Ch 6 CAPES Reading, Writing, and Radio

What was the US govt’s attitude towards radio advances during WWI ?

Scared of this new mysterious science being used by foreign powers, the US government established a monopoly on radio communications and equipment through the Department of the Navy. Civilian use of radio was minimal and experimental during the War.

What is the Radio Corporation of America ?

Formed in 1919 by Owen Young, it bought all patents held by the govt during the war. Had laws that only Americans could work for it. Had monopoly status over civilian radio business.

Throughout the 1920s, it monopolized radio manufacture and the broadcasting industry.

What is KDKA ?

November 4, 1920, one of the first national broadcast news, giving election results to the east coast.

What were the first uses of radio in the 1920s ? How did it evolve towards the end of the decade?

• Newspaper wanting to sell information.

• local churches, colleges, local news and weather, football and baseball scores.

In 1922, 4 channels existed at the start of the year, ending with 576.

1929, 12 million families owned at least one radio.

commercial interruptions started appearing, product advertising between programs, getting people familiar with brand names.

How were politics affected by the rapidly growing radio medium ?

1924, democratic convention broadcasted to almost the entire nation. Despite their loss at the election, radio was seen as a way to bring voters and supporters together in the comfort of their own homes rather than outside. Will be a major game changer.

What is the Algonquin Hotel known for ?

Situated at 59 West 44th Street, NYC, it was known for the Round Table where celebs, writers, etc would sit and talk. People would try to get tables near the Round Table. Attracted tourists. A Little Round Table was even made by the hotel manager which hosted second-string novelists and critics.