Networks and Programming

First Play-By-Play Football Broadcast - Nov. 24, 1921 by Texas 

The first national network was established in 1926. The name of it was the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Shortly after, another national network debuted. The Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting (CBS) system was established in 1927. All of the networks had headquarters in New York City. Radio programs brought families together to listen to the radio. Programs would feature everything from opera singers to comedians on their broadcasts. Sports broadcasts also became popular through radio. There was an especial interest for live entertainment even though recorded programs were still used. Radio programs were divided into two main categories: sponsored and sustaining. Sponsored programs had advertising and sustaining programs did not. Even though the rising popularity of television threatened the survival of radio, in the coming years radio adapted to it's changing environment and it is still prevalent today.