October 5 in American History

October 5, 1947 — the first televised presidential address

President Truman delivered the first-ever televised address from the White House, asking Americans to cut back on grain to help feed a starving postwar Europe. Only a few thousand households had TVs — but the medium that would reshape the presidency had just made its debut in the East Room.

Common Questions

What happened on October 5 in American history?

In 1947: the first televised presidential address. President Truman delivered the first-ever televised address from the White House, asking Americans to cut back on grain to help feed a starving postwar Europe.

Why is October 5 significant?

President Truman delivered the first-ever televised address from the White House, asking Americans to cut back on grain to help feed a starving postwar Europe. Only a few thousand households had TVs — but the medium that would reshape the presidency had just made its debut in the East Room.

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