Radio Breakthroughs In The 1930's

The radio breakthrough in the 1930’s was huge. It not only offered news updates, but it also provided entertainment to all ages. Some news updates and broadcasts were often referred to as “fireside chats”. The radio benefitted everyone, everywhere, but eventually went out of style as other trends came into existence. However, even as the interest in radio lessened, it played a key role in the evolution of things like the television. In addition to the Golden Age of Broadcasting, radios have changed a great deal since the 1930’s and 40’s. Without radio and broadcasting, life would be a little different from the way it is now. The Golden Age was a time of an easier life for people. Radio was not around for long before business started booming. The radio swept the nation. Over twelve million people in the 1930’s had a radio sitting in their living room. The radio was great because everyone, rich or poor, could own one. The prices ranged
Beginning with the first radio station in Pittsburg, PA, the only broadcasts were brief announcements, and recorded music. After an article was written about the radio by the Pittsburg Sun, people went crazy, and other stations like WJZ, KYW, and WBZ, began to pop up all over the U.S. Soon enough, over two-hundred radio licenses were issued. Stations eventually branched out and so did fame. Comedians like Fred Allen, Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Bob Hope, Edgar Bergen and his dummy, Charlie McCarthy kept people laughing for years. Shows like Helen Trent, Stella Dallas, and Life Can Be Beautiful were all popular dramas that society loved to listen to. Broadcasts were capable of traveling overseas and even at the same scene that the event took place. Radios even stayed overseas, in Europe and were used by Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle to address their countries' people