Ep 7. Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio

In this episode of Ken Burns: America, titled "Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio," viewers are taken on a journey through the turbulent and revolutionary history of radio. The episode begins by delving into the early days of radio, where it was considered a toy and a hobby, and follows its transformation into a global phenomenon that changed communication as we know it today.

Throughout the episode, viewers will meet some of the most important and influential personalities in radio history, including Guglielmo Marconi, the father of wireless telegraphy, David Sarnoff, the pioneer of broadcasting, and Edwin Howard Armstrong, the father of FM radio. They will learn about how these visionary men competed fiercely with each other in their bid to create the most powerful and groundbreaking inventions, and how their rivalry resulted in some of the most awe-inspiring technological advancements of the 20th century.

Viewers will also be taken through the various stages in the development of radio, from the early experiments with wireless telegraphy, to the invention of vacuum tubes, which made broadcasting possible, and the creation of the first commercial radio stations. The episode will explore how radio became an essential tool in times of war, and how it was able to bring people from different parts of the world together with its instant and global reach.

One of the most striking aspects of this episode is the way in which it uses archival footage and interviews to transport viewers back in time. Through these sources, viewers will witness some of the most significant moments in radio history, such as the first ever radio broadcast of presidential election results, and the broadcast of the Hindenburg disaster. They will also hear from some of the greatest voices in radio, including Orson Welles and Walter Winchell, whose influence on the medium is still felt today.

Overall, "Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio" is an engrossing and comprehensive look at one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. Through its accounts of the visionary men and women who made radio possible, as well as its fascinating insight into the political and social impact of radio, this episode offers an unparalleled look at a technology that changed the world.