NAB Marconi Radio Awards the awards show included a live performance by Brian McKnight, host of "The Brian McKnight Show" and a renowned R&B singer. Hosted by Billy Bush. Hosted by Glenn Beck. NAB Marconi Radio Awards The Marconi Radio Awards are presented annually by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) to the top radio stations and on-air personalities in the United States. The awards are named in honor of Guglielmo Marconi, the man generally credited as the "Father of Wireless Telegraphy". NAB member stations submit nominations. A Task Force determines the finalists and the Marconi Radio Award Selection Academy votes on the winners,
History of radio proposed electromagnetic or Hertzian waves as a navigation aid or means of communication, with Crookes writing on the possibilities of wireless telegraphy based on Hertzian waves in 1892. After learning of Hertz' demonstrations of wireless transmission, inventor Nikola Tesla began developing his own systems based on Hertz' and Maxwell's ideas, primarily working toward a means of wireless lighting, and power distribution. Tesla, concluding that Hertz had not demonstrated airborne electromagnetic waves (radio transmission), went on to develop a system based on what he thought was the primary conductor, the earth. In 1893 demonstrations of his ideas, in St. Louis, Missouri