August 28, 1922…The First Radio Commercial Airs On WEAF
Did you know that AT&T invented radio advertising? It’s true, and their first and only involvement with broadcast radio, as a station owner, left a lasting legacy.
It’s only fitting that the story be told here by radio, and this five minute NPR piece tells it in detail using what radio is most famous for…theater of the mind. To hear it, click the large blue play button at the top left on the page that is linked below. Enjoy and share! – Bobby Ellerbee
http://www.npr.org/2012/08/29/160265990/first-radio-commercial-hit-airwaves-90-years-ago
That was wonderful. Old radio is my true interest and I never knew this. It was also nice to be able to read the transcript of the report. Thanks.
They also created the first network (called a ‘chain’ back then). Many folks don’t realize the NBC was created by RCA buying WEAF/WCAP and it’s network from AT&T in 1926 and merging it with RCA’s WJZ/WRC network to create the NBC.
Interesting take on the story I’d never heard before. Selling air time is like selling long distance time.