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Progressivism vs. Radio Amateurs
During the early 1900s,progressives recognized broadcasting as being an effective social tool, but was also in need of controlling and regulation. Progressives thought that the radio should develop according to a specific version of the middle class, and that to maintain control, there should be trust in the government and technology to fix social problems. Amateurs, on the other hand, used the radio as a two way communication device. Progressives feared this widespread amateur use of radios. -
Radio Act of 1912
The Radio act of 1912 created a radio licensing system which gave priority to the military and big business, effectively marginalizing amateurs. -
Formation of RCA
After the British Macaroni had dominated the American radio market, during the First World War, the United States Navy took control of the radio. After the war, the United States wanted to keep control of the radio by way of a government supported monopoly: the RCA. The RCA was designed to be US owned and operated, and functioned as a patent pool, where companies would share patents in exchange for controlling a specific hardware technology. -
Westinghouse Launches Their First Radio Station
KDKA Pittsburgh broadcasts to places as far away as Chicago -
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Early Commercial Broadcasting
Early commercial broadcasting reflected the idea that many factors shape broadcasting development, and they didn't necessarily have to be commercial. It also showed that technology is ever changing and adapting. The government saw commercial broadcasting as best supporting public interest because it strove to serve a larger audience than other parties and had a market focused approach. -
Radio Act of 1927
The Radio act of 1927 created the Federal Radio Commission, which regulated access to and assigned radio frequencies. The importance of this commission was their granting of licenses to applicants following the PICAN standard: They must operate in public interest, convenience, and necessity. -
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Media Effects Paradigm
The media effects paradigm which arose during and after the Second World War developed due to the desire to understand propaganda and persuasion. It was based on the Behavioral Effects Theory, and saw media as an input, directly causing specific behaviors and reactions. -
FCC Licensing Freeze
In 1948, because the radio waves were so occupied, the FCC stopped issuing new radio licenses. Network affiliations that were centered in urban eastern cities got 3 years to expand without competition, leaving fewer and less powerful independent and educational stations.