Radio: The Golden Years
Readings
Radio: Historical Development – by Creative Commons
Radio: The Golden Years – By R. Campbell
Origins of Broadcasting
The Network Model
- Radio Corporation of America (RCA)
- National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
- Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)
- American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
The Golden Years
Genres:
- News Analysis
- Lowell Thomas
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The German fascist chief is snorting fire. There are now two Mussolinis in the world, which seems to offer a rousing time. (1927)
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- Lowell Thomas
- In-house orchestras
- Narrative
- The Shadow, The Green Hornet, The Lone Ranger, Fibber McGee and Molly, …
- Variety Show
- Everyday Hour (1923)
- Quiz Shows
- Professor Quiz, Old Time Spelling Bee
- Dramatic Programs
- Clara, Lu, and Em (1931, the first “soap” opera).
- Situation Comedy
- Amos ’n’ Andy (1929)
Milestones
- Amelia Earhart
- Richard Byrd, Antarctic Expedition, 1929
- F. D. Roosevelt
- Fireside Chats (1933, …)
- The Invasion from Mars (1938)
- O. Welles dramatization of H. G. Wells’ War of the Worlds
Radio Revolutions:
- The Transistor Revolution (1947)
- The FM Revolution (1954)
Radio Today
- Clear Channel Communications
- 1200 radio stations
- 60% of radio listeners
- Clear Channel merged with SFX (Event Management)
- “Natural Synergy” of Monopoly?
- 1996 Telecommunication Act – favored ramping consolidation
Radio Days (1987)
- Director, Writer: Woody Allen
- Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest, Mike Starr