In 2008, media (newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet) has a role in everyday life. Over the last century, the role of media has increased, due to an increase in technology, and the honing of this technology. As the technology, and access to the technology has increased over the decades, accessing information has become easier and faster. For example, if a child in 1920 asked his or her parents a question that they did not know the answer to, that parent would have to ask others, or find the information from a book, if they were literate, and if they had access to the necessary book.
While libraries were available in the early 1900's, there were only 300 libraries in the United States. Today, information is available on the Internet merely by the click of a mouse, and as of 2006, 75% of homes in the United States had Internet access for their computers. This paper will discuss the changes in the accessibility of media from the 1920's to the present, and the effect it had on how information was accessed, including news, radio, and access to television when it came on the scene. In addition, how an individual spent their free time will also be addressed.
In the 1920's, a person had access to a telephone, a radio, and a newspaper. In order to do a school report, a student would have to go to the library to do the research necessary for their paper. This manner of receiving information would persist until the introduction of the Internet, and home accessibility of the World Wide Web in the 1980's. The library was also important to those who liked to read. Reading was a popular pastime during this time period. The radio, however, was very popular in the 20's for news and entertainment. Children would do their homework while the radio was on, and housewives could complete their chores while listening to the radio. In 1928, Amos 'n' Andy began its 32 year radio run. At the height of its fame, one-third of the nation listened to Amos 'n' Andy, gathered around the radio and forgetting their problems as they laughed.
The 1930's saw an increase in the diversity of radio programming. In addition to the news and music programming on the airwaves, dramas began to increase in popularity. Detective shows such as The Green Hornet, and comedy programs such as Lil' Orphan Annie were popular during this time; additionally, scary programs such as Lights out and Inner Sanctum were aired. Although television became available in 1938, most people did not have home access to a set, and the radio was still the fashionable way to get news and to be entertained. A housewife would always have the radio on, listening while they took care of their home and family.
Even hanging wallpaper became less of a chore when the radio was on. Daytime serials were popular amongst housewives, and sponsors such as Ovaltine and Pepsodent became household names. Some libraries offered classes such as genealogy searching, and other special programs. In 1939, radio broadcasted The War of the World on Mercury Star Theater. Orson Wells hosted this show that caused panic throughout the country. Many believed that aliens were invading New York, but some kept their cool, remembering that the radio provided a source of entertainment.
The 1940's and World War II introduced a different reason for listening to the radio. News broadcasts would give the location of those who were serving overseas. If a loved one was in the military, especially with Patton's Third Army, daily radio reports would tell their location. Housewives remember ironing the laundry while listening to these reports. Although family members received telegraphs giving a general idea of the location, the radio gave daily updates. Going to the movie theater on Saturday afternoon was the thing to do in the 40's. For a dime, you could have an entire afternoon of entertainment. A newsreel would be shown first, then a cartoon, and then a double feature. Today, a single feature costs 100 times as much.
The cost of purchasing a television set lowered in the early 1950's. This cost reduction allowed many homes to purchase a set of their own. This is evident in the percentage increase from 1950 (9%) to 1959 (85.9%). Those who did not own a set went to a neighbors house or local bar to view what they considered important. Some went to watch comedy shows or the Olympics, while others favored sports or new programs. Even those who were once skeptical about television eventually came around and began to have a good time with the television. The Saturday night line up provided good family entertainment, and there was lots of music programmed that was enjoyable to watch. In 1951, Amos 'n' Andy went to CBS-TV. Although it was still a popular show, many got away from it when it went to television because there were so many other comedy shows that could be watched.
