A space evoking the television studio where it took place is the setting to watch Kennedy and Nixon in excerpts from America's first televised presidential debate. The actual audio control panel and television camera used by CBS Chicago affiliate WBBM-TV for the broadcast add authenticity to the scene.
Audio Control Console
Formica, chrome, metal, wire
41 x 64 x 34 in.
Courtesy of the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
This audio control console was used for the Kennedy - Nixon Presidential debate broadcast from the studio of the Chicago CBS affiliate WBBM-TV on September 26, 1960. It was the first Presidential debate to be televised.
Television Camera
RCA
Metal
51.6 x 65 x 39.5 cm
Courtesy of the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
This television camera was used to broadcast the first televised presidential debate between Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard M. Nixon from the studios of WCVB-TV, the Chicago affiliate of CBS on September 26, 1960.