The Transcontinental Broadcasting System

The Transcontinental Broadcasting System (TBS), announced in October 1939 and targeted for a January 1940 launch, was envisioned as a national radio network with approximately 100 affiliates, primarily low-power independent stations (e.g., 100-watt outlets) that were underserved by NBC, CBS, and Mutual. Its core was Elliott Roosevelt’s existing Texas State Network (TSN), which provided the foundational infrastructure and programming base. By late November 1939, TBS had secured commitments from 65 stations, with expansions planned in the Midwest, East, and beyond Texas.

At the core of TBS, the Texas State Network (TSN) Stations. TSN, founded in August 1938 with backing from oilmen Sid Richardson and Charles F. Roeser, formed the backbone of TBS. Sources vary on the initial count (23–24 stations), but by mid-1940, Roosevelt pledged nine TSN stations to an ASCAP music licensing agreement, suggesting a contracted core of at least that size. Known or confirmed TSN stations from 1938–1940 include:
KFJZ
Fort Worth, TX
KABC
San Antonio, TX
KTAT
Fort Worth, TX
Merged into KFJZ in August 1939; enhanced network’s North Texas coverage.
Total TSN Scale: Expanded to ~23 stations by late 1939, many still active as affiliates of the modern Texas State Network (now >130 stations).
In addition to three McClatchy outlets — KFBK, Sacramento, KWG, Stockton, and KERN, Bakersfield — the national group includes KMED, Medford, Ore.; KFOX, Long Beach; KFWB Los Angeles; KXL Portland; KXO, El Centro, Calif.; KSLM Salem; KELA, Centralia, Wash.; KYA, San Francisco; and KRSC, Seattle.

TBS also focused on Midwest and Eastern independents. No full list exists, but recruitment occurred at Chicago’s Blackstone Hotel, targeting stations rejected by major networks for nighttime serials (e.g., Stella Dallas, Backstage Wife from Blackett-Sample-Hummert).
TBS aimed for 100+ coast-to-coast by launch, including potential “upper crust” stations (higher power, e.g., 5,000+ watts) in key markets like Chicago, New York, and St. Louis.

By December 1940: TBS was operational but faltering. TBS’s affiliate strategy emphasized affordability (cut-rate transcriptions) over star power, but industry skepticism and Roosevelt’s military enlistment in September 1940 contributed to its collapse.