The History of WBZ NewsRadio: The 1950s

Two Well-Respected WBZ Personalities: Announcer Carl DeSuze (Left) And Newsman Streeter Stuart (Right)

Photo: WBZ Archive Photo

A Playful Illustration of Don Kent

Photo: WBZ Archive Photo

1951: Don Kent becomes staff meteorologist.

1951:Carl DeSuze proves he can make a bed faster than Chick Morris!

March 10, 1952: WBZ begins 24-hour a day programming.

October 1953: Popular announcer Nelson Bragg leaves WCOP and joins the WBZ air staff.

August 31, 1954: Hurricane Carol’s fury caused the crash of the WBZ-TV tower, which demolished a large portion of the building – including part of WBZ Radio’s offices. Amazingly, WBZ Radio is only off the air for 3 minutes.

Dick Tucker, WBZ Radio and TV

Photo: WBZ Archive Photo

December 1, 1955: WBZ began “The 700 Fund,” a fundraising campaign to help the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal. Thanks to WBZ's help, the Salvation Army’s 1955 Christmas appeal was the most successful in its history.

March 19, 1956: Alan Dary joins the WBZ air staff.

June 16, 1956: Daytime programming of WBZ and WBZA is separated.

Norm Prescott

Photo: WBZ Archive Photo

September 1956: WBZ becomes live and local, no longer broadcasting NBC’s programming. The WBZ disc jockeys are called the “Live Five” and they include Alan Dary, Norm Prescott, John Bassett and Carl DeSuze, with Leo Egan doing sports.

WBZ Playlist From 1957 (Page 1)

Photo: WBZ Archive Photo

WBZ Playlist From 1957 (Page 2)

Photo: WBZ Archive Photo

August 1957: Newspaper strike makes radio news even more essential; WBZ institutes “Operation Boston Beat,” increasing its newscasts to every fifteen minutes and doing frequent news headlines while the strike continues.

Dave Maynard

Photo: WBZ Archive Photo

1958: Dave Maynard joins WBZ as one of the “Live Five;” his air shift is evenings.


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