Student Scholarship

Document Type

Research Paper

Abstract

This 1955 research project provides a comprehensive analysis of how United States government agencies and select non-governmental organizations leveraged the burgeoning media of radio and television for public information and education. The study, compiled primarily through interviews with agency officials, highlights a transitional era where traditional print media was being rapidly supplemented—and in some cases surpassed—by audio and visual communication. 

A central theme of the report is the concept of Public Service broadcasting, where networks and local stations donated airtime to government agencies at no cost. The Department of Agriculture is identified as one of the most extensive users of these media, employing a vast network of land-grant colleges to distribute factual information to farmers and homemakers through programs like Farm Flashes. In contrast, the Department of Defense utilized on-the-spot documentary recordings from overseas to inform the public about military life and stimulate recruitment through popular shows such as Serenade in Blue and the award-winning television series Victory at Sea.

The survey also details the specialized functions of other entities:

  • The Voice of America served as a vital tool for foreign policy, using shortwave transmitters to combat Soviet propaganda and present American aims globally. 

  • The Treasury Department managed the largest advertising account in radio through its relentless promotion of Savings Bonds via the celebrity-driven Guest Star program. 

  • The Office of Education acted as a central coordinator, maintaining script and transcription exchanges to support over 140 educational radio stations. 

Sheley concludes that while radio was the dominant force in the early 20th century, television held unparalleled potential for mass education due to its ability to demonstrate concepts visually. The report serves as a historical snapshot of the federal government’s strategic entry into mass media as a means of fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

Research Highlights

  • The Problem: Eunice Sheley investigates how various United States government and non-governmental agencies utilized radio, recordings, and television for mass communication, public education, and recruitment as of January 1955. 

  • The Method: The researcher conducted a series of primary interviews with radio and television specialists across multiple federal departments, including Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Justice, State, and Treasury, as well as the Atomic Energy Commission and the Federal Security Agency. 

  • Quantitative Finding: The Department of Agriculture provided information to 600 local radio stations; 530 commercial stations in the U.S. maintained farm programs in 1952; the Voice of America utilized 74 transmitters to broadcast 49 hours and 20 minutes of daily programming in 46 languages; the U.S. Savings Bond Division employed 2,976 AM and FM stations for its "Guest Star" program; in 1952, 64,000 disabled individuals were rehabilitated into employment, increasing their collective earnings from $16 million to $100 million. 

  • Qualitative Finding: Government agencies primarily used broadcast media as a public service to disseminate factual information, though specific functions varied from recruitment-focused musical programs like "Serenade In Blue" to technical maritime navigation aids like "Loran" used by the Coast Guard; agencies typically acted as technical advisors rather than producers, relying on donated airtime from networks; the emergence of television was identified as a paramount tool for visual education, exemplified by the 26-episode Navy documentary series "Victory At Sea".

Publication Date

1-1953

Faculty Sponsor

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