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Media and Society Interactive Timeline
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1901-First Transatlantic Radio Signal
Gigliemlo Marconi transmitted the first transatlantic radio signal, making the start of wireless communication. The achievement showed the potential of wireless communication to bridge wide distances and layed the groundwork for the development of global communication networks. His work esarned him a Nobel Prize in Physics and set the stage for rapid expansion of radio technology which became the bedrock of modern media. IEEE History Center. Reception of Transatlantic Radio Signals, 1901. -
First Commercial Radio Station
KDKA in Pitssburgh became the first commercial radio station, revolutionizing how information and entertainment was broadcasted to the public. Radio eventually started to reach the masses. It reached audiences with news, music, and entertainment. KDKA's success led to massive growth of radio. [First Broadcast] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC_mgp6BJtU Encyclopaedia Britannica. "KDKA." Last modified September 28, 2023. Accessed November 15, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/KDKA. -
Television
Philo Farnsworth showed the first electronic television system. The television was able to combine visual and auditory elements creating a new way to consume media. His invention led to television broadcasting becoming a dominant outlet for news and media as it still is today. Elon University. "Back: 1920–1960." 150 Years Time Capsule. https://www.elon.edu/u/imagining/time-capsule/150-years/back-1920-1960/. Photo: https://www.historyonthenet.com/who-invented-the-television -
War of the Worlds Broadcast
Orson Welles' radio adaptation of the novel "The War of the Worlds" caused panic among listeners who believed the broadcast was a real news report. This highlighted the immense power of radio to influence and manipulate public perception. This can relate to the "fake news" and social media disinformation today. Friedman, Norman. "The Infamous War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast Was a Magnificent Fluke." Smithsonian Magazine, October 30, 2019
Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGjzrY7jve0 -
First Television Commercial
The first TV commercial aired during a broadcast of a Brooklyn Dodgers game on WNBT. The ad for Bulova watches, began TV advertising, becoming a major revenue source for networks. It transformed advertising, becoming a platform for marketers to reach masses. Modern TV business relies on ads. In correlation with Bulova, Dunkin' Donuts' uses "America runs on Dunkin." Plato, Herbie J. "The Day Commercial Television Was Born." June 28, 2021.
Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjc2uDi1OI -
Rise of Television Networks
Networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC came to dominate the airwaves. They produced and broadcast a wide range of programs like shows, news, and variety shows, shaping American culture and society. TV became the primary source of entertainment and information, influencing public opinion and social norms. TV became a powerful tool for communication and a central part of daily life. De León, Charles. "That's the Way It Is: A History of the US Media." The University of Chicago Press. (also photo source) -
Moon Landing
The Apollo 11 moon landing was broadcast live to millions of viewers around the world, a landmark for technocological advancement. It showcased the global reach and impact of TV. The live broadcast showed the ability of TV to bring real-time events into people's homes and highlighted the role of media in documenting history. Science and Media Museum. "From the Moon to the Living Room: The Apollo 11 Broadcast." July 8, 2019.
Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd6ekSYpt9w -
Launch of CNN (Cable News Network)
This marked the beginning of 24-hour news cycle. It modernized the news industry by providing continuous news and coverage of breaking news. It changed how people consume news as people could be informed at all times. Other 24 hour networks emerged and changed the landscape of television news in immediacy and constant availability, evolving the media business. "Library of Congress. "CNN Launched: June 1980." This Month in Business History."
Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqDopY5dMD8 -
The World Wide Web
The introduction of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee revolutinized information sharing and the media industry, The web made it possible to access and share information globally, breaking down geographical barriers and giving wide access to knowledge. It created new opportunities for media production and distribution, including online news, digital publishing, and social media. Ring, Julian. "The World Wide Web Turns 30: A Look Back at the Internet's Anniversary." NPR, April 30, 2023. -
Launch of Amazon
Amazon was founded in July 1994, and soon launched an online bookstore one year later. By the late 90's, Amazon added electronics, clothes, and all sorts of items. This, along with eBay who started online auctions in 1995, began the boom of e-commerce. This has signifcantly influenced the way people shop and do business, setting the stage for the modern e-commerce landscape. Hopkins, Colby. "The History of Amazon and Its Rise to Success." Michigan Journal of Economics, May 1, 2023. -
Introduction of Social Media
The launch of "Six Degrees" considered the first social media site, was the beginning of social networking. Based on the concept that suggests everyone's connected by six or fewer social connections, we now connect through apps. It laid the groundwork for future social networks by the potential of connecting people online in our global world. 2007 Oct 1Joinson, A. "Self-Disclosure, Privacy, and the Internet." Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bjMKX8KuwbU -
Facebook Launches
Facebook launched in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and allowed user to create profiles, upload photos, and connect with others. Now, Facebook is also a place for advertisements and news. Some may say Six Degrees was ahead of it's time, and Facebook also took over MySpace as the clear, dominant leader in social media. Within 3 years there was a mobile app and is still relevant in today's social media landscape. Press, Gil. "Why Facebook Triumphed Over All Other Social Networks." Forbes, April 8, 2018. -
YouTube Launches
YouTube was launched by three former PayPal employees. People could now easily upload, share, and view videos online. YouTube impacted media business through content creation which has been used to market and advertise, and led to short-form video apps like TikTok. People can go to Youtube to watch viral videos and any kind of content like news, entertainment, tutorials and more. Sherr, Ian. "The History of YouTube." Business Insider.
1st YT video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNQXAC9IVRw -
Rise of Streaming Services
Netflix transitioned to streaming, leading other services and bringing about a new median era . Hulu came after, HBO has joined, and now companies like Amazon, Apple, and Disney and broadcasting services like NBC and CBS have launched their own services, keeping up with the market trends. Users watch shows, live news and sports, stream music and more. "2021. History of the Internet: Video Streaming. Old Dominion University." Photo: 12 Nov, 2024. Woo K. "The best streaming services in 2024.' -
The iPhone.
Apple releases the iPhone, integrating media consumption with mobile technology. It combined a phone, iPod, and internet into one device, changing the media landscape forever. Now on the iPhone you have access at your finger-tips to news and media making the 24 hour cycle even more accessible than imagined. There is a multitude of apps that allow for social media, news, books, music, podcasts, and more. O'Connell, Heather. "How the Apple iPhone Changed the World." CNBC, January 27, 2024.