Throughout his presidency (1933-45), Roosevelt used radio to talk to Americans about the problems they faced during the Depression and World War II. He inspired listeners to summon their confidence, determination, and courage to combat these threats to the nation's survival. Roosevelt's conversational, informal radio addresses quickly became known as "fireside chats."

As governor of New York, Roosevelt had used radio to appeal directly to the state's voters, and by the time he entered the White House, he was fully aware of the benefits of the medium. Because many newspaper owners were not supporters of his New Deal programs, Roosevelt found an advantage with radio, which allowed him to speak directly and personally with listeners in their own living rooms. Unable to walk without support after 1921 because of polio, Roosevelt found radio to be an ideal way to project an image of active and powerful leadership.

Roosevelt's press secretary, Steve Early, once noted that Roosevelt liked to picture his audience as a small group sitting around a fireside; this image led to a radio introduction that included the phrase "fireside chat." There are varying opinions as to which of Roosevelt's radio addresses should be classified as fireside chats, with the number placed at between 25 and 31 addresses he made during the 12 years of his presidency. Certainly not all of Roosevelt's radio speeches were in this category, as many of his other radio presentations were tied to ceremonial occasions or political events.

The fireside chats tended to be relatively brief, usually less than 30 minutes, and were structured so that the opening generally focused on a recent event. This was followed by a review of government actions and responses, along with an explanation of the likely impact on the country and the lives of listeners, including the roles they could play in helping to solve problems. Roosevelt's informal language included repetitive devices and simple, easily understood terms. He called for forward, progressive action and expressed optimism and faith in the American people and in divine providence.

Most of the fireside chats were scheduled between 9:00 P.M. and 11:00P.M. and originated from the East Room or the Oval Office of the White House. Frequently, friends or members of the family were in attendance.

Although Roosevelt received assistance with research and preparation, including early drafts, his speeches reflect his own phrasing, personality, and style. Listeners noted that his pleasant and distinctive voice inspired hope and confidence. This played an important part in Roosevelt's ability to communicate ideas and emotions. His relatively slow delivery, clear articulation, and even his Eastern accent contributed to his memorable and successful use of radio.

Early fireside chats described New Deal measures to combat the Depression. Topics included the banking crisis, the National Recovery Administration, the Works Progress Administration, the gold standard, and unemployment. Roosevelt's goal was to assure listeners that his administration was doing everything possible to relieve hardships resulting from economic conditions.

By the late 1930s, although the official U.S. position relative to the war in Europe was one of neutrality, Roosevelt exhibited increasing sympathy for the Allies, and by 1940 the United States was providing nonmilitary support to Britain and France. In a fireside chat during May of that year, Roosevelt urged further American commitment to the Allied cause, and by 19 December, in another radio address, he called on the United States to become the "great arsenal of democracy." Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt used radio to call on the public for increased industrial production and for the acceptance of necessary restrictions at home during the war effort. During the war, Roosevelt used radio to inform the public, but he also realized that it was important to avoid providing information to the enemy, who could also listen to his broadcasts. Some of the comments in his radio addresses during the war were actually intended for Axis listeners and conveyed the message that the United States was determined and able to persevere to the war's end. The themes of Roosevelt's wartime radio speeches emphasized the nobility of the Allied cause, the inevitability of victory, and the necessity for individual sacrifice. He spoke of the need for more man-power, both military and civilian, and he expressed concern about complacency and overconfidence. Roosevelt used radio to encourage the purchase of war bonds and to describe how everyone could contribute to victory.

Toward the war's end, Roosevelt described the demand for unconditional surrender and plans for a postwar America. In his last fireside chat, delivered 6 January 1945, Roosevelt expressed hope for a United Nations organization, which he described as the best hope for a lasting peace. Franklin D. Roosevelt died 12 April 1945.

Roosevelt was the first president to make extensive and continuous use of modern electronic means to speak directly to his constituents. This capability has contributed to the increased power of the executive branch of government. Roosevelt's use of radio allowed him to influence the national agenda and to counter opposing newspaper editorials. His radio addresses played a major role in his popular image, in his being elected four times to the presidency of the United States, and in the success of his efforts to lead the nation through the years, of economic depression and world war.