Problem: The Golden Age of Radio was 1930-1945. Though this was during the Great Depression and into World War II, radio enjoyed its greatest popularity during this time. Radio was cheap for all families and through radio programming, including news, music, drama programs and FDR's Fireside Chats, the American people were able to get through the hardest of times. But with great power came great responsibility and temptation. In fact, scandal (namely payola and plugola scandals) were a huge problem in the radio industry.
Read this article here:
Article: A Brief History of American Payola by Kim Kelly
Then, in your post, discuss the following:
A. What is your opinion on the scandals? Anything notable/stand out to you?
B. Do you think this practice is good or bad? It was outlawed in 1959 but does it happen today?
C. What is the impact of radio on popular culture?