What is the Commercial model of radio?
A model where RCA pooled patents and monopolized the radio industry, allowing only 25% foreign ownership and funding through advertisements
This model gave the US almost total control of radio.
What is the Public-service model of radio?
A non-profit model established by the BBC, funded by annual licensing fees, serving the public
Examples include NPR.
What did the Radio Act of 1912 establish?
It gave the commerce department limited power to revoke licenses and required licensing for transmitting on radio waves
Radio waves were considered a natural resource.
What is the significance of the establishment of KDKA in 1920?
Regarded as the first commercial broadcast station, shifting radio from point-to-point communication to mass media
Established by Westinghouse.
What was the significance of the establishment of WEAF in 1922?
First radio station to regularly sell commercial time to advertisers
Created by AT&T to sell toll broadcasting.
What is toll broadcasting?
Selling time at a price (toll) to anyone who wants to buy it
This practice was initiated by WEAF.
What is a radio network?
A linked group of broadcast stations that share programming produced at a central location
This allows for coordinated broadcasting across multiple stations.
What was the consequence of network radio?
Clash between Westinghouse and smaller competing stations, leading to an investigation that forced AT&T to sell its network
Smaller stations had to use inferior telegraph lines.
What is option time?
An illegal business tactic where radio networks paid an affiliate station a set fee to control programming and advertising
This practice was outlawed by the FCC.
What was the consequence of the Radio Act of 1927?
Attempted to restore order to the airwaves, stating licensees could only operate on assigned channels serving public interest
Created the Federal Radio Commission (FRC).
Which act created the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?
Communications Act of 1934
This act replaced the FRC and adopted an ad-supported commercial broadcasting model.
What reforms did the FCC implement in 1941?
- Cracked down on larger networks
- Outlawed option time
- Demanded RCA to sell one of its NBC networks
Led to the selling of NBC-Blue.
What is the significance of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967?
Established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, overseeing PBS and NPR
Aimed to spread educational tools through nonprofit broadcasting.
Why is public radio declining?
Loss of government funding, leading to the rise in private sponsorship
This shift affects the sustainability of public radio.
What technology allowed radio to be portable?
Portable radio
Became a cheap and accessible alternative in the 1960s.
How was FM better than AM?
FM gave higher fidelity to radio, ideal for music
This quality difference made FM more popular for music broadcasting.
What is Internet radio?
AM or FM stations stream a version of their air show over the web
Listeners can access it via an app.
What is Satellite radio?
Subscription-based radio service delivering various formats nationally via satellite
Offers a wide range of channels and content.
What is Podcasting?
Audio files available on the internet for streaming from phones and computers
This format allows for on-demand listening.
Why was radio referred to as a “cultural mirror”?
Radio programs reflected the sociocultural fabric of the times in which they were produced
This concept highlights the influence of societal issues on radio content.
What was the significance of the radio show Here Comes Tomorrow?
A 1974 show that depicted a black family in Chicago, emphasizing equality and pushback on racial intolerance
It contributed to discussions on race and representation in media.
