Rediscovering Old Time Radio
Classic Radio Comes to your iPod via Podcasts, Streaming, and More
Jan 5, 2009
"Old Time Radio" (OTR) is an entertainment genre comprised of radio programmes, mostly American, made and broadcast between 1930 and 1960, a time before television was the main focus of home entertainment. During this time, programming ranged from popular music and light entertainment to hard-boiled crime dramas, children’s stories, and family friendly sitcoms. While contemporary American radio is largely relegated to music and current affairs, classic radio enthusiasts have ensured its preservation and availability for new generations to enjoy.
Preserving "Old Time Radio"
According to Marvin R. Bensman, PhD, radio shows began to be recorded in 1928 for resale outside of major markets. By the 1940’s, programmes were recorded on 33 1/3 RPM records for syndicated distribution. When vinyl became scarce during World War II, audio transcriptions were made to glass and aluminium discs which were largely destroyed after the war. By 1945, programmes were being recorded to magnetic tape.
These master recordings have since been sought out by collectors, with many ending up in private hands. Since the advent of the internet, it has become possible for collectors to trade copies first on cassette and now in a wide variety of digital formats. One enthusiast organisation, the Old Time Radio Researchers’ Group (OTRRG) is dedicated to cataloguing a database of production data and scripts for as many classic programmes as possible
How to find "Old Time Radio" Today
In addition to a limited number of broadcasters carrying OTR programming, the internet has become a haven for OTR fans, as many programmes have passed into the public domain and may be freely distributed without legal ramifications.
In addition to their cataloguing work, the Old Time Radio Researchers’ Group produce certified complete collections of classic programmes for download in the popular and widely compatible MP3 format under the Creative Commons license. A large library of programmes, including the OTRRG collections, can also be downloaded from the archive.org website.
Podcast fans can also have OTR shows automatically downloaded to their iPods via The OTR Podcast or the Adventures in Radio podcast. Programme-specific feeds are also available, such as Laser & Sword magazine's Adventures of Superman podcast, complete with commentary on the show’s role in the larger comic franchise. Podcasts can be subscribed to via iTunes or the user's podcatching software of choice.
Those wishing to listen at work may prefer streaming options including the Old Time Radio Network and Old Time Radio Fan websites, which allow users to play shows over the net without needing to download files. It should be noted, however, that OTR programmes are a product of their time and while generally safe for workplace amd family listening, may not reflect contemporary standards of cultural sensitivity.
What are some key "Old Time Radio" titles?
With so many programmes available, it can be easy for the new listener to find themself spoiled for choice and looking for a place to start.
For those seeking light entertainment, sitcoms were extremely popular in the OTR era. One of the most widely heard and fondly remembered was Fibber McGee and Molly, which spun off an equally successful programme, The Great Gildersleeve. Soap opera fans may enjoy Ma Perkins or the pre-television years of Guiding Light.
Action enthusiasts are equally spoiled for choice. Crime stories such as Richard Diamond, Private Detective were also common, as were Westerns including the legendary Have Gun Will Travel. A number of superhero adaptations also found their way to broadcast, primarily for children, including The Adventures of Superman, which ran for over ten years.
Additional Sources:
Bensman, M. (2008) ‘A History of Radio Program Collecting’ Available from: https://umdrive.memphis.edu/mbensman/public/collectingarticle.html (Accessed 5 Jan. 2009)
 |
