October 11, 1936: On this day, the first national quiz called
Professor Quiz aired for the first time on radio. This quiz continued to be aired until 1948. In this quiz, contestants posed questions to Dr. Craig Earl, otherwise known as Professor Quiz. If the contestant could stump Professor Quiz, they earned $25, or the equivalent of $382 in 2009. This
quiz show was sponsored by Robert Trout and Velvet Pipe Tobacco
Professor Quiz was dubbed as the first real
radio quiz program It aired first on NBC from 1936 to 1941, then on ABC from 1946-1948. It was hosted by Bob Trout, and featured Professor Quiz himself Dr. Craig Earl, along with his wife Mrs. Quiz and son Professor Quiz Jr.
The show posing questions to Professor Quiz which, if he answered incorrectly, resulted in the contestant winning $25.
