French Musical Broadcasting in 1936: A Record of Programs and a Wind of Innovations

Christophe Bennet (1)

1 IReMus - Institut de Recherche en Musicologie

The Year 1936 marks an important step in the evolution of French broadcasting. Echoing the ephemeral hope which the election of Leon Blum's " Front populaire " creates in a growing middle class, the year also coincides with the launching of new programs on private stations. These had recently been handed down to businessmen who were to counterbalance the principles of broadcasting of the Government's network. Placed for 18 months in the hands of Post and Telephone Minister Georges Mandel, the latter was henceforth financially wealthy and structurally organized. By June, a new Minister, Robert Jardillier, a convinced socialist, was appointed. He particularly catches our attention for two reasons: he is a radio professional and is an accomplished musician. Accompanying more than ever the daily life of French people (with tunes on the lips of the strikers of the spring), music still accounts for 60% of the programs broadcasted and is characterized by a formidable stylistic eclecticism. Drawing its richness from the cultural and social disparity, this eclecticism is the most point of animated debates. Let's come back on a year that what decisive in many regards.

Mots clés: 1936; Léon Blum's Government; Musical Broadcasting; Music and Radio; France in the Thirties; Radio-Paris; Radio-Cité

Domaines: Musique, musicologie et arts de la scène

Christophe Bennet. French Musical Broadcasting in 1936: A Record of Programs and a Wind of Innovations. 2015. ⟨hal-01146813⟩