IS AMERICAN RADIO DEMOCRATIC - A study of the American system of radio regulation, control, and operation as related to the democratic way of life with emphasis upon its educational aspects - 1937 - PREFACE - THE radio transmitter, as a piece of material mechanism, is neutral where human values are concerned. As an instrument, a mechanical device, a product of modern scientific knowledge and inventive ingenuity, the radio is comparable to such other manifestations of human genius as the automobile, the electric light, the airplane, or the rotary press. It may be employed to serve the higher purposes of mankind and to enhance individual and collective welfare, as an instrument serving the democratic way of life, or to spread misinformation that excites passion, hatred, and fear. It may be enlisted for the enrichment of life and the conservation of that which man has found of most worth, or it may be directed toward the destruction of his finest and noblest. The President of the United States, in his capacity of public servant, employs the radio as a means for discussing with his vast constituency problems of vital significance to every American citizen. Also, through its facilities the finest in entertainment, music, drama, and literature may be brought into the homes of the humblest and the farthest-away, enriching and refining the lives of millions. An instructor may use it to stimulate thinking and the desire for further investigation on the part of listeners everywhere. On the other hand, the rabble-rouser may make use of the radio to excite blind passion and unconsidered action on the part of vast populations. The dictator may pour through the microphone his ipse dixit pronouncements for the ears of millions while denying them the right to listen to arguments that challenge his authority. The partisan instructor may use it to indoctrinate a vast listening class, while economic groups may so control its functioning that propaganda suited to maintain their position of privilege and power is spread throughout the country in the guise of education or enlightenment. As technical improvements are made in the instrument it will be possible to do all these things more efficiently. Television, facsimile broadcasting, and the use of the ultra-high frequencies, developments which are just around the corner, will manifoldly increase the power of the radio. Recognizing these facts, a great many individuals and groups desire to employ this instrument in ways that will assist in bringing about the realization of their particular purposes. Among such are those interested in making the radio serve as one of the means for insuring the democratic way of life. Within this group are to be found many professional educators functioning through organized educational institutions. That radio is peculiarly an instrument for the educator should be obvious. The educators purpose has been, among other things, to influence thinking and acting. In the radio he finds available a most efficient and powerful means for doing just this...