Futurism and Radio

Abstract

This chapter assesses the condition of Italian radio in the 1920s and 30s, examines the influence of broadcast programs and policies on Futurist radio output, and asks to what degree Italian radio may have embraced, at least partially, Futurist aesthetics. Many key elements of Futurist aesthetics matched the innate qualities of the new radio technology; vice versa, radio contained many features that held the promise of an ideal Futurist medium. The Futurist Radio Manifesto, signed by F. T. Marinetti and Pino Masnata, temporarily redirected the Futurist embrace of technology from machines to the physics and metaphysics of radio waves. The ‘wireless imagination’ gave birth to the artista in liberta (the artist freed from the constraints of human perception). The goal was a synthesis of art and science that strove for a new spectrum of sensibilities located in the immateriality of the world. Historians have accorded the Futurists unqualified recognition for their influence over Italian radio. This study challenges that point of view by examining the context and problems associated with Futurist radio broadcasts in Italy. Politics and economics affected radio institutions in ways that did not accord Futurism the chance to contribute to the new medium in the manner Marinetti was keen to do. The programmes paid an occasional tribute to Futurism but, for the most part, marginalized it. And Radiorario, Italian radio’s official programme listing guide, foiled any attempt by the Futurists to dominate a cultural discussion of technology.