January 1, 2005

The Columbia University lab where Edwin Howard Armstrong developed FM radio
technology in the 1930s has been given National Historic Landmark status.
Armstrong's technology, which gave radio a clearer signal than the AM band,
had its public debut in 1939, though FM wouldn't become widely popular for
another three decades.

An electronics whiz, Armstrong conducted much of his radio research for
military purposes - specifically, to enhance U.S. military communications in
World Wars I and II.

He had a frustrating time, however, with FM. He fought much of his life to
keep the rights to his invention and finally committed suicide in 1951 when
it seemed he had lost them. His wife kept battling and eventually prevailed
in court.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...p-228767c.html