Radio News Report
Election Night Interviews, Kansas City, MO
November 5, 1940

Though live mobile broadcasting technology had existed for decades, most radio programs still aired from established studios or from theaters or other facilities with permanent equipment, while on-the-spot reports were usually wire or acetate disc recordings made in the field for later playback in the studio. This was due to the fact that mobile units were either expensive mini studios on wheels or cumbersome transmitter backpacks with limited range and fidelity. As a result, this technology was reserved for the most newsworthy events. On November 5, 1940, election day, KMBC sent its mobile transmitter into the streets of Kansas City to get reactions to the presidential returns. This live broadcast, which was also preserved on an acetate disc, was conducted at the then-bustling corner of 12th and Main.