Hickman County Arts Council, Inc.

Bob at the Book Fair

"I have solved the problem of telephoning without wires through the earth as Signor Marconi has of sending signals through space."

Nathan Stubblefield, 1902

But Was It Radio?

Around Murray, Kentucky, folks say it was. For nearly 70 years, they claimed that Nathan Stubblefield's invention made Murray the true "Birthplace of Radio." Elsewhere, people are skeptical. Read the story of what Nathan Stubblefield really did and how he became a folk hero -- then decide for yourself.

Nathan Stubblefield lost the fame race to Marconi.

A West Kentuckian's scientific breakthrough

About the Author

Bob Lochte is a Professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, where he has worked since 1988. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College, Columbia College - Los Angeles, and of the University of Tennessee - Knoxville where he received his Ph.D. in 1987.

Previously, Dr. Lochte worked for 22 years in radio and television, beginning with a part-time job for WKDA-AM, Nashville, Tennessee, when he was in high school. Over the years he has worked in commercial and non-commercial broadcasting, cable television, and has owned and operated both radio and television stations.
Since 1990, Dr. Lochte has been learning about Nathan Stubblefield and other wireless inventors of the late 19^th century. Over that time, he has published articles in both academic and popular periodicals including The Journal of Radio Studies, Timeline, Inc. Technology, and American Heritage of Invention and Technology. He has twice won awards from the Broadcast Education Association for excellence in historical research. In 1999, Dr. Lochte received a fellowship from the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution to study American wireless inventors and their work.
Dr. Bob's Homepage at Murray State University.