G
1991    1h 53mHistory, Documentary
7.57.6
The eighth documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, this one focuses on the fascinating history of American radio, which has dominated the airwaves for 50 years. It also traces on the three founders of the medium: Lee deforest, Edwin Howard Armstrong and David Sarnoff. Narrated by Jason Robards.
Directed by Ken Burns

Where to Watch Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio

  • Jason RobardsNarrator (voice)
  • Red BarberSelf - Radio Announcer
  • Erik BarnouwSelf - Historian
  • Ken BilbySelf - Biographer of David Sarnoff
  • Norman CorwinSelf - Writer
  • Susan DouglasSelf - Historian
  • Frank GüntherSelf - Engineer
  • Jeanne HammondSelf - Niece of Edwin H. Armstrong
  • Loren JonesSelf - Engineer
  • Garrison KeillorSelf - Writer
  • Helen KelleySelf - Radio Broadcaster
  • Robert MorrisSelf - Engineer
  • Dana RaymondSelf - Friend of Edwin H. Armstrong
  • Gertrude TyneSelf - Engineer
  • Fred AllenSelf - Predicts Demise of Radio (archive footage)
  • Gene AutrySelf - Sings (archive sound)
  • John BarrymoreHamlet (archive sound)
  • Winston ChurchillSelf - Finest Hour Speech (archive sound)
  • Charles J. CorrellSelf - Prepares for Amos 'n' Andy Broadcast (archive footage)
  • Lee De ForestSelf - Objects to Quality of Radio Programming (archive footage)
  • The Gutter Monkey
    The Gutter MonkeyFebruary 16, 2025
    Hardly a must-watch, but an interesting story, nonetheless, covering the beginnings of the "radio days" and the relatively short era where radio was king.

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