Terror on the Air: Horror Radio in America, 1931-1952

Horror radio was a popular genre of radio programming in the United States from the early 1930s to the early 1950s. It featured stories of suspense, thriller, and horror, and was often broadcast late at night. Horror radio was a popular form of entertainment, and it helped to shape the way that Americans thought about horror.

Terror on the Air!: Horror Radio in America, 1931-1952

by Richard J. Hand

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2785 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The Early Years

The first horror radio show was broadcast in 1931 on the NBC Red Network. The show was called "The Witch's Tale," and it featured stories of suspense and horror. The show was a success, and it soon spawned a number of imitators.

In the early 1940s, horror radio began to take on a more sinister tone. Shows such as "The Shadow" and "Inner Sanctum" featured stories of murder, violence, and the supernatural. These shows were popular with listeners, but they also caused some controversy.

The Golden Age

The golden age of horror radio was the 1940s and 1950s. During this time, horror radio shows were broadcast on a wide variety of networks, and they reached a large audience. Some of the most popular horror radio shows of this era include "The Twilight Zone," "Night Beat," and "Suspense."

Horror radio shows of the golden age were often suspenseful and atmospheric. They featured stories of murder, violence, and the supernatural, and they often explored the darker side of human nature. These shows were a popular form of entertainment, and they helped to shape the way that Americans thought about horror.

The Decline

The popularity of horror radio began to decline in the early 1950s. The rise of television and the popularity of other forms of entertainment led to a decrease in the number of listeners to horror radio shows. By the mid-1950s, horror radio had all but disappeared from the airwaves.

However, the legacy of horror radio lives on. The shows of the golden age are still available on CD and podcast, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans of the genre. Horror radio helped to shape the way that Americans thought about horror, and it remains a fascinating and important part of American popular culture.

Terror on the Air is a fascinating and comprehensive history of horror radio in America. It is a must-read for fans of the genre, and it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of American popular culture.

To learn more about horror radio, visit the following websites:

• The Old Time Radio Researchers Group: www.otrr.org
• The Digital Deli Too: www.digitaldelicoo.com
• The Internet Archive: www.archive.org

Terror on the Air!: Horror Radio in America, 1931-1952

by Richard J. Hand

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2785 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE