Entertainment of the 1930's

For homework we were all told to select a topic and complete at least 20 minutes of research. Then we were told to write a blog post so here I am. As a jump start, Mrs. Lawson gave us some suggestions of things to learn about. My clues were: Learn about radio programming of the 1930s.  What types of programs were most entertaining for listeners?  What were these shows like?  You may go in-depth on one program or type of program or try to get a broad overview.

Here is what I found:

• the 1930's was the golden age of the radio
• 1930 = 12 million American homes owned a radio 
• 1939 = over 29 million American homes owned a radio 
• programs provided a source of inspiration 
• the radio was also known as the talking telegram 
• soap operas 
• source of communication 
• Franklin Roosevelt's "fireside chats" 
• networks such as NBC and CBS invented in this time
• influenced the way people experienced public affairs
• as technology improved the radio became smaller and cheaper 
• series called "Our Gal Sunday" 
• "One Man's Family" aired on Wednesday nights at 8 
• live musical performances 
• dramas
• comedies
• talk shows
• education programs
• politics

Sources: 

• http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/radio-in-the-1930s/ 
•  http://www.americanradioworks.org/segments/radio-the-internet-of-the-1930s/