Red Network

American network

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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The Red Network was one of two semi-independent networks established by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) in 1926. Based at station WEAF in New York City, it was NBC's more prosperous network, carrying 75 percent of the company's commercial programs by 1938. The Red Network, along with NBC's Blue Network, marked a significant shift in American broadcasting, allowing individual stations to share the costs of programming and create a national appeal. This development led to the rise of nationally known radio stars and popular shows like Amos 'n' Andy.12

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American Broadcasting Company
Origins
…two separate networks, called the Red and the Blue networks. After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declared in 1941 that no company could own more than one radio network, NBC in 1943 sold the less-lucrative Blue Network to Edward J. Noble, the millionaire maker of Life Savers candy, who initially…
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…two separate networks, called the Red and the Blue networks. After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declared in 1941 that no company could own more than one radio network, NBC in 1943 sold the less-lucrative Blue Network to Edward J. Noble, the millionaire maker of Life Savers candy, who initially…
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National Broadcasting Co., Inc.
Origins
…based on WJZ, and the Red Network, based on WEAF, each with its respective links to stations in other cities.
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…based on WJZ, and the Red Network, based on WEAF, each with its respective links to stations in other cities.
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