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KDKA, a station in Pittsburgh, became the first licensed commercial radio broadcaster in the United States. This marked the beginning of mass media communication in American households.
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The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) founded NBC, the first national broadcasting network. It centralized content and laid the groundwork for how television networks would later follow.
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At the 1939 New York World’s Fair, RCA introduced television to the American public. President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to appear on TV, marking a turning point in media history.
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In 1941, the Federal Communications Commission issued the first licenses for commercial television broadcasting in the U.S., allowing TV to operate as an advertiser supported industry.
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Milton Berle’s Texaco Star Theater became a breakout hit in 1948, drawing millions of viewers. Known as “Mr. Television,” Berle helped make TV a central part of American life and launched the Golden Age of Television.
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Lucille Ball’s groundbreaking sitcom introduced the multi-camera format and live studio audience. It revolutionized TV production and became one of the most beloved shows in history.
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NBC aired the first national color broadcast in 1954 during the Tournament of Roses Parade. This marked a major technological leap, enhancing the appeal and realism of television.
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The exposure of cheating on shows like Twenty-One led to public outrage and congressional hearings. The scandal shifted creative control from advertisers to television networks, changing the industry forever.