Old Radio

June 29, 1947: Radio game show   Strike It Rich went on air for the first time, and it quickly became one of the most loved programs on CBS. The show was first presented by Todd Russell, followed by Warren Hull. Strike It Rich was a radio game show that featured less-fortunate people as the contestants. The show's format involved requiring the contestants to answer very easy questions in exchange for a money prize. When the question was answered incorrectly, the so-called "Heart Line" was opened, allowing one viewer on the phone to make donations for the contestant's family. However, the show's 11-year run was showered with controversy. Some people thought that the less-fortunate contestants were being exploited by the sponsors. They also pointed out that out of 5,000 people who send their stories every week, only a small percentage of them were given the chance to appear on the show. Viewers argued that they were picked based on who had the most intere...