On April 18, 1935, Major League Baseball Commissioner Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis successfully closed a deal with Mutual Broadcasting System to provide national radio coverage of the World Series. Mutual Broadcasting System was the third radio network to air the World Series nationally. Networks use to air the games as a public service and “donated” airtime – no sponsors or commercials were involved. In return, a national audience was able to listen in on the games while networks gained recognition.
The Conversation: The humble (ad-free!) origins of the first World Series broadcasts
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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