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Radio Act Creates Licensing System
The Radio Act of 1912 created a licensing system to control radio transmissions, favoring military and big business while sidelining amateur operators. This began federal regulation of broadcasting. -
KDKA’s First Broadcast
Westinghouse’s KDKA station in Pittsburgh made the first commercial radio broadcast, airing election results. This marked the birth of broadcasting as a mass communication medium. -
Formation of the Federal Radio Commission
The Radio Act of 1927 created the FRC (later FCC), which enforced the “public interest, convenience, and necessity” standard—favoring commercial broadcasters and shaping U.S. media policy. -
Television Debuts at the New York World’s Fair
RCA introduced television to the public at the 1939 World’s Fair. FDR’s televised speech demonstrated TV’s future as a political and cultural force. -
FCC Licensing Freeze Begins
From 1948–1952, the FCC froze new TV licenses to prevent airwave clutter. This delay gave networks time to dominate markets and left independent/educational stations behind. -
"I Love Lucy" Premieres
“I Love Lucy” introduced the three-camera system and live-audience format. It broke records and reshaped sitcom production. -
Quiz Show Scandal Exposes Sponsorship Corruption
Sponsors were caught rigging quiz shows like Twenty-One for ratings. Congressional hearings led to networks taking more control and shifted the sponsorship model.