The Radio Industry

      The radio industry, kicking off from the early 1900's, has experienced many highs and lows. Many institutions such as RCA, CBS, FCC, NBC,and even the U.S. Government have contributed to the radio industry from the first wireless telegraphs to the ruling of DJ's during the 50's-80's. These many institutions have helped shaped radio by having it be easily accessible to the public from the comfort of their own homes to having the radio be used for military purposes.
        The establishment of British Marconi and American Marconi was a successful two way radio (wireless telegraph) business taking place in 1901. The Titanic disaster was a big turning point for radio history as it's tragedy was being reported through Marconi radio. This lead up to the Radio Act of 1912, which gave airwaves to the military. The RCA (Radio Corporation of America) was began it's formation after World War 1 when the radio finally returned to private hands, and so RCA wanted to sell radios. With the shaping of the radio becoming more and more entertainment, institutions began expanding. William S. Paley started CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) and saw potential for advertising.  Advertising agencies produced radio programs for commercial sponsors interested in selling consumer goods.
           From the 1920's-1940's, standardized programs formatted. Schedules from daily to weekly shows were being played for a regular mass audience. The creation of radio "stars" also appeared from this. With the coming of FM, technology shaped a desire to have higher quality music stations. That being said, talk shows began diminishing more and more. So in general, the force of these institutions have helped make the radio industry what it is.