News, soap operas, and sports were staples of adult entertainment and comedy, game shows or variety reviews featuring show personalities were much beloved.

The news

News and commentary was available on radio almost from the beginning of broadcasting. Commentator H. V. Kaltenborn began broadcasting in the 1920s. The radio gossip column was created in 1932 by Walter Winchell, who adopted the press format for a Sunday night broadcast that eventually reached 20 million listeners. His attacks on individuals and frequent feuds eventually alienated much of his audience.

Press associations such as the Associated Press (AP) and United Press (UP) provided information to both newspapers, radio networks and individual stations. Following the 1932 presidential election, however, newspapers pressured the associations to cease offering their services to the radio broadcasting industry. Audiences had responded all too well to being able to receive up-to-the-minute election returns over the radio and newspapers were suffering for it.