Episode 3: "Ohio v. Radio" (the Original Fake News). Alex looks at early radio as the new mass media force it was in the first half of the 20th century. We travel to Cincinnati, the home of Powell Crosley, Jr. the "Henry Ford of Radio" and learn about the outsized role of Ohio in the rise of radio. The cultural power of radio is discussed and how the public's trust in this new media was destroyed by Orson Welles's "War of the Worlds" broadcast in 1938 that cause nationwide panic.
Our guests include historian Bruce Carlson to discuss early radio and the regulation of the airwaves in the 1920s and 30s. Bruce is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his excellent political history podcast My History Can Beat Up Your Politics. You can listen to MHCBUYP anywhere you get your podcasts or click here and Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-history-can-beat-up-your-politics/id169078375
Katherine Gould, Curator of History Objects and Fine Art at the Cincinnati Museum Center, joins the show to discuss why Cincinnati was The Silicon Valley of Early Radio. We delve into the career and innovation of Powell Crosley, Jr. and his Crosely Broadcasting Company. In 1925 became the world's leading producer of radio broadcasting equipment, we also discuss Crosely's WLW radio station and how it became "The Nation's Station." Visit Katherine and the incomparable Cincinnati Museum Center at www.cincymuseum.org.
We're joined again by one of our favorite authors William Hazelgrove to discuss his new book Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrorized America. We talk about the fearful state of world affairs and radio's honored position as the main source of news was used to trick listeners into thinking an alien invasion was in the process of destroying America. This unbelievable story of fake news and widespread panic changed radio forever. William's incredible book Dead Air and all of his books can be purchased here or on Amazon. www.williamhazelgrove.com
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