August 1981

Saturday 01:

First broadcasts by MTV. The first video played was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles.

Monday 03:

In the United States, Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization walks off the job. All 13,000 members will eventually be fired by President Ronald Reagan.

Wednesday 05:

Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 striking air-traffic controllers who ignored his order for them to return to work.

Friday 07:

1981 -The Washington Star ceases all operations after 128 years of publication.

Monday 10:

The head of John Walsh's son Adam is found in Hollywood, Florida. This event will later prompt the U.S. Congress to pass the Missing Children's Act, giving the Federal Bureau of Investigation greater authority to track the disappearance of children. It also makes Walsh a national spokesman against crime and eventually leads to the establishment of America's Most Wanted.

Wednesday 12:

The IBM PC, an early personal computer, is introduced

Wednesday 19:

Gulf of Sidra Incident: Two Libyan Sukhoi Su-22 fighter jets intercept United States fighters over the Gulf of Sidra and are destroyed by them.

Monday 24:

Mark David Chapman is sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for murdering John Lennon.

Friday 28:

The National Centers for Disease Control announce a high incidence of Pneumocystis and Kaposi's sarcoma in gay men. Soon, these will be recognized as symptoms of an immune disorder, which will be called AIDS.