1949 International 500
Network: WFBM-TV
Date and time: May 30, 1949, 10:30 AM
Format: Live
Length: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Viewership: 3,000
The first ever IndyCar race televised in any form, the International 500 was televised live and flag-to-flag on Indianapolis TV station WFBM-TV. It was only the second program broadcast the station, after a documentary about the race titled Crucible of Speed. Pre and post-race coverage each lasted around 25 minutes.
The telecast used three cameras- two in the paddock and the third covered the southeast turn. According to The Indianapolis News, the only blank spots on the oval were sections hidden by trees.
Personnel:
Announcers: Earl Townsend Jr., Dick Pittenger, Paul Roberts
Pit reporter: Robert Robbins
Interviews: Gilbert Forbes, Mildred Fauvre