The Local and The National

Hilmes describes the national versus the local radio broadcast development in terms of national control over the public broadcasting in the United States. Amateurs ran the beginning of radio, which was fine because it was just starting out. But like any development and modernization in the United States, the amateurs became professionals, which lead to an increase in technology and extensive organization. I thought it was interesting to note that once something, in this case a form of media, gains too much control the government deems it necessary to step in. Radio is an incredible way of reaching the masses and therefore the government believed that licenses should be put on the airwaves.

Himes describes the tension that developed between the local and the national. States, or radio on the local level, believe it is their right to have the ability to use the radio. But the national government believes it is in their power to have the control. Radio transformed from having a cultural and education to yet another way to make money. People in the US are never satisfied with what they have, something that is different from other cultures. If there is an opportunity to make money, the United States will tap into the market