Besting Professor Quiz

 

On this date in 1936, broadcasting's first ever quiz show, radio's "Professor Quiz." Hosted by Arthur E. Baird, as Dr. Craig Earl, with future CBS broadcast journalist, Robert Trout, as the announcer. Limited to Washington D.C. area at first, it was broadcast weekly on CBS Radio from 1936-1941, then weekly on ABC Radio from 1946-1948. Unlike later quiz shows, the contestants asked the host questions. If the host couldn't give the correct answer, the contestant won $25. Later broadcasts selected six contestants from the studio audience, and the winner of the session received, $25, with $15 given to the runners-up. On these broadcasts, listeners would send in six questions, and if they were used, they also won $25. 

Competition soon followed in 1937 with, Uncle Jim's Question Bee, hosted by Arthur Godfrey.