<P> In 1948 , Irma Nydia Vasquez , the first Miss Puerto Rico , became the first Latina contestant . In addition , in 1948 , Yun Tau Chee , the first Miss Hawaii , was also the first Asian - American contestant . Miss America 1949 , Jacque Mercer , was married and divorced during her reign ; after this , a rule was enacted requiring Miss America contestants to sign a certification that they have never been married or pregnant . Starting in 1950 , although the pageant continued to be in September , the Miss America title changed to `` post-dated '' , thus that year 's pageant winner became Miss America 1951 , and there was no Miss America 1950 . The pageant was first televised nationally in 1954 , hosted by Bob Russell . Future television star Lee Meriwether was crowned Miss America 1955 . It would also be the last time Russell served as host . He recommended , and was replaced by , Bert Parks , who served as the host for the second televised pageant in 1955 and stayed as host until 1979 . Television viewership peaked during the early 1960s , when it was the highest - rated program on American television . </P>
<P> In 1948 , Irma Nydia Vasquez , the first Miss Puerto Rico , became the first Latina contestant . In addition , in 1948 , Yun Tau Chee , the first Miss Hawaii , was also the first Asian - American contestant . Miss America 1949 , Jacque Mercer , was married and divorced during her reign ; after this , a rule was enacted requiring Miss America contestants to sign a certification that they have never been married or pregnant . Starting in 1950 , although the pageant continued to be in September , the Miss America title changed to `` post-dated '' , thus that year 's pageant winner became Miss America 1951 , and there was no Miss America 1950 . The pageant was first televised nationally in 1954 , hosted by Bob Russell . Future television star Lee Meriwether was crowned Miss America 1955 . It would also be the last time Russell served as host . He recommended , and was replaced by , Bert Parks , who served as the host for the second televised pageant in 1955 and stayed as host until 1979 . Television viewership peaked during the early 1960s , when it was the highest - rated program on American television . </P>
when was the first miss america pageant televised
when was the first miss america pageant televised
1954
1954