ABSTRACT
Mass listening had a great influence on the local community, particularly in the context of commercial activity, political life and the relations between listeners and the nation. The earliest examples of listening by crowds were usually advertising stunts organised by shops wishing to sell wireless sets. There was a significant element of natural curiosity in the crowds which gathered since this was usually the first means of coming into contact with broadcasting. The politically neutral listening population was obviously composed of many different types - some remained completely unsure of their position, some were eventually persuaded to join one side or another, whilst others were rather more detached, cynical observers of the scene. Radio news could fill the gap even when no edition was possible. Radio news bulletins were printed and displayed in local newspaper office windows. Similarly, radio shops printed bulletins for issue to passers-by.
