illusion keeps the masses happy

Along with the invention of the radio came new problems regarding mass media.

Originally the radio was used for military purposes but with the foreseeable end to World War One, a growing interest began in civilians. As programming started on the radio and popularity arose, there was a demand for home receivers. Everyone wanted a radio to listen to in the comforts of their own homes. The receivers available so far were operated by two huge batteries which was unrealistic for home usage. Demand grew and new technology answered. Rogers came out with a radio receiver that required no batteries and soon the people who could afford one had one. As the popularity grew, the states tried to replicate Canadian success unfortunately they were unable to compete (the irony is amusing considering Canadian entertainment today does not come close to the States.) Time flew by and the radio was unable to devise a plan for financing. The big debate between government funding or private funding erupted causing a division between the public. On one hand the major corporations argued that the government would try and censor the programs and turn what was supposed to be a public medium for free speech, into a controlled environment. After this was said, the public seemed to be in favour for private funding. AT&T decided to fund the radio. They sold block time (much like cell phones today) to advertisers in order to make a whole lot of money. Advertisers had a way into every persons home. With advertising came the mentality to have the programming appeal to the lowest common denominator otherwise known as mass media or pop media. Intelligent lectures and operas became obsolete on the radio and soap operas and comedians filled their spots. This can be singled out as the time when pop culture emerged. The companies investing in the shows on the radio had the primary say in the type of programs. The networks were only concerned that the advertisers were happy in order to maintain funding.

Still to this day, the radio (and other forms of entertainment) still appeals to the lowest common denominator (to keep the masses happy). They have varied their programming somewhat, but still popular media prevails. Even with a satellite radio the majority of people listen to the same station. People like the illusion of free choice in what they listen too. If we were unable to choose there would be an outcry. However, with the illusion of choice we seem quite content. What most people don’t consider is that someone always chooses for us. On satellite radios the stations have been selected by someone and yet because there is sense of variety we don’t care. On satellite TV’s the content has been chosen for us but we feel like we have the ability to choose what want we watch. In politics we feel like we have the ability to choose who we want to empower, but in reality we only have a few choices to choose from! Illusion in our day to day lives keeps us happy.