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Performing Arts History & Criticism

The Voice of Newfoundland

A Social History of the Broadcasting Corporation of Newfoundland,1939-1949

by (author) Jeff Webb

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Nov 2008
Category
History & Criticism
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802095534
    Publish Date
    Nov 2008
    List Price
    $47.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802098207
    Publish Date
    Nov 2008
    List Price
    $91.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442692787
    Publish Date
    Nov 2008
    List Price
    $35.95

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Description

Similar to the CBC and BBC, the Broadcasting Corporation of Newfoundland was a public broadcaster that was at the centre of a cultural and political change from 1939 to 1949, during which Newfoundland faced wartime challenges and engaged in a constitutional debate about whether to become integrated into Canada. The Voice of Newfoundland studies these changes by taking a close look at the Broadcasting Corporation of Newfoundland's radio programming and the responses of their listeners.

Making excellent use of program recordings, scripts, and letters from listeners, as well as government and corporate archives, Jeff A. Webb examines several innovative programs that responded to the challenges of the Great Depression and Second World War. Webb explores the roles that radio played in society and culture during a vibrant and pivotal time in Newfoundland's history, and demonstrates how the broadcaster's decision to air political debates was pivotal in Newfoundlanders's decision to join Canada and to become part of North American consumer society.

An engaging study rich in details of some of twentieth-century Newfoundland's most fascinating figures, The Voice of Newfoundland is a remarkable history of its politics and culture and an important analysis of the influence of the media and the participation of listeners.

About the author

Jeff A. Webb is an assistant professor in the Department of History at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Jeff Webb's profile page

Editorial Reviews

The Voice of Newfoundland is a work of subtlety and imagination that provides a compelling view of the dialectic between broadcaster and audience in the creation of culture. It deserves an international audience and should be standard reading for PhD fields in Canadian history.’

Canadian Historical Review: vol 91:04:10