Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Perhaps the change in phonology occurred as a result of the burgeoning of television, which began in the 50s and which became ubiquitous by the late 60s--even in the homes of the stars. In the preceding decades, when radio dominated the delivery of home consumed entertainment, news, and political rhetoric, a flat, smooth, self-assured tone was most effective at conveying coolness, strength, and wisdom--characteristics people found most appealing in their political leaders and in the protagonists of radio dramas, especially during the tumultuous first half of the 20th century. There was also a strong element of regionalism in the "old style" of speaking, with the bulk of entertainment and nationally known politicians hailing from New England, New York and the Atlantic seaboard.

When television took over from radio and movies, a more subtle, emotionally nuanced, one might say less robotic, delivery evolved. Performers, politicians and subsequently the population in general tuned their instruments to a naturalistic style that better fit the intimate new medium--the wooden, flat tones of the past had to yield to a style that sounded, and looked, more human and real. This coincided with the warming sensitivities coming to the fore in civic discourse, the arts, and society in general as the 60s progressed. Additionally, the domination of the east coast "style" was thenabout challenged and diluted by the rise of the west coast media industry and the influx there of talent from a much broader cross section of the American melting pot. The modern style has continued to self-reinforce as the hours and hours of time spent producing and consuming television has mounted and mounted.