Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station

100 Years

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2020

1. Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station Marker

Inscription. On this site in 1909, Charles "Doc” Herrold aired the first regularly scheduled radio programs, giving birth to broadcasting. Initially identified as "This is San Jose calling," the station was later licensed as KQW before it became KCBS. Herrold sparked an innovative and inventive spirit that has defined San Jose and the Bay Area for 100 years.

Dedicated June 11, 2009 BY History San Jose and KCBS 740 AM/106.9 FM and KCBS.COM

Erected by History San Jose, KCBS.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. A significant historical date for this entry is June 11, 1909.

Location. 37° 20.021′ N, 121° 53.352′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. It can be reached from the intersection of Fairmont Plaza and South First Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 West San Fernando Street, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, in Silicon Valley, and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

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Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of World’s First Broadcasting Station (within shouting distance of this marker); World’s First Broadcasting Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Post Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Freedom Tree (about 400 feet away); First State Capitol (about 400 feet away); First State Capitol Building (about 400 feet away); The Burning of San Jose Chinatown (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

More about this marker. This marker is easy enough to find, if not readily visible. It is located by the south entrance of the 50 West San Fernando Street building ("50 West" or "KQED"), that is, the plaza side, not the street side of the building.

Also see . . .
1. Charles Herrold (Wikipedia).

Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 19, 2020

2. Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here, mounted to the building wall in the alcove.

"Charles David "Doc" Herrold (November 16, 1875 – July 1, 1948) was an American inventor and pioneer radio broadcaster, who began experimenting with audio radio transmissions in 1909. Beginning in 1912 he apparently became the first person to make entertainment broadcasts on a regular schedule, from his station in San Jose, California." (Submitted on August 22, 2020.)

2. The History of KQW and KCBS (Bay Area Radio Museum). (Submitted on August 22, 2020.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 494 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.