Stuff You Should Know TV Moments That Changed The World
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Jan 1, 2026 Television's impact on society is undeniable. From the birth of TV at the 1939 World's Fair to Disney's push for color broadcasts, pivotal moments shaped the medium. The first TV commercial by Bulova changed advertising forever. Media coverage of the 2004 tsunami highlighted the power of TV in charity. The Vietnam War's uncensored reporting transformed public perception of conflict. Shows like Cops shaped reality TV and sparked discussions on racial stereotypes. The 1980 'Miracle on Ice' hockey game lifted national spirits, proving TV's cultural significance.
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World's Fair Kickstarted TV Adoption
- The 1939 World's Fair launched public television by pairing RCA's sets with NBC broadcasts showcasing FDR.
- RCA's live broadcast proved TVs needed compelling content to drive adoption.
Disney Accelerated Color TV Adoption
- Walt Disney pushed NBC to adopt color broadcasts, accelerating color TV demand.
- Disney's Wonderful World of Color showcased color TV's value and boosted set sales.
The $9 First TV Commercial
- On July 1, 1941, Bulova ran what historians call the first legal TV commercial during a baseball broadcast.
- The ten-second spot cost Bulova $9 and reached about 4,000 viewers.