About South Carolina Broadcasting History

Celebrating 77 years of service, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association (SCBA) reflects on its rich history and the ever-changing landscape of the broadcasting industry. Born in the aftermath of World War II, the SCBA emerged as a vital force, uniting broadcasters to navigate challenges such as the advent of television and the political process.

Today, the industry faces new challenges with new technologies that prompt the SCBA to adapt and evolve.

The post-World War II era brought a surge in radio stations, leading to the founding of the SCBA in 1948. The association played a crucial role in advocating for the Radio Libel Bill and addressing the challenges of FM radio. Over the years, the SCBA adapted to the emergence of television, the growth of FM radio, and the transformative impact of digital technologies. The organization’s commitment to education, support for women in broadcasting, and advocacy for the industry’s interests have contributed to its enduring success, making it a key player in South Carolina’s broadcasting landscape. As the SCBA looks forward, it remains a vital force, navigating the digital transition and embracing the challenges of a dynamic and evolving media environment.

1923
The National Association of Broadcasters is Born

The National Association of Broadcasters was founded to represent radio stations across the country.

1946
August 29th
SC's First Radio Broadcast

The first FM radio station in South Carolina, WSPA-FM, began broadcasting. Not only was it the first FM station in the state, but it was also notable for broadcasting the first stereo signal in the Southeastern United States on August 1, 1961.

1948
June 30th
SCBA is Founded

The boom of stations receiving licenses lead to the founding of the SCBA. In Myrtle Beach, G. Richard Shafto, who at the time managed WIS, met with other key South Carolina broadcasters for two days. To help with the organization of founding the SCBA, the NAB District Director, a national representative from the organization, and a person of the FCC were also present at the meeting.

1953
May 1st
SC's First Television Station

WCOS-TV was the first television station to go live in South Carolina. Although it went dark in 1956, it returned as WOLO-TV in 1961.

1957
South Carolina Educational Television

SCETV was born after the General Assembly called for a study of the use of television in public schools.

1966
Network Television Goes All Color

NBC became the first network to convert all of its primetime programs to color.

1972
Sub Label
Color TVs Achieve Majority Status

By 1972, over 50% of American homes had adopted color TVs, replacing black-and-white sets that had dominated the 1950s.

1981
Beginning of Broadcast Deregulation

Broadcast deregulation officially started when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an order to reduce or eliminate many regulations for commercial broadcasters. This led the way to the consolidation of radio and television into the large corporations that we see today.

1982
SCBA Educational Foundation

The SCBA Educational Foundation, established in 1982, provides grants, scholarships and endowments for South Carolina colleges, technical colleges and universities that offer a curriculum in multi-media journalism and other broadcast related courses of study. The Foundation established an endowment in 2004 with a one-million-dollar target and in 2008 reached that goal. The scholarship program will continue in perpetuity, providing educational funding for the next generation of broadcasters for years to come.

1994
November 7th
The Dawn of Internet Radio

In 1994, WXYC-FM at the University of North Carolina made history by conducting the first official live simulcast on the World Wide Web. This breakthrough quickly led to the adoption of streaming technology by other stations, giving birth to internet radio.

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