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March 1, 1941: From program service to commercial operation

  March 1, 1941: When station W47NV in Nashville, TN started its operations on this particular day, it highlighted the start of Commercial FM broadcasting in the U.S. Since Armstrong developed the FM Radio in the 1930’s, it focused mainly on broadcasting program services. However, this trend shifted during  World War II when the FCC, a US government independent agency with regulatory authority, moved the FM frequencies. Basically, such a step made the FM radios in the pre-war era worthless. The movement to higher frequencies also cost much more for the stations, causing some to simply close their doors. This affected public confidence in FM and FM radio’s development. Though the radio station did not completely recover from this setback, the FCC’s grant for the first commercial operation helped the radio station to align itself with development again. One of the first commercials was bought by Socony Vacuum Oil Company, now known as Mobil.

February 18, 1949: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar premiered on CBS

On this day in 1949, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar premiered on CBS . This show lasted over 12 years with many actors taking on the starring role.

February 16, 1903 Edgar Bergen was born

On this day in 1903, Edgar Bergen was born.

February 10: Happy birthday, Jimmy Durante!

On this day in 1893, Jimmy Durante was born. Jimmy is known for his New York accent, and jazz influenced songs, He started his radio career on "The Great Shnozzola" on the Chase and Sanborn Hour .

February 7: Night Beat made its radio debut

On this day in 1950, Night Beat made its radio debut. Frank Lovejoy starred as a journalist named Randy Stone and works for the Chicago Tribune.

February 6, 1950 Night Beat made its radio debut

On this day in 1950, Night Beat made its radio debut.

February 4, 1939: Sgt. Preston premiered on Detroit's WXYZ.

On this day in 1939,  Challenge of the Yukon (aka Sgt. Preston of the Yukon) made its radio debut!