Guess Who’s Network Broadcasting’s Longest Running Host

On February 5, 2015 - TV History

Guess Who’s Network Broadcasting’s Longest Running Host…

Bob Barker is a close second with 34⅔ years years on “The Price Is Right”, but the winner and still champion is Don McNeil with a 35½ tenure as host of a network entertainment program.

Counting only television, Barker wins, but when you add radio to the mix, “The Don McNeil Breakfast Club” from Chicago comes in first. The show started on the NBC Blue Network, but then became an ABC Radio show with the divestiture.

It originated in Chicago and ran from 1933 to 1968. In 1950, the show was simulcast on ABC for a year, and then again in 1954. Below is a clip from 1954. Thanks to Barry Mitchell for reminding us of Don. Enjoy and share. -Bobby Ellerbee

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7 Comments

  1. Dave Dillman February 6, 2015

    I think my friend, Ray Barnas, was the last director of the radio show. After it ended he joined WFLD and actually took over the show I directed when I left for WTTW.

  2. Charlie King February 5, 2015

    I remember listening to Don McNeil’s Breakfast Club when I was small before we got television.

  3. John Schipp February 5, 2015

    Final show in 1968.

  4. David Oseland February 5, 2015

    FYI – I worked with Eddie Ballentine, band leader for the Breakfast Club (photo) in later years when he was hired by WCIU-TV, Chicago, as an anchor for the “Stock Market Observer (early 70’s).

  5. John Holt February 5, 2015

    The book I did the CD for is still available.
    http://www.amazon.com/Don-McNeill-Breakfast-Club-Audio/dp/0268008981

  6. Gary Walters February 5, 2015

    I just watched a portion of that clip. It makes me want to say, Jeepers! A live band so early in the AM!

  7. Scott Comstock February 5, 2015

    Bobby, your knowledge of broadcast history is encyclopedic, and never ceases to impress me. Thanks so much 🙂