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#Radio100 Moment 19: Jack Benny's Radio Debut(March 19, 1932)
March 19, 1932

Moment 19: Jack Benny's Radio Debut

Comdian Jack Benny first appeared on radio as a guest of Ed Sullivan on March 19, 1932. Benny got his own twice-weekly show later that year on CBS radio. His career also included a long stay at NBC radio and a return to CBS through his final program on May 22, 1955. Highly polished scripts kept hammering away on Benny’s portrayal of himself as a stingy and vain man, concerned about his receding hairline and adamant that he was no older than 39. Benny's immense popularity led to later bringing his act to television.


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November 2, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the first commercial radio broadcast. To celebrate this special anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on 100 key moments in radio's history.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating your favorite radio memories throughout 2020. Use the hashtag #Radio100 across social media to share these moments with the world. Here’s to 100 wonderful years of radio, and to at least 100 more!


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