Mass Media and Rock Music Over the Decades: What's Changed?

Ever since Cleveland-based disc jockey Alan Freed coined the term "rock 'n' roll" in the early 1950s, the genre has gone through various mass media and digital changes over the decades. These changes took place on the radio, television and internet. Each platform had its own unique ways of increasing the popularity of rock artists as well as the genre itself. Although the radio is not as popular today as it was in the 20th century, it helped pave the way for today’s most popular music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The television gave artists a chance to be seen nationally or even worldwide. Music videos and live performances allowed viewers to see past artists’ voices and witness their energy. The internet gave bands and artists multiple platforms to share their content and connect with fans. In 2020, having a social media presence became essential for artists wanting to maintain a successful music career during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rock music most likely would not be what it is today if it had not gone through these various changes.