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Important events in television history from radio to the Golden age
Key events, figures and institutions in the history of television before entering the Golden age. -
Worlds First Public Demonstration of Television
Scottish inventor John Logie Baird, building on work from other inventors, debuted his invention he called a “televisor” on January 26, 1926 to the public. His invention was able to send the first live transmission and reception of grayscale images in television history (BBC News, 2020). This was a significant contribution to the medium of television, and created a foundation for others to build off of. -
Creation of NBC
The notable name David Sarnoff, head of RCA was a key player in the development of NBC, one of the first major television networks (Erickson, 2023). Sarnoff Was one of the first to encourage home use of radio and the development of network stations for broadcasting, and was a motivator in growth of the television industry (Rogers, 1997). Under his leadership NBC was able to establish itself as a key player within television (Erickson, 2023). -
First Successful Electronic Television Transmission
Following Baird was American inventor Philo Farnsworth. Farnsworth came from a farming background and grew up with no electricity till the age of 14. At the age of 21, Farnsworth produced the first all-electric television image (Rogers, 1997). His invention was later perfected and in 1928 he developed a functional prototype with assistance from his brother-in-law and wife, creating room for further development and highlighting the potential for television (Rogers, 1997). -
W2XB the first television station
In 1928 General Electric launched an experimental station W2XB at this time with a focus on small scale broadcasting over radio, later moving into television broadcasting (SMECC, 2007). The roots of still standing WRGB out of Schenectady, New York can be traced back to this station, giving WRGB the claim to being the worlds first television station (SMECC, 2007). The formation of this station is also significant for becoming NBC’s first television affiliate (SMECC, 2007). -
First Television Drama Airs
On September 11th 1928 from Schenectady, New York on General Electric's Station WGY on channel W2XB the first television drama aired, The Queen's Messenger (De Souza, 2020). This Tv program although dubbed by its actors and directors as "not a great work of art" laid the ground work for modern programs (De Souza, 2020). -
The Communications Act of 1934
This act established by the Federal Communication Commission created guidelines and standards for television broadcasting (Caterina, n.d.). The Communications Act of 1934 helped to regulate broadcasting stations, create technical standards, establish interests, and acknowledge public interest obligations, fostering the growth of television broadcasting (Caterina, n.d.). -
First Commercial Television Broadcast
At the 1939 World’s Fair in New York the first commercial television broadcast took place (Rogers, 1997). The opening speech given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt was televised by NBC and seen across a few hundred televisions in New York (Rogers, 1997). This not only showcased what television and the future have in store but also acted as a step in bringing television from experimental to a widely accessible technology. -
First Television Commercial
The first television commercial ran for 10 seconds during a baseball game broadcast (Tv Factoids, 2004). This ad for Bulova clocks, a watch brand, cost the company $9 and has significance as it creates the framework for ad-based revenue models within television and sparked the development of tv commercials (Tv Factoids, 2004).