Since the first dramatic radio recordings in 1904, radio drama has been with us for a century already. But, you might say, there are no radio dramas produced today, are there? And you might be right.
Thankfully, you're not.
The world of radio drama still lives today. When first the dramas were broadcast, they were wax recordings. Few shows exist from the earliest known wax copies. As recording technology improved, recording formats changed from cylindrical, 78's, transcription discs, reel to reel, DAT and now purely digital recordings are done.
For the lover of radio drama, you probably have numerous formats. I, as an early 40ish collector, have Long Play album, cassette, CD, and MP3. Critics of digital copies argue that the ambience of the original recordings cannot be transferred. They also argue that the imperfections of the performances are lost as many copies have no original commercial breaks. I argue that the absence of static detracts from the experience, but the clean copies make for easier listening. It doesn't matter who is right, but that radio drama is preserved, and we all enjoy what we listen to.
Having said that, the arrival of MP3 has been an incredible blessing for the Radio Drama Collector. The development of the internet has also contributed to the increase in popularity of radio drama. Numerous websites are dedicated to the artform, and many either have free downloads, or offer CDs for sale. Recently, Maggie Thompson of Comic Buyers Guide participated in a "new" drama. Fred Foy has also participated in many recreations. The Doc Savage group recreated a Doc drama this last year. Over the public airwaves in Canada, you can find 'The Radio Oldies' over the Wik radio network. In the United States, many stations also broadcast classic shows.
Radio is not dead. It has changed. The actors have passed on, but their impact on listeners keeps growing. The pioneers have not been forgotten. Lucas paid tribute to radio drama in a film called 'Radioland Murders' that focused on the premiere of a new series and the murder behind the scenes that drove the plot. A very delightful film that exists on the outskirts of 'classic', but deep in the heart of tributes. Woody Allen did his own tribute film as well.
The internet is awash in some great radio drama websites. Below you will find a list of some of my favourites, and beside (or beneath) you will find a tidbit that makes them great!
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