owners of radios with TRF receivers. 

Late Majority

By this point, many people have adopted and used tuning technology. It is common to see in households, restaurants, and many other common places. It became a staple for each family to have, similar to how landline phones were in more modern times. 

Laggards. 

This group of people consists of those who were not initially apt to jump onto the growing trend. One major reason behind this is the difficulty and learning curve that came along with beginning to use tuning technology. Many citizens were not aware of how to properly align each amplified signal, and because of this many members of society chose not to adopt the new technology until it was being used consistently.