The Pioneering Era of Television Advertising: The First Ad Broadcast on US TV
In the early days of television, the broadcasting of the first commercial advertisement marked a significant milestone in the evolution of this new medium. Dive into the history of television advertising by exploring the origin of the first TV commercial in the United States, dating back to July 1, 1941.
The Birth of Television
Before delving into the first TV advertisement, let's briefly understand when and how television came into existence. The history of this groundbreaking technology begins with the mechanical television demonstrated by Herbert E. Ives and Frank Gray of Bell Telephone Laboratories on April 7, 1927. The world’s first television station, WRGB, began operations in 1928, setting the stage for the development of television as a mass medium.
Commercial Television in the US
On July 1, 1941, in New York, the television landscape underwent a significant transformation. A commercial was broadcast before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Ebbets Field on NBC station WNBT (now WNBC). This broadcast was a watershed moment, marking the first official paid television advertisement in the United States.
The First TV Ad: Bulova Watches
The advertisement featured Bulova Watches, a 10-second spot that cost between $4 and $9. The commercial was part of a live telecast before the game and aired during a period when television was still in its experimentation phase. Approximately 4,000 people in New York watched the broadcast on July 1, 1941. The ad consisted of a close-up of a watch, with the second hand ticking, and a voiceover announcing the time, according to Ad Age.
See the Ad for Yourself
For those who want to see the historic ad, you can watch it on YouTube. The clip gives a glimpse into the simple yet groundbreaking nature of early television advertising.
"It was July 1, 1941. The Brooklyn Dodgers were facing off against the Philadelphia Phillies at Ebbets Field in New York. Before the first pitch was broadcast on NBC-owned WNBT (now WNBC), the first true TV commercial aired in the US. It was a short, simple spot for Bulova Watch Co. It focused on a watch as the second hand ticked and a voiceover told viewers what time it was, according to Ad Age. It cost the company just $9.40 in air charges and $5 in station charges, the publication reported."
First Ad in the UK
While the first TV commercial in the US stands as a historic moment, Britain had its own milestone in television advertising. The first commercial in the UK aired on September 22, 1955, with Gibbs SR Toothpaste, broadcasted on ITV.
The Importance of Early TV Advertising
The broadcasting of these early advertisements was crucial in establishing television as a commercial medium. It paved the way for the growth of the advertising industry and the widespread entertainment and information capabilities of television.
Conclusion
The first TV commercial in the United States set a precedent for the future of television advertising, marking the beginning of a new era in communication and media. Understanding this historical context can provide valuable insights into the evolution of advertising and the media landscape we see today.
Keywords: first tv commercial, first tv ad, bulova watches
Related Articles:
The First TV Commercial in the US A Brief History of the First TV Ad The Evolution of Television Advertising