The History Of WBZ Radio

Timeline

WBZ NewsRadio 90th Anniversary Video Montage

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/16

WBZ Radio Through The Years

A collection of pictures from the WBZ Radio archive of significant events and personalities throughout history of WBZ Radio

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/15

When WBZ first went on the air we couldn’t even toast our debut, as prohibition made that kind of celebration illegal. WBZ in Springfield was the first radio station to receive a commercial license. The first live broadcast of WBZ was September 19th, 1921.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/13

WBZ And Education

In the 1920s, most people did not go to college. Radio was a lifeline for those wanting more education. WBZ was at the forefront of educational programming, joining the state Department of Education to provide extension courses.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/13

WBZ’s Political Beginnings

Since WBZ went on the air in September 1921, listeners have heard the biggest names in politics. First was Governor Channing Cox, at the Eastern States Exposition; other politicians quickly followed, campaigning by radio became popular.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/13

WBZ’s Radio Sewing School And Women’s Journal

Radio sewing school – that’s right. Sewing on the radio. During World War II, you could learn to sew, in thirteen easy lessons on WBZ. Even though it was ‘sight unseen’ sewing, listeners could follow [...]

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/13

WBZ’s Joe Green Helicopter Rescue

Millions rely on WBZ to find out what’s happening in the news. One afternoon in 1976, WBZ became the news. Veteran traffic reporter Joe Green performed an amazing rescue with the ‘BZ Copter’.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/13

WBZ And Sports

Since radio’s earliest days, WBZ has been at the forefront in providing coverage of local sports. In 1924 the NHL expanded to include the Boston Bruins as the first non-Canadian team.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/13

WBZ And Millions Of Pennies

In the early 80s, Dave Maynard created a monumental fundraiser which would become known as the WBZ Children’s Hospital Radiothon and Telethon.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030–2011/09/13

Early Big News Stories

In the 1930s Springfield and western Mass experienced devastating floods. WBZ was there to tell the story. As weather conditions grew worse, we also provided evacuation information. Much like we did this year with the tornadoes in Western Mass and the hurricane events.

2011/09/13

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