Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio (1991) movie backdrop
Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio (1991) movie poster
1991113 minDocumentary, History

Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio

Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.5/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Documentary, History genre.

Is Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.58 votes
113Minutes
1991Release Year
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Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio Review

Last updated: January 10, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1991, Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on For 50 years radio dominated the airwaves and the American consciousness as the first “mass medium. Under the direction of Ken Burns, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Jason Robards, Red Barber, Erik Barnouw. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.

🎥 Technical Aspects & Direction

From a technical standpoint, Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

📺 Where to Watch

As of January 2026, Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.

📝 Final Thoughts

With an audience rating of 7.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Documentary, History, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.

Cast of Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio

  • Jason Robards – Narrator (voice)
  • Red Barber – Self - Radio Announcer
  • Erik Barnouw – Self - Historian
  • Ken Bilby – Self - Biographer of David Sarnoff
  • Norman Corwin – Self - Writer

Top Highlights

Jason Robards
Jason RobardsNarrator (voice)
Red Barber
Red BarberSelf - Radio Announcer
Erik Barnouw
Erik BarnouwSelf - Historian
Ken Bilby
Ken BilbySelf - Biographer of David Sarnoff
Norman Corwin
Norman CorwinSelf - Writer
Susan Douglas
Susan DouglasSelf - Historian
Frank Günther
Frank GüntherSelf - Engineer
Jeanne Hammond
Jeanne HammondSelf - Niece of Edwin H. Armstrong
Loren Jones
Loren JonesSelf - Engineer
Garrison Keillor
Garrison KeillorSelf - Writer

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1991 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio movie hit or flop?

Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary, History movies.

Is Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio worth watching?

Yes, Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary, History cinema.

What genre is Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio?

Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio is a Documentary, History movie that For 50 years radio dominated the airwaves and the American consciousness as the first “mass medium.” In Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio, Ken...

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.5
Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio
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