Audio Media

Page 1: Introduction to Audio Media

  • Overview of media recording technology, the recording industry, and radio.

Page 2: The First Recorded Voice

  • Significance of the first recorded voice in audio history.

  • Mention of a 10-second sound snippet.

Page 3: Edison's Phonograph

  • Thomas Edison's invention, the phonograph, as a crucial advance in sound recording technology.

Page 4: Gramophone

  • The Gramophone PATHEPHONE No. 6, a notable recording device in 1908.

  • Reference to revoxmania.com as a source for historical context.

Page 5: Victrola

  • Introduction to the Victrola as a significant player in the music industry.

Page 6: Business Models in the Music Industry

  • The music industry’s history with technology disruptions.

  • Discussion of how disruptions usually benefit the recording industry despite some delays (e.g., Digital Media).

Page 7: Disruption 1: Sheet Music vs. Recorded Music

  • Advertisement for two new song hits in "The Saturday Evening Post."

  • The evolution from sheet music to recorded music; Sheet music once dominated entertainment.

Page 8: Enrico Caruso, the Record Star

  • Enrico Caruso, who signed with Victor in 1906, and his massive influence on the record industry.

  • Caruso’s earnings: $5 million from recordings, $400 per recording, plus royalties.

Page 9: Mamie Smith and "Crazy Blues"

  • Mamie Smith’s “Crazy Blues” (1920): the first album by an African-American artist to achieve one million sales.

  • Original category of “race records” which later evolved into “rhythm and blues.”

Page 10: Rudy Vallee and Teen Idols

  • Introduction of Rudy Vallee, referred to as a “teen idol” from the late 1920s.

Page 11: Bing Crosby's Impact

  • Bing Crosby’s “Temptation” (1933) and the advancement of recording technology enhancing deeper voice recordings.

Page 12: Recording Technology: Cylinders

  • Mention of cylinders as an early form of audio recording from 1819.

  • Acknowledgment of Edison and his contributions.

Page 13: Recording Technology: Records

  • Overview of the evolution and significance of records in music history.

Page 14: Recording Technology: Tapes

  • Development and details regarding tape recording technology, including different models and brands.

Page 15: Digital Recording Technology

  • Transition to digital recording technology and its initial release on discs.

Page 16: Disruption: Digital Piracy

  • Context of piracy in the digital age: The rise of platforms like The Pirate Bay and Napster.

Page 17: Streaming Services

  • Introduction and rise of music streaming services such as TIDAL, Spotify, and Google Music.

Page 18: Today's Music Business Model

  • Exploration of contemporary music purchasing and artist compensation.

Page 19: Historical Context: Radio

  • Mention of the telegraph's significance before the advent of radio.

Page 20: Cultural Impact of Radio

  • Reference to the Titanic and its relation to advancements in radio technology.

Page 21: KDKA and Commercial Radio

  • KDKA's significance as the first commercial radio broadcast, including the aired 1920 presidential election results.

Page 22: Harding and Radio in the White House

  • Radio installation in the White House during Harding’s presidency (1922).

Page 23: Radio Developments

  • Overview of early radio advancements and challenges.

Page 24: The 1927 Radio Act

  • Establishment of the Federal Radio Commission (FRC) due to the 1927 Radio Act.

  • Discussion of licensing regulations for radio stations.

Page 25: The 1934 Communications Act

  • Creation of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowing the government to regulate radio licenses.

Page 26: Race and Radio Regulations

  • Discussion on how the FRC and FCC aim to fulfill the public good through radio.

Page 27: Ethnically Diverse Radio

  • Insights into the potential of ethnically diverse radio programming.

Page 28: Functions of Early Radio

  • Early American radio's role in broadcasting religious services and educational content.

  • Variety of music played to a diverse audience.

Page 29: Target Audience of Early Radio

  • Focus on how radio served immigrants, people of color, and the working class.

Page 30: Jazz and Culture

  • Introduction to Louis Armstrong and his influence on jazz music (e.g., "Tight Like This" - 1928).

Page 31: Defining the Public Good

  • Mainstream media's definitions surrounding the public good in radio.

  • Concerns about political biases and educational programming.

Page 32: Early Radio Networks

  • Overview of the early American radio networks, including CBS and NBC.

Page 33: David Sarnoff vs. Edwin Armstrong

  • Impactful rivalry leading to Armstrong’s tragic end; inventor of FM.

  • Context surrounding Armstrong's contributions and personal struggles.

Page 34: Telecommunications Act of 1996

  • The impact of the Telecommunications Act on radio ownership and consolidation.

Page 35: Consequences of Ownership Consolidation

  • Discussion of the effects of ownership consolidation on programming diversity, local music scenes, and job loss.

Page 36: Changing Music Consumption

  • Examination of how modern audiences consume music and the evolution of radio.