Apple Inc

The Apple products sweeping the nation. Above, iTunes and the iPod, and below, the brand new iPhone.

The Cell Phone Through the Ages

This is a picture of the first cell phone: It's gigantic!

These are two versions of the popular Blackberry, phone, internet, email etc.

A Cell Phone Tower

This is an example of a car phone in the 1980s

This is a picture of a handsfree headset, BlueTooth technology

The leading cause of accidents in today's society is the cell phone

These are examples of prepaid phone cards, available for long distance and international calling.

The Cell Phone

Asides from the internet and email, the most common form of social mass communication today is by use of the cell phone. The idea for the cell phone came as researchers wanted to futher develop the car phone (see below post). The goal was to create a more handy and portable phone, with a greater coverage that used "cells" transmitted over radio frequencies - in other words, a modern two-way radio capable of communication over great distances. Initially, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) limited the amount of mobile phone users/frequencies so that only 23 conversations could occur simultaneously. In the late 1960's the FCC declared that if cell phones and mobile devices were proven to work and to benefit the population, then the FCC would increase and free up airwaves for the cell phones and mobile devices. The first use of the mobile phone technology was in police cars as car phones and radio scanners. Then in 1973, the first call on a cell phone was made by Dr. Martin Cooper (GM of Motorolla) to his rival Joel Engel at Bell Labs. This the fisrt time that the technology was used outside of an automobile. In 1982, the FCC finally created an international cell phone service in the US, and since then, people all around the world have been able to communicate by useof the cell phone. Another great development in cell phone history, was the creation of the GSM, the Global System for Mobile Communications, which developed a system in Europe to allow cell phone users to roam through different European countries without being limited in their bandwidth and reception. Today, the inclredible technologies behind mass communication have combined and created the new cell phones and PDAs of the present. The Blackberry for instance, has the characteristics of a cell phone, but also is capable of communcating like a computer. A person can talk to anyone in the world, go online, write emails, watch tv, and most importantly do all of this on one tiny pocket sized machine that has revolutionized the methods of mass communication for the better. A common method of mass communication today is telemarketing. Telemarketing is a way of selling products or more commonly ideas and opinions over the phonelines. Thanks to caller ID and unlisted numbers, the amount of telemarketing has declined substantially in the last number of years. A great example of mass communication using this method would be for political campaigns. During the presidential and even statewide elections, the candidates record themselves talking about their qualities and goals, and then their organizations replay these messages to people by calling their phones. This form of mass communication, although annoying at dinner time, is very effective in changing and impacting people's views on political candidates. If a person cannot afford a cell phone, or cannot get one, a very common method of mass communcications by way of the phone takes place in the form of the phone card. A phone card is a prepaid phone service that one can purchase almost anywhere, that allows a person to call local and long distance. There are all types of phone cards from, international, to certain countries, all the way to global phone cards. This is a very good form of mass communication becuase it allows people to be able to call places, when they cannot afford a regular phone service. Cell phones can also be used as mp3 players to listen to music and to the radio, which brings up one of the newest forms of mass communcation: the iPod. Created by Apple Inc., the iPod has shaped a new generation of music goers and communicaters around the world. Usig mp3 technology, the iPod is capable of transporting music and files anywhere one goes. The iPod has become part of today's culture and has had a great impact on mass communication thus far. The brand new iPhone combines the technology of an iPod and that of a cell phone and gives you a phone that holds all your music and videos and can acess the internet and email. If there is any downside to the new forms of mass communication, it would only be the effect of the technology on people behind the wheel of an automobile. Cell phones are the leading cause of accidents in today's society because people pay attention to the phone instead of the the road. This proves to be an obstacle for the sucess and safety of these new forms of technology, but currently, law makers and the companies behind this technology are trying to find a way to cut down on accidents and hopefully create a brighter future for mass communcation. One method of safety with cell phones, is the hands-free aspect and headsets like Blutooth technology, which enables the driver to use both hands for driving and no hands for talking.

Telephizzle / Radio

Coming out of WWII, the predecessor of the telephone, the telegraph, had become the most quick and reliable means of communication, especially over long distances. With the newly developed radio in frequent usage, the telephone had combined with this technology to bring a new, cheaper version of the phone. Using this invention, leaders could quickly and easily communicate with other governmental officials or military commanders, giving them vital information at the touch of a button (or the twist of a dial).

By 1950, radio transmissions could reach only up to about 40MHz (Megahertz; versus the range of about 90 - 110 MHz used in today's radios), meaning that transmissions were very short and weak. However, with such a small range of frequencies, many transmissions could interfere with one another, causing these new radios to be considered a failure. Finally, in 1964, car phones were able to effectively communicate with another desired phone without the interference of the last 20 years. However, the devices are rather large, and can't be carried around without a backpack. However, over time, these grew smaller and smaller into the devices we carry today.

HUGE SATELLITE

The Invention We Like to Call: The Satellite

As stated previously, the very first communications satellite Sputnik I was launched by the USSR in 1957 . The US bounced back by sending up their first satellite coded PROJECT: SCORE. In response to a sucessful communication satellite, the US sent up a tape recorder with a Christmas greeting Einsenhower. One year after, NASA launched a sucessful communication satellite called the Echo , which looked like a big balloon. The first satellite that had a constant telecommuncations link was the Early Bird, which orbited over the Atlantic Ocean. The satellite has played an important role in military and strategic use over the years. All the way from the earliest days of the Cold War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, sattelites have given intelligence information they needed to better direct wars and form strategies. Satellites can also be used for tracking people, for instance the CIA, FBI, and some police forces use satellites to track suspects from place to place. Developments and advancements in technology have greatly impacted the results of satellites. In the early days of satellites, it was a huge deal to change the flight path of a satellite and in addition to the complexity of programming, the images were not as clear and distinct. Now, satellite controllers can change flight plan with a few clicks of the keys and can zoom in to look at license plates from approximately 38500 km. Besides aiding in military communication, sattelites aid in mass comunication. There are Direct TV satellites in orbit for the purpose of broadcasting world-wide tv, and there are specificly designed weather satellites that help in the forecast and prognosticatino of events such as hurricanes etc. The backbone behind the satellite program is the radio and radiowaves. Without the development of the radio, there would be no DISH Network, no Pay Per View, no Google Earth, no Siruis or XM radio, no Cardinals... the list goes on.

This is a picture of the Satellite DS1 being deployed into its orbit

Computers

Computers, originally used to easily compute mathematical problems, became the most important invention of today's world. The first truly significant in the development of the computer occured when Konrad Zuse (what a baller name), in 1936, created the firstprogrammable computer, upgraded from a bunch of wires that did addition or multiplication...

The next big step came in 1951, when the UNIVAC computer became the first commercially available computer. However, computers were practiacally useless to the average person until...

1962: Steve Russell at MIT creates the first ever computer game: Spacewar! (not pong) Although this does'nt really have much to do with mass comms, it'll lead to the eventual creation of internet gaming.

But, the most important invention of computers came in 1969, when government installations created a wired network to connect one military base to another. This of course, marked the beginning of the internet.

In 1979, a word processor was invented (like Microsoft Word), giving a very practical use to common people. This obviously resulted in a huge rise in computer sales (mainly for businesses.)

In 1981, IBM sells the first computer for the home.

1982: The "luggable computer" is released, a small, lightweight (30 lbs!) computer that improved greatly from the humongous predecessors.

In 1983, the personal computer goes wireless. These notebook computers, however, cost a whopping $500 bucks at the cheapest,a rare earning for the common person.

1984: The RAM, or Random-Access Memory, is invented, a unique new device for storing any sort of information when recorded electronically. Beats a floppy drive...

In 1990, Microsoft becomes the first company EVER to excede $1 billion in sales, showing the true power and desire for computers.

August 6, 1991: The biggest release EVER. The World Wide Web is launched to the public. This will rapidly grow to become quite possibly the most important creation ever in the history of man. The WWW is first used an a large scale by the president and white house, who opened a US white house web page as well as email addresses for the president, VP, and first lady.

For the next 16, years, the internet developed into a giant, complex web of information sharing and communications, including email, instant messaging and more!

This amazing new form of communications completely changed the world in the most fascinating amount yet. Leaders had a new way to talk to their people, people had a new way to gather information, and the recent rise in internet videos has led to a system where everybody and anybody can see anything they desire - even politicians giving speeches.

http://www.computerhope.com/history/

Mass Communications Intro (1945-Present)

Mass communication develops greatly during this time period. Technology increases greatly, and mass communication becomes international commonplace. Cell phones, televisions, and radios are merely simple tools that define the start of mass communication. During this period not only does the technology grow, but programs and software develops as well in order to supplement these technologies. This makes the world of communication greater and simpler for the common man.

Cold War Communication

During the years of the Cold War when nuclear threats and fears ran high, the US government established a "Hot Line" between Moscow and Washinton in 1963. This was established by Kennedy directly after the Cuban Missle Crisis in 1962 - one year after. The reason for the establishment of this hot line, was the realization that the so called "primitive" methods of communication were not up to par if a nuclear crisis were to occur. An example of such primitive means would be the Soviet ambassador relying on a bicycle courier to relay messages for him. Instead of using voice of video, written words are used in code (of course). An example of usage of the hot line is during the Arab-Israeli conlflict in 1969. Even today the hotline is still in use - the CIA believes that it should remain in use "as long as these two sides have submarines roaming the oceans and missiles pointed at each other." Another example of a revolutionary use of mass communication was on October 4th, 1957 when the USSR launched Sputnik I...

Post-WWII Advancements

Although many inventions like the television, radio, camera, and computer were already in development before and during the war, afterwards the world experienced a rapid revolution in these technologies.

The primary invntion in development after the war was the camera and tv. As amazing of an invention as it was, the tv was still lagging behind the real world's standards: because the camera could not take enough pictures per seconds, when watched, figures seemed to move in a fast motion. However, in 1947, with the invention of the transistor, the camera and it's motion picture couter part could tape at real time.

The computer also underwent this amazing transformation. Before the 1940's, computers, which were used mainly for computing mathematical stuff, not only tool a massive amount of space, but also a very long time to do the work. Of course, as time went on, this invention developed into the smaller, quicker devices we know today.


Post WWII developments also gave way to inventions like wireless technology (cellphone, laptop, etc...) and massive computer developments (internet, GPS, weaponry).

Important Inventions

The radio:
Provided a means of one way mass communication. The government has the ability to reach the people with issues, policies and propaganda.

The trans-continental telegraph:
Primary communication source for politics, media, and trade
Allowed news to travel faster, almost "real time"

The Telephone:
Instant two way conversations
Helpful for politics as well as business

The Photograph:
Although invented quite earlier than the twentieth century, the camera had been modified since its initial debut
The pictures taken during wartimes were valuable to the people back home, and provided persepective on a the World Wars that people hadn't been able to see before due to the great destruction the wars brough about

Recordings

In 1899, Vladimir Pulsen invented a way to record information using magnets. This quickly developed into faster, more efficient ways to store larger amounts. This developed the record and the tape, which in turn would lead to the CD and DVD. After this invention, leaders and normal people could communicate to one another without ever being present.

FDR

This is a great example of Mass Communication at work durring WWII. This is FDR making a nationwide speech on the war effort in 1943.

Motion Pictures

In 1910 Thomas Edison developed the first talking motion picture. This 8 second astonishment came immediately after the first silent motion picture. This, however, was not the beginning of television; these images were simply made by running thousands of transparent filmpieces infront of a light: a projector. Although this advancement did not significantly advance communications, it would eventually cuase the television. This in turn would lead to news reports, quicker communication to the public from governent officials, and pure entertainment. Television, by far the greatest advancement in communicaion in this century (and possible all of time), would develop into screens for computers, which would contain the internet, video communications, and youtube.

Radio

After the invention of the telegraph, the similar idea of using electricty led to antennas. These handy devices could transmit messages through the air, a wonder to the world at that time. The first succesful use of radio transmitted messages was in 1878, but how this worked wasn't until 1888. All this excitement got scientists riled up, so they made more and more advances in this technology, like being able to talk into something and have it sent to a device on the other side of the city. Tis accomplishment was made in 1896. A main pioneer in this field, Nikola Tesla, conducted hundreds of experiments to help with these advancements. Although he is not the true inventor of the radio, he deserves much credit for this and many other later inventions. This radio made communication easier and more efficient for everyone. The governments could easily spread messgaes to their peoples, commanders could quickly send mesages to troops on the field, and normal people could cheaply talk with family or friends.

Uses of Mass Communication In and Around WWII

During the mid 1920's, new modernistic art and music, harboring new ideas and beliefs, were becoming known and judged by people across the globe due to mass communication. The new methods of transportation (i.e airmail etc.) aided the spread of new ideas. The radio broadcast new and intruiging music during WWII, nevertheless, the radio became an extremely important tool leading up to and during WWII. In addition, TV and movies became increasingly vital to mass communication during the 20th century. New full length films began with war propoganda - support the effort- for advertisements and spread new culture across the globe. In 1920 Nellie Melba, a very famous soprano, sang on the radio and was heard across Europe on June 16th, 1920. This is evidence to the fact that the radio helped communication and the spread of culture. "By the late 1930's more than three out of every four housholds in both democratic Great Britain and dictatorial Germany had at least one cheap, massproduced radio" - A History of World Societies (942). Mussolini and Hitler used and controlled the radio to reach huge crowds and audiences far and wide. Hitler also used Leni Riefenstahl to make a war propoganda documentary on the Nazi Party Rally - this is a clear example how mass communication worked in media. Hitler's frequent campaign use of the radio was brand new and interesting to the majority of the young people in Germany. Previously, Hindenburg (former chancellor) only used the radio for rare announcments. Hitler's use sparked the interest of young people becuase of his use of new technology. In addition to the radio for mass communication, Hitler flew from place to place and city to city to make mass speeches, and usually delivered between 3-4 a day. This shows how the airplane aided in mass communication. During WWII mass communication played a huge role. One example would be Tokyo Rose, the name given to English speaking women who broadcast Japanese propoganda. The most famous of those is Iva Toguri D'Aquino, who was tried for treason and found guilty and died last year in 2006. The Tokyo Rose broadcast was an international way of communicating Japan's propoganda. Also, mass communcation was used when Japan surrendered to the allies in 1945. The US became impacient waiting for Japan to agree and view the surrender terms, so on Aug. 14, B-29s dropped leaflets with the terms all over Japan on a bombing run. This was definetly mass communication at work aided by the use of the airplane. When Japan accepted the terms, the emeperor broadcast the surrender over Japanese airwaves for everyone to hear. Mass communication at work. In addition, the new uses and advanments of mass communication through radio enabled the allies and the enemy to broadcast secret codes and transmissions to far off battle fields and headquarters. In addition to transmitting code by radio, new magnetic tape was created to record radio broadcasts and code. This aided in the underground movements such as the French underground or Hogan's Heroes.

Propaganda

Ever since the technologies were invented, leaders have used them as tools for propaganda and influence over their peoples. Leaders like Hitler and Stalin, to great leaders like President Roosevelt. Modern day leaders even use radio or televion to gain influence over the people. Although this may not be considered propaganda per se, it is still the use of modern communication technology to persuade or dissuade the people. This is most prevalent in today's election campaign commercials, in which the candidate either praises himself, or neglects his opponent. In the times or the world wars, leaders used radio to talk to the people and enforce their cause. For this reason, communications and technological advancements in this field have greatly influenced the course of history. Without this communication, some of the great revolutions of the 20th century would never have taken place, even if that is a good thing.

Introduction to Mass Communication

Ever since Johannes Gutenberg invented the first printing press in 1453, mass communication has been escalating. By the late nineteenth century, the telegraph, the telephone, and the photograph had all been invented and changed the way the world communicated. People could communicate around the world with the laying of the transatlantic telegraph wires. By the turn of the twentieth century telephony wires had been installed in many parts of the world including Manhattan New York. For industrialized, European empires such as Britain, communication was crucial in running an empire that spanned four continents. In the world wars, communication became crucial, and the affect changed modern history. During the two world wars, inventions such as the radio, and the television greatly affected the outcome and more innovations were an outcome of the wars themselves. In the 1960's and 70's, Satellites were launched into outer space, now satellites give information to us through many forms. Today, mass communication has also turned into mass media, a superhighway for information on anything of interest. Getting up to the minute information has not only become a high-speed luxury, but also a crucial necessity. The internet, the cell phone, and the computer, have all come together to form a seamlessly integrated super network that delivers any info to our finger tips.
These inventions and innovations no undoubtedly changed history and the way countries run. These advances in communication changed the way diplomacy is conducted. Censorship became a big issue as during times of war; the issue still today gets debated over the right to the freedom of press. During the world wars issues over propaganda, true and false, were raised. Communication is the root to the development and spreading of human intellect and has changed history time and again. Communication had a major advancement and impact on the 20th century. It will be interesting to see how mass communication of propaganda affected the world wars and what other technology was used during this time period.

After revolutionary invention of the radio, the 1900's were looking brighter in the sense of communication. During the early 1900's, if a person wanted to make a long distance phone call (outside of their state), one would have to make an appointment to use a special long distance phone and pay for a three minute call with what back then equalled a week's salary. In 1915, the first long distance call was made from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast, which was facilitated by a numerous amount of operators all patching the call through to another. The connection time of a coast to coast call was about 23 minutes. In 1951, AT&T faciltated the first "cutomer-connected long distance call" which was only the begining to a new age of private long distance communication. AT&T was a very important company in the development and advancement of mass communication during the 1900's because of its growing network and new ideas.

In the 1960's radio and telephone technology came together and formed the first cordless phone. Not that it made mass communication easier back then, but in today's society, the wireless technology has a profound impact on today's society. From sattelite and celular phones to WiFi, the wireless advancements aid in the world's mass communication. It is very interesting to note the advancements of mass communication in our world today, and to learn about all of the new inventions and technology that will further the world's efficiency and opportunity to mass communcation.

Mass Communication Introduction

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the world experienced an enormous developement in technology, resulting in an increase of worldy communication. These new technologies ranged from moving pictures to the telephone and from radio to magnetic recordings. These significant creations provided several new means of communication both regionally and globally. These initial breakthroughs were only foreshadowing what was to come in the nearing twenty-first century ("the information age").

During the next half of a century, moving pictures and radio were the dominant force in technological advances. These new communicative means were used for government propoganda, as well and for entertainment purposes. In addition to these technologies, the television expanded as well. It allowed for visual images to be passed on throughout a community, intially for government propaganda, giving the authorities even more power. As years passed, these developments expanded to the point where everyone used them. Essentially, they were not limited to government use. Modern day technologies -- the cellular telephone and portable computers-- all derived from the roots of the primitive technologies from the late nineteenth century. These days, companies such as Apple have mastered the art of technological advances; they have dominated the market in all areas including the computer, cell phone, and mp3 player. In essence, the technological developments from the end of the nineteenth century and early twentieth have evolved over the years. Each creation was an incredible contribution that allowed modern day technology and to develop and exist, resulting in a great exchange of information come to be known as "Mass Communication".

Communications in 1900

Before the 20th century, mass communications relied on one method: telegraphy. Evolving from the late form of giving a messenger a letter and having him run, the telegraph was the first big advancement in the world of mass communications. This quick and easy method decreased the workload and effort needed to quickly deliver important messages long distances. However, before August 16, 1858, these messages were limited to one hemisphere. Considering that Europe and the US were basically the great powers of the world, this problem needed a solution. So, on that day, the first transatlantic telegraph message was sent, from President James Buchanan to Queen Victoria of the UK. This moment marked the beginning of a rapid growth of communication methods throughout the 20th century, ranging from the radio to the internet.

These advancements in technology greatly changed history in all of its aspects. Nations and their leaders could now easily communicate with their allies and ambassadors , resulting in quicker actions and easier communication. Mass communication was of political use in wartime, with leaders easily sending information to troops in the field; and, later, of social use, when people could easily talk to their friends or family in a quick, simple manner. Communication has been and always will be one of the most important technologies for the advancement of society.

At and around the turn of the century, many new inovations were being made that aided in mass communication. For example:

• July 2nd, 1900 = Count Ferdinand Von Zeppelin flies the first zeppelin this was a big step in commnication becuase zeppelins not only influenced one of the greates rock bands in history (Led Zeppelin) but they also aided in communication and transportation. In addition, they came to have a big role in World War I as bombers and reconnaissance. One of the most famous of these was the Hindenburg.



• In the early 1900's, radio towers began to be constructed around the US and other parts of the world. This invention of the "wireless telgeram" dramatically aided in the development of mass communcation. One of the radio's first uses in the 1900's was for the navigation of aiplanes, who would use the AM frequency. In 1930, FM frequency became available. Radios were used as early as 1905 on navy vessels to communicate with one another. During Wolrd War I , Germany used radio for communication when the British cut their telegraph and submarine cables. Also, the US passed on Wilson's 14 points for the Peace of Paris by way of radio. Later on in the early-mid 1900's, radio waves were turned into radar, which aided in detecting planes, ships, and other people.

Welcome

This is a first post on the Mass Communications World History Blog.