1940
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From its beginnings, NBC (and its parent company RCA) was investing in the development of television. World War II stalled this, as the nation's resources were devoted to the war effort (including Brigadier General David Sarnoff, founder of NBC who served as General Eisenhower's communications expert). However in this era, some national events did come to life on TV screens – setting the stage for the rise of TV in America.
1940
Abbott and Costello make Universal debut
Burlesque comic duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their debut as Universal stars in 1940 with One Night in the Tropics, the first of 29 films made for the studio. The versatile performers also headlined a radio show on NBC from 1942 to 1947.
1941
New York's WNBT airs first TV commercial after receiving FCC's first commercial TV station license
On July 1, 1941, WNBT (later to become WNBC) aired the first television commercial. A test pattern equipped with a second hand ticked off a full minute, with the phrase “Bulova Watch Time” visible in the lower right corner of the screen while the “Minute Waltz” played underneath. The spot cost $9.
1945
Meet the Press launches on radio before debuting on television two years later
America is introduced to Meet the Press in 1945 as a radio program on the Mutual Broadcasting System. In 1947, MTP moved to television, building a legacy over the following…
1947
NBC debuts the first TV series with a live audience and the first live broadcast of a dramatic TV series
Howdy Doody became one of the first television series to film in front of a live studio audience, with audience members participating from the program's famous "Peanut Gallery". Kraft Television Theatre became the first live dramatic series on TV, with both of these programs filming from studios in 30 Rock.
The first televised World Series is broadcast by NBC
The New York Yankees would defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers in 7 games. Nearly 4 million Americans tuned in, more than 3 million of whom watched from their local tavern.
1948
Television ownership hits 1,000,000 after the rise of Milton Berle
Texaco Star Theatre starring Milton Berle on NBC was TV’s first runaway hit. Driven by his success, television ownership increased in 1948 from approximately 175,000 to 1 million by year’s end, setting the stage for a new era of television and a career for Berle spanning 80 years.
NBC begins airing America's first regularly scheduled news broadcast, NBC Television Newsreel
TV also played its first major role in covering a presidential election. Following the success of televising the nominating conventions, NBC debuted its first regularly-scheduled live newscast, Camel News Caravan, in early 1949.
Universal’s Hamlet premieres
Based on William Shakespeare’s iconic play, the production of Hamlet by Universal in association with Arthur Rank of England won Best Picture at the 21st Academy Awards®.
1949
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