The rise of radio, from Marconi through the Golden Age

Balk, Alfred 1930-2010 (Author).

Summary: "This book analyzes the changing medium's social, political, and cultural impact. It casts new light on many topics, including the roles of women and African Americans, programming sources outside the Hollywood-Broadway nexus, and the arguments about Amos 'n' Andy--once the hit that jump-started radio's young networks, now a controversial remnant of a bygone era"--Provided by publisher.

Record details

ISBN: 0786423684
ISBN: 9780786423682
Physical Description: print
viii, 350 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Publisher: Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., ©2006.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-331) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

pt. I. Radio's rise -- Radio's roots -- An industry is born -- The radio craze -- AT & T tries a takeover -- Programming's ascent -- Enter advertising -- Regulation arrives, set-making thrives -- And now, networks -- "Playboy" Paley surprises -- Amos, Andy, and liftoff -- Chicago's innings -- Cincinnati, Detroit, and Tonto -- Westward, Ho! -- Mutual arrives, ad agencies program -- The great press and identity wars -- pt. II. The age's stage -- Comedy's trail blazers -- Comedy's second wave -- Sitcoms tonight -- Adventure, crime, mystery -- "Get your decoders ready" -- Uncle Don to "school of the air" -- "Can a young woman who ..." -- Playwrights stage center -- Baritones to barn dances -- Blues to big bands -- Talking heads -- The jackpot question is ... -- We/you are there -- pt. III. Pinnacle, precipice, abyss -- Maturity blooms -- War, NBC's split, ABC -- By the home fires -- Before the fall -- An old order dies -- A legacy lost.