President’s Day Special…First President On Television, FDR

On February 16, 2015 - TV History

President’s Day Special…First President On Television, FDR

Franklin Roosevelt was the first American President to appear on television at the dedication ceremonies of the New York World’s Fair on April 30, 1939.

When Roosevelt made history he was watched by a couple of hundred viewers in the RCA pavilion as well as a few dozen more back at the NBC in Manhattan. More people likely saw FDR live at the fair than in front of TV sets.

RCA president David Sarnoff actually beat FDR on TV by ten days as he dedicated the RCA Pavilion. Enjoy and share!



Source

One Comment

  1. Steve Finkelmeyer February 16, 2015

    Here’s a photo of Sarnoff’s broadcast up for sale on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/181644071742