As a veteran of the radio wars and communications in general one of my great joys is refurbishing classic radios from the Golden Age of Radio, 1935-1950. I love the rich, deep tone that only a wooden radio case provides for a musical standard broadcast on a classic AM radio. I am particularly fascinated by the orange glow of the radio dial in the evening. Perhaps it’s a longing for a simpler day when things appeared to move slower.
Today we are living in an age of great change and at a rate of speed unimaginable just a decade ago. The mainstream print media is not exempt from the technological change which is evolving daily. Like my appreciation for radio I still love the smell of ink on a newspaper and reading it with a good cup of coffee early in the morning.
Many people lament the technological changes or improvements occurring daily with their preferred media. I recall reading about the decline of newspapers because of the creation of radio. Many people believed the advent of television would foster the elimination of radio as a news source. But they survived and are adjusting to meet the needs of a changing consumer.
I recall clearly the demise of records and the advent of cassette tapes. Next was CD’s and now evolving music playing systems. There is nothing wrong with a longing for or indeed retaining some cherished things you feel more comfortable with like the evening paper. However the new methodology of communication on line or via an evolving platform can be seen as a positive. A newer generation prefers receiving information on line and having the opportunity to express their specific views on issues important to them.
Embracing new technology is merely a matter of adjusting, adapting and focusing on the positive. Just think a larger, broader audience will have access to learn and communicate about issues important to them. I appreciate techno fear as I am not a techi guy. However it is the preferred method of communication for my children and my grand children so I have adapted to the new i phone and lap top, which by the way they tell me is on the way out! Even my church now sends me a weekly email reminding me of what my scripture lesson will be for the upcoming Sunday.
In adapting and adjusting to new things it is not necessary to disregard your traditional values or beliefs. I still wear a jacket and tie to church on Sunday as a measure of respect. It was the way I was brought up and a custom I prefer. On occasion I still enjoy listening to my records and tuning in AM radio. Increasingly however I go online for research and to check out the newspaper. I practice combining the cherished with evolving media.
Remember, the past is a wonderful place to visit from time to time and reminisce. But we live in a challenging world where the value of one on one communication is increasingly important. Take advantage of the new world in which we live and share your love and perspectives on life.
While the battery for my lap top recharges I think I will head down to the stationary store and see if they still stock type writer ribbons.
Barry Coe, Renaissance man.
