Radio Broadcasting Influence On American Culture

In a small laboratory in 1878, one of the most impactful sounds in history, the first recorded human voice reciting faint verses of “Mary had a Little Lamb”, was heard by a select few inventors and would change the fabric of social culture worldwide. This seemingly frivolous technology would grow to become one of the most impactful means of communication. Radio was invented by Guglielmo Marconi in 1895 as "wireless telegraphy", or a means for sending Morse code through the air, but on December 24th, 1906, a few wireless operators on ships in the North Atlantic heard not the usual dots and dashes but a voice reading from St. Luke's Gospel. It was Reginald Fessenden, an American who had devised a means for radio waves to carry signals for

The “Golden Age of Radio”, as it was called, began in the early 1930s, a transformative time in the world. Radio broadcasting played a formidable role in the modification of world culture, and one of the key reasons this was possible was the fact that radio was made for everyone. After the initial purchase of about $75 in today's money for a receiver, radio was free to listen to (Radio Fever). There were broadcasts in every language, and of every genre, so everyone could find something that interested them. Immigrants could listen to radio to learn a new language and a new culture. Politicians from every country and every party used radio to connect with the people. Celebrities became well known to the entire world. When Charles Lindbergh’s son was kidnapped, the entire world heard news reports on the story. Radio had an acute ability to unite people no matter what they valued in

Radio’s transformative powers changed the way people were informed about world events, what was considered entertainment, and united a world divided under the impartial broadcasters and receivers. Radio was able to lead the world into a new age of technology and consumerism. The impact left by this small device will still be seen years and years into the future. Today’s society revolves around technology and communication, but the obsession with fast news began almost 100 years ago. Radio broadcasting opened new doors into realms of new possibility. New celebrities and jobs were created. Family life was altered, as well as personal values and morals. Radio’s worldly impact will undoubtedly continue to influence our world as time goes on, so let us never forget the events that shaped our