The Rise of Radio Programs

When radios started to become increasingly popular in the beginning of the 20^th century, there were no laws or regulations regarding airwaves. Literally anyone who had the resources to make a transmitter and receiver could broadcast whatever they wanted. Most amateur radio operators did not know how to build a transmitter, so many young broadcasters bought A. Frederick Collins’ manual which taught amateur radio experimenters how to build a transmitter. These amateur radio operators broadcasted their own shows, which ranged from music to comedy shows. Eventually, there were so many amateur radio operators who were competing against commercial radio operators, radio wave interference was becoming rampant. On August 13^th, 1912 the government stepped in and adopted “An Act to Regulate Radio Communication” to regulate amateur radio operators. This law did not ban amateur radio operators, but it limited amateur radio operators to broadcast at wavelengths of 200 meters. After the United States had entered into World War I, President Wilson issued an Executive Order which banned all amateur radio stations in an attempt to curb anti-war opinions. 

After World War I began the Golden Age of Radio, which began in 1920.  The Golden Age spawned the rise of commercial radio stations. With commercials, it was possible to produce many programs that centered around various topics such as music, comedy, romance, drama, horror, quiz shows, panel discussions (talk shows) or news. Unlike today's radio, commercials would be placed at the beginning and end of radio programs. 

Cast of Allen's Alley

One program was named “Professor Quiz”, which debuted in 1936. Professor Quiz was a man  named Dr. Craig Earl who claimed to have a Theology degree from Tufts University. Contestants asked Dr. Earl a question and when he could not answer the question the contestant would win $25. Other shows that were popular were comedy venues, such as Allen’s Alley hosted by Fred Allen. The beginning of the show would consist of Allen performing a brief monologue. Then a music interlude would let the audience know that Allen and other characters were in a fictitious alley. In the alley, Allen would ask a question that regarded current events around the United States such as gas rationing, traffic, or the Pulitzer Prizes. The characters would make jokes about these current events and some would say catch phrases like “That’s a joke, son” or “Pay attention, boy!”

The first soap opera began as a radio program named Clara, Lu, and Em which debuted on June 16^th, 1930. This show centered around three gossiping housewives who lived in a small town. Compared to today’s soap operas, Clara, Lu, and Em was light and comedic. A more serious and horrific radio program was Quiet, Please! which debuted on June 8^th, 1947. Here is the beginning of an episode  which describes a story of an oil-field worker who encounters a seemingly evil dead body.  I think shows like Clara, Lu, and Em and Quiet, Please! were like current successful shows like Days of Our Lives and American Horror Story. The people that performed in these radio shows had some of the most famous voices of that time. These voices were the best in the radio industry—like the best movie actors in our day, and they entertained their audiences well. The sound effects (like walking up a flight of stairs or eating a sandwich) are superb, and I can really visualize what the narrator is describing.

The booming Golden Age of Radio would come to an end with the growing use of televisions in the 1950's. It is important to recognize the importance of early radio programs because these programs would set the precedent for future shows such as Saturday Night Live (which was partially inspired by Allen’s Alley).