Television Begins

The invention that would change the world was introduced to the American people at the 1939 World’s Fair.

After its introduction at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, a few wealthy people bought some TV sets. They were able to watch the first  televised sporting events as well as the first televised political convention.  In 1941, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) developed a list of standards to regulate TV shows. The first company to advertise on the new medium was Bulova.  World War II slowed the development of television.

At first, a TV set was too expensive for the average person to own but as time passed, it became less costly and more popular.  After the war, television took off.  Many entertainers and shows jumped from vaudeville and radio to TV.  Viewers saw the World Series for the first time in the late 1940s and news shows brought the world to American families.  They also saw legendary variety shows like Sid Caesar’s Show of Shows, Milton Berle’s Texaco Star Theater, Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and the Ted Mack Amateur Hour.

Children’s shows and family shows were also popular.  Kids were wowed by the Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy, Howdy Doody, and Kukla, Fran and Ollie.  Families laughed at Ossie and Harriet, Leave It to Beaver, and I Love Lucy.  By 1950, TV had become a household fixture.

Television was something of a novelty after it was introduced at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York but became wildly popular after World War II. People were able to enjoy sports, news, variety shows, children’s shows, and family shows in the comfort of their homes.