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The Creation of the RCA
Originally, the British Marconi dominated American radio. However, once WWI hits, the U.S. commandeered the radio for themselves and after the war, refused the give up control. This would form a bond between private corporations and the U.S. government as they both realize that airwaves have many more uses for themselves and the public. NAB -
The Birth of The Commercial Broadcast Model
Airtime was available to anyone willing to pay, and the U.S. broadcasting systems weren't inherently commercial yet. Broadcasting was still seen as a useful social tool, especially with the diversity of the American population at this time. This would create tension between citizens and the government as more citizens projected whatever they wanted to the nation. Khan Academy -
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The FCC Licensing Freeze
Radio and TV are more accessible to the general population. This leads to cluttered airways and the FCC putting a freeze on issuing new licenses. Giving already well-established networks the opportunity to grow for three years without competition. The end result of the restrictions: the marginalization of independent education stations. Mitel -
FCC Lifts the Freeze
All the choice airwaves had been taken by larger networks. They had a monopoly over the land space of radio and people become comfortable listing to their stations. When the freeze was eventually lifted, networks had officially taken full control of the airwaves. This allowed them to get a jump start in the television space as it started booming. New York Times -
The Quiz Show Scandal
Sponsors rigged several quiz shows to bring in higher ratings. They would control every aspect of the people brought in to participate. Everything would be tailored so the contents would lose. Eventually, a congressional hearing would be held and sponsors were accountable for the scandal. This would lead to networks taking over the landscape, being unrestricted by sponsors' needs. PBS