The first president to utilize radio broadcasts to communicate with the public was Franklin D. Roosevelt. He effectively used "Fireside Chats," a series of radio addresses that began in 1933, to connect with Americans and discuss various issues, including the Great Depression and New Deal policies. These broadcasts were innovative and aimed to provide reassurance, inform the public, and foster a sense of unity during challenging times. Roosevelt's use of radio helped to shape modern communication strategies for political leaders, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with citizens through emerging media.