Mutual Broadcasting System

Mutual Broadcasting System was a major American radio network that was launched on September 29, 1934, by Amalgamated Broadcasting System, Bamberger Broadcasting Service, Fletcher Broadcasting Company, and Blue Network, a subsidiary of RCA Corporation. The network was founded by WOR (AM) owner Bamberger Broadcasting Service and WGN (AM) owner Tribune Company, with the goal of providing a competitive alternative to the dominant National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). The network's early success was fueled by its affiliation with popular stations like WOR (AM), WGN (AM), and WLW (AM), which were owned by RCA Corporation, Tribune Company, and Crosley Broadcasting Corporation, respectively. The network's programming was also influenced by its partnerships with Paramount Pictures, RKO Pictures, and Universal Pictures.

● History

The Mutual Broadcasting System was formed in 1934, with WOR (AM) and WGN (AM) as its flagship stations, and quickly expanded to include other stations like WLW (AM), KFWB (AM), and WHAS (AM), which were owned by Crosley Broadcasting Corporation, KFWB (AM) owner Samuel W. KFWB, and WHAS (AM) owner Bingham family, respectively. The network's early years were marked by its competition with National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), which were owned by RCA Corporation and William S. Paley, respectively. The network also faced challenges from other emerging networks like American Broadcasting Company (ABC), which was owned by Edward J. Noble and later acquired by Capital Cities Communications. The Mutual Broadcasting System played an important role in the development of American radio, with its programming influenced by the likes of Orson Welles, The Mercury Theatre on the Air, and The Shadow, which were created by Orson Welles and Walter B. Gibson, respectively.

● Programming

The Mutual Broadcasting System offered a wide range of programming, including news, sports, music, and entertainment shows, featuring popular personalities like Red Skelton, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope, who were also affiliated with National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). The network was also known for its dramatic programming, including shows like The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, and The Adventures of Superman, which were created by George W. Trendle, Fran Striker, and Jerry Siegel, respectively. The network's programming was also influenced by its partnerships with Paramount Pictures, RKO Pictures, and Universal Pictures, which produced popular films like It's a Wonderful Life, Citizen Kane, and Frankenstein (1931 film), directed by Frank Capra, Orson Welles, and James Whale, respectively. The network's news programming was anchored by personalities like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Winchell, and Drew Pearson, who were also affiliated with Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and The Washington Post, respectively.

● Affiliates

The Mutual Broadcasting System had a large number of affiliates across the United States, including WOR (AM), WGN (AM), WLW (AM), KFWB (AM), and WHAS (AM), which were owned by Bamberger Broadcasting Service, Tribune Company, Crosley Broadcasting Corporation, Samuel W. KFWB, and Bingham family, respectively. The network also had affiliates in major cities like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., with stations like WABC (AM), WBBM (AM), KNX (AM), and WMAL (AM), which were owned by American Broadcasting Company (ABC), CBS Corporation, CBS Corporation, and Cumulus Media, respectively. The network's affiliates were also influenced by their partnerships with National Association of Broadcasters, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which were headed by Eddie Fritts, Reed Hundt, and Paul Vanden Bout, respectively.

● Notable personalities

The Mutual Broadcasting System was home to many notable personalities, including Red Skelton, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope, who were also affiliated with National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). The network also featured popular personalities like Orson Welles, The Mercury Theatre on the Air, and The Shadow, which were created by Orson Welles and Walter B. Gibson, respectively. The network's news programming was anchored by personalities like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Winchell, and Drew Pearson, who were also affiliated with Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and The Washington Post, respectively. The network also featured sports personalities like Red Barber, Vin Scully, and Mel Allen, who were also affiliated with Brooklyn Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees, respectively.

● Technical operations

The Mutual Broadcasting System was a technically advanced network, with a large number of affiliates and a complex system of broadcasting and transmission. The network used a combination of AM broadcasting and shortwave radio to reach its affiliates, which were equipped with transmitters and receivers manufactured by companies like RCA Corporation, General Electric, and Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The network also used telephone lines and telegraph lines to transmit its programming, which were provided by companies like AT&T and Western Union. The network's technical operations were overseen by engineers like John Reith, David Sarnoff, and Lee de Forest, who were also affiliated with BBC, RCA Corporation, and Bell Labs, respectively.

● Merger and legacy

The Mutual Broadcasting System merged with Westwood One in 1999, and its assets were acquired by Dial Global, which was later acquired by Cumulus Media. The network's legacy continues to be felt in the world of radio broadcasting, with many of its former affiliates still operating today, including WOR (AM), WGN (AM), and WLW (AM). The network's programming also continues to be popular, with many of its former shows still being broadcast today, including The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, and The Adventures of Superman. The network's influence can also be seen in the work of personalities like Orson Welles, Red Skelton, and Bob Hope, who were also affiliated with National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). The network's legacy is also celebrated by organizations like National Association of Broadcasters, Museum of Broadcast Communications, and Library of Congress, which were headed by Eddie Fritts, Bruce DuMont, and James H. Billington, respectively. Category:Radio networks in the United States