The following years saw tremendous innovations in radio technology in both broadcasting and receiving radio programs. The concept of creating networks, where stations would form chains to simultaneously broadcast programs, was created during the mid-1920s. In 1926, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was formed under the auspices of its parent company, Radio Corporation of America (RCA), with two networks of 24 stations.

By 1939 there were 1,465 stations in the United States and four networks. At the start of the 1940s, the number of households owning a radio had more than doubled.

NBC, with its innovative programs and informative broadcasts, however, remained among the most popular radio stations in the 40s and 50s.

This set of DVDs deals in part with the story of the beginnings and achievements of NBC. It also provides a glimpse of Coney Island in its heydays and a review of the Columbia University student’s strike in 1969.

Coney Island This film depicts Coney Island during its heydays in the ‘40’s. The film provides a pictorial record of the many thrilling rides and explains why the island attracted so many tourists. Sponsor: N/A Producer: N/A Year: 1940 Length: 00:09:19 Audio: Mono Color: BLACK & WHITE
Behind Your Radio Dial: The Story of NBC This film provides an in-depth tour of NBC (National Broadcasting Company), New York during 1947. It informs about its formation and how it provided some of the most enduring and popular programs of the Golden Age of Radio. To say that NBC dominated Golden Age Radio broadcasting isn't much of an exaggeration by any measure, as you will see in this film. Sponsor: National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Producer: National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Year: 1947 Length: 00:20:04 Audio: Mono Color: BLACK & WHITE
Let Us Break Bread Together The City of New York Board of Education produced this 1954 film, in an attempt to foster a spirit of universal brotherhood among school children belonging to different ethnic backgrounds. It documents programs designed by school authorities to help children understand that all human beings are created equal. These include visits by children to neighborhood schools to meet pen pals and a trip to the United Nations office. Good photography, a lively score and live recordings of various people’s opinions add to the value of the film’s contents. Sponsor: City of New York, Board of Education Producer: Film Production Unit, Bureau of AV Instruction Year: 1954 Length: 00:12:59 Audio: Mono Color: COLOR
Columbia Revolt This film is a brief documentary on the "Columbia University" students strike during 1969. The film provides a comprehensive record of this historic event with a wonderful insight into the reasons behind the student revolt. Sponsor: KIT Parker Films Producer: N/A Year: 1969 Length: 00:24:26 Audio: Mono Color: BLACK & WHITE

Running Time:
DVD One: 01:04:20
DVD Two: 01:05:31

EDITORIAL REVIEW:

Anybody who is an avid radio listener is sure to enjoy this outstanding set of DVDs, which has this great clip on The National Broadcasting Corporation’s radio network. Aptly described as the Golden Age of Radio, the 40s witnessed a boom in the sale of radio sets and this clip tells us why NBC topped the list of favorite radio stations during this time.

You will also learn the reasons behind the infamous student revolt at the Columbia University in 1969, and catch a glimpse of Coney Island’s splendor and charm during its heydays.

The City Of New York Board of Education produced film Let us Break Bread Together is a wonderful commentary on the efforts made by school authorities and parents alike in bridging the gap between students from different communities. The fact that the practical strategies employed in promoting communal harmony were highly successful is not surprising. Fabulous reenactments and live shots of student programs make the clip both educational and entertaining.

I found these DVDs to be loaded with information on a wide range of topics and I am certain they will be useful to anybody seeking information about the topics dealt with in the clips on this DVD.

CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS:

"I found the clip "Let Us Break Bread Together", very useful, as I work as a teacher in a public school in New York. The universal language of brotherhood needs to be promoted in all schools and I have recommended that this set of DVDs be added to our school's collection of educational films. I certainly hope that a2zcds will produce more DVDs like this one in the near future."

Customer's Name: Jane Perry (Buffalo, New York)