Regulating the Radio Monopoly: Ewin Davis and his Legislative Debates, 1923-1928

Abstract

Ewin Lamar Davis is frequently cited as an influential lawmaker known for promoting antimonopolistic practices during the development of radio broadcasting through the 1920s. He believed monopolistic practices threatened fair business practices, program diversity, localism, and noncommercial radio. His work helped shape early radio legislation, including the Davis Amendment, which attempted to equalize the distribution of radio stations throughout the US. However, little research has been done to clearly articulate his role in the development of radio legislation. This paper uses Congressional records to trace Davis' involvement in legislation leading to the Radio Act of 1927 and the subsequent Davis Amendment.