The Media 1

In 2008, media (newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet) has a role in everyday life. Over the last century, the role of media has increased, due to an increase in technology, and the honing of this technology. As the technology, and access to the technology has increased over the decades, accessing information has become easier and faster. For example, if a child in 1920 asked his or her parents a question that they did not know the answer to, that parent would have to ask others, or find the information from a book, if they were literate, and if they had access to the necessary book.

While libraries were available in the early 1900’s, there were only 300 libraries in the United States. Today, information is available on the Internet merely by the click of a mouse, and as of 2006, 75% of homes in the United States had Internet access for their computers. This paper will discuss the changes in the accessibility of media from the 1920’s to the present, and the effect it had on how information was accessed, including news, radio, and access to television when it came on the scene. In addition, how an individual spent their free time will also be addressed.

In the 1920’s, a person had access to a telephone, a radio, and a newspaper. In order to do a school report, a student would have to go to the library to do the research necessary for their paper. This manner of receiving information would persist until the introduction of the Internet, and home accessibility of the World Wide Web in the 1980’s. The library was also important to those who liked to read. Reading was a popular pastime during this time period. The radio, however, was very popular in the 20’s for news and entertainment. Children would do their homework while the radio was on, and housewives could complete their chores while listening to the radio. In 1928, Amos ‘n’ Andy began its 32 year radio run. At the height of its fame, one-third of the nation listened to Amos ‘n’ Andy, gathered around the radio and forgetting their problems as they laughed.

The 1930’s saw an increase in the diversity of radio programming. In addition to the news and music programming on the airwaves, dramas began to increase in popularity. Detective shows such as The Green Hornet, and comedy programs such as Lil’ Orphan Annie were popular during this time; additionally, scary programs such as Lights out and Inner Sanctum were aired. Although television became available in 1938, most people did not have home access to a set, and the radio was still the fashionable way to get news and to be entertained. A housewife would always have the radio on, listening while they took care of their home and family.