I think the first Bat Radio debuted in the 1966 TV Show, so from that point onwards the signal really has served no practical communications purpose.
It has however, always been canon that the signal is not just about communicating to Batman, but also about communicating to criminals that Batman is out and on the loose. It’s more psychological warfare than communication device … Though why Gordon isn’t allowed to use the Bat Radio and has to go on the roof in the rain to turn on a high voltage spot light is never fully explained. I assume he lost his privileges for a reason.
I think the first Bat Radio debuted in the 1966 TV Show, so from that point onwards the signal really has served no practical communications purpose.
It has however, always been canon that the signal is not just about communicating to Batman, but also about communicating to criminals that Batman is out and on the loose. It’s more psychological warfare than communication device … Though why Gordon isn’t allowed to use the Bat Radio and has to go on the roof in the rain to turn on a high voltage spot light is never fully explained. I assume he lost his privileges for a reason.
Wouldn’t it work the other way, too? If the bat signal is off, it’s crime time, my fellow criminal goons!
In the Adam West TV show Gordon just picked up the red phone.
“Hey Batman, I have Bruce Wayne on the other line, he’s got some information, you should talk to him.”
Yes, this is a scene that actually did happen in the Adam West Batman show.