Prelude to Red Lion: History and Analysis of the Proposed Red Lion et al., v. FCC and Democratic National Committee Challenge of the Fairness Doctrine (open access)

Prelude to Red Lion: History and Analysis of the Proposed Red Lion et al., v. FCC and Democratic National Committee Challenge of the Fairness Doctrine

This study sets forth events surrounding a law suit filed by Red Lion Broadcasting Co. against the Federal Communications Commission and the Democratic National Committee in 1965. The study found these events were major factors in the decision by John M. Norris, president and owner of Red Lion, to pursue his objection to the FCC's Fairness Doctrine to the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in the court's landmark decision in Red Lion vs. FCC (1969). Research methodology combined techniques of historical research and case study. On-site research of company records, personal letters and records are included as primary sources.
Date: May 1980
Creator: Sauls, Samuel J.|q(Samuel Joseph)
System: The UNT Digital Library
Sex-Talk Radio Programming, 1971-1973 (open access)

Sex-Talk Radio Programming, 1971-1973

In 1971, radio station KGBS, Los Angeles, developed a format featuring a male host taking telephone calls from females only who discussed explicit sexual experiences over the air. Many other radio stations in the United States programmed this "sex-talk" format until 1973, when the Federal Communications Commission took steps to eliminate it. This study examines the origin, development, success, causes for eventual demise, and impact upon the broadcasting industry of the sex-talk format. The United States Congress pressured the FCC to act on the sex-talk format, and the study concludes that broadcasters would not have succumbed to government pressure if they had not feared governmental intrusion in programming and Congressional rejection of license renewal legislation.
Date: May 1980
Creator: Sybert, Pamela Johnson
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Development of Congressional Concern with Violence in Entertainment Media (open access)

The Development of Congressional Concern with Violence in Entertainment Media

This investigation deals with a change of congressional attitude concerning violence in entertainment media, from noninterference to investigation to initiation of research. The data are primarily from official government records. This study first examines a period of congressional reluctance to interfere with the violent content of movies and radio in 1929-45. Next examined is the period 1945-68, when Congress actively investigated media violence,, focusing on television. Finally, the study examines congressional activity concerning television violence in 1968-74 and the Surgeon General's report on television violence. This report concludes that, by 1955, the pattern of congressional interest in media violence had turned from reluctance to activity, -and discusses the likelihood of future control of television program content.
Date: December 1977
Creator: Butt, Charles H.
System: The UNT Digital Library
The American Federation of Musicians' Recording Ban, 1942-1944, and its Effect on Radio Broadcasting in the United States (open access)

The American Federation of Musicians' Recording Ban, 1942-1944, and its Effect on Radio Broadcasting in the United States

James Caesar Petrillo, President of the American Federation of Musicians, called a strike effective July 31, 1942, prohibiting union members from making any disc recordings or electrical transcriptions. The present study recounts the history of that strike, including efforts to end it, reactions to it by various government and trade organizations and the circumstances under which it finally did end. The study focuses on the effect of the strike on radio broadcasters, both directly (through recordings they used) and indirectly (through the strike's effects on the recording and related industries), and concludes that it changed the character of radio's music somewhat, but had little detrimental effect on radio's profits.
Date: May 1980
Creator: Austin, Mary M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
"Fighting Bob" Shuler and KGEF: The Silencing of a Radio Crusader (open access)

"Fighting Bob" Shuler and KGEF: The Silencing of a Radio Crusader

This study recounts the events surrounding the Federal Radio Commision's (FRC) 1931 decision to remove radio station KGEF. Robert Shuler, minister of Los Angeles' Trinity Methodist Church, South, used KGEF to attack city officials and organizations whom he felt were corrupt. Chapters explore Shuler's background and acquisition of KGEF, his use of KGEF, and FRC and Court hearings and appeals. The study concludes that the action against Shuler, resulting in deletion of KGEF, may have resulted from political pressures. In spite of the "landmark" status of the Shuler case, his First Amendment rights may have been violated.
Date: August 1975
Creator: Orbison, Charles Edward
System: The UNT Digital Library
Texas Outlaw Radio: the Prelude to United States v. Gregg et al. (1934) (open access)

Texas Outlaw Radio: the Prelude to United States v. Gregg et al. (1934)

Unlicensed radio stations in 1933 tested the Radio Act of 1927 as to whether or not the Federal Radio Commission (FRC) had the right to regulate radio stations whose signals were allegedly intrastate. The FRC believed it could regulate such radio stations and proceeded to confiscate equipment, charge individuals with violation of the law, and bring them to trial, either in an injunction hearing, a criminal trial, or both. The most formidable case was that of United States v. Gregg et al. The challenge was met by the FRC and the judge, whose decision is still quoted in legal documents. The decision upheld the Radio Act of 1927 and the FRC's right to regulate all radio stations, licensed or unlicensed.
Date: May 1983
Creator: Aipperspach, Mac R. (Mac Ray)
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Development of Radio Broadcasting in Nigeria, West Africa (open access)

The Development of Radio Broadcasting in Nigeria, West Africa

The purpose of this study is to set forth the history of radio in Nigeria. Chapters explore the history of Nigeria, the history of Nigerian radio, and the present structure of Nigerian radio. In a final chapter, specific historical factors are isolated that have made Nigerian radio what it is today. The study concludes that the present structure of Nigerian radio is a direct product of the peculiar history of Nigeria as a former British Colony. Little can be done to solve the problems of Nigerian radio unless the problems of Nigeria itself are first solved.
Date: December 1974
Creator: Adejunmobi, Jonathan Adegoke
System: The UNT Digital Library