Finding A 'Radio That Is Just A Radio' In The Digital Age

By Barry Gordemer,

Jessica Pupovac

Published February 13, 2015 at 3:32 AM EST

The National Capital Radio and Television Museum in Bowie, Md., is home to radios dating back to the 1920s.

The United Nations has declared Friday World Radio Day in celebration of radio's unique status as a "simple and inexpensive" technology with the power to reach even the most remote, marginalized communities.

But we wondered — in this digital age, how hard is it to find a simple, inexpensive radio?

Our journey took us to several stores in Washington, D.C., in search of a portable and affordable radio, as well as to the National Capital Radio and Television Museum in Bowie, Md.

You can hear about our hunt for old-school radio, at the audio link above.

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NPR News Morning Edition

Barry Gordemer

Barry Gordemer is an award-winning producer, editor, and director for NPR's Morning Edition. He's helped produce and direct NPR coverage of two Persian Gulf wars, eight presidential elections, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. He's also produced numerous profiles of actors, musicians, and writers.

See stories by Barry Gordemer

Jessica Pupovac

See stories by Jessica Pupovac

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