“Government Control of Radio Communication”: The 1918 Debate
John Mark Dempsey, Eric L. Gruver · Journal of Radio & Audio Media · 2019
The U.S. Navy officers, wireless authorities, and congressmen, who participated in the hearing before the U.S. House Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries on House Resolution (H.R.) 13159 Dec. 12–19, 1918, had little or no conception of the effect their debate would have on broadcasting, which would emerge in less than 2 years. But the title of the hearings—“Government Control of Radio Communication”—succinctly summarized what was at stake: Should radio stations be owned and operated by the government or private interests?