<P> Hugo Gernsback's New York City radio station began a regular, if limited, schedule of live television broadcasts on August 14, 1928, using 48 - line images . Working with only one transmitter, the station alternated radio broadcasts with silent television images of the station's call sign, faces in motion, and wind - up toys in motion . Speaking later that month, Gernsback downplayed the broadcasts, intended for amateur experimenters . "In six months we may have television for the public, but so far we have not got it ." Gernsback also published Television, the world's first magazine about the medium . </P> <P> General Electric's experimental station in Schenectady, New York, on the air sporadically since January 13, 1928, was able to broadcast reflected - light, 48 - line images via shortwave as far as Los Angeles, and by September was making four television broadcasts weekly . It is considered to be the direct predecessor of current television station WRGB . The Queen's Messenger, a one - act play broadcast on September 11, 1928, was the world's first live drama on television . </P> <P> Radio giant RCA began daily experimental television broadcasts in New York City in March 1929 over station W2XBS, the predecessor of current television station WNBC . The 60 - line transmissions consisted of pictures, signs, and views of persons and objects . Experimental broadcasts continued to 1931 . </P> <P> General Broadcasting System's WGBS radio and W2XCR television aired their regular broadcasting debut in New York City on April 26, 1931, with a special demonstration set up in Aeolian Hall at Fifth Avenue and Fifty - fourth Street . Thousands waited to catch a glimpse of the Broadway stars who appeared on the six - inch (15 cm) square image, in an evening event to publicize a weekday programming schedule offering films and live entertainers during the four - hour daily broadcasts . Appearing were boxer Primo Carnera, actors Gertrude Lawrence, Louis Calhern, Frances Upton and Lionel Atwill, WHN announcer Nils Granlund, the Forman Sisters, and a host of others . </P>

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