First television sets with bulit-in closed-caption[?] display are introduced in the U.S.
In Los Angeles, California, Rodney King is severely beaten by Police Officers after leading them on a high speed chase and resisting arrest. The beating is captured on video by observers and portions of the tape are aired repeatedly on television in the US.
... in music
1904 in sports
Events:
January 7 - The distress signal[?] "CQD" is established only to be replaced two years later by "SOS."
February 7 - A fire in ...