Big voices of the air : the battle over clear channel radio / James C. Foust.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Foust, James C.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Radio frequency allocation--United States--History--20th century.

Radio frequency allocation.

Radio broadcasting policy--United States--History--20th century.

Radio broadcasting policy.

History.

United States.

Physical Description:

ix, 249 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Ames, Iowa : Iowa State University Press, 2000.

Summary:

For decades, clear channel AM radio stations were the dominant electronic media in America. Their powerful signals stretched hundreds -- in some cases thousands -- of miles on exclusive frequencies, clear from the interference of other stations. Big Voices of the Air explores the behind the-scenes battle that raged out of earshot of the clear channel stations' vast audiences.

Concentrating on the years from 1928 to the 1960s, the book shows how the clear channel debate mirrored changes in the American broadcasting industry, including the cementing of the commercial broadcasting structure and the splintering of commercial interests. Big Voices of the Air examines, in detail, the efforts of clear channel stations to promote themselves among listeners, farm organizations, Congress, and the Federal Communications Commission in an attempt to preserve and enhance their position in American broadcasting.

Contents:

2. Anarchy in the Ether 13

3. The Greatest Static Eliminator We Know Of 39

4. Meet Mr. Big 79

5. The Clear Channels Are on Trial 107

6. Heads It's Clear Channels, Tails It's Regionals 145

7. A Romance Needs Cultivation 185.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-237) and index.

ISBN:

081382804X

OCLC:

42719384