The surprising reason behind Disney's pioneering foray into TV revealed - a strategic move to boost the studio's theme park ambitions.
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Walt Disney's first TV show, 'Disneyland', was primarily a marketing tool to promote the opening of his newly-built theme park of the same name in 1955.
By using the show to showcase the Disneyland park, Disney aimed to drive up attendance and interest in the ambitious $17 million project, which was a major financial gamble at the time.