Nostalgia USA April 2016 Nostalgia USA April Issue 2016 | Page 20

HISTORY OF RADIO & TV
Memorable Moments
General Broadcasting System's WGBS radio and W2XCR television aired their regular broadcasting debut in New York
City on April 26, 1931.
After the U.S. entry into World War II, the FCC reduced the required minimum air time for commercial television
stations from 15 hours per week to 4 hours. Most TV stations suspended broadcasting; of the ten original television
stations only six continued through the war.On the few that remained, programs included entertainment such as
boxing and plays, events at Madison Square Garden, and illustrated war news as well as training for air raid wardens
and first aid providers. In 1942, there were 5,000 sets in operation, but production of new TVs, radios, and other
broadcasting equipment for civilian purposes was suspended from April 1942 to August 1945.

H istory O f R adio Par t 2

H istory O f Television 1948