The Dark Story of How America Lost Its Last TV Factory | Zenith Electronics

For nearly a century, Zenith Electronics stood at the center of American television manufacturing. Founded in Chicago as Zenith Radio Corporation, it pioneered the remote control and played a defining role in the U.S. HDTV digital broadcast standard. At its peak, Zenith was one of the most powerful names in the consumer electronics industry. Then global competition, shifting trade dynamics, and the rise of imported televisions brought an end to America’s last major TV factory. This is the story of how the company that helped build the American screen ultimately lost control of it. DISCLAIMER This video is a historical documentary created for educational and informational purposes. All information has been researched and cross-verified using credible historical records, archival materials, court documents, and published sources. Certain images and footage are used under the Fair Use doctrine (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for commentary, criticism, education, and historical analysis. All rights remain with their respective owners.