Franklin D. Roosevelt's radio 'Fireside Chats' from the White House

President Franklin D. Roosevelt used radio broadcasts known as 'Fireside Chats' beginning in 1933 to explain policies and address the American public during crises such as the banking emergency and World War II. Many of these broadcasts originated from the White House and were transmitted over national radio networks. The first chat related to the bank crisis was delivered on March 12, 1933.