The Growth of Radio

Introduction

Over the course of the next two essays we will explore and analyze growth of radio as it matured over the years in addition to what could’ve happened differently had radio been developed during the poverty of the Depression era rather than the wealthy atmosphere of the 1920s.

1. Discuss the evolution of radio from the 1940’S to the present, reflecting on significant changes.

During World War II, radio was a key lifeline of information for the masses. Listeners from audiences around the world tuned in to their radios as broadcast reporters gave vivid descriptions if battles, victories, invasions and defeats. Public figures and political leaders such as Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler and Franklin D. Roosevelt used the medium of radio to influence public opinion.

Not only did radio function as a telecommunications channel for the realism of war as well as propaganda, but it also served as a consistent source of entertainment and distraction, lessening the difficulty and stresses of life during the war. Radio shows and music programs allowed people to get lost in the moment of the story or song that was playing, and were a welcome diversion from the hardships and heartbreak of war time.

Thus was ushered in the “Golden Age” of radio, which hearkened unto all as a symbol of hope and amusement. During the golden age of radio, which occurred during the 1940s, the amount of money spent on radio advertising significantly increased. This steady popularity saw radio rise above the traditional newspaper as the most popular provider of commercial marketing in the advertisement industry. Radio listeners were faithful and supportive. As a result of this, radio e...

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...s largely due to the relatively easy, fast transition of radio into the American life. By the time the Depression rolled around, the radio was an integral part of culture.

References:

Part 1

The Evolution of Radio Part II. The Schenectady Antique Radio Club. Retrieved from http://dadellers.tripod.com/index.html

Adams, Mike. A Century of Radio. Retrieved from http://www.californiahistoricalradio.com/100years.html

Govier, Gordon. Rock & Roll and Radio News. Retrieved from http://www.radioscribe.com/formats2.html

RADIO – A BREAKTHOUGH IN MASS COMMUNICATION. Retrieved from http://www.zainbooks.com/books/mass-communication/introduction-to-mass-communication_30_radio%E2%80%93a-breakthrough-in-mass-communication.html

Part 2

Dominick, J. (2009). The Dynamics of Mass Communication: Media in the Digital Age. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education