The network received a significant boost in 1946 when Bing Crosby began broadcasting on the network. Crosby hosted the Kraft Music Hall for many years on NBC. The broadcasts were live and Crosby wanted to pre-record them so that he could do other things, such as play golf and pursue his business ventures. Network practice up to this time had always been live broadcasts. The ABC network allowed Crosby to record his broadcasts. The Kraft Music Hall ended on NBC and moved to ABC where is became Philco Radio Time. The program became very successful despite the fact that it was pre-recorded. The other radio networks soon followed suit and started recording some of their programs as well.
The ABC Radio Network in 1946
Steve • May 16, 2026
The network received a significant boost in 1946 when Bing Crosby began broadcasting on the network. Crosby hosted the Kraft Music Hall for many years on NBC. The broadcasts were live and Crosby wanted to pre-record them so that he could do other things, such as play golf and pursue his business ventures. Network practice up to this time had always been live broadcasts. The ABC network allowed Crosby to record his broadcasts. The Kraft Music Hall ended on NBC and moved to ABC where is became Philco Radio Time. The program became very successful despite the fact that it was pre-recorded. The other radio networks soon followed suit and started recording some of their programs as well.