Chapter 4: Sounds and Images

1.) The radio originally began as Morse code via the telegraph. Later, radio waves were discovered and utilized to create the earliest forms of the radio we have today. The wireless versions of the early telegraph were designed to help ships at sea communicate with each other and with the people on land. By 1910 via the Wireless Ship Act, many vessels were required to be equipped with wireless telegraphs for safety reasons.

2.) The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) monopolized radio by 1919 in order to make sure that America had control over transmitter and receiver manufacturing. Pretty soon, RCA was able to give the U.S. almost complete control over the new medium of broadcasting. Eventually, the RCA/NBC monopoly was disbanded by the Federal Trade Commission in 1932.

3.) The radio gained popularity in the average American home and was the source for news and entertainment. News shows, speeches, music, and evening programs. One evening program caused a brief bout of hysteria; Orson Wells' reading of War of the Worlds. Unfortunately, many listeners tuned in after the disclaimer had been aired and thought that the news of an alien invasion was the real deal.