The DuMont TV network started operating in 1944 with station WABD in New York (now WNYW).
It had financing from Paramount Pictures but lacked a radio network such as the other networks had.
Owning a radio network made it easier to sign up TV station affiliates.
Further, complicated court rulings prevented DuMont from owning as many stations as its rivals. The network ceased operating in 1956.