APM ReportsIlluminating Journalism from American Public Media
Menu
  • Our Reporting
  • Podcasts
  • About Us
Menu
  • Our Reporting
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Government
    • Health
    • History
    • Policing and Criminal Justice
    • Reading
    • Teen Treatment Industry
  • Podcasts
    • APM Reports Documentaries
    • Educate
    • Historically Black
    • In Deep
    • Order 9066
    • Sent Away
    • Sold a Story
    • Sold a Story en espaƱol
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Email Notifications
    • Ethics Guidelines
    • Impact
    • Our Journalists
    • Public Media Accountability Initiative
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

    Radio Reelection Extravaganza for FDR

    Radio had become an essential campaign tool well before the 1940 presidential race. The national political parties spent more that year to purchase network airtime for rallies and other programs than on any other single budget item. The Democratic Party sponsored this election eve broadcast from Hollywood and New York City. It starred Walter Houston, Humphrey Bogart and Lucille Ball. FDR made a final pitch from his home at Hyde Park, NY.

    November 4, 2014

    PlayPause
    Listen:
    FDR: Radio Reelection Extravaganza
    0:00 | 00:59:03
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    This speech is part of the larger project "The First Family of Radio." Listen on the APM Reports Documentaries podcast.

    November 4, 1940

    Radio had become an essential campaign tool well before the 1940 presidential race. The national political parties spent more that year to purchase network airtime for rallies and other programs than on any other single budget item. The Democratic Party sponsored this election eve broadcast from Hollywood and New York City. It starred Walter Houston, Humphrey Bogart and Lucille Ball. FDR made a final pitch from his home at Hyde Park, NY. The first hour of the program is provided here. -Stephen Smith

    APM Reports
    • Our Reporting
    • Podcasts
    • About Us
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
    American Public Media
    • © 2025 Minnesota Public Radio. All Rights Reserved.
    •  
    • Terms and Conditions
    •  
    • Privacy Policy