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Formation of RCA: 1919
After World War I, our U.S. government supported the formation of a radio monopoly to guarantee national control. RCA was created from a patent pool between GE, Westinghouse, ATT, and more- each controlling a different part of the hardware chain. Partners in the patent pool fulfilled various roles, such as receivers, transmitters, and phone lines. -
Radio Act of 1927
Created the Federal Radio Commission, which eventually became known as FCC. This allowed for regulated access and assigned frequencies for amateurs, who were originally marginalized. Big win for everyone outside of big business, as the Radio Act of 1912 licensing was largely just for businesses and the military. -
Golden Age TV: Scandal (40s-50s)
With sponsors manipulating prime-time quiz shows to bump up ratings, congressional hearings are held. The final decision was that sponsors must be held accountable, resulting in the industry being reorganized: networks now take control of the relationship between advertiser and sponsor. -
I Love Lucy Redefines Television
I Love Lucy completely revamped many network norms, having a Hispanic lead, a three-camera sitcom, a visibly pregnant main character, and featuring re-runs (Lombardo). Episodes were captured on 35mm film, making the latter possible (Lombardo). Work Cited: Lombardo, Cristiana. “5 Ways ‘I Love Lucy’ Transformed Television.” American Masters, PBS, 13 Dec. 2021, www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/5-ways-i-love-lucy-transformed-television-history/19407/. -
The Classic Network Era (50s-70s)
A new power structure emerges: instead of networks selling programs to advertisers, advertisers give money to networks for air time. Networks then pay independent studios such as Hollywood Studios. The end result is a power transfer to networks. -
Post-Network Era: 2000s – present
Digitally watch television anywhere at any time! Distribution mechanism of media becomes less important as on-demand viewing becomes more dominant and accessible. Cable's dominance gradually weaker over time.