“Times of Extreme Broadcasting”: Argentine Socialism and Mass Culture during the Rise of Commercial Radio (1920–1945)

Abstract

Compelled to grow politically through cultural and educational activities, Argentine socialists faced a difficult challenge in regard to mass culture in the beginnings of the twentieth century, since the new shows and media seemed to distract the people from more “enlightened” activities that were considered crucial tools for social transformation. However, despite common representations in the leftist culture literature, socialists engaged in different features of mass culture in their intent to grow in Argentine politics. This article analyzes the political positions and innovations in broadcasting regarding socialists in Argentina in the interwar period. By embracing the new dynamics of mass politics, socialists revealed themselves as pioneers in the use of radio broadcasting for political purposes. In this sense, the socialist interventions in radio provide a great opportunity for addressing the growing links between mass culture and mass politics in early twentieth-century Argentina.