DuMont network
The DuMont network was an early television broadcasting company that emerged as a competitor to more established networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC. Founded by Allen B. DuMont, an electrical engineer and pioneer in television technology, the network began its journey in the late 1930s with experimental broadcast licenses. DuMont's programming was characterized by innovative content that often showcased up-and-coming talent, including notable personalities like Jackie Gleason and Mike Wallace. The network aimed to attract audiences through a diverse range of shows, including live performances, children's programming, and sports coverage, famously broadcasting the first professional football and basketball games.
Despite its creative programming and early successes, including outperforming ABC in ratings during the early 1950s, DuMont struggled with limited financial resources and competition for prominent affiliates. The network's inability to secure major city affiliates and its subsequent decline in advertising revenue led to its eventual closure in 1955. After ceasing operations, the DuMont-owned stations were acquired by John Kluge and later evolved into what is now known as Metromedia. The legacy of the DuMont network remains a significant chapter in the history of American television, illustrating both the challenges of early broadcasting and the impact of creative programming.
DuMont network
Identification Fourth U.S. television network
Date Broadcast nationally from 1950 to 1955
Although short-lived, the DuMont television network excelled in creating innovative programming concepts during the early years of commercial television.
DuMont was a late entrant into network television and, with limited resources, competed against the CBS, NBC, and ABC networks. To be successful DuMont had to try different program ideas, create imaginative schedules, and find primary affiliates that would approve shows to attract an audience.
The DuMont network was established by an electrical engineer, Allen B. DuMont. DuMont’s previous work at Westinghouse Lamp Company and DeForest Radio Company led him to form his company, DuMont Labs, in 1933. His company produced cathode ray tubes used for oscillographs and eventually for home television receivers.
Television research and experimentation within the DuMont Labs broadcast division led to the manufacture of television cameras, transmitters, and other origination equipment. To finance his move into television, DuMont sold half of his interest in DuMont Labs to Paramount Pictures. DuMont received experimental television licenses in 1939 for two stations, W2XCD in Passaic, New Jersey, and W2XWV in New York City. The New York station was licensed commercially in 1944 as WABD-TV, which became the flagship station of a soon-to-be two-station regional DuMont network that linked WABD-TV and WTTG-TV in Washington, DC, by 1945.
In 1947, DuMont submitted applications for additional stations in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and announced his intention to build a nationwide network. DuMont’s business partner, Paramount Pictures, applied for two stations about the same time, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that only five VHF (very high frequency) stations could be licensed to both entities. The FCC decision obstructed network expansion into large cities.
Programming
DuMont’s programming featured new and creative talent that was frequently hired away by the larger networks. Since DuMont did not have a radio network and access to established talent, its programs featured less recognized performers such as Jack Carter, Jackie Gleason, Mike Wallace, Dennis James, and Ernie Kovacs. Many of these performers moved on to bigger career opportunities at other networks.
DuMont offered a wide variety of programming. Among the popular live prime-time DuMont shows were Ted Mack’s The Original Amateur Hour, Captain Video and His Video Rangers, Cavalcade of Stars, and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen’s Life Is Worth Living. The network regularly programmed shows with formats that highlighted drama, news, or music—the latter with an emphasis on big band and jazz groups such as those of Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, James Brubeck, and the Dorsey Brothers. Interview and talk programs during the 1950s included several hosted by Mike Wallace. The network also provided extensive coverage of the Senate Army-McCarthy hearings. Two popular children’s programs were Quiz Kids and Small Fry Club. Sports programming dominated the DuMont schedule. Dumont telecast the first pro-football and pro-basketball games; boxing was carried four nights a week; wrestling was featured each Friday evening; and New York Yankee baseball filled Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. In 1950, Notre Dame football was introduced.
Impact
DuMont never had the financial resources to produce shows like those of the CBS or NBC networks. Although DuMont programs attracted small audiences and did not achieve high ratings, the network outperformed ABC during the early 1950’s. Because of a lack of large city primary affiliates, falling advertising revenues, and poor management decisions, network offerings decreased by the summer of 1955, and the network soon ceased operations. The DuMont-owned stations were acquired by John Kluge in 1959 and eventually became known as Metromedia, Incorporated.
Bibliography
Bergmann, Ted. Whatever Happened to the DuMont Television Network? Landham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield, 2002. Details the rise, fall, and impact of the DuMont network.
Weinstein, David. Forgotten Network: DuMont and the Birth of American Television. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2004. Chronicles DuMont’s role in early television.