How a trucker's tool became a nationwide cultural craze

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 17 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the 1970s, CB radios transformed from niche tools for farmers and the Coast Guard into a massive social phenomenon. It was more than just a way to talk; it created a unique slang language, sparked music hits, and even allowed people to build anonymous communities before the internet existed.

The Citizens Band (CB) radio service began in 1945 as a regulated personal radio band for activities like controlling model airplanes. However, early UHF radios were too expensive for average consumers. It wasn't until September 11, 1958, that the FCC created 'Class D' service on the 27 MHz band—the frequency we recognize today. Originally intended as a "poor man's business-band radio," it was initially restricted to specific channels for interstation calls (between different licensees) and intrastation calls (within the same license).

The medium exploded in popularity during the mid-to-late 1970s due to several converging factors. Advances in solid-state electronics made radios affordable, portable, and small enough for personal use. Simultaneously, the 1973 oil crisis created a practical need: truckers used CBs to coordinate fuel supplies and navigate speed traps during a period of heavy rationing. This utility merged with a burgeoning pop culture craze fueled by films like 'Smokey and the Bandit' (1977) and hit songs like C.W. McCall's "Convoy," which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976.

This era saw a shift from regulated communication to a more anarchic, community-driven space. While licensing was technically required, many users ignored it, inventing personal nicknames known as "handles." This allowed for a quasi-anonymous social interaction similar to modern internet chat rooms. By 1983, individual licensing ended entirely, cementing the CB's role as a public, informal communication network where unique slang and local "home channels" defined the user experience.

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