The era of AM radio isn't over, but it's well past its heyday. Dive in today for a trip down memory lane.
AI Summary
Join Josh and Chuck as they dive into the fascinating history of AM radio, from its revolutionary beginnings in 1920 to its rise as the dominant force in entertainment and music. They explore how AM radio became the first mass communication medium that wasn't printed, shaped everything from how news is delivered to the birth of soap operas and top 40 music, and discuss why it remained king over FM until the late 1970s. Along the way, you'll learn about iconic DJs, the government's Fairness Doctrine, and how this medium fundamentally changed American culture before television and later technology reshaped the media landscape forever.
Movies Discussed
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
"It sounds like it was a little bit of a predecessor to like Alfred Hitchcock presents and maybe the Twilight Zone — Josh compares the radio show Suspense to Alfred Hitchcock Presents as similar dramatic anthology content."
— Josh
Family Matters
"We're re-watching every episode of Family Matters. We'll share behind-the-scenes stories — Family Matters is mentioned in a podcast advertisement about the show with Telma Hopkins and Kelly Williams."
General Hospital
"On General Hospital once, there was a scene where this couple was in bed. And they did such a poor job of editing — Chuck shares a funny anecdote about a blooper he saw on General Hospital involving poor editing."
— Chuck
Guiding Light
"Which one? Guiding Light. No way. Yeah, it started in 1937 on the radio and was finally canceled in 2009 on TV. — Chuck identifies Guiding Light as a soap opera that successfully transitioned from radio to television for 72 years."
— Chuck
L.A. Law
"Then it came roaring back eventually, thanks to L.A. Law. — Chuck mentions L.A. Law in reference to TV bringing AM radio back into prominence."
— Chuck
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
"I guess it worked. That's not knocking at all. I mean, we haven't had to do it, but I think that's a great idea — Josh and Chuck reference Metallica being in therapy together, likely referring to the documentary about the band in therapy."
— Chuck
Poltergeist
"Yeah, like in Poltergeist. That's right. — Josh references Poltergeist in relation to AM radio station sign-offs playing the Star-Spangled Banner."
— Josh
The Twilight Zone
"It sounds like it was a little bit of a predecessor to like Alfred Hitchcock presents and maybe the Twilight Zone — Josh mentions The Twilight Zone as a show similar in style to the radio drama Suspense."
— Josh
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