August 28th is Radio Commercials Day

Radio commercials are often seen as an irritation to be endured while waiting for some music to come on, but they have been part of the entertainment business for nearly a century and provide employment for many people. Radio Commercials Day commemorates the day when the very first radio commercial was broadcast on New York station, WEAF. This took place on August 28th 1922 and was for an American estate agent, Queensboro Realty. It wasn’t until 1973 that the UK had its first radio commercial, which ran on LBC and promoted Birds Eye frozen food. Many early radio commercials can be found online, and a great way to celebrate Radio Commercials Day is to listen to a few and be transported back in time. Alternatively, track down some radio commercials from around the world and be entertained by the huge variety of tone and style that are used in radio adverts from different countries.