The history of radio broadcasting is brought to life in this amazing collection of historical radio broadcasting films. Full of in studio performances, famous radio personalities, show recordings, and footage of vintage radio transition equipment and microphones, you wont want to miss this amazing collection of films.
Included Films:
Back of the Mike
Back of the Mike
Produced: 1938
Length: 9 Minutes
This interesting film shows how the sound effects for the old radio plays were created live by announcers, actors, and effects men. A young boy lies on a bed, listening to a radio western, and we watch as the images in his head, created by the radio show, are brought to life. Then, the film shows us the behind-the-scenes at the radio studio, as the show is being performed. The effects men operate very complicated devices to create various sound effects, actors pretend to ride horses as they carry on a conversation, an adult does a very convincing childs voice, and one actor even does two different voices having a conversation with each other. Not surprisingly, this Chevrolet-sponsored film ends with the Sheriffs daughter saving the day by riding the bad guys down in, you guessed it, a Chevy. All in all, this well-made film gives a very complete and fascinating overview of the bygone art of the radio play.
Hear and Now
Hear and Now
Produced: 1958
Length: 18 Minutes
Since its invention, radio has been a vital tool in the dissemination of news. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters, Hear and Now, promotes radio in a time when television was taking control of American Society. The advantages of radio are discussed, including the rapid speed for the distribution of information and the varied types of radio entertainment broadcasts. Highlighting some of the major events in radio history we see how the radio aids citizens in times of natural disaster and when national security is threatened.
Independent Radio Station
Independent Radio Station
Produced: 1951
Length: 18 Minutes
Radio, the television of yesteryear, was an important source of entertainment and news for people in1940s America. These radio broadcasts were a concerted effort from technicians, musicians, commentators, administrative staff and other workers to please and entertain a vast radio public. The radio was not just a convenient source of entertainment like it is today but a means of connecting people all over the country to one another, uniting them through laughter, sports, news and music. Independent Radio Station is an intriguing look into the inner workings of not only network radio stations of the 1940s but the stations that were smaller and covered things just for their area, like the local news and local advertising. Comparatively small to the network broadcasts – 5,000 watts to the larger networks 50,000 watts – the local stations served a vital function in bringing information and entertainment to their cities. This is an attempt to not only explain how radios worked and where they generate profit from, but to convince the audience to support their local radio station as it serves a necessary and entertaining purpose.
Network Broadcasting
Network Broadcasting
Produced: 1934
Length: 11 Minutes
Made in the silent films era, “Network Broadcasting,” explains radio frequencies and radio transmissions. Using animation, first we learn about radio frequencies with orchestral instruments and view, numerically, how different tones or notes relate to frequencies. Next, we examine how radio programs transmissions travel across the county using land-line telephone networks. Vintage radio and telephone equipment, commingled with radio broadcasts and 1930s Americana, make for a elegant look back at radio and communications history.
On The Air
On The Air
Produced: 1937
Length: 10 Minutes
On the Air is a creative and interesting explanation of how radio works. It features Rubinoff, a popular violinist during the 1930s and 1940s, who was often featured on radio programs. The film starts with the orchestra playing, then proceeds to discuss how sound travels from the studio to radios in homes and cars using animation and illustrations. It also discusses how microphones work as various CBS microphones are shown. An illustration of the impact of sound waves is also presented as well as a simplified explanation of the use of oscillators and antenna in transmitting sound waves. On the Air shows the role of the radio, the most common and most inexpensive form of entertainment during the 1930s, in the life of Americans during the time that televisions were still very expensive and unpopular.
Radio and Television
Radio and Television
Produced: 1940
Length: 10 Minutes
Is the radio industry the right industry for you? Do you know what to expect if you do decide it is right? Radio and Television, attempts to explain the modern man of the era the typical jobs he could be expected to find in radio and the level of education and training that was expected of him. This honest appraisal of the radio industry stresses interested persons to get a proper education in order to advance up the ranks to one of the highest paying jobs. The jobs shown range from manufacturing positions, engineering design, technical maintenance, radio set repair, radio salesman and we even see a glimpse into the new field of television design. This film is a fascinating look into the 1940s radio world, including exciting, unparalleled views into a world that once dominated the entertainment industry.
WJR ~ One Of A Kind
WJR ~ One Of A Kind
Produced: 1966
Length: 22 Minutes
WJR: One of a Kind tells us why WJR is the worlds greatest radio station. It presents the stations unique method of programming, its broadcasters and listeners. This marketing film, answers the question Why should you advertise in WJR?The film starts with Lowell Thomas introducing WJR and talking about Detroit. At the Fisher Building, WJRs famous morning man and interviewer J.P. McCarthy then signs off from his daily program and began talking about how WJR caters to different kinds of listeners. He presents WJRs famous broadcasters, starting with Tigers fan Ernie Howell interviewing Al Lopez and broadcasting a live Tigers game. Sports Director Bob Reynolds is also featured broadcasting live for the station. News and talk show hosts are also featured like Charley Parks witty conversations and Lee Mary and Jimmy Launces Focus show where famous and interesting personalities like Detroit Mayor Cavanaugh were interviewed. Cultural programs like musicologist Karl Haas music lecture and Jack Harris live duets with guests are also featured. WJRs commitment to providing balanced reporting is portrayed in the film by reporters checking and cross checking gathered information. The film also shows the stations efforts to reach audiences in rural areas through programs of farm editor Marshall Wells. Frank Tomlinson is also featured covering Vietnam, evidence that WJR not only provide local and national stories but also international stories as well. The business community is also catered to by programs like the Business Barometer.McCarthy then proceeds to point out how much the station has penetrated not only Detroit but also outlying states counties – 20 million people in 112 counties are listening to WJR. These people each have a unique taste in programming, but WJR was able to supply the diverse viewers with programs that satisfy them. There is always something for every one and that makes WJR Detroit, according to McCarthy, one of a kind.
Largest Radio Transmitter Dedication
Largest Radio Transmitter Dedication
Produced: 1950s
Length: 2 Minutes
This is a short film covering the dedication of the worlds largest radio transmitter.
