In 1922, AT&T's WEAF New York aired the first radio advertisment, a 10-minute broadcast for Hawthorne Court Apartments in New York City. The practice, known then as "toll broadcasting," capitalized on radio's unique ability to sell time in front of a large and local audience.
NPR: First Radio Commercial Hit Airwaves 90 Years Ago
November 2, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the first commercial radio broadcast. To celebrate this special anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on 100 key moments in radio's history.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating your favorite radio memories throughout 2020. Use the hashtag #Radio100 across social media to share these moments with the world. Here’s to 100 wonderful years of radio, and to at least 100 more!
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