Graham McNamee

First nationally known American radio announcer (b. 1888 in St. Paul, Minnesota - d. May 9, 1942 in New York City) Hired as an announcer by New York radio station WEAF, McNamee basically invented live news broadcasts, reporting live from boxing matches, football and baseball games, but also from presidential addresses and political conventions. In 1925, Radio Digest Magazine awarded him its Gold Cup Award as America’s most popular announcer. Between 1932 and 1935, he hosted NBC's popular “Texaco Fire Chief” program, where he played the straight man for comedian Ed Wynn.