Read the following passage and answer the questions
Radio’s development over the years has been very much a function of its potential social usage as a medium. The arrival of phonograph, film and the ‘wireless’ all offered the reporter a tool for presentation that challenged existing communication of time and space, but this was not immediately obvious at the time. In fact, their ultimate application differed from their intended purpose. Early pioneers such as Marconi saw radio not as a mass medium but as a means of one-to-one communication. Broadcast journalism emerged only after a systematic struggle for acceptance within the media—not just by inventors and pioneers of equipment, but by reporters and broadcasters. The techniques that are used for reporting today are not automatic or set in stone. They took time to develop.
Often there was opposition to many of the now accepted tasks that broadcast journalists presently undertake on a routine, daily basis. Technical breakthroughs throughout the twentieth century relentlessly increased the potential for immediacy and hence dramas through recording and reporting that have always aimed to appear as ‘live’ as possible. However, the arrival of a new means of disseminating information and entertainment tends to destabilize the existing media system, thus radio posed a challenge to the historic relationship between wire services and newspapers. The press in both Britain and the United States lobbied heavily for statutory restrictions on broadcasting, for they wanted to ensure that it was they who carried breaking news first–despite the fact that radio was, in retrospect, a more flexible and instant medium for doing this. Early radio news was a prisoner to the press. When the BBC started its General News bulletins on 23 December 1922, the organization had no in-house journalists. They were dependent on the supply of copy from Reuters, which owned the copyright, announced as a prelude to each bulletin. The BBC was obliged to transmit radio news only after the appearance of morning and evening newspapers. Text-based information had to be converted into writing for listeners’ ears, into a style suitable for radio, but there were no interviews, features or actuality. Notwithstanding this, radio’s take-off was swift and public enthusiasm for it peaked during the golden age’ of the 1930s and 1940s. Millions used radio as the main source of both information and entertainment. News was just one element of a schedule among drama, soap operas, music, comedy and talks. The thinking was that audiences should enjoy the entire range of mixed programming output, from classical music through to drama and news. Audiences were not separated or differentiated. This coexistence has involved gradual adaptations towards more entertaining styles of news presentation.
Q1. What were the innovations that challenged the time and space in communication?
- Radio and printing press
- Newspaper
- Phonograph, film and wireless
- Wireless
Correct Ans: (C)
Answer:
The key innovations that challenged time and space in communication were the phonograph, film, and wireless. These technologies significantly changed how people shared and received information. At the time of their introduction, their potential was not fully clear. However, they eventually transformed the media landscape.
To begin with, the phonograph allowed sound to be recorded and replayed. This meant that messages were no longer tied to a single moment. People could now hear voices and music from faraway places at any time. Similarly, film brought visual storytelling to life, preserving events and narratives for repeated viewing.
Moreover, the wireless—which we now call radio—enabled real-time audio transmission over long distances. This technology broke the boundaries of both time and geography. People could now listen to news and entertainment live, even if they were far from where the events occurred.
Although these tools were initially not seen as mass media, their impact grew rapidly. They changed how reporters worked and how the public accessed information. Over time, they laid the foundation for modern broadcast journalism.
In conclusion, these three inventions—phonograph, film, and wireless—revolutionized communication. They reshaped the experience of media, offering speed, reach, and a new sense of immediacy that earlier forms simply could not provide.
Q2. What was mentioned at the beginning of news bulletins of the BBC in early days? Why was it so?
- The sources, as the sources owned the copyright
- The sources, as the BBC gathered news items from them
- The name of the news presenter as the authority
- The name of the news director as the authority
Correct Ans: (A)
Answer:
In the early days of the BBC, each news bulletin began by naming the source of the information. This was done because the BBC did not create its own news content at first. Instead, it depended on Reuters, a well-known wire service. Reuters owned the copyright for the news it provided.
Therefore, the BBC had to give credit where it was due. As a result, every bulletin started with a line such as “This news is from Reuters.” This was not just courtesy—it was a legal requirement.
Additionally, at that time, the BBC had no in-house journalists. It could not collect or report news on its own. Instead, it relied on newspapers and wire services. This made radio news a kind of second-hand source. In fact, the BBC could only broadcast news after newspapers had published it.
Thus, early radio news was tightly controlled. Even the style of writing had to change. Text written for reading had to be adapted into language meant for listening. However, these bulletins lacked interviews, features, or live elements.
In short, the BBC’s early broadcasts reflected the dominance of the press and the early stage of radio journalism. Naming the source was not optional—it was essential due to copyright rules and the BBC’s dependence on external news agencies.
Q3. Why was the 1930s and 1940s considered as the golden age for the radio?
- More people had radio set
- Radio was a credible source of information and entertainment
- Radio was very influential
- Millions used radio as the main source of information and entertainment
Correct Ans: (D)
Answer:
The 1930s and 1940s are often called the golden age of radio. During this time, millions of people relied on radio as their main source of both information and entertainment. It became a central part of daily life.
To begin with, radio reached homes everywhere. People gathered around their sets to listen to news, drama, music, and comedy. It was immediate and engaging. Unlike newspapers, it didn’t require reading. Unlike films, it didn’t require leaving home.
Additionally, the radio schedule offered a mix of programming. This included soap operas, classical music, talks, and news. As a result, radio appealed to a wide audience. There was something for everyone.
Even though the early news format was limited, the overall experience was rich and entertaining. Over time, news presentation itself became more engaging, blending with other show elements.
Furthermore, during major world events—like World War II—radio became a lifeline. People tuned in for live updates, speeches, and crucial information. This reinforced its role as a trusted, instant medium.
In conclusion, the 1930s and 1940s marked a peak in radio’s popularity. Its ability to inform and entertain in real time made it the heart of household media consumption. That’s why this period is rightly called radio’s golden age.
Q4. What made the news presentation as entertaining?
- Because it was interspersed with other elements such as drama, music, comedy, and talks
- Because entertaining elements were included in news bulletins
- Because special musical tone was added to news
- Because the presentation style changed from reading to talking
Correct Ans: (A)
Answer:
News presentation became more entertaining because it was interwoven with other program elements such as drama, music, comedy, and talks. This mix made the overall listening experience more enjoyable.
At the time, radio didn’t separate audiences by interest. Instead, it created a mixed programming format. People listened to a full lineup, moving seamlessly from music to news to drama. As a result, even news started to adopt a more engaging tone.
Moreover, this blend made news feel less formal. It became part of the broader entertainment package. Over time, journalists adapted their presentation styles. They moved away from stiff reading and towards a more conversational, listener-friendly approach.
Importantly, listeners didn’t just tune in for headlines. They stayed for the overall radio experience. That encouraged producers to make even the news segments more lively and accessible.
Additionally, this format helped break the earlier, rigid structure of news delivery. The press had kept radio news limited in scope. However, radio evolved by finding its own voice—and tone.
In summary, news became more entertaining not because of flashy tricks, but because it existed within a rich, varied programming context. That context shaped how the news was delivered and received. Hence, this format kept audiences engaged and loyal.
Q5. What was the challenge that radio posed to the existing stable media?
- Radio used news means to disseminate information and entertainment
- Radio compressed news into small bits
- Radio had a suitable style to grab more audience
- Radio used the wireless medium.
Correct Ans: (D)
Answer:
Radio posed a serious challenge to traditional media because it used the wireless medium. This allowed it to broadcast information instantly across distances—something newspapers could not do.
Before radio, newspapers dominated the news landscape. Wire services like Reuters controlled the flow of information. However, radio introduced a faster, more direct channel. It delivered news to the public in real time without the delay of printing.
As a result, newspapers felt threatened. They feared losing their position as the primary source of breaking news. Therefore, both the British and American press pushed for restrictions on radio. They wanted to delay radio news broadcasts until after newspapers had published the stories.
Radio’s wireless nature gave it flexibility and speed. It didn’t need ink or paper. It didn’t rely on physical distribution. Because of this, it redefined what it meant to “break the news.”
Furthermore, radio’s rise showed that audiences preferred immediacy. They wanted updates as events unfolded—not hours later. This shifted public expectations and disrupted the existing media hierarchy.
In conclusion, radio’s use of wireless technology directly challenged the monopoly of print media. It transformed the way news was delivered and consumed. That is why it posed such a serious challenge to the stable media system of its time.
