Original American Television Networks

Before the introduction of cable or satellite television there were 4 television networks.

1939 CBS, 1941 NBS, 1946 Dumont, 1948 ABC

The Dumont television network succumb to financial pressure after a 10 year period, but launched the careers of several well known television personalities.

Prior to the establishment of the CBS network, television broadcasting and program production was done on a local level using very primitive equipment. Stations used several methods to broadcast their video content. These included both mechanical and electronic video transmission systems. CBS was able to set the standard for television stations and television receiver manufacturers.