The 1920s saw the commercial dawn of radio,
and the continued popularity of the Phonograph. Neither invention was new.
Radio had been experimented with as early as 1896, and Marconi stations
lined the coasts before the Great War. The 20s saw the demise of the wax
cylinder recorder (Edison manufactured them into the 20s), and the rise
of the disk that was to stay with us in some form until the CD. 78rpm was
the standard, and early disks from Columbia were single sided.
If you use radio in your games, remember
that most stations signed off at 12 midnight!
Timeline
of Media History
EDITOR'S CHOICE: An
excellent and highly detailed timeline of Communications history, including
radio, television, printing, and photography. Includes the 20s.
Radio
Photos
EDITOR'S CHOICE:
A collection of old radio photos, including an early 30's magazine illustration
of what television would be like. This site gives a clear impression
of how well known the "coming" phenomenon of television was by 1932, and
has beautiful pictures of some old radio receivers. Research about
early radio in the U.S., History of Broadcasting in Canada and the San
Francisco Bay area, and Ham stations, c. 1921.
Building the Broadcast
Band
"The history of AM broadcast band
(mediumwave) in the United States spans seventy years. This is a review
of its first decade -- how it was established, initially evolved, suffered
through a chaotic period when government regulation collapsed, and finally
was reconstructed by the newly formed Federal Radio Commission, along lines
that are still visible today. " Includes a list of historic stations
with their frequency and call letters - A definitive site!
Broadcasting History
"Articles on the history of broadcasting,
early lists of U. S. radio and TV stations, and articles on West Virginia
broadcast history in particular can be found here." Includes station
slogans from the 20s and 30s, and complete lists of U.S. Stations in the
20s.
Tim
Gracyk Page -Early Record Artists
Incredible Site!!! - this
site is crammed with technical information on every aspect of early 20th
century sound recording. If you wanted to know anything about the history
of sound, or a long list of artists, check this site.
Broadcasting
History
Excellent description of Broadcasting
in several decades. The information is compact and useful.
Radio
Archive
The University of Memphis will
sell you old radio programs at $2.00 per 60 minute casette (you supply
the casette.) You can't beat this for background color.
Article
on Collecting
Same source as "Radio Archive."
A good history of sound recording, if you remember that the author was
only interested in quality recording. He dismisses Wax cylinder recording
in a line, but the cylinders were popular, in the form of "dictating machines"
right through WWII.
Talking
Machines
An inventory of manufacturers of
"taking machines" from 1916-1923, listing some 263. Also discusses period
publicaitons for audiophiles, and is a good general interest article for
anyone using period sound equipment.
Sound
of Radio Broadcasting
Excellent overview of Broadcasting,
including NBC and CBC histories. Also includes various full programs in
RealAudio format, mostly from the 1930s and later.
U.
S. Radio Stations as of June 30, 1930
A list of all the licensed U.S.
Radio stations in 1930
Technology
and Media History Timeline: 1920s
When was it invented? Try this
timeline. Focus on communications technology, but includes references as
obscure as the spiral bound notebook (1924) Note that this
timeline seems a little general on its facts.
Surfing the Aether
Excellent History of Radio Site.
Real Audio clips include KDKA Election Returns, Hindenburg Crash, and more.
Important for understanding how speakers replaced headphones, and how broadcasting
on channels evolved. Nice pictures.
Phone Company
Histories
Links to the history of a huge
number of phone companies. A very useful reference source.
Details about equipment, long distance service, and photos. Capitalization
and expenses are discussed.
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