Quote:
"... The mechanical inventions of the day were keeping up with the events. Radio not only reported the events but shaped them. Radio strengthened a tendency already working to make the people of the United States feel united and whole; for the first time, it seemed as if they could have thoughts and feelings simultaneously. For certain individuals this was comforting and strengthening. It had the effect of making people wish to have simultaneous sensations. ..."
The Radio
During the 1920s, the radio was considered the most powerful way of communication. By the end of the decade, nearly 60% of American homes had a radio to listen in on current events right as they were happening. Americans quickly warmed up to the idea of hearing the president's voice or listening to the World Series while it was on. They began broadcasting things like popular music, classical music, sporting events, lectures, fictional stories, newscasts, weather reports, market updates, political commentary, religious stories/events, and even operas during certain seasons. The most famously known broadcast show during this time period was called KDKA, but as the number of radios sold increased, so did the number of radio stations.
The radio was considered a good thing for most people because of the greater economy created, however, the advance of radio technology also created a tension between old and new traditions of Americans.
The radio was considered a good thing for most people because of the greater economy created, however, the advance of radio technology also created a tension between old and new traditions of Americans.
Expanding News Coverage
The newspaper and magazine became a very popular source of communication for people to stay updated. As writers and editors learned how to hook readers in, creating thrilling stories in the tabloids, more people became interested in what they had to say. Many of the newspapers summarized the week's news, both foreign and domestic. They also featured poetry and religious views because most of the writers were very religious at the time. Popular magazines included Reader's Digest (founded in 1922),Time (founded in 1923), Vanity Fair, and even Vogue. Reader's Digest, Time, and Life were very informational magazines with detailed facts about current events, while Vanity Fair & Vogue both set trends and influenced many of the fashion trends during the 1920s.