Museum of Broadcast Communications

09/01/2026

CURRENT MEMBERS: Bring one friend FREE every Wednesday!
NOT A MEMBER YET? Join on Wednesdays and receive 50% OFF an Individual Membership!

Regular Individual Membership: $75
Every Wednesday: Just $37.50
With regular museum admission at $24, your membership pays for itself in just one and a half visits—and then the savings keep coming all year long!

Every MBC Member Enjoys:
- Unlimited museum admission for one full year
- Reciprocal admission to hundreds of museums nationwide through the ROAM program
- Invitations to exclusive exhibit previews, openings, and special member events—including the Radio Hall of Fame Gallery
- 10% discount in the Museum Store on books, collectibles, and gifts
- Discounts on public programs and special events
- Our quarterly digital newsletter featuring behind-the-scenes stories, broadcasting history, and museum updates
- Recognition in select museum publications and donor listings

🎟️ Join today at https://www.museum.tv/membership and take advantage of our 50% OFF Wednesday Membership Special!

09/01/2026

ORIGINS OF “JOHNNY’S THEME”
You know it from the very first notes. But the iconic theme that opened The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for 30 years actually began its life before Johnny ever sat behind the Tonight Show desk.

Paul Anka originally composed the melody in 1959 as an instrumental called “Toot Sweet.” He later added lyrics and transformed it into “It’s Really Love,” which was recorded by Annette Funicello and by Anka himself.

Then came Johnny Carson.
As Carson prepared to take over The Tonight Show in 1962, he needed a theme. Anka reworked his earlier melody into a bold new instrumental arrangement and sent a demo to Carson and Ed McMahon. McMahon later remembered hearing it for the first time simply as “magic.”
And it was.

Beginning with Carson’s Tonight Show in October 1962, “Johnny’s Theme” became one of the most recognizable pieces of music in television history, inseparable from Ed McMahon’s “Heeeeere’s Johnny!” and the sound of Skitch Henderson & Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Orchestra.

By 1999, it was estimated that the theme had been performed more than 1.4 million times.

When Johnny Carson said goodnight for the final time in May 1992, his theme went with him, closing an extraordinary 30-year chapter in television history.

One melody. Millions of performances. And just a few notes that still tell generations of viewers exactly what comes next:
“Heeeeere’s Johnny!”

Celebrate Johnny Carson and his extraordinary legacy at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago as part of Johnny Carson: The Centennial and The Evolution of Late Night Television exhibits. Open Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit MUSEUM.TV for tickets!

08/31/2026

DAVID LETTERMAN CHANGED LATE NIGHT TELEVISION. TWICE.
On August 30, 1993, David Letterman reinvented himself and late-night television all over again.
After NBC selected Jay Leno to succeed Carson as host of The Tonight Show, Letterman left the network that had been his television home and moved to CBS. This time, he would not follow The Tonight Show. He would compete directly against it.
Late Show with David Letterman premiered from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater on August 30, 1993, with Bill Murray as his first guest, just as Murray had been on Letterman’s first Late Night in 1982. Billy Joel performed, Tom Brokaw and Paul Newman made surprise appearances, and more than 23 million viewers tuned in.

The move in 1993 transformed the television landscape. CBS, a network without a major late-night tradition comparable to NBC’s, suddenly had a formidable franchise at 11:30. Letterman brought much of the sensibility he had created at NBC to an earlier hour and a much larger stage, helping turn late night into one of television’s most competitive and culturally significant battlegrounds.

It all started in 1982, when David Letterman was given one of the most important opportunities in television: the time slot immediately following Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. With Carson’s support and NBC’s confidence, Late Night with David Letterman premiered on February 1, 1982, introducing audiences to a very different kind of late-night television.

For more than three decades, David Letterman helped define the language of modern late-night television. His influence can be seen in generations of hosts who followed.

Two networks. Two landmark shows.

Visit our museum’s Evolution of Late Night Television exhibits Wednesdays through Sundays at 440 W. Randolph Street in Chicago. For tickets and more, visit MUSEUM.TV!

08/28/2026

Make history part of your weekend plans!

Step inside The Evolution of Late Night Television and journey through more than 75 years of television history — from Steve Allen and Jack Paar to Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Arsenio Hall, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and more.

Celebrate the Centennial of Johnny Carson with featuring authentic artifacts and the chance to sit behind the iconic Tonight Show desk recreation and step onto television history.

Explore additional NEW exhibits and fan favorites including:
• Five Decades of The Loop celebrating Chicago radio rebels and rock history
• I Dream of Jeannie 60th Anniversary — and yes, you can sit inside Jeannie’s bottle!
• Bozo at 65 celebrating Chicago television history — and play the Grand Prize Game!
• See the final resting place of Svengoolie’s original set and coffin and more

From late night legends to classic TV favorites, there is something for every generation. For tickets, visit www.museum.tv

08/27/2026

Jim Ruddle, the longtime Chicago television journalist, anchor and commentator whose career included more than two decades at WMAQ-TV (NBC 5), has died at the age of 94.

A respected and distinctive voice in Chicago broadcasting, Ruddle earned multiple Chicago Emmy Awards and a prestigious Peabody Award for investigative journalism during a career that also included work as an NBC News correspondent and a pioneering role in Chicago television news.

Ruddle arrived in Chicago in 1965, joining WGN-TV as co-anchor of the station’s early and late evening newscasts alongside Gary Park. The pairing marked Chicago television’s first dual-anchor team. Two years later, he moved to WMAQ-TV, where he became one of the city’s most familiar and respected television journalists.

At NBC 5, Ruddle worked as a reporter and anchor, including on the station’s Midnight Report and 5 p.m. newscast. After leaving Chicago in 1975 to become an NBC News correspondent, he returned to WMAQ in 1978 as a general assignment reporter and co-anchor of the 6 p.m. newscast. He later served as a news anchor and nightly commentator.

Ruddle’s journalism was recognized with several Chicago Emmy Awards for general news and investigative reporting. His work with WMAQ-TV’s UNIT5 on the investigation “Strip and Search” earned a Peabody Award, one of broadcasting’s highest honors.

Known for his intelligence, curiosity and strong opinions, Ruddle brought a distinctive perspective to television news. Robert Feder later described him as an anchorman and commentator of “exceptional intellect and gravitas.”

His broadcasting career also included WTTW-TV, where he and John Callaway launched the Public News Center, a public television news program. Before coming to Chicago, Ruddle worked in television and radio in Tulsa, Albuquerque and Tampa and served for three years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a radio operator.

After leaving NBC 5 in 1986, Ruddle chose a dramatically different path. He moved aboard a 35-foot custom-built cutter and spent years sailing, embracing a lifelong passion for the sea. Later, at age 82, he published his first novel, My Name Is Luke, a young-adult adventure inspired by his love of sailing and classic adventure stories.

In 2003, Ruddle was inducted into the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle, honoring his significant contributions to the television industry. He also served as a past president of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of NATAS.

Jim Ruddle leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Chicago broadcasting. From his pioneering work at WGN-TV and his many years at NBC 5 to his award-winning investigative reporting, network journalism and later life as a sailor and author, he remained a storyteller who followed his own course.

The Museum of Broadcast Communications remembers Jim Ruddle as an important figure in the history of Chicago television and extends its condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.

08/26/2026

In 1977, Dolly Parton (1946-2026) made her first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson — and fittingly, it was also Dolly’s 31st birthday.

Already a country music star and celebrated songwriter, Dolly was beginning a new chapter that would make her one of America’s most recognizable entertainers. That night, she joined Johnny on the legendary Tonight Show stage and performed “Higher and Higher” and “Me and Little Andy.”

It was the beginning of a memorable relationship with The Tonight Show. Dolly would return to Carson’s couch in the years ahead, bringing the humor, warmth and quick wit that made her such a natural late-night guest.

In 1979, she even wrote and performed a special song for Johnny, crediting The Tonight Show with helping introduce her to an even broader national audience.

Visit the museum’s Johnny Carson: The Centennial Exhibit. For tickets, visit MUSEUM.TV.

Dolly Parton makes her first appearance on the show and performs "H...

08/25/2026

DOLLY PARTON HAS DIED AT 80.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications joins millions around the world in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton, the legendary singer, songwriter, actress, television personality, philanthropist and one of the most influential figures in American popular culture.

For more than six decades, Parton built an extraordinary music legacy. A gifted and prolific songwriter, she gave the world enduring classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her distinctive voice and deeply personal storytelling helped define country music while reaching audiences far beyond the genre. Her songs were recorded by generations of artists, and her influence crossed country, pop, rock and gospel music.

Television also played an important role in bringing Dolly into American homes. Her early appearances included Tennessee’s The Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour, followed by her national breakthrough in 1967 as a regular on The Porter Wagoner Show. She later became a television star in her own right, hosting the syndicated variety series Dolly! in 1976 and ABC’s Dolly in 1987.

Across the decades, she remained a familiar presence on television through specials, concerts, interviews, award shows and memorable guest appearances, while also finding success on the big screen in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Wh******se in Texas and Steel Magnolias.

Beyond entertainment, her philanthropic legacy was equally remarkable. Through the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, Parton helped put books into the hands of millions of children and inspired a love of reading around the world.

Dolly Parton
1946–2026

08/25/2026

MeTV’s Bill Leff hosts ‘WATCHING TV: AN AFTERNOON WITH WALTER PODRAZIK & HARRY CASTLEMAN’, Saturday, September 19th | 12–2 PM at The Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago!

Join MeTV’s Bill Leff for an entertaining afternoon with acclaimed television historians and authors Walter Podrazik and Harry Castleman, who have been chronicling American television for more than four decades.

Authors of the landmark Watching TV and Harry and Wally’s Favorite TV Shows, Harry and Wally will explore the shows, personalities and unforgettable moments that shaped American culture — and why classic television still matters today.

From the sublime and serious to the wonderfully ridiculous, expect great stories, colorful commentary, forgotten gems and plenty of TV nostalgia.

A meet and great with Bill Leff and book signing with Wally and Harry will follow the event.

ABOUT OUR HOST
Bill Leff is a longtime Chicago broadcaster, comedian and pop culture enthusiast. Today, he is the Cartoon Curator on MeTV’s Toon In with Me and a member of Svengoolie’s Sven Squad as Nostalgiaferatu.

Event admission includes admission to the Museum.

For tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/watching-tv-an-afternoon-with-walter-podrazik-and-harry-castelman

Toon In With Me MeTV Toons Cartoon Discussion Group
Svengoolie Saturday Night
Original Svengoolie Fans Group

JOIN AUTHORS Walter Podrazik and Harry Castelman for an engaging look at how television has shaped culture, community, and everyday life. Hear stories behind…

08/24/2026

The set of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, donated by CBS and Stephen Colbert to the Museum of Broadcast Communications following the show’s 11 season run, is now under construction at the Museum in downtown Chicago.

In late September, fans will be able to experience a piece of late night television history up close and step into the world of The Late Show!

The new exhibit will feature major elements from the original set, including the desk, chairs, lighted fixtures, credentials and other artifacts from the show. Among them is the chair used by Paul McCartney during the final episode, along with additional pieces that have not yet been revealed to the public.

Bringing the set, from The Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City to the museum in Chicago, also brings Stephen Colbert’s story full circle. Colbert attended Northwestern University, graduating in 1986, and developed his craft in Chicago’s legendary comedy community, including the Annoyance Theatre and Second City, before becoming one of television’s most influential late night voices.

The installation will become part of the Museum’s acclaimed, award winning exhibition, The Evolution of Late Night Television, celebrating the personalities, programs and moments that transformed late night television across generations.

And we’re just getting started.
More artifacts. More surprises.
More to be revealed.

COMING SOON to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 440 W. Randolph Street in Chicago. Visit Museum.TV for more.

08/23/2026

Happy 95th Birthday to the incomparable Barbara Eden! 🩷
For more than seven decades, Barbara Eden has delighted audiences on television, film and stage, becoming one of America’s most beloved television icons. She forever made television history as the magical, mischievous and unforgettable Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie.

This year, Barbara is celebrating another incredible milestone, the 60th anniversary of I Dream of Jeannie, and you can celebrate with her at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.

Visit Antenna TV’s I Dream of Jeannie: 60th Anniversary Exhibit and discover the history and legacy of the classic series through behind the scenes photos, stories and memorabilia. See the vintage Jim Beam bottle that inspired Jeannie’s iconic bottle displayed side by side with the famous television prop, and step inside Jeannie’s bottle for a one of a kind photo opportunity.
Six decades later, I Dream of Jeannie continues to entertain generations of fans, and at 95, Barbara Eden remains as timeless and beloved as ever.

Open Wednesdays through Sundays at 440 W. Randolph Street, Chicago! Visit Museum.TV for tickets and more information.