Synopses & Reviews
Signals in the Air: Native Broadcasting in America is the first book-length study of one of the most unique communications enterprises in U.S. history. It is the remarkable account of how the nation's most exploited minority group overcame adversity by embracing the airwaves. Through their own radio and television stations, American Indians have found a way to keep their cultures and languages from perishing. This book examines the impetus behind the development of Native-run stations and how these stations operate today. It assesses the influence and impact of Native broadcasts in the Indigenous community and seeks to chronicle the formidable challenges confronting Indian broadcasters as they provide vital programming services to the often impoverished inhabitants of the nation's remote reservations.
Review
Information regarding Native American broadcasting is extremely limited and a book of this nature by an author of Mr. Keith's stature will be of great value to the broadcasting industry, and any student of broadcasting/history/social studies.Mr. Bruce DuMont President Museum of Broadcast Communications
Review
Breaks important new ground in communication studies by shedding light on the "first minority" and its growing use of electronic media. Keith provides a valuable service with this readable survey of a fascinating market, almost totally unknown outside of Native American circles. And it has currency in the political world given the debate on the future of funding for public broadcasting as many of these stations receive support from CPB. Important reading offering considerable insight by an expert observer.Communication Booknotes
Review
Little has been published about Native American broadcasting. There are a few scholarly articles and segments in books about ethnic broadcasting, but nothing that compares with Signals in the Air. This book offers a readable history of Native broadcasting in the United States, together with fairly detailed profiles of individual Native-owned stations that are in operation today. Signals in the Air offers a fascinating window into one small part of life in Indian Country. The book is well written and logically organized. This book is important because it is the most current and complete piece of literature available on indigenous broadcasting in America.Journal Radio Studies
Review
...in light of recent federal cuts threatening public broadcasting, this book appears especially relevant. This is a readable book and somewhat of a breakthrough for the Native broadcasting industry, consonant with their views and struggle to cope with foriegn culture thrust upon them. It would be useful for classes in broadcasting history or in the social science study of Native Americans.Journalism &Mass Communication Quarterly
Review
It is not only a breakthrough . . . but it provides that group itself with information.Robert Hilliard Professor of Communications Emerson College
Review
. . . Indeed a breakthrough. The theme is stirring and important.Mr. Norman Corwin "Radio's Poet Laureate" and author of Norman Corwin's Letters
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [171]-172) and index.
About the Author
MICHAEL C. KEITH is a member of the Communication Department at Boston College.