In 1924, a magazine ran a contest: "Who is to pay for broadcasting and how?"

The article discusses a contest held in 1924 by Radio Broadcast magazine, questioning who should pay for broadcasting. Despite receiving numerous entries, all were rejected. The contest aimed to find a solution to the financial challenges of radio broadcasting, a century-old issue that remains relevant today. The piece delves into the historical context of radio's early days in America, the struggle to find sustainable business models, and the reluctance towards advertising by figures like Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover. Various funding ideas were proposed, including a federal tax on vacuum tubes. Ultimately, the judges dismissed the winning proposal, opting to maintain the status quo. The article reflects on the evolution of broadcasting funding, the dominance of advertising, and the challenges faced in sustaining public-interest programming. It concludes by suggesting a revisit to the question of who should pay for broadcasting in the current media landscape.