The Great Communicator: How FDR's Radio Speeches Shaped American History.

Abstract

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1930s, radio was still in its earliest stages. The country had sunk into the Great Depression and only about half of the population could enjoy this new form of mass media in their living rooms. At the same time, a bright man from New York, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was running for President of the United States. Though he was crippled by polio, few knew that his imposing 6' 1" frame was relegated to a wheelchair. People recognized him as a man with great charisma and determination. In pictures or at conventions for the presidential campaign, FDR always looked strong and healthy, either sitting or standing with the help of hidden heavy metal braces and the subtle supporting arm of his son or aide. Even some of those who saw FDR regularly did not realize the extent of his disability.' The simultaneous rise in popularity of radio and FDR's political fortune is an interesting historical twist of fate. Radio brought news alive, but left people free to create images in their imaginations. FDR's distinctive voice and jollity flowed into people's homes. His disability was invisible. Radio helped make this possible. Through this means of mass communication, FDR could convey his ideas effectively, sitting in his estate in Hyde Park, New York or in the White House. He immediately realized the importance of this form of mass media and its power to promote his image.2 Also, as the first president to use it almost on a daily basis, he made Americans realize the benefits of radio: getting fast and viable news, and having a personal connection with their president. In this sense, he helped radio to become more popular.3 Because FDR was such a masterful communicator, he was able to use his speeches, broadcast on radio, to shape American history. Evidence of FDR's successful use of radio is widespread. The power of his "Day of Infamy" speech led the nation to unite behind the President's call to war, and his fireside chats gained him support from the people for innovative and controversial social programs. These addresses were directed at the people. It was the first time that citizens felt as if they knew their president as a friend.4 For FDR, it was quality time to clear up rumors spreading across the nation, and squelch his critics as he gave people the "real news," on Roosevelt's terms, unfiltered by the press.5 Indisputably, one of FDR's most important qualities was that he had a firm control over the media, and he got what he wanted.6 FDR not only acted as a guiding