Radio and the Jews: The Untold Story of How Radio Influenced the Image of Jews [Paperback]

David S. Siegel (Author), Susan Siegel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1891379089 | ISBN-13: 978-1891379086 | Publication Date: September 30, 2007

From stereotypes to role models, Radio and the Jews provides the first comprehensive look at how Jews were portrayed on radio from the 1920s to the 1950s. Examines over 100 Jewish themes programs and characters, including comedy, drama, soap opera, religious programs and World War II programs. Includes an audio CD with samples of many programs broadcast more than 60 years ago.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An important addition to radio's growing literature as it focuses on how Jews were portrayed in network programs - about which relatively little has been known before. A valuable account that offers delightful reading, shrewed insights, and important references. -- Christopher Sterling, Editor, Encyclopedia of Radio

The Siegels provide a useful overview of American Jewish broadcast history that benefits collectors and scholars. -- Andrew Ingall, Assisant Curator, The Jewish Museum/National Jewish Archive of Broadcasting

The Siegels' new book salvages many comedy, drama, and religious programs from obscurity, sheds new light on familiar Jewish-themed programs, and addresses anti-Semitic radio. A highly useful ad often entertaining glimpse into Jewish radio, "Radio and the Jews" is a unique reference for scholars of 20th century radio, media and religion. -- Tona Hanger, Author, Redeeming the Dial

From the Publisher

From Amos 'n' Andy to the Goldbergs to Life With Luigi, ethnic, religious and racial stereotypes were a part of radio from the 1920s through the mid 1950s. Radio and the Jews examines how Jews were portrayed on the airwaves and how those images influenced what middle America throught about Jews.

The book includes both positive and negative stereotypes and models; discusses several long forgotten series; examines the controversy over the use of the Yiddish dialect to identify Jewish characters;why some Jewish secular organizations objected to certain programs and tried to force them off the air; and how the airwaves were used to spread the anti-Semitic message of people like Father Charles Coughlin and Gerald L. K. Smith.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 283 pages
• Publisher: Book Hunter Pr (September 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891379089
• ISBN-13: 978-1891379086
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,043,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A significant contribution, November 23, 2008

By 

Luther F. Sies "sports fan" (Sun City West, Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Radio and the Jews: The Untold Story of How Radio Influenced the Image of Jews (Paperback)

Informative and entertaining, this book is a significant contribution to the study of the effects of radio on American culture. Both authoritative and comprehensive, its style is crisp and clear. The books' treatment of Father Coughlin and anti-Semitic radio is particularly impressive.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hear from the Authors, January 24, 2008

By 

Heidi Estrin (The Book of Life podcast, www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Radio and the Jews: The Untold Story of How Radio Influenced the Image of Jews (Paperback)

Hear an interview with Radio & The Jews authors David and Susan Siegel about their book and about the history of Jews in American radio! Go to www.bookoflifepodcast.com for The Book of Life podcast's November 2007 episode, "Old Radio and New Media."