Front Row Center, an American
variety show, aired on the
DuMont Television Network from March 25, 1949, to April 2, 1950, The program was a renamed version of
Hotel Broadway, with Whelan Drug Company continuing as sponsor, but with a new slot on DuMont's schedule. It initially was on from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Fridays. In June 1949 it moved to 8-9 p.m. ET on Fridays, and in October 1949 it moved to 7-8 p.m. ET on Sundays. Originally 30 minutes, the
sustaining program expanded to 60 minutes on June 10, 1949, and DuMont personnel began seeking entertainers in an effort to make the program "television's standout talent quest show." That quest included holding auditions at DuMont's Adelphi Playhouse in New York City. Bill Harmon was the program's producer and director, and Stanton B. Fisher also directed. Sam Spear and his 14-piece orchestra provided music. == CBS version ==