USA

This essay examines early radio broadcasting in 1920s Mexico. I particu- larly focus on the competing intellectuals involved in shaping Mexico City broadcasting, and how the incorporation of these varying artists, writers, and technicians shaped business practices, the Mexican state, and nation- alism in the revolutionary era. It appeared to some intellectuals that radio would bring about a more open, democratic society that embraced an excit- ing, globally-connected future. To others, radio represented a static-filled future of cheapened culture and imitation that would remain a knock-off, but perhaps that could assist in the “civilization” of Mexico. Foreshadow- ing Mexico’s increasingly multicultural future, early radio broadcasters managed to settle on nothing and accommodate all. Likewise, instead of en- forcing their own vision for broadcasting, officials of the new revolutionary government embraced the contending perspectives. They pursued this path because of their own inability to enforce their will and, subsequently, as an attempt to incorporate outside forces shaping broadcasting into the state apparatus. Despite the sometimes contradictory projections that resulted, the inclusion of diverse but popular intellectuals ensured that the growth of Mexican broadcasting mirrored and reinforced the new political-economic order.

USA

This essay explores the development of wireless communications from radiotelegraphy to broadcasting. An under analyzed and important topic, Porfirian and revolutionary wireless officials and policies laid the foundation for Mexico’s powerful broadcasting and telecommunications industries. From the beginning, communications specialists used radio for state and nation building, especially in the hinterlands. The Revolution briefly shifted the focus of wireless experts away from the frontiers and toward warfare; however, the upheaval actually expanded the number of wireless devices and technicians. These professionals subsequently became essential figures in communications projects carried out during the presidencies of Venustiano Carranza and Álvaro Obregon, as well as during the rise of broadcasting in the 1920s.