Can you identify this pioneer in radio, television and mass media?

Back in March, the Iconoclast introduced a new twist to our format to keep it fun, informative, and educational.

The idea then was to ask our readers to identify an image of an individual who - through their progressive ideals, thoughts, and actions - helped to shape our nation into not only the “home of the brave”, but also the “land of the free”.

The kindly looking gentleman pictured here was indeed a significant pioneer in the application of early radio and television technology and was unquestionably one of history’s most effective practitioners of the art and science of mass media. This man would make today’s master “spin doctors” pale by comparison!

From a purely technical perspective, this man could indeed be considered a progressive thinker… way ahead of his times… He helped shape the course of world events and contributed to the ascendancy of America as the world power we know today in ways he could have never imagined.

But be cautioned… not all progressive thinkers apply their innovations to honorable causes.

This is a trick question.

Who is this man and how did he contribute to make America “…the home of the brave and the land of the free”?