Franklin D. Roosevelt became president at a moment of cataclysmic crisis in American history. At the time of his inauguration on 4 March 1933, the country was in the throes of the deepest economic depression in its history and the banking system was on the verge of collapse.<br><br>Roosevelt needed to restore the confidence of the American people, both in their economy and in his ability to take effective action. Along with legislation which was swiftly enacted, the use of radio was a key part of Roosevelt’s strategy.<br><br>Eight days after his inauguration, and three days after the Emergency Banking Act sought to prevent any more bank runs, Roosevelt made his first radio broadcast. The tone he struck was one of simple efficiency, detailing ‘what has been done, why it was done, and what the next steps are going to be’.<sup>1</sup> His conversational manner led to the broadcasts becoming known as the ‘fireside chats’; conjuring up a cosy chat with Roosevelt himself.<br><br>The impact of the first fireside chat was staggering. Thousands of letters were received at the White House,<sup>2</sup> largely in support of Roosevelt’s actions. The run on the banks stopped and Americans returned more than half of the hoarded cash within two weeks.<sup>3</sup> <br><br>Roosevelt went on to deliver a total of 30 fireside chats in the 12 years of his presidency. Through them, he was able to convince the people to support his New Deal programme and to calm fears following the USA’s entry into WWII in 1941.<br>