What impact did radio have on society?

Prior to the discovery and invention of radio wave devices, it took days to transmit to areas that were without wired communication like the telegraph.  The radio wave devices allowed communication from distant locations that did not have access to wires.  Case in point is the disaster involving the Titanic.  The ship sent a distress call with radio waves that resulted in rescue ships that helped saved multiple lives.  Radio goes beyond the novelty factor.  During the early era, radio literally saved lives.

Radio also allowed information to be instantly communicated to multiple homes.  The results from elections could be heard as they happened for the first time.  No longer did people have to wait on a paper.  All news could be instantly transmitted to multiple homes.

The radio gave homes the opportunity to listen to live music from the comfort of their own living rooms.  It was a first.  Prior to the invention of the radio, families would have to go to live concerts to enjoy music.  This not only lead to great appreciation of music, but created stars.  Now singers like Frank Sinatra could be heard all over the country.

The radio was truly a precursor to the television.  The programming that was transmitted had families sitting at the radio enjoying the shows.  This created the element that would later transition into family television time.  It was group entertainment in the home for the first time on such a unique scale.