KDKA Radio’s Historic Broadcast: Ray vs. Dundee

On October 8, 1921, Pittsburgh’s KDKA radio station made history by broadcasting the first live sporting event on the radio. This momentous occasion featured a boxing match between Johnny Ray and Johnny Dundee.

The Broadcast

KDKA, known for pioneering radio broadcasts, further cemented its place in broadcasting history with this event. As radio technology burgeoned in the early 20th century, KDKA had already carved out a niche as an innovator, having famously aired the United States presidential election returns in November 1920. The broadcast of the Ray vs. Dundee match marked a significant evolution in live radio, introducing sports into the auditory experience of the wider public.

The Match

The boxing match took place in Pittsburgh, with local fighter Johnny Ray facing off against the established Johnny Dundee. Ray, popularly known as the “Pittsburgh Windmill,” was cheered on by his hometown fans, while Dundee, an Italian-born American boxer, was known for his speed and tactical prowess inside the ring. The bout promised to be an exciting encounter, capturing the imagination of boxing enthusiasts.

Impact and Legacy

This broadcast opened new avenues for sports entertainment and media. By airing the fight live, KDKA broadened the audience beyond those physically present at the venue, allowing fans who could not attend in person to experience the excitement as it unfolded. The success of this broadcast demonstrated the potential for radio as a means of bringing sporting events to a mass audience, setting a precedent for future broadcasts of various sports including baseball, football, and more.

Ultimately, KDKA’s broadcast of the Ray vs. Dundee match on October 8, 1921, was a pivotal moment in the integration of radio into the sports industry, paving the way for the development of sports broadcasting as a crucial element of modern media.