"What Was Happening in the World Around Me?"
The History and Significance of Radio Broadcasting
It is important to acknowledge the history of radio and broadcasting in Canada, as it offers valuable insight into the commercial success of the Baby Champ Radio from 1947 to the early 1950s. Understanding the design and functionality of the Baby Champ reveals how it influenced daily life, consumer culture, and the way people connected to global events and shared experiences. To fully grasp its significance and impact in the 1940s, it is essential to consider the historical context of radio broadcasting in Canada—both before, during, and after the Baby Champ’s time on the market, however brief it may have been.
Radio Programming in the Mid-Twentieth Century
Along with the history and growth of radio throughout North America, radio programming and entertainment in the mid-twentieth century also provides a unique perspective of Radio Broadcasting's 'Golden Age' through the presentation of commercial entertainment broadcasts spanning 1930-1959. Shown below are a couple examples of media that would have been playing on radios like Baby Champ in both private and public spaces, which provides an understanding of what people might have listened to at the time.Public radio broadcasting in Canada transformed radio from a niche hobby to a major cultural industry as the era of exclusively private radio came to an end, and with it, helped solidify the commercial success of the Baby Champ Radio. This is important today for its contribution to Canadian identity and providing access to information, media, news, entertainment.
Click below to learn more about the target audience of the Baby Champ Radio and its impact on gender roles.