The DuMont Television Network stands as a significant, though often overlooked, chapter in the early history of American broadcasting. Emerging in the 1940s, it was one of the nation's pioneer commercial television networks, vying for distinction alongside established giants like NBC and CBS. Founded by Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, the network began operations in 1946, aiming to carve out its space in the nascent world of television. Despite its innovative
spirit and contributions, DuMont faced a myriad of challenges that ultimately led to its cessation of operations in 1956, leaving behind a legacy that television historians would later dub the "forgotten network."
From Experimental Broadcasts to a National Network
The journey of the DuMont Television Network began in Passaic, New Jersey, with its roots firmly planted in the experimental phase of television. In 1940, the network's foundational station, W2XWV, moved to Manhattan and commenced broadcasting on April 13 of that year on channel 4. This early period was marked by a commitment to television's potential, even amidst global turmoil. Unlike its competitors, CBS and NBC, which scaled back their television broadcasting during World War II, DuMont steadfastly continued both experimental and commercial broadcasts throughout the war years. This dedication allowed DuMont to maintain a presence and develop its capabilities during a critical time for the emerging medium.
By 1944, W2XWV had secured its commercial license, becoming WABD, the third such station in New York. The following year, in 1945, WABD shifted to channel 5. DuMont's expansion continued with the opening of experimental station W3XWT in Washington, D.C., on May 19, 1945, which later transitioned into the commercial station WTTG. These early stations, WABD in New York City and WTTG in Washington, D.C., along with WDTV in Pittsburgh, formed the core of DuMont's owned-and-operated stations, laying the groundwork for what would become a national network. The network officially began its operations in 1946, marking its entry into the competitive landscape of American commercial television.
Navigating a Landscape of Hurdles
Despite its pioneering efforts, the DuMont Television Network encountered substantial obstacles that severely hampered its growth and financial stability. One major challenge was the inherent cost of broadcasting, a significant burden for any new network. This was compounded by a crucial regulatory decision in 1948: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposed a freeze on new television stations. This freeze limited DuMont's ability to expand its reach and establish new affiliates, effectively stifling its potential for national growth at a critical juncture.
Adding to these difficulties was the complex relationship with its own partner, Paramount Pictures. The nature of this partnership and its impact on DuMont's operations contributed to the network's struggles. Furthermore, unlike its well-established rivals, NBC and CBS, DuMont lacked the financial cushion and infrastructure of an existing radio network. This absence meant DuMont had to build its television operations from the ground up without the benefit of an established revenue stream or a ready-made audience base, a problem Allen B. DuMont himself recognized as a major impediment to profitability.
The Uphill Battle and Eventual Decline
The network's financial woes persisted, and it never achieved solid financial footing, despite its innovations and its role in launching the career of one of the 1950s' biggest television stars, Jackie Gleason. As the television landscape evolved, DuMont was compelled to expand its broadcasting on UHF channels. This presented another significant hurdle, as UHF tuning was not yet a standard feature on most television sets of the era. This technological disadvantage meant that many potential viewers could not easily access DuMont's programming, further limiting its audience and advertising revenue.
DuMont found itself in an ongoing struggle for program clearance outside of its three owned-and-operated stations: WABD in New York City, WTTG in Washington, D.C., and WDTV in Pittsburgh. WABD used its founder's initials, WTTG used the initials of its chief engineer, Thomas T. Goldsmith, and WDTV referenced the network itself. The network's last national broadcast occurred in 1956, marking the end of its ten-year run. Its closure left three main national networks in operation, a situation that would persist until the founding of Fox in 1986. The destruction of DuMont's extensive program archive by the 1970s further contributed to its obscurity, leading TV historian David Weinstein to aptly describe it as the "forgotten network." However, a collection of programs and promos is now available on the Roku streaming television channel, offering a glimpse into this pioneering era.
