It didn't take broadcasters and advertisers long to realize that radio was a good
way to develop children's interest in products. Late weekday afternoons and Saturday morning
soon became the time for children's radio programming. The earliest children's
shows were uncomplicated 15 or 30 minute segments when a "Story Lady" or "Uncle"
would retell familiar stories. "Salty Sam" on CBS and "The Singing Story Lady"
on NBC were the first to add music, sound effects and dramatic re-enactments
in the early 1930s. The story programs persisted until well after the close
of WWII. While many of the story programs were network originated, it was not unusual
for local radio stations to create their own versions.
|
