What changes did the invention of the radio bring to Americans?

Radio created a national culture, a quicker means to communicate, and created a new industry.

The radio was invented in the late 1800's but was mass produced for the home following World War I. Many Americans purchased their first radio in the 1920's.

The radio provided a wireless means to communicate through radio signals. This allowed for news, information, advertising, and entertainment to be broadcast through the country quickly and with a uniform message. Communicating quickly meant the US could deliver consistent messages to the American people in a matter of a day instead of days or weeks as with print communication.

To carry this communication, broadcasting companies were created to deliver news, sports, and entertainment. Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) was created first as a radio company. These new companies were a new industry which would take the techniques of print media and make it quicker and more engaging to the audience.

The American culture grew out of the radio with a national message on sports and entertainment shows. Sports stars became national legends such as Babe Ruth, Joe Lewis, and Jack Dempsey. Many popular tv shows began as a weekly radio program such as Gunsmoke, the Lone Ranger, and Guiding Light. Advertising on the radio also contributed to the creation of a national culture convincing listeners to buy certain products or engage in trends.