Students should use the timeline for their History Project and their bi-weekly history entries.
"From the mid-1970's to the early 1980's, however, female sex objects populated the television landscape in what is often called the "jiggle" era, or in the industry's non-euphemistic tag, the "T&A" period. It is, of course, no accident that these representations coincided with a time of mounting backlash over the concerns and demands of the women's movements. One of the major paradoxes of this period, however, is that women starred in more dramatic programs than at any other time in television history. Series such as Police Woman, Get Christie Love, Charlie's Angels, Wonder Woman, Flying High, and American Girls are major legacies of the time."
After losing so much and gaining so little after World War 1, America was in a state of immense loss and turmoil. The affects of the great depression still lingered and society wasn't happy about WW1. In 1934 a year before Hitler came to power in Germany, Roosevelt implemented the Good Neighbor Policy. Limiting the USA's involvement in political affairs to South and Central America. This Mood changes however, as Hitler begins gaining more and more power. The Policy faded out as we began to realize the terror behind Hitler. In 1939 Great Britain and France declared War on Germany starting WW2.
Throughout history the definition of public interest has shifted from what the People want to hear to what they need to hear. This is supported in the Clark article where Kaltenborn spoke on controversial issues and gave educated opinions that did not agree with the mass majority.
In 1995 Disney bought ABC for 19 billion dollars. This was the first merger between a studio and a broadcast network since the demise of the fynsyn era. Creating a powerful media conglomerate that couldn't have happened during fynsyn and PTAR regulations.
Hilmes explains that during the early twentieth century, there was a major shift from people living in mostly rural areas to people living in mostly urban areas. Hilmes, Michelle. "Immigration and Nativism." Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in the United States. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 20. Print.
This begins the Progressive Era, a period after the Civil War that marks the beginning of a new era of social reform. Rachael Cohen
To the Christian Community, radio gave an example of God's omnipresence, which they believed would increase the faith of the unbelieving listener. Boddy, Williamm. "Wireless Nation:Defining Radio as a Domestic technology" in New Media and Popular Imagination (Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004). p 21
The development of radio tied autonomous individuals into one kindred nation, as well as, establish a link between our physical world and the abstract (spiritual) realm. Boddy, William. "Wireless Nation: Defining Radio as a Domestic Technology" in New Media and Popular Imagination (Oxford: Oxford University Press 2004). p 21.
In "Wireless Nation," the author asserts that one of radio's benefits was to bring together disparate communities and shape them into one unified country. Boddy, William. “Wireless Nation: Defining Radio as a Domestic Technology” in New Media and Popular Imagination (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004). p20.
Radio developed as a way to unite all the diverse immigrants with the american democratic and help them become "true americans" by serving as a channel of communication for assimilation (Hilmes P. 20).
Radio developed as a way to unite all the diverse immigrants with the american democratic and help them become "true americans" by serving as a channel of communication for assimilation (Hilmes P. 20).
During the early 1900's technological inventions in communication came along. Inventions of the telegraph, telephone, etc. allowed for more citizens to interact with the media. Bringing more communication throughout the country, and allowing more affordable methods of learning and interaction.
In the 1800's, technological advancements, like the telegraph, prompted the nation to communicate in new ways. A precursor to radio, wireless telegraphy extended later into a more compact form. Grant Wythoff asserts that pocket wireless succeeded in materially popularizing the new technology of wireless and not only became a functional device , but was also communicated as a fictional device within novels and cinema. WYTHOFF, G. (2013). Pocket Wireless and the Shape of Media to Come, 1899-1922. Grey Room, (51), 40-63.
The Early Approach of Mass Communication
Ron Becker explained the impact the Radio Corporation of America had within the 1930's, in relation to the introduction of television. The introduction of "hear-and-see radio" was not only a minuet glimpse into the future technological advancements to come, but also gave viewers hope of a better social and economical society. Ron Becker (2001) 'Hear-and-See Radio' in the World of Tomorrow: Rca and the presentation of television at the World's Fair, 1939‐1940, Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, 21:4, 361-378, DOI: 10.1080/01439680120075491
Wireless Ship Act of 1910 was passed. It mandated that certain ocean ships be equipped with radio communication if they were visiting U.S. ports. Furthermore, the act also required vessels to exchange messages with other ships, even if they utilized different systems. The maximum fine for failing to comply with the act was $5,000. (Hilmes, 2011, p. 29) (Wireless Ship Act of 1910, para. 1-3)
Hilmes believed that if any aspect of popular culture suffered during the dawn of broadcasting technologies it was the amateur musician; before phonographs and radio, communities looked to barbershop quartets and amateur chamber musicians to entertain them. Hilmes, Michele. Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in United States. (3rd edition) Wadsworth. 2011. p 24.
"When only the wealthy could afford books and newspapers, the rise of advertising-based media combined with technological developments to bring affordable books, magazine newspapers, and other printed and pictorial material in the reach of almost every household." (Hilmes, page 23) Reading chapter two gave a lot of insight on the contributing events and developments that lead to the radio and its huge impact on society. The quote I referenced here is intriguing because it mentions how society was adapting due to the rise of popular media, if things like the newspaper and tabloid magazines didn't exist I don't think radio would have emerged until much later. It's also interesting to note that until the 1900's these common forms of media weren't available to the common man. This was society changing into a different social status, now anyone could get what had only been available to the wealthy, you could say that this also helped not just unify people on a social level but also on an intellectual level as well.
Radio development has reached to a new level, a radio fan builds a special instrument to decipher the long wave lengths. He believes those are the mysterious, yet valuable signals to be decoded.
"While critics complain that radio has become more homogenized or less likely to provide local news, there is little recognition of what radio was in the decades between the ascendancy of television and the Telecommunications Act of 1996"
The Titanic sinking on April 15, 1912 directly impacted the earliest laws and regulations on radio in the United States, setting in motion a rich history of regulation, deregulation, popularity and rise of commercial radio. The ship was equipped with a high-powered radiograph transmitter, which was able to send out a distress signal before the ship sank completely. However, it was too late for many of the passengers. The news of the sinking ship rocked the World, as well as the rescuing of some of the passengers due to the distress signal. Soon after the Radio Act of 1912 would go into effect, regulating the airwaves to mandate all ships have radio communications as to avoid a disaster like this in the future. More detailed information is available in the link!
That mind will 'bestride the earth like a colossus.' Speaking through his radiophone, he will command the world and the obedient minds of men. "He will tell men what to think and say and how to act. He will shape them to a common, uniform, subservient mediocrity" I think this quote from Wireless Nation is incredible because of how scary and true this prediction was. The birth of Radio really was the beginning of a mass majority control tactic on how to feel and think. Although the radio and other forms of media have been used for good intentions they also have given us this mob mind mentality that is mentioned later in the reading. You have one "voice" telling us how to feel, what to think how to act when things come up. A lot of the people who are mentioned in this reading who are against or skeptical about radio had every right to feel and think the way they did. Reading this was like reading 1984 in a way with this idea of Big Brother or in this case the voice of the radio. Bobby, William. “Wireless Nation: Defining Radio as a Domestic Technology” in New Media and Popular Imagination (Oxford; Oxford University Press, 2004) Page 3 (from the reading)
Francis Collins publishes the book "The Wireless Man", a book that discusses the average radio audience and the new, wide audience that now exists. (Note: Exact publishing date not listed.)
#1 National system of transmission-station call centers in the United States which mandated that all radio stations be licensed by the federal government, while frequently monitoring radio frequencies. The Radio Act was written in result of the sinking of the Titanic.
National system of transmission-station call centers in the United States which mandated that all radio stations be licensed by the federal government, while frequently monitoring radio frequencies. The Radio Act was written in result of the sinking of the Titanic.
Titanic Disaster and the Radio Act
The American Radio Relay League is founded by Hiram Percy Maxim. This radio amateur organization (that is still around today) is evidence of the growing (and lasting) impact of radio technology. Hilmes, Michele. "Only Connect." 4th ed. Boston: Michael Rosenberg, 2014. Print.
Before technological communication, newspapers were spreading massively that had interesting insights and stories to the public. Hilmes, Michele. "Only Connect: A Cultural History in Broadcasting in the United States" Boston: Rosenberg, Michael, 1998. Print. p23
As media forms became more accessible, competition between rival newspapers, magazines, and journalists rose. All out competition lead to the specification of these forms of media. The consumer now had the option of getting the cool intellectual journalism of the New York Times, the sensationalized crime of William Randolph Hearst, or the scandal and gossip of the many small tabloids. Hilmes, Michele. Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in United States. (3rd edition) Wadsworth. 2011. p 24.
World War I was sold to the American public. " The Creel Committee, created by President Wilson, was the first organized propaganda effort sponsored by the US government. It censored what could and could not be said about the war. Propaganda was now being used in modern communications media." Hilmes, Michele. Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in the United States. 3rd ed, Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011. Print
#2 AT&T researched two-way radio technology for US airplanes and released their findings on this date. AT&T's (primarily a telegraph and phone company), assistance in War-time efforts is emblematic of the nationalism of the era. Link: http://earlyradiohistory.us/sec013.htm
April 6, 1917 was the day that President Wilson declared America's involvement in the war that's taking place in Europe. George Creel, who was the head of the Committee on Public Information, censored newspapers and prints about the war. Due to this we can see the rise of propaganda in America. The adverstising industry created a "successful campaign to sell the war to the American public". The first studies of the media's effect on public opinion (Lasswell 1927) (Hilmes, 22) Himles, Michele. Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcast in the United States.
One of the primary reasons why the United States was able to unite more so than other countries during the early 20th century, is the relationship the government had with private corporations. This is interesting because now mass media can be supported by both sectors and become more of a major force.Hilmes,Michele.Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in the United States 4th edition.Wadsworth,Cengage Learning, 2014. p41
The 18th amendment ratification was certified on January 16, 1919 and began to take effect on January 17, 1920. This amendment established the prohibition of alcohol. This prevented the production consumption and selling of any form of alcohol for any purpose. The amendment was repealed 13 years later. Hilmes, Michele. Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in the United States. 3rd ed, Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011. Print
The movement of social intervention, the progressive movement, technological developments, improved social conditions during a time period where a national sense of identity needed to be established as immigration rapidly increased. Hilmes, Michele. Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in the United States. 4th ed. Wads Worth, Cengage Learning, 2014. 19-20. Print.
Popular media forms became a venue for advertising which was utilized by all types of businesses to reach the maximum population possible (Hilmes p. 24).
The RCA, an organization forms with others to disturbe radio signals, is founded. Rachael Cohen
In 1919, GE gained total control of the U.S radio (p. 43) , and with the aid of the government formed RCA, whose members included AT&T, Westinghouse, and GE itself (Hilmes, p. 43).
#3 The General Electric Corporation (GE) formed the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), an organization put together in order to bring together major companies and the government. The joining of these companies and the U.S. government bred wireless communication. Hilmes, Michele. "Only Connect: A Cultural History in Broadcasting in the United States" Boston: Rosenberg, Michael, 1998. Print. p44
After WW 1 the federal government helps General Electric to have an almost total control over the radio industry. The federal government helped G.E. gain control of the radio industry by seizing control of Marconi's operation systems.
The federal government guided GE to create a subdivision named Radio Corporation of America (RCA). This subdivision became one of the few companies that dominated radio for most of the twentieth century. Quite the nationalistic company, RCA's ownership had to be at least 80 percent American, all board directors had to be American citizens, and at least one board member had to be a government representative. (Hilmes, 2011, p. 43) (McMahon, Morgan E. A Flick of the Switch 1930-1950 (Antiques Electronics Supply, 1990), p. 51)
Popular media forms became a venue for advertising which was utilized by all types of businesses to reach the maximum population possible (Hilmes p. 24).
Considering the biological and psychological vulnerability of children in harsh working conditions, the introduction of child labor laws in the early 1900's restricted children from the workplace. This prompted the idea of "adolescence" which gave rise new product advertisements and child programming options. Perera, F. (2014). SCIENCE as an Early Driver of Policy: Child Labor Reform in the Early Progressive Era, 1870–1900. American Journal Of Public Health, 104(10), 1862-1871.doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302030
Radio was a way for a mass message to be delivered to a wide range of people with ease. As immigrants came from all over, with their own unique belief, to live i America radio was a way to express a common set of values.During the rush of immigrates into America during the 1890's to the 1920's the, "Progressives were the first group to theorize the media's social effects and include it in their social platforms."
The idea of radio unifying our nation is further supported throughout the creation of the "network" where large corporations could supervise/monitor on air programs for an entire national grid rather than having an abundant number of small town stations broadcasting whatever and wherever pleased.
Radio brought about utopian hopes and distopian fears of physical, cultural, linguistic and institutional unity amongst Americans. Hilmes, Michele. Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in United States. (3rd edition) Wadsworth. 2011. p 57-60.
After women were given the right to vote in 1920, many forms of media began to make women their target audience, because women had an undeniable power and influence in the home as the person responsible for purchasing for the family. Women's influence is still a major driving force for today's content within media. Hilmes,Michele.Only Connect: A Cultural History of Broadcasting in the United States 4th edition.Wadsworth,Cengage Learning, 2014. p21
Shows aired that attracted housewives during work hours were used to support and reflect the actual labor and house work of women while at the same time further blurring the line between labor and leisure time. It also reinforced the the common ideology of what is expected of a housewife.
#2 Businesses spent over $3 billion a year on advertising, allowing for popular media/culture to flourish. Magazines profited greatly and consumers were inspired to spend their extra earnings on new gadgets and products. Hilmes, Michele. "Only Connect: A Cultural History in Broadcasting in the United States" Boston: Rosenberg, Michael, 1998. Print. p25
#2 Businesses spent over $3 billion a year on advertising, allowing for popular media/culture to flourish. Magazines profited greatly and consumers were inspired to spend their extra earnings on new gadgets and products. Hilmes, Michele. "Only Connect: A Cultural History in Broadcasting in the United States" Boston: Rosenberg, Michael, 1998. Print. p25
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