How to Collect Old Time Radio Shows

I have what might be thought of as an unusual hobby for my age group. I collect shows from the golden age of the radio. I would rather listen to an old comedy from the 40's than watch most any sitcom on TV right now. I also find the shows enjoyable to listen to on my long drives to and from work during the week. Since the advent of the Internet I have found collecting them easier than ever. Because most of the shows are over 59 years old or more it isn't an expensive hobby. My only expense is usually the CD ROM discs I need to either copy them to or the occasional collection I buy on the many sites that exist for people like me. Here in this article I would like to introduce you to the joys of compiling a collection of your own and some suggestions on shows and types to collect for yourself. In the link section I will give you some web sites that you can find these shows either free or for a small fee.

First a short introduction to the era is needed .The so called Golden Age of radio ran approximately from 1922 when the first national shows started appearing to 1960 when the last network produced program CBS's Have Gun Will Travel ended. This medium presented a wealth of varied programming to listeners of the time. For many, radio was THE entertainment and news medium especially during WW II when the need for updated news and entertainment was critical. Recently I've been listing to a good example of what I mean. No better example proves why radio was so important was during June 6,1944 or D-Day. Most of the networks that existed then (CBS,NBC and Mutual) scraped their programming and focused, much like TV did during 11/22/1963 and 9/11/2001 broadcasting continuous updates and news programs. The few shows that did broadcast had special D-Day programs and events during the day all with a patriotic bent to them. I find it fascinating that the coverage was tinged with prayer and meditations reflecting the mood of the country on that day.

An Atwater-Kent Radio from 1933

Credit: Unknown

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