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Radio's Golden Age

From the Hindenburg disaster to FDR’s fireside chats, from Mae West to Dragnet, the 1930s, 40s, and 50s were considered the "Golden Age of Radio," a time when the medium exploded in popularity. In this hour of Midday, we listen back to notable moments from the golden age, hear some of the history of radio, and examine its influence on American society. Today, even with the rise of podcasts and online streaming, more than 90% of Americans still listen to a radio at some point, but radio stations face big challenges. Documentary filmmaker and radio buff, Michael James Kacey joins us to talk about radio, its role in American life, and its future. Kacey's current project is, “Hearing Voices: How Radio Changed America & America Changed Radio".

Maureen Harvie is Senior Supervising Producer for On the Record. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and joined WYPR in 2014 as an intern for the newsroom. Whether coordinating live election night coverage, capturing the sounds of a roller derby scrimmage, interviewing veterans, or booking local authors, she is always on the lookout for the next story.