Radio was the first broadcasting medium that became universally popular. It was only a matter of time before advertisers would take advantage of the format.
Radio Comes of Age
The very first radio broadcast occurred in 1906, courtesy of Reginald Fessenden. Ships at sea heard him playing "O Holy Night" on his violin and then reading a verse from the Bible.
The First Commercial
Radio experiments continued, and radio stations were established all over the country. The first actual commercial was broadcast in 1922 from radio station WEAF.
The Trend Catches On
As radio became more popular, stations looked for ways to fill their airwaves with programming. In those early days, the commercials were read live on the air, and entire shows could be sponsored by a single advertiser.
The Heyday of Radio
Radio programming and advertising peaked during the 1930s and 1940s. Many of these shows were sponsored by advertisers pushing such products as cigarettes, tires and even coal.
Television Arrives
After World War II, radio's popularity began to decline, and a new medium began to take shape. TVs began to gain in popularity, and advertisers were quick to notice.
Today
Radio still earns its money through advertising today, although shows are generally no longer sponsored by single advertisers.
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