motivation of creation
In order to properly examine a plausible alternative outcome to the history of radio, I find it important to examine the underlying goals of those most closely linked to the evolution of wireless, broadcasting, and radio. A pamphlet that DeForest used to persuade consumers to invest in the stock of his company aptly describes the underlying goals of those men responsible for the beginning of wireless, “All great discoveries which have brought civilized communities into close touch have made millions for those who obtained an interest in them during the early stages of development” (pg. 94). Marconi wished to embody the essence of the rags-to-riches story as he envisioned a global monopoly of his life’s work. Fessenden, was constantly trying to please his backers. DeForest had a shifty patron in White, who was basically in the game to win money. In short, money motivated these men. What if these men had had goals other than financial goals? I am not suggesting that money was the only motivating factor. However, I do question what would have happened had wireless technology evolved as the Internet has? The Internet started as a way for professors to share information. Had there been more benevolent beginnings, would radio have become a mass of independent signals available for anyone to consume? I envision the behavior of the amateur operators controlling the destiny of radio if it were not historically framed by big business and military interests. Although, this does sound very similar to the formation and regulation of the Internet, it is important to keep in mind that the Internet is regulated. It isn’t a free for all of “amateur operators” creating and evolving. The very essence of the internet – its code – is controlled. So perhaps my question of radio having more benevolent beginnings is moot. Perhaps, regardless of the motivation of creation, our communication technologies will be regulated as much as possible. Our equalizers and agents of democracy are at the mercy of our capitalistic marketplace values.
Grim, huh?