Reaching the milestone of seventy years is no small feat for any institution. But for WBZ-TV it signifies decades of service. Decades of innovation and a deep connection with the New England community.
WBZ-TV first graced the airwaves on June 9 1948. This marked the beginning of a new era in broadcasting for Boston. The station quickly became the first television station in New England. WBZ-TV was originally owned by Westinghouse Electric Corporation. In the early days WBZ-TV aired programs from the NBC network.
Imagine Boston in 1948. Radio was the dominant force. Yet WBZ-TV was determined to bring a new kind of broadcast to New England. Bill Swartley WBZ’s first General Manager emphasized their commitment to be the first. Despite facing challenges like the worst winter in years which delayed the erection of their TV tower WBZ-TV persevered. The 650-foot tower was the tallest structure in New England at the time.
The initial broadcast on that historic day consisted of a test pattern. But later that evening prominent New England figures like Cardinal Cushing and Boston Mayor Curley offered their well wishes. Arch MacDonald anchored the live news report. The studio was still under construction. MacDonald improvised by sitting on a keg of nails behind a piece of plywood.
In those early days TVs were scarce. People gathered in storefronts to watch WBZ-TV. Gillette even placed 100 TVs in the Boston Public Garden. Ten thousand fans watched the Braves play in the World Series. WBZ-TV grew viewership and programming. Winston Churchill spoke live from Boston Garden. President Eisenhower visited Channel 4. There is an embarrassing story that a clock fell and hit him on the head. President Kennedy gave a speech. He famously said it was great to be back in a city where his accent was normal.
Local shows like The Lady of The Bookshelf and Big Brother Bob Emery became popular. Rex Trailer built Boomtown. Even the commercials were live. WBZ-TV created New England’s first morning show Swan Boat with Nelson Bragg. Jack Chase reflected that television tried to be immediate and accurate. WBZ-TV continued to deliver on this promise.
WBZ-TV has a history of firsts. It was the first to have daily newscasts. WBZ-TV was the first in Boston to employ a female reporter Betty Adams. The station was the first to employ a Black full-time reporter Terry Carter. It was the first to have an all-female news team Shelby Scott and Gail Harris. WBZ-TV was also the first to have a Black full-time nightly news anchor Liz Walker. The station also was the first to air a minority affairs program.
WBZ-TV switched to CBS on January 2 1995. Before that CBS programs aired on WHDH-TV. Westinghouse merged with CBS. All Westinghouse channels became CBS stations.
Today WBZ-TV continues to be a leader. Channel 4 is the place to turn to for important news stories sports reporting and New England weather. WBZ-TV provides coverage of the Boston Marathon and the Pan-Mass Challenge. As the Patriots station it offers access to New England’s championship team.
For over seven decades WBZ-TV has been a constant presence in New England homes. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading news and media outlet WBZ-TV has remained dedicated to serving its community. As we look ahead WBZ-TV’s commitment to accuracy innovation and community engagement ensures that it will continue to be a vital part of the New England landscape for many years to come.