The History of Philippine Radio: From 1922 Early Broadcasts to Modern Filipino Online Radio

1. The Genesis: 1922 Early Broadcasts & KZKZ

Broadcasting in the Philippines is among the oldest in all of Asia, dating back to June 1922. According to historical records, an American woman known as Mrs. Redgrave initiated experimental test transmissions using a modest 50-watt transmitter in Pasay, Metro Manila.

Two years later in 1924, an enterprising American entrepreneur named Henry Hermann, owner of the Electrical Supply Company in Manila, recognized that broadcasting was the key to popularizing radio receivers. Hermann established station KZKZ, operating first from Nichols Airfield and later from Manila. His successful venture proved that commercial radio had a passionate audience in the Philippines.

2. Pre-War Expansion & The Voice of Freedom in WWII

The 1930s saw the emergence of powerhouse commercial stations such as KZRM (Radio Manila) and KZRH (which first took to the air on July 15, 1939 under H.E. Heacock Company, later evolving into today's DZRH).

When Japanese forces invaded during World War II in December 1941, radio became an indispensable weapon of resistance. Station engineers and broadcasters retreated to Corregidor Island, operating the clandestine "Voice of Freedom" from inside the bomb-proof Malinta Tunnel. Led by Third Lieutenant Norman Reyes, the Voice of Freedom delivered critical wartime updates, Allied communiqués, and messages of hope across the archipelago until the fortress fell in May 1942.

3. Post-War Sovereignty: The "DZ" Era & Golden Age of AM Radio

Following Philippine independence after the war, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) allocated sovereign broadcast call letter prefixes to the nation: "DZ" for Luzon, "DY" for Visayas, and "DX" for Mindanao, replacing the colonial "KZ" designation.

The 1950s and 1960s ushered in the Golden Age of AM Radio. Broadcasters like the Manila Broadcasting Company (DZRH), Republic Broadcasting System (DZBB, later GMA), Alto Broadcasting System / Chronicle Broadcasting Network (ABS-CBN / DZMM), and Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) became household staples. AM radio was the undisputed master of:

• Radio Sarswela: Serialized afternoon audio dramas starring beloved voice actors that captivated millions of households.
• Field Journalism: Hard-hitting live reporting, disaster alerts during typhoons, and public accountability programs.
• Public Assistance: Reconnecting separated families across the 7,000+ islands through nationwide radio broadcasts.

4. The FM Revolution, Pinoy Rock & OPM Boom (1970s–1990s)

In the 1970s and 1980s, the FM stereo dial exploded into the home of youth culture, modern Filipino music, and high-fidelity entertainment:

5. The Digital Era: Filipino Online Radio & Global OFWs

As the internet connected the world in the 2000s, Philippine radio transformed again. Millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and emigrants living in Riyadh, Dubai, California, London, Singapore, and Sydney turned to Filipino online radio to cure homesickness and stay plugged into local news and Tagalog music.

Simultaneously, regional music revolutions like Budots—high-tempo electronic street dance beats originating from Davao—spread nationwide through provincial FM stations and jeepney sound systems.

Today, JeepRadio keeps this rich 100-year legacy alive by merging the cultural heritage of the Philippine jeepney with live, digital streaming access for listeners across the globe.