Television · 1941
Commercial Television Arrives On American Airwaves
In 1941, commercial television officially launched in the United States as the FCC authorized standard broadcasting. Stations like WNBT and WCBW pioneered sponsored ads, news broadcasts, and live game shows before wartime production shifted national priorities.
- May 2, 1941 | USA | Technical Standard
FCC Authorizes NTSC Television Standard
The Federal Communications Commission officially approves the 525-line NTSC system, paving the way for full commercial television broadcasting in America.
- July 1, 1941 | WNBT | Commercial
First Commercial TV Advert (Bulova Watch)
Bulova airs the world's first official television commercial on New York's WNBT, displaying a clock face over a map before a Brooklyn Dodgers baseball game.
- July 1, 1941 | NBC / WNBT | USA
WNBT Commercial Station Launch
NBC's experimental New York station W2XBS shifts to commercial operation as WNBT Channel 1, delivering the first day of fully sponsored television programming.
- July 1, 1941 | CBS / WCBW | USA
WCBW Commercial Station Launch
CBS enters commercial broadcasting with WCBW in New York, presenting news, information, and live studio entertainment on its opening day.
- July 1, 1941 | WNBT | Game Show
Truth or Consequences Debut
Ralph Edwards hosts the premier broadcast of Truth or Consequences on WNBT, making it the first game show adapted for television.
- July 1, 1941 | WCBW | News Series
CBS Television News with Richard Hubbell
Richard Hubbell anchors early televised news reports for WCBW, reading wire reports while maps and graphics are shown to viewers.
- July 1, 1941 | WNBT | News Broadcast
Lowell Thomas Broadcasts
Famed radio commentator Lowell Thomas conducts one of the first televised news simulcasts, sponsored by Sunoco on NBC station WNBT.
- December 7, 1941 | WCBW / WNBT | News
Pearl Harbor Attack Coverage
New York stations break into regular schedules with live emergency bulletins to inform television viewers of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.
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