On Nov. 1, 1894, an eight-page, 10-cent issue arrived, marking the debut of what has grown into today's multi-platform Billboard brand
On Nov. 1 1894, Billboard published its first issue … one that's vastly different from today's magazine (and Billboard's expanded platforms). The premiere issue wasn't even focused on the music industry: Billboard's eventual trademark concentration on music, and, of course, charts, would develop over decades.
Before it became a weekly publication, and a 24/7 presence online, Billboard launched as Billboard Advertising. Its original mission? One that helps explain its name: "A monthly resume of all that is new, bright and interesting on the boards."
Upon its premiere, the eight-page magazine (priced at 10 cents an issue, or, 99 cents per year), was "devoted to the interests of advertisers, poster printers, bill posters, advertising agents & secretaries of fairs."
