Question: A commercial came on the radio last night while I was driving home that was a spoof on the old [news reels of the 30s and 40s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsreel). And, being radio, the spoof was entirely centered on the iconic 'voice' of those old news reals...quick talking with an inflection unique enough that when you hear it you immediately think "ah, news reels!"

That got me wondering what the history of that voice is. Did news reels typically sound like that? Or is that a stereotype that, overtime, has become emblematic of those reels even if not entirely accurate? If news reels did sound like that, was that a general style adopted by narrators, or was it something that came from one prominent/prolific narrator in particular?

If you look through old newsreels on YouTube, they definitely do *not* all share that iconic narration voice, so I'm assuming this was a fabrication at some point in time. 

(PS, I wasn't sure which site to post this on...perhaps this would be better asked on Moviews/TV?)

UPDATE:

Trying to find some specific examples. The one I heard on the radio was actually a Geico commercial. But can't find that.

The Legend of Korra uses this stereotypical news reel voice as a recap for each episode. You can see an example here: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bigqWlscHYc> It's not quite as over-the-top as you find in more satirical uses but seems to be fairly consistent with the style elsewhere.

If I had to describe the style I'd say it's"

* fast talking
* un-natural inflection
* 'showmanship'
* a trace of an accent...maybe New-Englandish?

Answer: 
I am Cam Cornelius and I can assure you that I did not originate this style, lol! The voice you are referring to is a style of the Mid-Atlantic accent...and yes, as a voice actor I do have opportunities to use this style for historical projects. 

Here is a great article on the origins: [That Weirdo Announcer-Voice Accent: Where It Came From and Why It Went Away](https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/06/that-weirdo-announcer-voice-accent-where-it-came-from-and-why-it-went-away/395141/)
Cam Cornelius. <https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfKRKI3daoM> He has that old times news voice.