Tempest in the Tea Leaves: Broadcasting the Esoteric Arts and Mystic Sciences, 1937–1953

Abstract

Abstract: From 1937 until 1953, it was contrary to Canadian broadcasting regulations to broadcast programs with speakers claiming to have supernatural abilities, or to offer personal advice over the airwaves. As the broadcast regulator, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was responsible for enforcing the ban, which meant preventing privately operated stations from producing such programs. The struggle over what sort of programming was suitable not only mirrored the differences between audiences and regulators or broadcasters and regulators, but also attitudes toward esoteric lifestyles, religion, science, and the place of entertainment on the air. Regulators uncomfortable with the potential for exploitation or exposure of listeners' private affairs repeatedly turned back attempts by broadcasters to circumvent the regulation, and in the process revealed some deep-seated class and gender-based assumptions about radio's early audiences.