Radio 1930-1960

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, during the years from 1930-1960, radio became an increasingly popular form of entertainment for Americans. It looks at how technological changes helped spark the spectacular growth of radio and how in the 1930s radio programs were hugely varied and included a wide number of entertainment programs, as well as a number of hugely popular news programs. It explores how governmental intervention in radio began in 1934 with the creation of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and how, in the years from 1930 to 1960, radio gradually shifted its focus from variety-style entertainment programs to music programming, largely as a result of the appearance of television. It also discusses how radio today focuses largely on the music industry rather than the variety programs that were popular during the years 1930-1940, but still remains a hugely popular part of American culture.

Outline
Introduction
Government Involvement
Technology
The Growth of Radio 1930-1960
Programming
Famous Moments
Important People and Performers
The Preservation of Old-Time Radio
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In the 1940s, FM became popular, as the FCC authorized broadcasting on 42-50MHZ. During the war, manufacturing and technology boom in radio, although home users were limited by wartime shortages. In 1945, the FCC changed the FM band to 88 to 108 megacycles. In 1946, selenium rectifiers began to replace vacuum tube rectifiers. By 1947 the size of radios were reduced, as miniature rectifiers, tubes, transformers and printed circuit boards became popular. The transistor was invented in 1947, and first introduced to the public in 1948 (A Brief History of Radio). "

More papers on Radio 1930-1960:

• Term Paper # 124209 : "Radio's Impact in 1930s America"
• Term Paper # 122711 : "Radio Days"
• Research Paper # 96864 : "Radio Frequency Study"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: