WEAF
Quick Summary
WEAF was a pioneering radio station in New York City that played a significant role in the development of radio broadcasting in the United States. It was the first station to sell advertising time, a practice known as "toll broadcasting," with its first commercial airing in August 1922. In 1926, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) purchased WEAF and used it as the originating station for a permanent network of radio stations, distributing daily programs across the country. This innovation marked a new era, moving beyond individual stations to create a national reach for radio content.123
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radioThe role of advertising…New York City radio station, WEAF, began selling time for “toll broadcasting.” Its first radio commercial, broadcast on August 22, 1922, was a 15-minute real-estate ad offering apartments in Jackson Heights, Queens. But acceptance of radio advertising was slow, as broadcasters did not want to offend listeners. Early ads promoted…
Read More…New York City radio station, WEAF, began selling time for “toll broadcasting.” Its first radio commercial, broadcast on August 22, 1922, was a 15-minute real-estate ad offering apartments in Jackson Heights, Queens. But acceptance of radio advertising was slow, as broadcasters did not want to offend listeners. Early ads promoted…
Read More- radioThe development of networks and production centres
Over flagship station WEAF in New York City, announcer Graham McNamee presided over the inaugural broadcast; guest stars included humourist Will Rogers, speaking from Independence, Kansas, and opera star Mary Garden, singing from Chicago. A new era in radio dawned with this broadcast. Earlier radio stations had a…
Read MoreOver flagship station WEAF in New York City, announcer Graham McNamee presided over the inaugural broadcast; guest stars included humourist Will Rogers, speaking from Independence, Kansas, and opera star Mary Garden, singing from Chicago. A new era in radio dawned with this broadcast. Earlier radio stations had a…
Read More - radioSports
…regularly scheduled on New York’s WEAF. Graham McNamee, a cub announcer, was soon called upon by WEAF to broadcast several sporting events, including championship fights and the World Series starting in 1923. McNamee became NBC’s top sports announcer, presiding over football, baseball, and boxing. He infused his sportscasts with human…
Read More…regularly scheduled on New York’s WEAF. Graham McNamee, a cub announcer, was soon called upon by WEAF to broadcast several sporting events, including championship fights and the World Series starting in 1923. McNamee became NBC’s top sports announcer, presiding over football, baseball, and boxing. He infused his sportscasts with human…
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