How the Masked Avenger Came to Be

I think technological change had a profound impact on the radio industry because of the potential of various uses that radio could be used for created by making the vision of radio into a reality. I believe that technology was the basic foundation for the formation of the radio industry and gave birth to broadcasting.

The first radio transmitter was developed in 1896. What had been merely a vision was now a reality. The invention of the vacuum tube allowed continuous transmission and reception of sound, voice and music, further advancing the radio industry. This created potential for broadcasting: news, education and advertising all made use of this new development. Technological developments also included microphones, amplifiers, tuners and more powerful transmitters. With technology, David Sarnoff’s idea of a “Radio music box” was transformed the vision to make radio a household utility into a reality. With these technological changes, the radio industry has developed into the form of communication that it is today.

Technological changes affected the evolution of the U.S. radio system in the 1920s was exemplified in the Golden Age of Radio, the time period when radio had reached a peak in popularity. Not only did the radio have a huge impact on consumer culture, but also an increase in awareness of national issues was only shown because of the ubiquitous state of the Radio music box found in every household. Woody Allen’s Radio Days accurately portrays this effect. Radio stars such as the Masked Avenger became part of the family. The small plastic device was transformed into an extravagant, luxurious, wooden piece of furniture known and loved by all.