Observed annually on November 2, National Broadcast Traffic Professional’s Day is a holiday that pays homage to the working professionals who manage the country’s broadcast stations and networks.

These professionals ensure that new programs, television shows, and other TV programming are aired at the correct times and that advertisers receive the slots they have purchased. They ensure that advertisers get the most value for their money and that the television audience receives their daily dose of their favorite shows.

It’s certainly not an easy job, but it’s one that broadcast traffic professionals seem to perform with ease, so let’s all pay them the respect they deserve when this day comes around each year.

The History of National Broadcast Traffic Professional’s Day

This day coincides with the first scheduled commercial radio broadcast in the U.S., which occurred on November 2, 1920. Pittsburgh’s Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company transmitted the first scheduled broadcast on that date under the call sign KDKA, announcing the live returns of the presidential election between James Cox and Warren G. Harding.

Although we know why November 2 was chosen for National Broadcast Traffic Professional’s Day, we unfortunately don’t know who created this holiday or even when it was established. We’re sure it was probably invented by someone close to the field of broadcast traffic professionals, but at this moment, we’re unable to find out who.

Important Facts About Radio & TV Broadcasting

Below are some facts about radio and TV broadcasting that we discovered while researching this holiday. Let’s take a look at them below and get a better understanding of the industry in which traffic professionals work.

• The term “Broadcasting” comes from agriculture. It was a term used for the broad scattering of seeds across a field.
• The first radio jingle in the world was for a Wheaties commercial.
• It cost $2.7 million for a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl broadcast in 2008. It was the most expensive airtime in the world at that time.
• Fred and Wilma Flintstone were the first couple shown in bed together on TV.

Observing National Broadcast Traffic Professional’s Day

Although we’re sure that most people probably don’t know a traffic professional personally, they can give a shout-out to their local broadcast stations and their traffic professionals. Alternatively, people can use the hashtag #TrafficProfessionalsDay to give a shout-out on social media.