In 1939 the Radio Corporation of America used the occasion of the New York World's Fair to promote television. On 20 April 1939, RCA chairman David Sarnoff spoke to the uncountably small television audience from outside the RCA Pavilion at the World's Fair showground in New York: 'Now we add sight to sound.' 
        Sarnoff was jumping the gun to gain maximum publicity for his company's latest technological innovation. Much was staked on establishing a lead in a market that, after more than a decade of development, was expected to reap huge rewards.

Source: RCA

Ten days later, on 30 April, President Franklin D Roosevelt formally opened the World's Fair. The RCA pavilion was designed by architectural firm Skidmore & Owings in the shape of a radio valve when seen from above.

Source: RCA

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Page updated 8 February 2004