In 1927, The Newly-Formed Federal Radio Commission (Precursor To The Modern FCC)

Question 1.) In 1927, the newly formed Federal Radio Commission (precursor to the modern FCC) instituted the Radio Act. Looking back over the course of the evolution of radio, what were the positive and negative consequences of the Radio Act? Are similar issues facing developing media technologies today?

Answer 1.) J. Charles Sterin noted, “The newly radio network developed a two-pronged strategy in their effort to drive the many small local stations out of business”. Postivie consequemce for the large radio networks were they had help from the FCC rules and law. This business proved very profitable with the FCC’s help.

An Associate Professor of Broadcasting and Mass Communication at State University of New York named Fritz Messere, mentions on his website a passage that the commissioners wrote in the first Annual Report of the Federal Radion Commission said “The passage of

They were eventually exposed and severely fined for this practice in the late 2000s. Looking back over the history of radio in the United States, what might have motivated the radio and recording industries to not only compromise ethical standards but also to break the law by engaging in payola and independent promotion?

Answer 2.) Radio and recording inductries might have been movtivated to compromise ethical standards but also to break the law by engaging in payola and independent promotion due in part to monetary contributions. If there is control over the artists and songs played on the radio you can cater to a certain group of people, for instance the upper class. The radio stations could also have competing artist and his/her manager would likely be willing to pay more to get that artist more airplay. As mentioned by J. Charles Sterin, the industry leaders could reduce their risk by choosing highly marketable