Transgender Woman Big Part of Radio History
The new documentary film “RADIO WARS” has started its 2012 FILM FESTIVAL tour in Seattle, WA and features the story of Dr. Martine Rothblatt, the inventor of satellite radio, and a transgender woman.
Dr. Martine Rothblatt-Founder, Sirius Satellite Radio
RADIO WARS explores the evolution of radio and America’s love affair with music and communication. In the hundred years since its invention, radio has significantly impacted the world, from the way we share information…to the way we wage war. But few are aware of the secret battles for control of the medium.
Also spotlighted in the film is unsung hero and radio’s inventor Nikola Tesla, shock jock Howard Stern, FM inventor David Armstrong, and the world’s first Virtual Radio DJ: Denise.
TRANSLATIONS FILM FESTIVAL
SCREENING: Saturday, May 5 @ 2:30pm
ADDRESS: Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122
TICKETS: http://threedollarbillcinema.org/products/item/radio-wars
From controversy to corporate rebirth, RADIO WARS will move and inspire you.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 323-521-3409
Email: info@radiowars.com
START DATE 4/27/12
KILL DATE: 5/6/12
Documentary Declares RADIO WAR
In the hundred years since its invention, radio has significantly impacted the world; from the way we share information to the way we wage war.
Hollywood, CA. April 27, 2012. Soon after World War I America began its love affair with radio, unaware of the hidden battles going on behind the scenes since its inception. Who should profit from radio? Who controls its content? Whose interests are threatened as it evolves? Therein lies the conflict that has raged in a dozen arenas over the past century.
This daring film explores the controversy behind the evolution of radio, those who strove to advance the medium, those who sought to turn it to their own benefit, and those who would have destroyed it. RADIO WARS takes audiences on the journey from radio’s beginnings to Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s modern day battle in the stars. This broadcasting clash turned traditional radio business models upside down, redefined free speech, and put a million investors on a billion dollar rollercoaster ride as the companies fought to survive. For a look behind the scenes, visit:http://RadioWars.com
RADIO WARS Director Sandra Mohr
“The entity that controls broadcasting also controls culture,” says director Sandra Mohr. “It’s time we looked closely at the RADIO WARS throughout history and I hope the film will help viewers to understand how radio’s transformations have had a powerful influence on our personal lives.”
Mohr begins the movie with the very first documented radio war. Many believe that radio technology owes its beginnings to genius inventor Nikola Tesla, who was largely ignored by history when his financier JP Morgan blackballed the inventor for wanting to offer services free of charge. Telsa’s rival Guglielmo Marconi was backed by business giants Thomas Edison and Andrew Carnegie, and eventually gained worldwide celebrity for the invention. When Marconi won the Nobel Prize in 1911, Tesla was furious.
The film investigates the media battle between the Associated Press and radio. In the early 1920′s, the newspaper industry dominated the field of newsgathering. Radio was becoming a free channel for the dissemination of information that people could engage in and listen to. Some newspapers got nervous. Print journalists spent nearly a decade trying to block the emergence of broadcast journalism, known as the press-radio war. In fact, in 1922, the Associated Press issued a notice to its members that AP news bulletins were not to be used for purposes of broadcasting. Radio shows were forced to find new ways of obtaining bulletins for their newscasts. CBS and NBC were born out of this battle.
Spotlighted in the film are shock jock Howard Stern, transgender satellite radio inventor Dr. Martine Rothblatt, FM inventor David Armstrong, and the world’s first Virtual DJ: Denise.