On a Treadmill to Oblivion

This chapter focuses on the critique of commercial radio's commercialism and the arrival of television. Even at its peak in the late 1940s, commercial radio was subject to critics who protested against its commercialism, mobilizing a “revolt against radio” among those concerned about mass cultural degradation and deceptive advertising. Commercial radio also shifted to new program distribution and financing models, such as cooperative programming and recorded programming, which would become prominent during the television era. Television was considered as an effective demonstration medium because of its ability to demonstrate action visually. However, many early television commercials relied on existing radio commercial techniques.