August 28th, 2023
Broadcasters realized in 1922 that radio could earn profits from the sale of advertising time. WEAF in New York ran a commercial "spot" on August 28 that was sponsored by the Queensboro Realty Corporation to promote apartment buildings. The rate was $100 for 10 minutes. Today's rates are much more expensive, but radio spots are still lucrative for stations and great ways to get sales messages to the public.
Source: www.npr.org/2012/08/29/160265990/first-radio-commercial-hit-airwaves-90-years-ago
