History and Impact of Magazines, Radio, and Music Industry Technologies

How do magazines reflect society?

Magazines mirror societal trends and culture, targeting specific audiences.

What significant change did the Postal Act of 1879 bring to magazines?

It encouraged the growth of magazines by ensuring quick, reasonably priced distribution.

What was the first general interest magazine in the U.S.?

The Saturday Evening Post, first published in 1821.

Who were key figures in the development of early U.S. magazines focused on social reform?

Sarah Josepha Hale and Edward Bok.

What role did McClure's Magazine play in journalism?

It pioneered investigative reporting and featured muckrakers like Lincoln Steffens and Ida Tarbell.

What are the three types of magazines?

Consumer magazines, trade/technical/association magazines, and corporate magazines.

What is the primary source of income for consumer magazines?

Advertising, due to their large readership.

How have magazines adapted to compete with digital media?

By launching internet editions and targeting specialized audiences.

What impact do digital technologies have on magazines?

They allow for online magazines and change how magazines are delivered and consumed.

What was Thomas Edison's contribution to the music industry?

He first demonstrated the phonograph in 1877.

What innovation did Peter Goldmark develop for records?

The long-playing (LP) record, which played at 33 1/3 rpm.

What are the three major record companies that dominate the music industry?

Sony, Universal, and Warner Music.

What technological advancement made music more portable in the 1970s?

The introduction of the Walkman.

What was the significance of the Apple iPod when it was introduced?

It allowed users to store and play music downloads, revolutionizing music consumption.

How do concerts contribute to a musician's income?

Concert ticket sales are a crucial revenue source for popular performers.

What is the role of the Alliance for Audited Media?

It monitors and verifies magazine readership.

What trend has been observed in magazine readership since 1990?

The number of magazines published in the U.S. has been declining.

How do magazines specifically target their audience?

By demographics such as geography, age, education, income, and interest groups.

What is the average readership per magazine issue, according to the News Media Alliance?

Each issue has at least four adult readers on average.

What was the first standard record speed established?

78 rpm.

What is a key characteristic of muckrakers in journalism?

They exposed corruption in business and government.

What did the introduction of CD-RWs allow consumers to do?

Create their own CDs that could record as well as play.

What is the significance of magazines like Essence and Sports Illustrated?

They serve targeted audiences and reflect specific cultural interests in society.

What is a 'bookazine' in the context of magazine publishing?

A publication that combines elements of books and magazines, often with a specific theme.

What is the primary challenge facing the magazine industry today?

Adapting to changing economics and expanding digital presence.

Which three major corporations dominate the recording industry?

Sony, Universal, and Warner Music.

What is the primary source of income for the recording industry?

Direct sales, music licensing, and streaming.

What are the names of the two licensing agencies that handle music rights for broadcast?

ASCAP and BMI.

What challenges has the music industry faced since 1985?

Attempts to control music content through labeling, overseas piracy, and copyright protection for internet file sharing.

What significant legal action did the RIAA take against Napster?

Napster was sued for copyright infringement in 1999 and closed in 2001.

What was the outcome of the U.S. Supreme Court case MGM Studios v. Grokster?

The court ruled that Grokster could be sued for facilitating copyright infringement.

What was the penalty imposed on Jammie Thomas for file sharing?

A federal jury imposed a penalty of $222,000.

What does the Music Modernization Act (MMA) aim to achieve?

It established the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) to maintain a database of sound recordings for royalty payments.

How has digital technology transformed the music industry?

It has allowed consumers to download and store music easily, impacting sales and distribution.

What is the relationship between the recording industry and radio?

Radio depends on popular music for success, while artists rely on radio to promote their songs.

What was the significance of the Radio Act of 1927?

It established government regulation of broadcasting as a public convenience, interest, or necessity.

What was the impact of 'The War of the Worlds' broadcast in 1938?

It demonstrated the vulnerability of the captive broadcast audience and challenged radio's credibility.

Who were the founders of the major radio networks NBC, CBS, and ABC?

David Sarnoff (NBC), William S. Paley (CBS), and Edward Noble (ABC).

What is the difference between FM and AM radio?

FM radio is more popular today, with FM stations being three times as popular as AM stations.

What unethical practice was uncovered in the radio industry during the 1960s?

Payola, where music companies paid disc jockeys to play their songs.

How has the internet affected music piracy?

It has made music piracy easier, leading to significant economic implications for recording artists.

What role does the federal government play in regulating broadcasting?

It intervenes to regulate broadcasting to protect public interest, separating it from print media.

What is the significance of blanket licensing in commercial radio?

It allows radio owners to use recorded music inexpensively.

How has the internet changed the audience for music artists?

It allows artists to reach a global audience through concerts, streaming, and subscription services.

What is the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)?

A nonprofit organization established by the MMA to manage music ownership and royalty payments.

What was the outcome of the Recording Industry Association of America's lawsuits against individual downloaders in 2003?

The lawsuits aimed to stop the flow of free music but did not significantly reduce illegal downloads.

What technological advancements contributed to the growth of radio?

Inventions like the telegraph, telephone, and wireless radio transmission.

What does the term 'format radio' refer to?

A programming strategy launched by Gordon McLendon in 1959 to attract specific audiences.

What is the major public network in the United States?

National Public Radio (NPR)

What year did NPR begin broadcasting national programming?

1970

What are the two main sources of funding for NPR?

Federal funding and private donations

What does the management structure of a radio station typically include?

A general manager, program manager, account executives, and various departments like traffic, production, and engineering.

What significant change did the Telecommunications Act of 1996 bring to radio ownership?

It removed the limit on the number of radio stations one company can own.

What is narrowcasting in radio?

Identifying a specific audience segment and programming specifically for it.

What was the primary ratings service for radio before Nielsen took over?

Arbitron

What are the most popular radio formats today?

Rock/alternative/indie music and country music.

What is the significance of the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast?

It changed people's perceptions of radio by demonstrating its power to create panic and influence public opinion.

What is payola in the context of radio?

The practice of record companies paying promoters to get their songs played on the air.

How has digital audio changed the radio industry?

It has introduced internet radio and satellite radio, providing more program choices for listeners.

What is the role of commercial sponsorship in American broadcasting?

Advertisers underwrite the cost of programming, allowing for commercial radio.

What is the average duration that a magazine issue is kept by readers?

Seventeen weeks.

Who founded and edited The Crisis magazine?

W. E. B. Du Bois

What department handles address changes for magazines?

Circulation department

What was the first commercial radio station?

KDKA

What is the primary function of the distribution office of a recording company?

To plan the best way to sell a record and oversee cover design.

What does the term 'pass-along readership' refer to?

The average number of readers who share a magazine issue.

What is the significance of the Radio Act of 1927?

It formed the Federal Radio Commission under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce.

What was the impact of the 2005 payola scandal?

It led to legal actions against major recording companies for paying promoters to play their songs.

What is the primary method by which recording artists reach a global audience today?

Streaming and subscription services.

What are the two main licensing companies for music rights in broadcasting?

ASCAP and BMI.

What is the significance of the Nielsen Company in radio ratings?

It became the primary ratings service after acquiring Arbitron.

What does the term 'network' refer to in broadcasting?

A collection of stations that offers programs simultaneously throughout the country.

What is the main challenge facing the radio industry today?

Competition from digital platforms and changing audience preferences.