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NBC TRANSMITTER JANUARY 1942 NO LOUDri , TALKING Pl£AS£

TOKIO MOSCOW LONDON-PARIS G.M.T. NEW YORK I Ul UTU CAIRO BERLIN-ROME 2 NBC TRANSMITTER

When, a few short weeks ago, the United States was plunged into war, the big NBC family from coast to coast assumed its new responsibilities without confusion and with

an efficiency of which I am extremely proud. The job you did during those stirring hours of December 7th and the way you have carried on since that day has been no surprise to us; but it was a heart-warming example of NBC spirit. 1941 saw NBC working in close coopera- tion with the National Government and its various agencies. The Treasury Depart- ment, the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps and the other branches of the Gov- ernment having a part in the preparation of National Defense made heavy calls on the broadcasting industry. But we had antici- pated their needs. NBC, with its hundreds of fine programs, conceived in the interest of National Defense, made its impress on the American public; there can be no doubt of that. 1942 will present new problems, many of them, no doubt, of serious moment. But come what may, NBC will be ready. We’re enlisted for the duration; we’ll giye no less than our best. Thanks to eyeryone of you for what you haye done and what you are doing. May the new year bring you and yours all the good things!

NILES TRAMMELL JANUARY. 1942 3 BLUE NETWORK COMPANY

On January 9th, David Sarnoff, President of the Radio Cor- “The segregation of the Blue Network from the National Broad- poration of America, announced the formation of the Blue casting Company will occasion the separate, Network Company, Incorporated, a wholly-owned transfer of approximately 500 em- subsidiary of RCA. Incorporation papers were filed at Dover, ployes, practically all arrangement Delaware. for this transfer having been com- The new company will operate the Blue Network and will pleted. own and manage Stations WJZ in New York, WENR in “The National Broadcasting Company will continue, uninter- Chicago and KCO in San Francisco. It will continue to furnish ruptedly, the maintenance of its program service to than more one hundred independently Red Network broadcasting services, owned, affiliated radio stations throughout the country. which includes the operations of Blue Network Company, Inc., will continue, without inter- Stations WEAF, New York; WRC, ruption, the programs and business heretofore carried by the Washington; WTAM, Cleveland; KOA, Denver, Blue Network Division of the National Broadcasting Company WMAQ, Chicago; and KPO, San Francisco; and its and will be supervised by experienced personnel which, over service to 1 36 independently own- a fifteen year period, has made the Blue one of America’s ed affiliated stations. great Networks. “The National Broadcasting President The of the Blue Net- program standards, the Blue Net- Company will also maintain its In- work Company, Inc., is Mark work will avail itself of the counsel ternational Broadcasting Service, Woods, heretofore Vice President of an Advisory Committee, repre- its Radio Recording Service and its and Treasurer of NBC. The Execu- senting seven regions into which development in the fields of Tele- tive Vice President will be Edgar the United States has been divided vision and Frequency Modulation. Kobak, previously NBC Vice Presi- for broadcast purposes. Members “The vital and essential services dent in charge of Sales for the of the committee, all of whom are of network broadcasting in this Blue Network. thoroughly conversant with broad- period of war will continue to serve In his first statement as Presi- casting, its problems and its re- the American listeners, the affili- dent of the Blue Network, Mr. sponsibilities, have been elected by ated stations and the advertisers. Woods said, “In the first 1938, the independent stations affiliated The National Broadcasting Com- steps were taken toward setting up with the network. pany and the new management of the Blue Network as an indepen- “Members of the committee the Blue Network have rededicated dently operated broadcasting unit. are: Harry Wilder, Station WSYR, themselves to this objective.” One by one, during the three years Syracuse; Allen Campbell, Station elected President of which followed, separate depart- The newly NA/XYZ, Detroit; Earl May, Station the Blue Network, Mark Woods, ments have been established to KMA, Shenandoah, la.; hienry P. with the Na- supervise Blue Network opera- has been associated Johnston, Station WSCN, Birming- tional Broadcasting since tions. Company ham; Harold Hough, Station its inception. “The formation of a separate KCKO, Fort Worth; Tracy Mc- company comes at a time when One of the youngest top-rankmg Craken, Station KFBC, Cheyenne; radio is playing a vital role in the executives in network broadcast- Howard Lane, Station KFBK, life of our country at war. The ing, Mr. Woods comes to his new Sacramento.” heaviest responsibilities which rest post with an unusually broad back- Niles Trammell, President of the today upon all broadcasters pro- ground in the industry. vide the highest incentive to the National Broadcasting Company, Since 1926, he has had an im- management and personnel of the who will continue in that capacity, portant part in determining the fi- was elected Chairman of the Blue Network to maintain and, if new nancial and operational policies of possible, to improve the standards company’s Executive Committee, NBC as Administrative Officer. of public service. which includes Mark Woods and Vice President and Treasurer. “For the past fifteen years the Edgar Kobak as members. President Woods was a network Blue Network has pioneered in In commenting on the formation broadcasting executive prior to the fields of public service, educa- of the new company, Mr. Trammel joining NBC and, earlier, was a tion and entertainment. Such pro- said, “The Blue Network will con- financial and sales executive for grams as the Farm and Home Hour, tinue to be housed in its present Southern construction firms. the American Town Hall Meeting locations, pending the establish- Born in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. of the Air, and the Music Appre- ment of permanent quarters else- Woods was raised and schooled in ciation Hour, developed and pre- where and certain of its routine Florida. Married and the father of sented by this network and the operations will be carried on by the two children, his chief interests, stations affiliated with it, have es- National Broadcasting Company away from the office, are, first the tablished high broadcast standards. until the new company has estab- youngsters, then sailing, swimming “To maintain and enhance its lished its own facilities. and golf. 4 NBC TRANSMITTER NBC TELEVISION

On Monday evening, January 5, essary in fighting the light magne- New York City’s air raid wardens

1 942, NBC Television officially be- sium incendiary bomb. on television as a means of instruc- came part of New York City’s The experiment was conducted tion. Reports came in from the civilian defense organization. to test fhe efficiency of television hundreds of wardens gathered at By order of Police Commissioner in transmitting defense instruc- 123 viewing locations in the 50

Lewis j. Valentine, hundreds of tion, by Police Department experts, precincts witnessing the telecast, selected zone, sector and post war- to many scattered groups, simul- A sheaf of telegrams brought dens were notified by their local taneously. Standardization of train- praise from defense officials and precinct station houses to report ing and the economies in the time individual citizens in such out-of- for the special NBC defense tele- of the Department’s crack instruc- town points as Philadelphia, Penn- cast. Viewing locations were in in- tors were the all-important ends sylvania; Poughkeepsie, and Bridge- dividual homes and radio dealers' sought in the test. port, Connecticut, for the televi- sion shops, enlisted by the NBC Tele- The television experiment was experiment conducted by the vision Department to aid in the ex- also witnessed by New York State New York City Police Department in cooperation periment. and New jersey civilian defense of- with NBC’s Televi- sion Department. Television’s debut in instructing ficials in towns and cities up to Philadelphia New York City’s thousands of air sixty miles from the NBC Televi- A home viewer wired: “Three in raid wardens was made possible by sion Transmitter location in mid- our family saw the National Broadcasting Com- Manhattan. telecast on incendiary bomb lec- pany’s offer to telecast training Situated atop the Empire State ture. Picture very clear. We are films and supplementary instruc- Building, the WNBT Transmitter better informed on this phase of defense.’’ tion by Police Department experts can enable one instructor to speak over NBC’s Television Station, from five thousand television A Connecticut televiewer tele- graphed: WNBT. screens to an audience several “Ten people witnessed special civilian In the first use of television to times that number. The regular defense program, instruct the City’s volunteer war- evening audience of NBC’s previ- including three air raid wardens. Reception perfect. dens, Lieutenant William F. Maley, ous civilian defense television Wardens great- of the staff of the Coordinator for classes has been estimated at from ly impressed with television in- struction the Police Department Civilian De- forty to fifty thousand people. as being far better than oral fense, gave instruction supplemen- On January 5th, a re-telecast lecture.’’ York City report- tary to that contained in the fea- over Station WPTZ, Philadelphia, New wardens ed: “The presentation was excel- tured Office of Civilian Defense with which WNBT is linked by a training film, “Fighting the Fire radio relay, made the instruction lent,’’ “Could not be better’’ and, Bomb.’’ available to defense workers in the “I think this demonstration was very interesting and highly Assistants in the NBC Televi- Philadelphia-Camden area. educa- sion Studio at Radio City demon- Telegrams and notes of enthusi- tional. I am sure that I could suc- cessfully fire strated the use of various types of astic commendation have been re- destroy a bomb.” has actively fire extinguishers and pumps nec- ceived, placing the approval of NBC Television worked with the armed forces and defense officials of the nation for years. On May 26, 1938, almo't all the roles proposed for television in defense today, were actuallv demonstrated to Army and Navy personnel. With the resumption of regular television program service July 1. 1941. defense programs were woven into the weekly schedules. The initial program featured the USO. Regular programs thereafter have been giving visual instruction in all types of civilian protective mf^a<^ures and device'".

The now famous RCA Alert Re- ceiver is demonstrated by Arthur Van Dvck to Lenore Kingston and the NBC Television Audience in one of WNBT’s numerous defense telecasts. JANUARY. 1942 5 NTERNATIONAL

The 24 hour schedule of domes- self-imposed censorship to assist, LINE-UP tic radio became 30 hours a day for in everyway, the government’s war INCOME from time sales at pres- International Division when effort. ad libbing is permitted. NBC’s No ent: America went to war, December No news commentators are put on $70,000 annually. 7th. Sending different language the air. All music must be submit- PERSONNEL: programs to widely separated cor- ted beforehand. Propaganda is out. 30 technical and engineering ners of the world, simultaneously, News and press reviews must be in a complete staff of people accounts for this expansion of based on objective and construc- 92 time. tive material. The response proves SPANISH: At 8 a m., on the historic Sun- clearly that a worldwide listening 8 announcers, 4 secretaries. day of December 7, NBC Interna- audience has come to depend on PORTUGUESE: tional went on the air indefinitely. the reports from stations WRCA 4 announcers, 1 secretary. Its normal 17 hours vanished with and WNBI. ENGLISH: peace; as long as it is deemed 8 announcers. of public interest. International UNCLE SAM AND SHORT-WAVE FRENCH: Broadcasting Schedules call for this 3 announcers, 1 secretary. 30 hour day. The United States Armed Forces, ITALIAN: In the last weeks of peace, the beyond the boundaries of the na- 2 announcers, 1 secretary. Westinghouse Station, WBOS, of tion, receive short-wave programs GERMAN: equal power to NBC’s two 50,000 every day of the week. “News 2 announcers, 1 secretary. watt transmitters, began carrying from Home” includes a daily sum- NBC programs. WBOS, WRCA and mary of the news, a Washington SWEDISH: WNBI now form the strongest round-up, a sports round-up and 2 announcers. short-wave trio in the United local news from the country’s major FINNISH: States. cities. 1 announcer. “Until yesterday, we collabo- The World’s Series was sent TURKISH: rated. Today, we offer you our alle- from the Panama Canal to Alaska 1 announcer. giance.’’ This cryptic message ar- in summarized form. The Army- NEWS AND EDITORIAL: rived from Station CXI 4 of Monte- Navy Came at Philadelphia, 1 editor, 1 news editor, 1 pub- video, Uruguay. It was one of the Thanksgiving Day, went to Europe, licity editor. many radiograms and telephone Africa, Asia and, in the Western MUSIC: calls received shortly after the at- Hemisphere, from Alaska to the 3 clerks, 1 stenographer. tack on Pearl Harbor by NBC In- Straits of Magellan. Men at sea, on TRAFFIC AND PROGRAM: ternational from its Pan-American patrol or convoy duty, marines in 1 manager, 5 clerks. Network of more than 100 sta- the Far East and the armed forces SALES: tions. at Honolulu and Manila, all heard 4 representatives. The year 1941 witnessed the Bill Stern’s play-by-play descrip- ADMINISTRATIVE: “coming of age” of short-wave tion. 1 manager, 2 secretaries. broadcasting on an unprecedented scale. Today short-wave reaches to the remotest corners of the earth. On December 7, three languages were added to the famous “lan- guage pattern.” Swedish, Finnish and Turkish now augment the reg- ular six: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Since the outbreak of hostilities, John W. Elwood, manager of the Division, has enforced a rigidly

International’s second boss, Eli “Buck” Canel, assistant to John W. Elwood, demonstrates another use for NBC Television. Seated at an International microphone, “Buck” Canel broadcasts a blow- by-blow description of a prize fight, direct from the television screen, to Latin America. 6 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC TRANSM ITTER "SQUADS LEFT"

Published for and by the NBC Personnel from Coast to Coast. NEW YORK A. T. Williams left Engineering for

fine Air Corps. . . S. . J, LaTouche, J^JMiller (WEAF Transmitter) VOL. 8 JANUARY, 1942 No. 1 former Supervisor in^TeJegrapln,ns is af Pearl Harbor, . . . Frank E. at the Key West Naval School. . . . Mason, Vice President in charge of EDITOR Roy Pascal Arthur Lubole left Telegraph for Information, is a dollar-a-year man ASSOCIATES Arthur Bellaire Navy Intelligence. . . . Tom Prou t as Special Assistant to the Secre- of Telegraph is . Martha Sherwin in the Army. . .

tary of the Navy. . . . Charles W. Evadna B. Hammersley Thomas McFadden of News is on Hom^ a Lieutenant Commander in Kay Barr Naval Duty. . . , Hert)ert_Rji±er, tHeReserve, has ben for Tom Knode selected former captain of the l^ail Room Commander of the U. S. Navy Re- Bob Dailey Cage, is now Cadet Adjutant Cap- serve, on appointment by the Presi- Bill Klomann tain in the Air Corps Flying School dent. Mr. Horn is Assistant Vice in Georgia. . . erry is . J Callahan in Address all correspondence to: NBC Trans- President in Development and Re- the cavalry Ft. . . at Riley, . mitter, National Broadcasting Company, "Kansas. search. . . . Capta in Charles all. Room 465, RCA Building, New York, N. Y. W William C. Cartland of Radio Rec- Business Manager, is ' Telephone: Circle 7-8300. Extension 220. Program now ording is stationed at Camp in Washington with the War De- Devens, Massachusetts. . . . Danr^

partment. . . . Lieutenant Ernest Schmidt, of Recording, is atT~Th- l^ejahnke, of the Stations Depart- sfructor and corporal at Ft. Eustis. NBC DEFENSE BOND PLAN Tnent, is now under Admiral An- . . . When Bud Matem e volun- drews of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. All NBC employes are urged to teered as an ensign in the Navy, his

. . . Bob Eisenbach, the man take advantage of the company who fellow employes in Blue Sale, told America of Pearl Harbor first, plan for the purchase of United through Vice President Kobak, pre- leaves News and Special Events for States Defense Bonds, Series E. sented him with a beautiful dress

the Army as this is read. . . . Vice sword. . . . C harles Evere tt left Series E Bonds mature in 1 years 0 President Hedges, in charge of Sta- Payroll for Fort Monmouth. . . . from date of issue and may be ob- tions, will tell you that Secretary James Tompkins, once Junior Clerk in the following denomina- tained Kirk’s Barbara husband instructs at in Accounting, is now at Fort tions : FdrFTeavenworth while his other Devens. . . . Guide Trainer Ray ISSUE MATURITY secretary, Ann Ansel, has a brother QlGeonell is in the Army. . . .

PRICE VALUE in the Anti-Tank Corps. . . . At- Guide Trainer Bill Gardner, his suc- torney FrankJiri Butler of Legal $ 18.75 $ 25.00 cessor, was just switched from 4F is on active duty as an Ensign in 37.50 50.00 to lA. . . . Ernie Stanger of Mail

the Naval Reserve. . . . Stephen de 75.00 100.00 is a corporal. . . . George Spach of Baun ( Information-NBC] Trans- 375.00 500.00 Mail is a Yeoman Tn the Navy; mitter) is Public Relations for the Kelly of Mail is at Ft. Tilden 1 000.00 Ward 750.00 , 74th Regiment, editing the regi- af Rockaway; Bob Baldwin of Mail These bonds may be registered ment magazine, the Thunderbolt. is at Governor’s Island and Arthur in the name of an individual; or . , . Once of Traffic, Captain Joseph Gnaedinge r of Mail is in the Navy, two individuals as co-owners; or of Berhalter, of the Signal Corps, is at ^sn^~CTBrien tells us. . . . Miss one individual and one other indi- Cdvernbr’s Island. . . . L L. Hath- Jessie Kline, Vice President Ma- vidual as beneficiary. away,, NBC DevelopmenTEhgTneeTT son’s secretary, is on loan to the written authorization, ob- Upon is on loan to the government for Navy Department in Washington. tained at Payroll Office, Room defense work at Harvard Univer- . . of National . John Cusumanp, will deduct the 313, the company sity. Fernando Montifla, Spot SaTds7Ts~afTort Jackson, N. C. amount specified ($.75 or any (Studio) PietscTL TA'ir ; Harold C. is at • JJm D.onneJIy of Press multiple thereof) from each week- Conditioning) ; A. C. Ewert, Fort Jay, Governor’s Island. . . . ly or semi-monthly salary. These (Studio) Rooney, (Maintain- ; J. J. Jack Harrison Hartley, formerly of salary deductions will be accumu- Curin, (Studio) ; ance) ; Herman Information, now edits the U. S. lated in a separate bank account Al Richard Pj ckard FTelevision) ; Navy magazine. ChaHes apart from company funds. When- Ccanshaw, (Vice Pres. Hanson’s Turner, ex - Transmitter editor, ever the deductions are sufficient, Office) Chip (Televi- ; Rodney , carfte to Radio City for the Christ- a bond wil be purchased and issued sion) Sheljman, (Asst, to ; Jimmy mas Party in 8H and in Press. to the employe or whomever he has Mr. Diaz) all oTEngineering, are ; Charles is a corporal and film designated. in the Navy now. . . B. Knight, . [. editor in the Signal Corps, Fort leave the ser- late of the Empire State Tele- employe Jr., . . Should an Monmouth. . That’s the round- vice of NBC, the payroll deduction vision Transmitter, is Officer in up from New York. authorization will automatically be Charge, Naval Underwater Sound cancelled and any amount to the Labratory, New London, Connecti- HOLLYWOOD credit of the employe, which may cut. . . . R. W. Pickard, of the Em- least two former members of have been insufficient to purchase pire State Transmitter and the At the Hollywood staff have seen ac- a bond, will be immediately re- Mobile Unit, is on duty at the 12) funded. Bureau of Ships in Washington. . . . (CONTINUED ON PACE lANUARY. 1942 7 FIRST AID

With the threat of air raid keep- years of industrial nursing to her credit. ing the largest city in the world on The American Red Cross third tallest and the April, Phelps read a the alert, the Blood Bank has filled the rec- Last “Ma” building in subject to the Greater most important New ords in the past twenty-seven paper on the Building, Council. mis- York City, the RCA months with countless stories New York Safety A possi- of the audi- quietly is preparing for the on the availability of blood guided male member gigantic tar- fit that no one bility of becoming a plasma enabling medical ser- ence saw to remark of preparations is possibly train or be get, One these vices to save lives. nurse could all Miss the silent appearance of new Based on the recent scien- equipped to do the things increased supplies Phelps’ lecture called for. “Ma” equipment and tific discovery, blood may be “I’ve done in NBC’s First Aid Room. treated and preserved. Volun- Phelps said quietly, And the The division NBC people appre- teer donors are asked to give them all, young man!” whippersnapper sat down. ciate the most is preparing itself a pint of their blood. This is for the emergency that may come. typed and prepared into blood Miss Phelps’ two assistants are Busy “Ma” Phelps and her staff plasma, sealed and trans- blonde Mathilda Heydorn and bru- are set to enlist the aid, first of ported for use. nette Eva Boudreau. Miss Heydorn Engineering, all of whom neces- All persons donating blood or “Matty,” came to NBC in 1936 sarily know first aid, and second, receive an engraved gold heart after private duty as a graduate of all NBC employes who have been in recognition of their hu- St. john’s Hospital in Brooklyn. trained by the Red Cross. These mane gesture. “Boudy,” or Miss Boudreau, is a two groups form the “reserves.” The National Broadcasting graduate of St, john’s Hospital in First Aid gives an average of Company has a division of the Long Island City. She came to NBC 30,000 treatments a year. 2,483 Blood Bank under the super- in 1932, having been the assistant cases average a winter month. vision of Patricia Olmstead in to one of the most eminent sur- Once Miss Boudreau took care of Television. Should you care geons practicing. in 1 10 people before 5 o’clock. to participate this fine “Matty” Heydorn has a pilot’s Not only does First Aid tend the cause, send your name in to license and the ban on private fly- needs of NBC personnel but artists, Miss Olmstead, Room 410, for ing is a real hardship. She can talk studio audience guests and tour an appointment form. anyone’s language and rates a page visitors have received treatment for boy or a vice president by the size a thousand and one things. Faint- of his stomach ache. ing, bruises and hysteria are the Miss Boudreau has possibly the leading guest ailments. In winter, she scolds and to whom she gives best smile in Radio City and caused personnel suffers mostly from the free cooking lessons, she’s “Ma” more long faces around NBC when Phelps. common cold. I n summer, it’s sun- it got out that “Boudy” was mar- burn and lots of it. The other major When one of the control room ried and had two fine boys grow- offenders treated are laryngitis, boys wanders in with a sheepish ing up. headaches, neuroses and good old grin and the sniffles, “Ma” Phelps, Dr. John Curtis is the NBC phy- over-indulgence. who can cut the tallest one down sician, on the staff of the Presby- On checking through her charts to her size, fixes him with a stern terian Hospital. “Doc” Curtis is all recently. Miss Phelps, supervisor in eye and demands, as she prepares business and is always on call for charge of First Aid, discovered that some nose drops, “How much sleep any emergency. In addition to his did you get last week? When did consulta- only one person, out of the 1 ,500 daily visit for an hour’s total personnel of NBC, New York, you last eat a good meal? Where’s tion, a complete list of “Standing had not been in to First Aid dur- your heavy overcoat?” And the big Orders,” issued by Dr. Curtis, is ing the year. six footer will take it and love it followed in all instances by the Miss Mable Phelps, as people because, first, he knows she’s right nurses during his absence. outside the company know her, has and second, he knows she’s hon- Patients are referred to their been with NBC since 1934. She is estly concerned about his state of own doctors whenever possible for a tiny, genial bundle of pink and health. Ten times out of ten he First Aid is exactly that. It is not a white energy. Her cup cake nurse’s wears his heavy overcoat. clinic. cap signifies that she graduated Miss Phelps is quite a celebrity Every employe has a chart with from Long Island College Hospital in industrial nursing circles. Past name and address kept in a confi- in Brooklyn. president of the Industrial Nurses’ dential file. First Aid is theoreti- After a number of years of in- Club, she is now on the Advisory cally a courtesy of the company. dustrial nursing. Miss Phelps came Board. “R.N.,” the journal for reg- Actually it is one of the essentials. to NBC and was promptly dubbed istered nurses, interviewed Mable First, it is a personal protection “Mom” by the crew. From the en- Phelps when it wanted to know in case of accident. Second, this gineers, who consider her a special about nursing in a large corpora- division is part of NBC because favorite, to the page boys, whom tion, for Miss Phelps, today, has 22 success begins with health. :

8 NBC TRANSMITTER RADIO CITY'^'

NEW YORK Here, at this emergency micro- phone in the NBC News Room, War came to NBC with the word first went to America that ringing of a bell on an AP tele- the Japanese had attacked Pearl type. Leaving the scattered com- Harbor. muniques of a dull Sunday after- NBC’s bearded commentator, noon, Robert Eisenbach walked Robert St. John, awaits the sig- over to the Associated Press ma- nal from Master Control to chine. Above him the News air the latest bulletins. Trans- Room clock read 2:27, New mitter editor, Roy Pascal, holds York Time, as the AP machine copy for him. tapped out: “Bulletin — the White House has just announced that the Japanese have attacked 1942 passes, which bear a pic- Pearl Harbor.” ture, signature and number. Ripping the copy from the Vincent Cilcher, Manager of machine, Eisenbach grabbed the General Service, voiced the hope emergency phone connecting News ties in the main hall. The Guest that, within a few months, NBG to Master Control. “Send it down,” Relations staff received its first in- employes will assume a large por- he commanded and, seconds later, struction in air raid precaution tion of the responsibility in guard- two hundred and forty-six stations, and plans were quietly consolidated ing NBG premises. Any person ap- with an estimated listening audi- for blacking out the thousand win- pearing to be in the wrong part of ence of fifteen million Americans, dows of Radio City. the building should be questioned; heard NBC, through the voice of A new division appeared in any suspicious strangers reported Robert Eisenbach, tell America that NBC: A Protective Division under immediately. war had struck. George Monohan, formerly with NBG tightened up that a gigan- Two minutes later the 2:30 sta- the New York City Police Depart- tic public servant might remain on tion break rang four instead of the ment and specialist in industrial the alert. usual three NBC chimes. All NBC protection. personnel listening in instantly rec- PERSONALITIES All NBC employes were photo- ognized the code signal to phone graphed and fingerprinted for the William Eliscu, of News and for instructions immediately. Special Events, has had an un- One hour later, NBC New York usual honor bestowed upon him. had a full strength “crisis” staff At the nation-wide meeting of on hand. The following telegram was re- the American Indian, Eliscu was Short wave broadcasts began ceived Christmas week at Radio City inducted into the Gherokee In- coming in from Hong Kong, from Major Lenox R. Lohr, former dian Tribe by the Father of the Manila and Hawaii as Engineer- President of the National Broadcast- Indians, Chief Red Fox. ing reached out to the ends of ing Company, and addressed to all Not many NBC folk knew that air for the sea and news. The employes Bill Eliscu was an authority on cleared following Tuesday, NBC totem poles, having traveled all the way for Bert Silen in Manila THE STAFF OF THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY over the country studying and to describe, blast by blast, an carving the famous Indian sym- 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA eye-witness account of a major bols. bombing attack on Manila. AS YOU GATHER TODAY FOR Eliscu, in recognition of his Back in New York, while the totem skill, now bears the THE TRADITIONAL GHRISTMAS pole News Room swept the teletypes Cherokee name of “Otoman.” clear of copy, the rest of NBC PARTY I WANT TO TELL YOU AGAIN OF THE DEEP AFFECTION tightened up. Where once any NAMES IN THE NEWS person might walk and peer and IN WHICH I HOLD YOU AND touch, overnight uniformed men SEND YOU GOOD WISHES FOR Albert Dale is taking Vice became suddenly very solicitous THE YEAR AHEAD. President Frank Mason’s place of strangers. LENOX R. LOHR as Director of Information while NBC Tours received a limit of Mr. Mason is in Washington

The employes of NBC, through the with the Navy Department. . . . 1 4 people when once 40 was the top. The Master Control Room TRANSMITTER, extend to Major Noran T. Kersta is Manager of disappeared behind newly-creat- Lohr our very best wishes for his per- Television now that Vice Presi- ed walls. The Power Room was sonal well-being in the New Year and dent Morton has left NBC for no longer a “fishbowl.” our sincerest thanks for his thought- the National Concert and Artist

. Artists spent a bewildered fulness. Corporation. . . John McKay first day establishing their identi- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 15) JANUARY, 1942 9 SAN FRANCISCO KAY BARR

THE WEST COAST They just can't wait to get into that new NBC building in “Sure we've had blackouts. San Francisco. Organist Floyd So what?” Wright tries his lung power on These strange Stygian inter- one of the new organ pipes to ludes are merely rest periods in hear how the new $35,000 con- San Francisco. When the “All cert instrument will sound. Clear” comes, folks pick up Charles Hirschman, who is in- what they were doing, right stalling the organ, directs the where they left off, and carry on impromptu performance. as though nothing had hap- pened. Personal attitudes are fatalis- tic. There is the inspiring back- eighteenth floor window. Why, ground of tradition which sets we’ve got to know what became the pattern for living genera- of her” And were they per-

tions. This city has been through sistent ! many disasters and risen from “Ffow long is this blackout the ashes. That’s why the Phenix Within two days the whole town going to last?” asked one huffy is such a significant symbol on the was singing the theme song. By hostess. “It’s a fine thing when city seal. So many people feel obli- Wednesday, business was respond- they make me turn out my lights gated to live up to the heroism and ing. By the end of the week, it was just as I’m having a bridge party.” courage which made the early days up to normal and, when Christmas One of the blackouts hit a KCO colorful, romantic and glorious. came, merchants reported the best Amateur Hour broadcast at the They must keep faith with that Christmas season they ever had. Community Playhouse. Flashlights heritage. NBC stations performed many enabled the producers to carry on If some jittery nellie gets nerv- other services in connection with for more than two hours, much to ous, there are a dozen calm neigh- the Army, Navy and Red Cross. the enjoyment of the visible audi- bors to hold her hands. Rules have During blackouts, it was all hands ence. Helen Morgan, Budd Heyde, been printed and broadcast many on deck. Cots and couches made Wally Ruggles and Bennie Walker, times so citizens know what to do. naps possible that first hectic together with the amateurs, kept At first these regulations were too week. Anyone who enjoyed two everybody happy. stringent. Some few were misin- consecutive hours of sleep was Plans have been perfected for terpreted. So folks stayed at home lucky or sick or both. the evacuation of the city, if and those first few nights. Studios and the Engineering De- when that action seems necessary. Business fell off from 40 to 60 partment were closed to visitors. Store hours have been moved up per cent in the stores, just when Photographic identification cards so that shoppers and clerks can get Christmas buying should have been were required before staff and pro- home before dark. If they are approaching its peak. At the end gram people could get past the caught on the streets in a blackout, of that first week, things looked Pinkerton men at the gate. Guards they must get under shelter and pretty tough. were posted at the transmitters stay there until the “All Clear.” Al Nelson, general manager of and police passes were obtained for Approved shelters, including the KCO and KPO, called 27 of the those who might need to move in new NBC Building, have been des- creative brains of his outfit to- the streets during blackouts. ignated and posted with signs for gether for a clinical discussion of An index of cooperation with the benefit of those caught on the the situation Sunday morning, De- the emergency routine is seen in streets. And during those dark cember 14. By 4:00 p.m. they had the fact that no local business was periods, the city is deathly quiet, evolved a plan to put on a “Santa lost due to the silences. Every except for cries of “turn out the Claus Time” broadcast every morn- sponsor whose program was wiped lights,” directed at windows show- ing and evening until Christmas out took other time gladly. ing illumination. Actually no have : bombs been and the first show went on at 7 1 5 Of course there were complaints the next morning. from listeners who couldn’t under- dropped and there has been no “There’ll Always Be a Santa stand why radio had to quit just bombardment. Alarms have been Claus” was the theme song, writ- because the lights were out. When prompted by the detection of un- ten by Frank Denke, pianist, and told it was Army orders, they identified planes over the city. Announcers Frank Barton and Eddy wanted to know who was running Confidence in the Army and Navy King. Wally Ruggles and Forrest the station, NBC or the Army. has eliminated the epidemic of Barnes wrote and produced the Then there were the serial ad- wild rumors that prevailed the first shows. Ricardo directed the or- dicts: “At the end of the last epi- few days. chestra and Announcer Archie sodes of ‘Clamorous Gertrude,’ San Francisco is now taking it Presby was Santa Claus. she had just been tossed from an (CONTINUED ON PACE 15) — !

10 NBC TRANSMITTER WASHINGTON TOM KNODE

NBC AND THE WAR Baukhage at the White House. microphone “This is Baukhage talking from A perched precariously the White House.’’ atop his typewriter, the Washing- That was how NBC Washington ton commentator keeps in constant touch with began its coverage of the war the NBC News Room, that the direct from the only spot in the news from the Nation’s world where accurate information Capitol might reach America first over on the Pearl Harbor attack was NBC. forthcoming. And it was the first time in history that a broadcast, take a lesson from Washington's other than a presidential speech, Sports Announcer, Ray Michael. had originated from the Executive Right here at home he is covering Mansion. both sides of a local sports war, The NBC crew was in the White working the front lines of both bel- House Press Room twenty minutes ligerants. Ray handles the public after the first announcement of address system on alternate nights the Pearl Harbor bombing, Decem- for the professional Ice Hockey ber 7th. Baukhage was on the air Lions and the amateur Eagles. The from there a few minutes later. teams are warring for the patronage Simultaneously, NBC placed a of the Washington public but Ray wins either way. man at the State Department. Re- new NBC Washington commenta- leases by Secretary of State Hull . . . Washington’s contribution tor in Morgan Beatty. Before the were rushed to Baukhage. to the Nation’s Defense, Jimmy Japanese attack, Beatty was heard The other networks were a little Seiler and John Hurley, have the only on local shows. He’s on the late in catching up. By the time situation well in hand at Panama. Blue and the Red daily now at they were set up, NBC had already The former Promotion Manager 1 :45 P.M. broadcast three or four times with- and Announcer changed over from . . . Speaking of commentators, in seconds after issuance of offi- radio men to naval officers for the the Newsroom produced one of its cial bulletins by the White House duration. own—and on short notice—the secretariat. . . . Fritz Balzer, Music Depart- day that Secretary of Navy Knox Monday, when the President ment, received a call from the War released the Pearl Harbor details. went to Capitol Hill to urge that Department. “Who wrote ‘Jean- News editor Ralph Peterson cov- Congress declare war against Japan, nie with the Light Brown Hair’?’’ ered the conference, then flashed went with him. Three days he was asked. “Why, Stephen NBC the story on to New York by later, when the Chief Executive Foster,’’ replied Balzer. “How do phone. The first official revelation sent a special message to the you spell ‘Jeannie’?’’ was the next was so good that A. A. Schechter, Senate asking declara- question. After answering, Fritz House and Director of News and Special tions of war against Germany and hung up and said aloud, “And they Events, put Peterson on the air Italy, was there again with ask US to remember Pearl Harbor!” NBC — with the story direct by phone Baukhage, Morgan Beatty and . . , We just can’t resist a scoop. from the Navy Press Room. It Carlton Smith reporting. We reported the soon-to-be-an- happened so fast, Pete didn’t have That historic December 7 was nounced engagement and June time to worry or mentally count only a few days past when the marriage of WMAL-WRC hostess stations, but just went ahead and Washington News Staff was in- Betty Ballou. She’s the daughter of did a good job. creased by six new men to take our Superintendent of Public . . . Identity unknown: The out- care of a 24 hour watch. NBC Schools. The prospective bride- break of war caused such a sudden ’43 newsmen also were assigned to groom is Navy, Class of boom of news personnel that in the and Navy Departments, as War some cases, editors on the same well as the White House. payroll were unknown to each JOIN THE “MILE O’ DIMES” All communiques were flashed other, due to working different direct to New York over a special shifts. During a change of shift, The spare change you carry in telephone line which enabled quick two editors made a dash for NBC’s your pockets can help to build handling. It is interesting to note private line in the War Department the weak youngsters of today that New York actually was on the and engaged in an argument over into strong people for tomorrow. Networks with these official war its use until it was discovered that All over the country, miles of releases as quickly as 40 seconds their purpose was the same. The dimes are growing to fight in- after their receipt in the War and story in question still beat the op- fantile paralysis. A mile can be- Navy press rooms. position to the air, despite the gin with the dime in your pocket FLASH-BACKS momentary delay. or purse.

. . . The war has developed a . . . War correspondents could —

JANUARY. 1942 HOLLYWOOD MARTHA SHERWIN

NBC AND DEFENSE Meet the winners! Kathleen Kelly and Dorothy Brown of Con- When the sudden blast of tinuity Acceptance, Vava Bowers telephones ringing destroyed the of Guest Relations and Dorothy quiet of a Sunday afternoon, De- Waknitz of Press bowled their cember 7th, the Hollywood stu- way to victory in a round-robin dios were immediately placed on meet with teams from CBS and a defense basis. Mutual. Alice Tyler of Engineer- Members of the Program, ing aided in rolling up the high- Traffic, Engineering and Press est score, serving as alternate. Departments were placed on a 24-hour-day schedule. Studio tours were immediately discon- Doris Tait transferred from Art- tinued. Master Control was ists Service to Recording. . . . boarded up. Pinkerton men were Aubrey Ison, part-time an- called for duty at all public en- nouncer and desk man for Guest trances to the studios and at all Relations, is now a full time vital points within. Windows were first blackout. When local stations junior announcer. He was replaced blacked out in offices where n'ght went off the air, NBC’s switch- in C. R. by Ray Schultz. . . . Harry work was necessary. board was flooded with inquiries Risney resigned from Guest Rela- tions to accept a position as junior Immediate interest centered on and, as the PBX room hadn’t been announcer-producer with KERN, the NBC Far Eastern Listening Post blacked-out yet, the girls had to receive incoming calls NBC affilate station in Bakersfield. in the valley north of Hollywood. and place

calls . . . Frances Fox, a former employe, Here a corps of interpreters listen outside by the touch system and did a swell job of it. returned to the fold in the Traffic to all Chinese, Japanese and Rus-

Department. . . . Red Sales cele- sion broadcasts. Through the Lis- PIX It a very QUICK ... was brated Christmas with a fancy tree tening Post, wire services and news merry Christmas for Joe Alvin in decorated entirely with red orna- broadcasts received many of the Press when, two days before, Mrs. ments, identified with stories each one most important news com- Alvin presented him with a baby the of an affiliate. first of the name NBC Red ing in during these days boy who tipped the scales at 6 . . war. . John Swallow, Program Mana- pounds, 15 ounces. . . . Presi- Vice ger, planed out to Durham, North aid in preparation of broad- To dent Don E. Gilman entertained all Carolina, for the “Rose Bowl’’ casts, the Hollywood News Room department heads at a pre-Christ- writ- game. . . . Betty McClain joined has been expanded and news mas luncheon at the Brown Derby hours the PBX staff as relief operator. ers are now on duty there 24 but found the tables turned on him . . . Newcomer John B. Lyman Jr. a day. when the guests took over and pre- setup under is now assistant night program NBC’s Hollywood sented him with a handsome wrist wartime conditions was given a supervisor and Joe Parker, on leave watch. . . . Ruth Chapel of Press test during Southern Califor- of absence, was replaced by Max good left NBC to become the bride of Hutto as a producer. Max was nia’s first blackout on Wednesday, Captain Ed O’Leary, instructor with

formerly with Traffic. . . . Donald December 10th. Programs went on the Army Air Corps near Bakers air during the blackout. The Honrath, Nelson Scott, Will Bran- the Field. She was replaced by Phyllis audience of one program were noti- nan, Joseph Germain, Howard Tol- Knapman. . . . Nadine Amos, Mr. after the show’s closing lefson, Vance Colvig, Bud Mc- fied only Gilman’s secretary, postponed her that, they emerged from the Creary, William Milgate, Merwin when vacation from month to month, fin- studios, they would find them- Coldstone and Luther Evans are all ally deciding on the second week in new pages. . . . New girls in Cen- selves in complete darkness. December. War was declared the tral Stenographic include Marjorie No programs were interrupted, very first . . . day. Vava Bowers and Crews, Frances McCreight, and except locally, when all local sta- Carolyn Cay resigned from Guest Daisy Nejdl. tions were ordered off the air. Relations as did Janette White, Thanks to an emergency power secretary to Joy Strom, Special supply and sound-proof studios Events Director. . . Shnell is . Jack that are completely blacked-out now supervisor of the parking lot. Learn First Aid! Offer your regardless of conditions, programs services to your local Red Cross . . . Hal Bock, Press Manager, Syd- can continue with a minimum of ney Dixon, Red Sales Manager, and chapter and, in your spare time, effort. Frank Dellett, Auditor, trekked to learn this always important Hollywood hats are off to our New York for conferences. Bock asset. Learn to take care of your- PBX operators who, working in hurried home after a brief 24 hour self and others in case of total darkness, handled a record stay due to the rush of added press emergency.

number of calls during that same duties when war was declared. . . . —5

12 NBC TRANSMITTER

DENV E "SQUADS LEFT" R (CONTINUED FROM PACE 61

tion in EVADNA B. HAMMERSLEY the Pacific. . . . Paul Crow- ley, Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, was at Wheeler Field in NOTATIONS by a blizzard, flew so low over the Hawaii when hostilities began. He The KOA News Staff has been MacPherson country home that was in his pursuit plane, ready to enlarged and augmented with sea- cne hit the chimney. The impact take off, when he was machine soned writers and pressmen. Stan knocked the duck down and out gunned from above. Wounded in Brown, former Continuity writer, and right into the MacPherson the is chest, he . . recovering. . is in charge. Poss Parsons, As- roaster. . . . General Manager Lloyd now Although no actual word has been sociate Editor, was for years E. Yoder entertained staff mem- 18 received from jack Streeton, Sports Editor of the Denver Post. bers with a day-before Ghristmas former page, he was en route to Ed Sproul moves in from Traffic. egg nog party. Andy Gainey led the Philippines, late in November, the Your correspondent, newest Ghristmas Garoling. . . . Gharles mem- as a Lieutenant in the Infantry. ber, is now KOA Continuity Editor Scheurman, for more than 1 . . . Bruce Anson, former an- years on the music staff at KOA, and Woman’s News Editor. . . . nouncer, is now in camp at Chey- Don Martin, former and Mrs. Scheurman, celebrated KOA News enne, Wyoming, while Lefty Lef- Editor, has transferred to San their 25th wedding anniversary re- been fler and Miles Auer of Traffic Francisco to handle network war cently. Two days later their son. enlisted in the Navy as Yeomen, news during the emergency. T. Bud, was married at the family First Class, Intelligence Service. . . . Ellsworth is home in Denver while home on Stepp Acting Produc- Leland Kendall, Guest Relations, tion in furlough. . . . Milton Shrednik, Manager Don Martin's resigned to join the Marine Corps. KOA Music Director, and Mrs. place. . . . Lloyd E. Yoder, General . . . John Aidem, page, is a flying Manager, has been placed on the Shrednik, have adopted a war cadet in the Army Air Corps. . . . orphan. The new member is a baby committee, appointed by Governor John Margraf, Robert Herrington, girl, 8 months old, cared for in Ralph L. Garr, to raise funds for John King, Paul Kent, Paul Jones the establishment of a memorial to London with funds sent abroad by and Bob Lehman, all of Guest Rela- those brave defenders of Wake the Shredniks. ... Ed Brady, win- tions, are recent draftees. . . . Island. It is believed that this Gol- ner of the Davis Announcer’s That’s all from Hollywood. orado movement is the first of its Award for the Mountain Time kind since the United States en- Zone and formerly with KVOD in CLEVELAND Denver, is now on the An- tered the war. . . . Assistant Man- KOA Flying Cadet Fred M. Lloyd, H. is smiling nouncing Staff. ager Robert Owen formerly of Stenographic, is sta- over a new Mobile Unit, now the tioned at Lakehurst, New jersey, pride of KOA Engineering. A very with a balloon barrage unit. . . . trim station wagon, natural in Denver listens in wood KOA to the Private jack Fern is now stationed body, with blue and silver metal. nation-wide celebration of NBG’s with the Air Force Combat Com-

1 . . MacPherson, National Spot 5th Birthday Gelebration. Denver . Jim mand at Bolling Field, Washington. Sales, got the piece de resistance spoke to the other parties scattered Fern is a former NBC newsman in for Ghristmas dinner without mov- from San Francisco and Hollywood Cleveland, Denver and Chicago. ing from his own backyard. A to Gleveland, Chicago and New . . . First Lieutenant Cecil Bidlack, flight of wild ducks, forced down York City. with the Signal Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky, received a two weeks Christmas furlough and was able to attend the WTAM Yuletide Party. Bidlack was an engineer at WTAM before being called to ser-

vice. . . . Harold Winters, of Steno- graphic, enlisted in the army and was assigned to Air Corps Ordi-

nance in Texas. . . . That’s the news from Cleveland. CHICAGO With fifteen boys from NBC Chicago in the armed services at the Yule season, the staff here, in cooperation with the NBCAA, sent each of the boys a large package containing a sewing kit, toilet kit,

cigarettes and candy. . . . The fel- lows on the receiving end were: Lieut. William Rosee; Corporal (CONTINUED ON PACE 13) !

JANUARY, 1942 13

j; "SQUADS LEFT" I CLEVELAND (CONTINUED FROM PACE 12) I

Pvt. [ Perc De Tamble; Ray Snyder; BOB DAILEY Pvts. Warner Holmgren and Scott Runge at Camp Roberts in Califor- CLEVELAND AND DEFENSE stalled to operate the studios. nia; Pvt. Sherrill Edwards in Ama- ! NBC’s Cleveland studios, which An ultra high frequency trans- rillo, Texas; Corporal Ed Nickey at I house WTAM, have been well pre- mitter has been placed on the roof Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Captain pared against the possibility of of the guarded building for use in Fred Shidel at Fort Monmouth; all bombings or sabotage. feeding programs to the transmit- of the Army; Navy men John studios and control facilities ter at Brecksville, Ohio, in case of O’Donnell at Manitowec, Wiscon- The occupy the first four floors of a 22- line failure. This emergency trans- sin, and John Lagen in New York story building. The studios and mitter equipment is tested three City; Marines, Pvt. Charles Klein vital equipment are not exposed to times daily. at San Diego, California, and Ser- Armed guards patrol the Cleve- geant Edward Weber, located at outside walls and there is plenty of I shock space surrounding all of our land Studios 24 hours a day. All the recruiting office here in Chi- broadcast facilities. visitors are barred. Special guards . . Hunter cago. . Since Christmas, To this natural precaution. Man- also patrol the rest of the NBC Anthony, of the Guide Staff, left I ager Vernon H. Pribble and Engi- building. for the Navy. . . . Howard Huff- I neer-in-charge S. E. Leonard have Special assignments have been master, of the Guides, and An- I other precautionary given to all personnel in case of an nouncer’s Clerk Robert Merkel added many measures. emergency and a checking system were inducted into the Army. . . . Critical amplifier equipment and has been established to notify em- Lieutenant William Rosee is back control relays are located in what ployes off duty. Plans for training at his Camp Forrest post after at- formerly was a large bank vault, a few employes in first aid work tending the Chemical Warfare surrounded completely by a 20-inch also are being worked out. School at the Edgewood Arsenal concrete wall in which iron rods All radio stations in the City of near Baltimore, Maryland. . . . are interwoven. This wall is lined Cleveland are linked together by a That’s the story from Chicago. with a 5/8 inch steel plate. special telephone circuit to guard DENVER Half of this huge vault, which against any possible emergency un- previously for non-cur- til the Army’s A'r Interceptor Tor Torland, ace newscaster, has was used rent files, has been cleared out and Command activates the area. taken a leave of absence, going to is now available as an emergency Africa with the American Field studio and bomb shelter for staff Below is in Cleveland Service there. He will serve as a WTAM members. Then too, beneath this gathered together on the night of member of this voluntary unit of below-street level vault is a pro- November 10th, to share in the American men for the duration. . . . tective basement and sub-base- cross country celebration of NBC’s The most original Christmas card ment. 1 5th year of radio broadcasting. from a service man came from studios have three By means of the Red circuit, Private Hal Kanter, former NBC WTAM’s sources of power, regular and emer- NBC Cleveland, at their dinner- writer, now at Lowry Field. The gency and current. If dance, talked to and heard from message, printed on a penny post AC DC all three should fail, emergency the other cities celebrating card, read; “Seasons greetings from NBC battery equipment has been in- the corrpany’s anniversary. Doris and Hal Kanter. What do VO' I expect on 21 bucks—gold

leaf?’’ . . . Denver fed seven min- ute'^ from Lowry Field for the army nortion of “Christmas Eve in •^he Service,’’ around-the-country hookup from an army post, a rr.arine base and a naval station.

. . George Mathews. KOA staff member now in the U. S. Army, arrived home on furlough for Christmas only to receive a w're ordering him back to duty at once. The wire arrived just half an hour

after Mathews reached Denver . . . That’s the serv'ce news from Den- ver.

Buy UnTed States Defense Bonds and Stamps regularly. Begin today 14 NBC TRANSMITTER CHICAGO BILL KLOMANN

NBC CHICAGO CHRISTMAS Veterans of Station WMAQ, NBC Chicago employes and which became affiliated with

their families gathered beneath NBC on November 1, 1931, the huge Christmas tree in celebrated the tenth anniversary Studio A on the afternoon of of WMAQ’s association with Wednesday, December 24th, for NBC by presenting a clock to the annual Christmas party. Miss Judith Waller, former vice Gifts were distributed to president and manager of the everyone by Santa Claus, (who station, who became educational resembled Michael Roy, the an- director of the NBC Central nouncer) . Koko, the Clown and Division following WMAQ’s sale Kismet, the Magician, headed a to NBC. gala entertainment program. A Presenting the token of great time was had by all and WMAQ-NBC veterans’ esteem praises were heard from all sides for their former employer is for the splendid work done by Joseph Callicchio, orchestra Miss Judith Waller and her leader, who was musical director lows here, committee. the Announcer’s School, of WMAQ prior to its coming to directed by Lynn Brandt, continues NBC AND DEFENSE NBC. its phenomenal success. Looking on are Mrs. Grace Neu- Four hundred and thirty em- In the four year history of the werth, long-term secretary to Miss ployes of the NBC Chicago offices class, 38 members have graduated Waller, who followed her employer lined up in front of the camera re- to regular announcing chores with to and Engineer Charles V. cently for individual NBG passes for use stations in 1 9 states. Corliss. in the studios as a precaution Raymond Marcus, clerk in the Still in the employ of NBC, at against possible war sabotage. announcer’s room, was the last to the Merchandise Mart Studios in Police guards already have been leave, and therein lies a tale. Mar- Chicago, are the following WMAQ posted at vital points in the studios. cus and Jerry Kauffer of the Guide veterans; Musicians Franz Pfau. Next precaution scheduled for the Staff auditioned for a vacancy at Whitey Berquist and Bill Krenz; near future includes the installa- Station WTAQ in Green Bay, Wis- Engineers Walter Lindsay and tion of blackout shades and cur- consin. Haydn Evans, WTAQ Byron Spears; Miss Lillian Wack, tains at the WMAQ transmitter General Manager, wrote Brandt Miss Mary Kelly, Pats Callichio and and in the NBC Chicago studios in that either of the applicants would Herman Boettcher. the Merchandise Mart. be acceptable. CUPID’S BLITZ In order to show no partiality, Lynn tossed a coin and Marcus Some of the darts tossed around won. Before his departure, Ray wise dates back to the 1924 days by the little fellow with the bow purchased the lucky coin from at WEAF. He came with that sta- and arrows have struck here. Alice Brandt. tion to the company and was trans- Dinkeloo of Continuity Acceptance Other alumni of the school are ferred to Chicago in 1930. left the company to take up her Matthew R. Thorneycroft, who is Some of the boys in Central household duties as the wife of located at Station Augusta, Control have been with the Com- Philip Jones of Highland Park, hav- WCAG, Georgia and Richardson Loughrin, pany almost as long. The nine men ing wed in December. J. who joined the staff at in working there have been with NBC Then, just two or three weeks WDEV Waterbury, Vermont. for a total of 1 1 3 Vz years, an aver- later, Alice Weidenheim of Sales age of 12.6 years per man. Promotion altered (ed. note: !) her ways with Groves M. Kilbourn VETERANS ALL Personnel of the Control Room Staff their tenure with the And last, but definitely not There are more veterans per and company include: least, Annamae Dorney of Press re- square ohm in the Engineering De- turned to the office aHer the holi- partment than in any other part of E. C. Horstman, 14 years days sporting a the Division. huge sparkler on Gentral J. R. Miller, 13 years, 6 months her “third finger, left hand.” The Luttgens, chief engi- 1 Howard G. J. H. Platz, 1 years, 6 months lucky chap is James Griffin. No neer, joined the staff of WEAF in W. K. Cole, 1 1 years, 7 months date for the wedding has been set. 1924 and came to RGA with it in M. H. Eichorst, 12 years To this trio of beautiful girls we 1926. He was transferred to Ghi- V. D. Mills, 1 years, 8 months all extend our very best wishes. cago as Gentral Division Engineer 1 GHIGAGO ANNOUNGER’S on October 23, 1927 and had been W. O. Conrad, 10 years, 8 SCHOOL on the job continuously ever since. months Despite the fact that Uncle Sam Ted Schreyer, Operations Super- R. B. Sturgis, 10 years, 8 months has taken many of our young fel- visor of the Gentral Division, like- T. H. Clark, 12 years, 5 months !

JANUARY. 1942 15

editor, is now on WFIS, Edward Kurnick of the J. C. John- MITTER

. . . . . Plains. Couverneur Hel- SAN FRANCISCO son Co. will wed in February. . White Jane Scott of Stenographic and fenstein of Mail Messenger left William Thurman of Bethlehem NBC to manage a theatre in Rye, (CONTINUED FROM PACE 9) . . . Shirley wel- Steel were wed in December. . . . New York. Metz all hoping nothing hap- in stride, Juan Trasvina, Spanish News Edi- comed in the New Year in Miami, pens but ready for it if it does, tor for Short-Wave Station KCEI, leaving General Promotion for

and Carmen Puente, were married Florida and a vacation. . . . Palm NEW BUILDING Taege, Niles Thulin and Cal Abra- in December. , . . Arnold Marquis, Work on the new NBC Building writer-producer, transferred to ham are all recent additions to In- is progressing on . . in San Francisco ternational. . Hugo Seiler left Hollywood. . . . Paul Cates, Super- is for schedule and March 14 set visor of Announcers, is teaching Mail for Red Sales, replacing Alec the dedication. Voice and Program Building in the Biddle who shifted to Bill John- Most spectacular architectural adult night school of Technical stone’s job when Johnstone 'became assistant to Mr. Frey. Cordon Van- feature is the huge mural panel, High in Oakland. . . . More than 14 by 40 feet, rising above the 250 members of the KCO-KPO derwarker started all this by leav- main entrance. This symbolic mon- staff, with their wives, husbands ing Red Sales for the Army. . . Bob tage, containing scores of pictures and sweethearts, joined in the din- Shaw is a new writer in Press. . . . in 114 colors, will tell the story ner dance November 10th, in cele- Charles O’Connor and George Ans- staff announcers once of the unlimited reach of radio bration of NBC’s 1 5th Anniversary. bro are

It is again. . . . Clementine Hall and poles. . from the tropics to the . Gilbert “Gil” Paltridge be- . J. done in special tile, the only crea- came head of Sales Promotion since Eugene Juster are new readers in

Continuity Acceptance. . . . Peter tion of its kind in the world. the last issue. . . . Producer Bob the Completion of the mural was Seal has taken over Arnold Mar- Barker and Martin Jones are latest Television Production Men. celebrated with a special broadcast quis’ course in radio writing for the

. . . A. L. Hammerschmidt is a new at the building January 17. A dra- University of California. . . . Mr.

Television Engineer. . , . Robert matization of the story in the great and Mrs. Bill Wood recovered from Savin, David Gilbert and Ludwig panel was a feature of the program. their automobile crash in October. Rufus, their pet dachschound, wan- Simmel went from Guest Relations

. . .Warren HONOR ROLL dered in a tomato field for a week into Blue Sales Service. before he was found. He’s back to Ambler is in Music. . . . Charles These names appear on the normal, too. All is well. Crane and Creighton Scott are new- Honor Roll in the main lobby at comers in International. KCO-KPO: Thomas Tart, former manager of Curtis D. Peck, chief engineer NEW YORK the Ritz Theatre, is assistant to Dick Bertrandias, production George Monohan, Manager of the King Harris, sales new Protective Division. P. A. Sugg, engineer Frank Fullaway, engineer (CONTINUED FROM PACE 8) MILE O’ DIMES Bob Bishopp, sound effects succeeded William Kostka as head Alvin Nelson Jr., NBC Building of Press. . , the Charles “Bud” Barry of Program . Jack McCarthy, Jim Pool, press Basin Streeter, is the proud father Supervision is in charge of the relations Bob Cray, guest of a baby girl. Her name is Joan 1942 WEAF-WJZ “Mile O' Don Monett, sound effects Eileen. . . . Bob Hutton, Jr., came Dimes” campaign to raise funds Ed. C. Callahan, engineer on from Minneapolis as Promotion for the fight against infantile Milton Frank, mail Manager for WEAF. . . . Easton C. paralysis. Assisting h'm are Jack Martin Levin, mail Wooley, Manager of the Service Mills and Bill Carden of Guest Division of Station Relations, mar- Relations. VACATION ried Miss Christine Poler of Forest Stands are located by the Astor a va- Four of five efforts to get Hills. . . . Miss Johanna M. Voith, Hotel on Times Square, at Grand cation had failed for Al Nelson, formerly with the New York Pub- Central and Pennsylvania Stations head man for NBC in San Francisco. lic Library, has joined Research. and on Fifth Avenue at Rockefeller

Something always happened. . . . Dorothy Jorgensborg of Traffic Center. He finally got away December is engaged to Laurence Ruddell of A Mobile Unit is again touring

Valley about . . 5th, reached Death Telegraph. . Aarm Rubin of Ac- the City. Wall Street, 33rd Street noon. December 7th, and had just counting was married January 18th. and Greeley Square, Madison old for good . . settled down some . Charles Imperial of Duplicat- Square Carden, Bronx Concourse peace and quiet when he began ing wed the former Elynor A. Nico- and 42nd Street are a few of the Harbor. hearing things about Pearl sia in September. . . . Rosalind Mobile Unit locations. Came confirmation. Bags were Barbara Madison of Stenographic repacked. Motor trip of 167 miles married Edwin Leonard Scher, Janu- airport a flight to the nearest and ary 3rd. . . . Valeria Sparks of the The Red Cross needs your aid back to work, arriving at 1 :00 a.m. Bindery was engaged Christmas vacation. this year more urgently than Net result: A three-hour Day to Mr. Joseph Treutlin. . . . Jim Gillis of National Spot Sales ever before. Send a contribution PERSONNEL NOTES broke all of his toes in a skiing ac- today

Agnes Ansel of Mimeograph and cident. . . . Dom Davis, ex-TRANS- 16 NBC TRANSMITTER NBC SUGGESTION SYSTEM

The Suggestion System, in its ciency by 30% thanks to her sug- first few months, has impressed its gestion which revealed an odd backers as being, in itself, one of THESE NBC EMPLOYES state of affairs. the most beneficial ideas yet ap- HAVE COLLECTED' In another instance, suggestions plied to the National Broadcasting reached volume proportions in ad- its efficiency of oper- Company and j, Barefield $15.00 vising NBC of a convenient way to ations. R. Ingle 10.00 deduct, from its employe payrolls, Further, the System is serving amounts for the purchase of de- j, N. Stoody 10.00 more than one purpose, going well fense bonds and stamps. A memo, C. Boden 5.00 beyond its first endeavor, that of announcing just such a plan, had making new ideas available to the R. Compton 5.00 been circulated throughout the company. D. Engle 5.00 company last fall.

Usable ideas, in the more funda- E. j. Ernest 5.00 The number of employes sug- mental mechanics of a corporation K. Goddard 5.00 gesting this practice already in the size of NBC, still form the bulk force impressed executives with B. j. Hauser 5.00 of the suggestions received. But in the importance of re-issuing the M, Kingston 5.00 the rejects, those ideas suggested memo. If you want to buy defense before or considered impractical at W. Magi II 5.00 stamps and bonds automatically, the moment, has appeared a signifi- W. C. Miller 5.00 contact the treasurer’s office and a cance important in itself. R. Pascal 5.00 regular amount will be deducted salary for The first insight is that each C. Petry 5.00 from your each pay day that purpose. suggestion is an employe speaking. W. Whitfield 5.00 Even if the suggestion does not re- More than 250 ideas have been ceive an award, it is still of interest considered to date. One suggestion to the executives of this company. alone will save the company an In its lines and phrasings are the estimated $300.00 a year. A total words and thoughts of an NBC per- into this. Perhaps, after all, it of $95.00 has been awarded to the sonality. Someone with whom a might be better to paint the walls winning contributors whose names department head would often wish green. The resulting decrease in appear on this page. Employes of to sit down and, in conversation, glare might cut down on employe the Eastern Division of NBC may exchange viewpoints. When you headaches. The walls are painted win as much as $100.00 for origi- write a suggestion you’re discus- green and, out of the files, comes nal suggestions accepted as bene- first sing an idea just as personally as if the suggestion for an award. ficial to the company. The benefit, otherwise overlooked, you were sitting in this department Every suggestion is investigated. is put into practice to the vol- head’s office telling him something due The Personnel Office attempts to of suggestions about yourself. ume received and a answer each suggestion, accepted small, but essential, fault is cor- But these suggestions go beyond or not, individually. The reason for rected. the single voice. They reflect, not a suggestion’s non-acceptance is only a personal idea, but often the There is a third benefit to the always available to the sender. If thoughts of the other employes System. Information occasionally an employe finds that his sugges- about you. For example, if someone gets by an employe, is forgotten or tion has been misinterpreted in any should suggest the office walls of perhaps, in the original instruction, way, it may always be appealed. was not clearly NBC be pamted a different color expressed. Knowl- The green suggestion boxes are edge of this shortcoming, through and the division head in charge of everywhere in Radio City. There is a suggestion, results in a benefit painting the walls different colors cne in every office, complete with all around. should reply that he considered entry blanks and envelopes. It is a painting the walls green, as per An employe, recently, discovered company policy that NBC doors suggestion, but it has been easier, a short cut in her method of book- and minds are always open. Per- what with priorities, to get cream keeping. She had worked out the haps you’ve felt that execufves are colored paint, that would appear to more efficient method from her always too busy to listen to some be that. own intelligence and submitted it idea you’ve had in the back of your But another suggestion, from a to the committee. mind. The Suggestion System was second person, is received suggest- It was discovered that, not only inaugurated to overcome just such ing the walls be painted green, she, but her entire department reticence on your part. If you’re cream being inclined to dirt and should have been using the very working for NBC you have ideas smudges. Still a third suggestion method of bookkeeping she de- and imagination. Your company arrives stating that green is much scribed. Her suggested method had pays for good ideas. No idea is of more restful to the eyes. been in force for some time any use if it rema ns stagnant. Send The division head, at this point, throughout the rest of NBC. Her them in, all of them. Don’t keep a sits up and decides he’d better look department has increased its effi- good idea to yourself!

2 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC TRANSMITTER Inter-American University of Air Launched VOL. 8 MAY 1942 NO. 2

Published Monthly by the 22 Nations in NBC plan for hemisphere curriculum National Broadcasting Company RCA Building, Radio City, New York # St. Paul, Minnesota, may be many States and Canada with some foreign- thousands of miles from Sao Paulo, Brazil, language “classes” conveyed by short-wave but the two cities— like the two Americas for rebroadcasting in other nations. Second A MESSAGE FROM MR. TRAMMELL —have more than a nomenclative bond phase is the individual local broadcasting • From Florida, where Niles through the recent establishment of the of the series by 124 transmitters in Central Inter-American University of the Air, an and South America; Trammell, president of the National these stations are sup- NBC public service feature presented with plied with Spanish and Portuguese scripts Broadcasting Company, is rapidly the cooperation and ultimate participation and instructions for presenting the series recuperating from an illness, comes of all 22 nations in this hemisphere. along lines similar to the original network the following message: The kilocycle university — acknowl- presentations. Dr. Angell intends to have “Above all, don’t forget to send edged as one of the greatest single steps transcriptions available for either rebroad- to promote hemispheric solidarity — the NBC Transmitter to every mem- was casting purposes or classroom playbacks. launched at the Pan American Union, ber of the NBC family who is serving Washington, on March 28, by an organiz- with our Armed Forces. We haven’t ing commission of 39 outstanding person- forgotten them and we don’t want alities in the fields of education, diplomacy them to forget us. and radio. “And say for me, please, that Functions of the Air University are we’re proud of them. Those of us supervised by Dr. James Rowland Angell, NBC public service counselor, and directed who remain behind will try to do our by his new assistant. Sterling Fisher, noted share, as good Americans, to hasten authority on radio education and Latin- the day of their return. My very best American affairs. wishes and kindest regards to each Cultural and scientific advances of of them.” the Western Hemisphere are the themes of the five topical divisions of the Inter- THE NEW FORMAT American University. Curriculum includes • The NBC Transmitter in a new History, Government. Music, Literature and Science. format makes its appearance with Fisher has carefully scanned the cur- this issue. Heretofore the magazine STERLING FISHER ricula of American universities and col- circulated em- has been among NBC leges and has shaped the broadcast sched- The Inter-American University of the ployees. Now it will go to the person- ule to supplement rather than supplant Air has the endorsement of Secretary of nel of all NBC-RED affiliates as well. classroom instruction. All broadcasts are State Cordell Hull and many other eminent With this in mind, an effort has been intended for home rather than class recep- authorities on inter-continental relations. tion and are timed so that the greatest pos- W hat some of these persons think is exem- made to make the contents of gen- sible number of students in all the Amer- plified l)y the two following brief quotes: eral interest. icas can benefit by them. Dr. Luis Quintanilla, Mexican Min- In a large measure, the reader The original organizing commission ister to the Lbiited States: “We should re- interest of the Transmitter will de- which launched the Air Lbiiversity in Wash- joice at the creation of this worthy enter- pend on the cooperation of the sta- ington continues its affiliation with the prise. It will help education. It will help

advisory commit- Inter-Americanism. It will help democracy. tions. We are anxious to have items project as a permanent tee. The group includes names which, iii a And because of that, it will belp to bring and pictures from our affiliates. single list, read like a digest magazine’s nearer to us the glorious day of final The NBC Transmitter has be- reprint of “W ho’s W ho.” running from Dr. victory.” the organ of the family, come NBC Pedro de Alba, assistant director of the Dr. Leo S. Rowe, director general of embracing l.S4 stations from coast to Pan American Lbiion. to George F. Zook, the Pan American Lnion: “I believe that coast. Our problems and interests of the American Council on Education. It this Inter-American L’niversity of the Air are common. New York wants our contains such names as Dean \ irginia Gil- can contribute much, not only to a better dersleeve, of Barnard College, and Nelson appreciation on the part of the nations of stations to know what we are doing, Rockefeller, Co-ordinator of Inter-Amer- Latin America of what the United States hut, more inij)ortant, New York ican Affairs. stands for, but also to a much better appre- to what are doing. wants know you First phase of the Air University’s ciation on the part of our own people of the

(lontrihutions should he sent to operations is the network presentation of culture and civilization of our twenty sister

NBC Press Department, New York. its programs to listeners in the United republics.” !

NAY 1942 3

MEN IN THE MOOD

# Archipelagos and arpeggios. Bataan and batons. Mandalay and mandolins. The combinations may seem odd, but they’re not unusual at all around NBC’s Music Department in Radio City where multiple assignments for all branches of Manager Thomas H. Belviso and his large NBC: the Red Network, television, interna- staff of arrangers, composers, librarians tional-shortwave and radio recording. In and program and copyright experts hold addition, there are countless queries from forth in their daily task of guiding and agencies, clients and affiliated .stations. guarding every note that enters a network Many original compositions are born microphone. in this department. Several script shows— Regardless of the nature of a pro- “Joe and Mabel” and “Abie’s Irish Rose,” gram, if music is used in any manner, every for example, utilize custom tailored scores. bar must clear the copyright vault as There’s a big demand for special cleanly as a vaulter must clear the bar. scores on such semi-news programs as “The

Of all the notes in the musical scale, Army Hour.” This series, incidentally, calls later, he played w ith the New Haven String only one of them—“do”—gets double bill- for a mile-a-minute pace in the music de- Orchestra and, at thirteen, with the New ing. It pops up first and last. But, despite partment. On the first show, for example, Haven Symphony. At fourteen, he went its prominence, it isn’t considered more the music lads cooperating with Jack Joy, “commercial” and conducted his own or- important in Belviso’s sanctum than a long the conductor assigned to the series by the chestra at the Hofbrau in the same city. list of “don’ts.” Government, got their outline on Wednes- During his school years, Belviso did That’s because music building on air day. By toiling ’round the chronometer, a brisk business in conducting and furnish- shows calls for caution as well as creation. they had the score ready for a piano re- ing orchestras for special engagements in Performing rights must be scanned as care- hearsal on Friday, and an orchestra tryout many cities. These years were crowded fully as arrangements are scored. Every Saturday, the day before the full-hour show with experiences and anecdotes. One night, combination of notes from the latest Sho- went on the air. The men must work against for example, while playing in a Norfolk, stakovitch symphony to the sound effect time and, unlike the composers of legend Virginia, hotel, several guests asked the of a musical automobile horn must clear and lore, they can’t wait for moods or young conductor to play special numbers. through the Music Department before be- Muse. Their task must be done on time, and One would ask for “Long, Long Trail”: ing scheduled. they are trained to do it well. another would request “Sweet Adeline.” But, Belviso and his staff are not only Belviso reveals that the complexion And on and on the evening went with Bel- concerned with the strictly musical pro- of radio music follows the trend of world viso trying to please everyone. All went grams. Even on news, drama, talks and va- events. well until he filled a request for “Marching is air. riety shows, music literally in the In his quest for authentic foreign Through Georgia.” Belviso forgot its sig-

There’s background music, theme music, songs, Belviso and his staff check consuls nificance below the Mason-Dixon line. Re- mood music and “bridge” music, the latter and embassies. And even then they are not sult: Crockery to the tune of .$300 was shat- being short musical scores which link the content with a single opinion. Recommen- tered in the direction of the handstand! changes of sequence or program action so dations are always rechecked. This extra Bet ween 1921 and 19.30, he was musi- that listeners can follow the plot transition. note of care is essential because one coun- cal director for 100 Raramounl-Publix the- When a parade passes a mike, the try may have more than one national an- atres in New England. During this period, blare of the trumpets and the beat of the them-each representing a political faction. he made musical settings for literally thou- drums yield a much-desired radio effect. It would be tactless, for example, for NBC sands of feature films. He joined NBC in

But you can bet your bonnet that before to use a rebel song that had been misrepre- 1930, as a j)rogram builder and music di- the drum major’s stick is twirled in the air, sented as a foreign national hymn. rector. In 1937, he was named to his pres- his repertoire has been checked and ap- Hence, the Music Division of NBC is ent post of Manager of the Music Division proved by the NBC music staff. And at a a blend of creative, legal and diplomatic where he is assisted by a large staff of spe- college game, when the band adds a nostal- functions. And in all problems, the netw ork cialists of long standing. gic glow to the play-by-play broadcast, you music workers let their conscience he their Ernest La Prade, composer and au- can that the selections chance your chapeau Cuido thor, is director of musical research. Vi il- entering the NBC mike have already cleared Thomas Belviso, who supervises the liam Paisley, manager of the Gargantuan Belviso’s department. multiple activities of this important pro- music library; Harry ightman, super- There are over 1,000,000 selections in gram division, made his bow as a violin visor of library service; Richard Bannier, the NBC music library. It is the largest student at the age of seven in his home town supervisor of music rights, and Tom Ben- working collection in the world, serving of New Haven, Connecticut. Four vears nett and Ernie \^atson, staff composers. : 4 NBC TRANSMITTER

ments outlined in the Red Cross Textbook on Eirst Aid, and the ladies are now quali-

fied for resuscitation work considered vi- tally essential to ARP activities. Of a radically different nature—but

just as important in helping America’s vic-

tory effort— is the membership of 50 NBC girls in the Rockefeller Center hostess unit of the New York City Defense Recreation Committee— a USO unit providing enter- tainment for American and Allied soldiers and sailors in the New York area.

NBC’s girls on the hostess staff repre- sent ten per cent of the 500-girl Rockefeller Center contingent headed by Lucille Claus, of the Blue Network Company Stenographic Department. Hostess duties require the

girls’ presence at organized entertainment

given at defense centers, homes of promi-

nent welfare workers, cooperating res- taurants, night clubs and theatres. The

committee is no mere “date bureau”; it is assigned the morale-building task of bright- girls in this conga line Tico NBC were Navy ening the New \ork furloughs of service men through cheerful companionship.

# There’s considerable behind-the- tion of twelve weeks’ intensive study and The girls have let ye olde editor of scenes activity at NBC to aid America’s drill. NBC Transmitter in on the fact that most victory effort. Employees throughout the Mrs. Arthur Brothers, of the Ameri- service men are shy, and that they like to organization are not only doing their hit in can Women’s Volunteers Services, was the establish correspondence with the host- efficient handling of their jobs, but have NBC instructor at the two-hour Tuesday esses. And one girl is proudly displaying an volunteered for several extra-curricular night classes held in the studio section. The engagement ring—the result of a romance wartime tasks as well. Air-raid precautions, three-month course covered full require- that started with a USO date. first aid and Army and Navy entertainment are included in the wide-range of Radio

City’s “win-the-war” efforts. An elaborate Air Raid Precautions organization has been set up in the NBC studio and office section which is a self- contained official sector in the Rockefeller

Center zone. V. J. Gilcher, of NBC Gen- eral Service, is sector warden, and his alternates are W. G. Martin, of Guest Rela- tions. and Joseph D’Agostino, of Engineer- ing. The senior post warden roster includes Clav Morgan, assistant to the president;

\\ illiam Burke Miller,of Program; Thomas H. Belviso, of the music library; William Clarke and Eerdinand Wankel, of Engi- neering; N. E. Kersta, of J'elevision, and

\\ . H W ehh, of (ieneral Promotion. These wardens are responsible for organizing and training NBC’s ARP jiersonnel and direct- ing safety activities.

(doselv allied to the ARP efforts is the extensi\e training jirogram in first aid

undertaken hv 7,5 women of the network staff. J he entire roster of the course organ- AN ISTHMICr RHYTHMIC SERENADE: These W SM (Nashville) stars, all heard on NBC- ized by Helen M. Korday, of Personnel, REl) shows, recently returned to Tennessee after a “Camel Caravan" trip to Panama received Red Cross certificates for profi- where they entertained our Armed forces. Left to right are Kay Carlisle, Ford Rush,

ciency in first aid upon the recent comple- Minnie Pearl, and Dollie Dearnian. MAY 1942 5

CALIFORNIA CINDERELLA

# III tlie liltle valley lown of Liver- Music in New York and the National I cd- more, pop. .'5,000 soiil.s, set down in the eration of Music Clubs. Listening in, along rich California wine country and com- with the 2,996 citizens of Livertnore, was pletely surrounded hy snow-capped moun- the far-flung radio audience and a j)anel of

tains, Saturday, April 4, was marked as a five judges, scattered about the country oti

red letter day. the important business of being distin- In the center of town, rigged out on guished musicians. These judges were

the street from the radio store, was a loud- Pierre Monteux, conductor of the San speaker and standing around below, quiet, Francisco Symphony Orchestra; Leopold anxious, was the majority of Livermore’s Stokowski, former conductor of the Phila-

citizens. The only folks missing were delphia Orchestra and this season identi- DOLORES TAKES A BOW Dolores Maurine Miller, 16 years old and fied with the NBC Symphony Orchestra; of the students of the high school, Louis Persinger and Albert Spalding, both one 300 the contest. A hig day for Livermore! Liv- concert violinists; and Ernest and Maurine’s father, manager of the famed For her brilliance, her technicjue and store, her Hutcheson, President of the Juilliard ermore J. C. Penney mother and her musical maturity, Dolores will receive her ten-year-old brother, Douglas—known School. a otie-year scholarship in violin study at to the conclusion of the broadcast, his friends as “Superman.” At Juilliard, contributed by the school, with Miller family, complete, in The was the tow’tifolk of Livermore cheered, whis- her living ex|)enses paid hy NBC. the NBC studios in San Francisco where tled and settled down into that still |)eriod For her junior miss warmth, her en- of of Dolores, winner a Western regional au- waiting until their judgment had been thusiasm for living and her all-embracing dition, was ready to compete in a nation- officially confirmed. The judges acted im- excitement about just j)eo|)le, Dolores re- wide Red Network broadcast held as the mediately, however, and s|)eeding wires to ceived the whole-hearted admiration of finals of a violin scholarship contest jointly headquarters in York NBC New named everyone she met in New York duritig the sponsored hy NBC, the Juilliard School of Dolores Miller as unanimous winner of exciting week she and her mother enjoyed as NBC’s guests. PRINT COLLECTING It was her mother, also a violinist, w ho started Dolores on her amazing career.

At the age of three, at her own insistence.

Dolores began the study of v iolin w ith her mother as teacher. At the age of eleven,

Dolores won her first contest, thereby start-

ing a winning streak, in which the scholar-

ship contest was number five. .Number four, two years ago, was a six-montb schol- arship to study with Henri Teniianka. currently concertmaster of the Pittshurgh Symphony, which she has rewon everv six months since.

Dolores and her mother arrived in New York on April 17 and began a round of activity and honor-getting that was previously heyond the imagination of the

little school girl from Livermore. The cli- max was an appearance as soloist with the NBC Svmphonv, Leopold Stokowski con- ducting. which was specially presented over the nationwide NBC—RED Network. She

also played for service men at the Stage

Door (]anleen, the first serious musician to

Hollywood’s Sound Effects Department was turned into a fingerprinting bureau in a])pear there, and was a brilliant success. accordance U’ith the ruling that all NBC employees be photographed and fingerprinted She saw several examples of real, live three- for identification. Guest Relations Manager Bill Andrews took a course in the fine art at dimensional entertainment and— “gosh, it the local FBI office, and is seen here getting the prints of Betty Boyle, of auditing, while was wonderful”— went to the circus and met Lew Frost, assistant to vice-president Sidney Strotz, wipes ink from his fingers. the performers. a 6 NBC TRANSMITTER

TOPPERS AND STOPPERS

By Ken R. Dyke

. f f:/ fi'rc/ff /ff<

• Listener surveys and popularity polls Statisticians find many ways of list-

have so consistently shown NBC—RED ing popularity figures. But whether it’s

jjrograins to be up in front, that it no longer by income brackets, telephone ownership, seems like news. However, anyone in adver- automobile ownership—or what have you—

tising—particularly the radio side of the the answer in popularity ratings is always !” business—knows that it is just as tough a the same—“NBC—RED

hurdle to maintain leadership as it is to I’ve been sold on the story so long

establish it. that I’m used to it. But, it’s refreshing to In checking the results of various continually find the new surveys and polls WALTER DAMROSCH newspaper and trade paper polls, door-to- confirming past ones. {Story on opposite page) door and telephone For example, the latest CAB memo

surveys, it is al- on my desk gives NBC—RED the follow- ways the same ing; “The four top programs averaging Bouquets and Brickbats

story — “N BC — 37.8, and fourteen out of the first fifteen in NBC Nail RED leads!” half-hour programs—averaging 28.0. This Nine out of means that now, more than ever, the Red eleven top places to still is the network that ‘most people listen # A total of 8,568 pieces of listener mail ” ” N B C - R E D ! to most.’ passed through the NBC Information Divi-

“Fourteen out of The CAB survey tells only part of the sion in March. And the lads and lassies who

fourteen top places story. Let’s take a peek at what the news- answer these epistles have given the Trans- to NBC-RED!” paper and trade paper polls reveal. mitter a few gleanings from network cor- Regardless of how The noted Scripps- Howard Radio respondence. the polls are Boll gave NBC—RED personalities and pro- # Too much flag-waving on the air? Do KEN R. DYKE phrased—provided, grams nine out of sixteen places on its listeners approve of American pep talks, of course, that the tabulations refer to roster of the industry’s “1942 Champions.” songs, plays and announcements? This is “best” and “most popular” radio shows— The Annual “Radio Daily” poll put NBC- what they write: “More of the same is none the answer has proved inevitable. RED on top with ten out of eighteen first too much; but it must be good!” It’s easy for any sales executive to places. And look at this topical breakdown One listener, hearing of the new Army blare the trumpets for any product he’s of “Radio Daily” tabulations: NBC—RED 9 Hour, forwarded five dollars “to cover the selling. But when other sources— fair and won eight out of twelve favorite commer- cost” of relaying a message to her son in impartial—do it for him. he has a far more cial jjrograms, ten out of thirteen favorite Iceland. effective and powerful sales weapon. radio entertainers, ten out of twelve fa- As this issue of the NBC Transmitter vorite comedians, five out of the first eight 9 There has been a deluge of requests for goes to press, the latest CAB ratings reveal quiz shows, two out of the first three fa- Kaltenborn scripts; one correspondent vorite male vocalists popular and classi- that NBC—RED programs win eight out of ( even included a ten-dollar donation “to ten top positions. It is important and im- cal I five out of the first seven favorite keep him on the air.” Congress was prom-

pressive to note that in every year since the dance hands I sweet and swing). inently represented among the Kaltenborn CAB survey was launched, NBC— RED has letter-writers. [Continued on page 15) carried more of the “first ten” than all 9 “Gripping!” “Inspiring!” “Brilliant!” other networks combined. And, as is al- Such adjectives sound like a Hollywood ex- ready w idely-known, the highest rated pro- RED FOODS ARE HOT! ploitation man at his dictaphone. Actually, gram on the air has always been on NBC- the words are listeners’ comment on Arch RED. Cood going! According to neic CAB figures, Oboler plays. the most popular food-spon- Currently, the aggregate CAB ratings four sored programs on the air are on Arid and frigid was the reception given for evening shows run 32.1 j>er cent ahead 9 1\BC~RED, icith an average rat- by dry ice manufacturers to a script in of the next network. This is partly due to ingof 55.8— higher I han any single which a character was asphyxiated by dry the fact that NBC—RED has less unsold fumes. time than any other network. show on any other netuork. In- ice cidentally, the eleven top- On the basis of average nighttime first 9 A farmer from the hinterlands who rated half-hour shows are P^BC- program ratings, NBC—RED is far and wrote that he “heard of your company over RED also, icith an average rating away the leader with an average of 16.S— the air” asked if he could come to New of 30.2! remarkable 3.S.2 per cent higher than the York at NBC expense and answer questions second network. via the mike. NAY 1942 7

New Honors to SERVICE WITH A STYLE Walter Damrosch By C. L. Menser # The nation’s leading authorities on radio education took time out at their 'f.yffttn . //fi/iftyf'f annual convention at Columhus, Ohio, May

to pay tribute to Dr. Walter Damrosch, 5, 9 Any keen eye scanning the radio dual lines of excellent entertainment and an music counsel of the National Broadcasting horizon in recent months would have noted effective contribution to Inter- American Company, and foremost exponent of musi- that stations are leatiing more and more unity, surprised some trade observers be- cal education via the airwaves. This latest towards public service and good-will |jro- cause there was a 100 per cent station tribute to the world-renowned conductor grams. While there is no question about the acceptance. and composer was the occasion for the fact that stations are in business for profit Such “all-out” assistance in carry ing formal announcement by the Blue Network (don’t forget that they are ollicially tagged a non-profit feature is a rare thing in broad- —until recently a division of NBC—of a “commercial” stations! ), it must he agreed casting. The distinction is usually reserved $500 musical scholarship known as the that they are g(jing far beyond their license for such events as talks by Bresident Roose- Datnrosch Award which will be adminis- obligations in “public convenience, inter- velt, Winston Churchill and other notables tered by Ohio State University. The con- est and necessity.” making headline history. ductor was also cited by the University Recognition of an obligation of pub- Yet the result of the query did not for his “distinguished career of public lic service is but the first phase of true civic surprise all observers; that’s because of the service in music, radio and education.” endeavor; the important second step is to excellent record in time allotments to pub- Edgar Kobak, Vice-President of the realize the size and scope of that obliga- lic service features granted by these same Blue Network, presented the scholarship tion, and to cater to it in more than a nomi- stations even long before “Pearl Harbor.” at the banquet highlighting the convention nal manner. Broadcasters now realize the part radio of the Institute of Education by Radio. must play in the war effort. Contributing to Invited guests included Governor John the nation’s morale and the victory effort is W. Bricker, of Ohio, H. H. Davis, vice- their vital task. president of Ohio State University, and It is apparent that carrying the pro- Dr. ames Rowland Angell, public service J grams cost transmitters plenty of hard counsellor of NBC and president emeritus cash. While it’s true that a great share of of Yale University. each station’s schedule is assigned to the Thus Dr. Damrosch was accorded so-called “sustaining” features, it takes a tribute by educators which paralleled money to sustain the sustainers. And when the honors bestowed on him by the musical all stations on the NBC—RED roster accept fraternity last January when he celebrated a public service program to be carried at a his eightieth birthday. single time, it is obvious that in virtually Prizes for the various “bests” in the every instance, several local advertisers de- numerous classifications of educational siring the identical period are turned down. programs are regularly made at the Ohio The change that has taken place in convention, and it was fitting that the testi- sustaining features since America entered monial to Dr. Damrosch and the announce- ment of the scholarship bearing his name {Continued on page 15) was made on the occasion.

This is the fourteenth season of Dr. Damrosch’s “Music Appreciation Hour,’’ an accepted part of school curricula. And gaining jjublic good-will through Red Quarter Rings True During his four score of years. Dr. service programs is good business, too. Damrosch has attained such great heights Winning an audience with non-profit fea- 9 An NBC Research Division analysis in music that it would be difficult to select tures means that stations will hold those of six CAB reports covering the first quar- his greatest single achievement. His fame listeners and constantly gain new ones. All ter t)f 1942 reveals that the NBC-RED Net- as a symphonic and operatic conductor of which implies that commercial hours on work continues to gain in commercial pro- and his renown as a composer—tremendous the stations are often benefited by the gram listening. as they are— will not relegate his radio edu- audience-pulling effects of public service Aggregate evening ratings earned by cational work to anything but a “first” shows. NBC were up 1,238 points—an increase of 12. cent the period in 1941. rating in listing his manifold cultural An example of the splendid coopera- 1 per over same achievements. tion of NBC—RED affiliated stations oc- Eigures for March, 1912. which are And that’s because his endeavors to curred about two months ago when queries of special interest in respect to "War Time make good music understood, appreciated went out of Radio City regarding the avail- and its effect on listening, show that the and demanded by the youth of the nation ability of air time for “Down Mexico Way.” Red Network had an increase of 16.5 per have succeeded through his formula. This sustaining feature—designed along the cent over .March of 1941. James Lawrence r ly. cha ami NBC’s Frank E. Mullen, in an informal Mere hospitalization couldn't sto]> a ^ chat at the Harvard Club in broadcast on NBC-RED.

C. Lloyd Egner, NBC Vice-President, makes Master Sergeant Ratlio City's world-famous Studio 8-H recently underwent extensiV •ml

Martin Doster an NBC “hrass hat” at a “Jungle Mudders” dinner face-lifting. Here is the re

NBC recordings for Army entertainment in Panama. absorbing u[)holstered chairs. i r like Eddie Cantor from his wei The Calij)h of Clout is received by the Sultan of Sportseasten Kuth upon the Baiuhino’s return East.

Radio engineers are rallying for Uncle Sam. This ]>air of WS^I This is not a Hollywood movie set. It’s a special event televi Nashville) technicians, George Reynolds and Aaron Shelton, are sion program of NBC in New Vork demonstrating air raid pre town teaching radio at Vanderbilt University for students striving for cautions and civil defense measures. Air raid wardens gatherec isigns’ commissions in the Navy. in local police stations to "look in” on the tests.

n news, A. A. Scheehter (left), NBC di- H. V. Kaltenborn, NBC commentator, was guest of honor at a 20th anniversary dinne tque from John Hymes, president of the tendered bv the network. Dr. James Rowland .\ngell, NBC public service counselor, te! HVK Hfi unnarcntlv y^oofl vani. !

10 NBC TRANSMITTER sa,®®®as3i‘

# Making records while breaking them maintained in the netw ork’s “live” program is an apt description of the job being done division. Sales, script writing, casting, pro- by NBC’s Radio Recording Division, now duction and engineering are all done within celebrating its seventh anniversary as liter- the Recording Division on the identical ally ( and laterally I a ‘'broadcasting sys- scale of quality demanded by network tem within a broadcasting system.” shows. Continuity acceptance, copyright Amazing things pop out of the maze clearance and other technicalities are also of offices on Radio City’s second floor handled in this self-contained division be- where Vice-Presi- fore the programs hit the groove. Produc-

dent C. Lloyd Egner tion routine is identical to actual broad-

and his half-hun- casting; the only diflerence is that the

dred aides of the sound w ave is etched on the record instead Playwright Arch Oholer goes to the Recording Division of being transmitted. NBC bridge of a training ship for authentic mari- hold forth in their More than 1,000 16-inch Thesaurus time data for “Plays for Americans.” daily task of recap- master disks have rolled out of NBC stu- ping the turntables dios since the service was launched seven —technically enhanced by the life-like qual- of hundreds of ra- years ago. These platters contained a total ities of NBC’s exclusive Orthacoustic dio stations with of more than 8,000 musical numbers. At method of recording (a wide-range, high- topnotch entertain- the risk of sounding egotistical as well as fidelity process)— in compositely arranged

ment. statistical, we’ll add that, when utilized presentations that rate shoulder-to-shoulder

Roget may have had a word for it with the Thesaurus weekly script service, in casting and production quality with net- when he called his hook a thesaurus, but it the disks constantly build audiences for work “live” shows. took the NBC Recording Division to put stations and sales for local sponsors. The motif of a “network within a net- his word to music in the now-famous NBC NBC Recording led its field in pro- work” is suggested in personnel as well as

Thesaurus service— “a treasure house of ducing “name” programs. It proudly operations. Egner, chief of the division, has recorded programs.” Today, this disk-and- came forth with such names as Allen Roth, been in the recording business so long that script program service is employed by Sammy Kaye, Vincent Lopez, Edwin he probably remembers when Nipper, the more than 200 prominent stations, thus Eranko Goldman, Norman Cloutier, Harry world-renowned RCA \ ictor dog, started making possible the use of network talent Horlick and scores of others— not only of his leash on life. Actually, he was identified and network production by transmitters network caliber, but actually of network with the famous trade mark as far back as everywhere. Even though the idea of a status. Thus stations everywhere, regard- 1917 while it was used by the old Victor radio thesaurus took more ribbing than less of size and without the cost of land- Talking Machine Company. After time out the torso of a brontosaurus, it has grown to lines, were able to utilize this array of talent for service in Uncle Sam’s forces in World such mammoth proportions that it is ac- War I, he returned to Victor where he re- cepted as the backbone of sponsored and mained until 1929 in various executive sustaining local program services by more Out to Launch sales capacities leading up to the post of stations than are in any single network. • Broadcasting a ship launching is not assistant general sales manager. After two Yet the Thesaurus is only a part of the an unusual event these days. But when a years as president of the Chicago Talking Recording Division’s activities. This unit mikeman covers a ship launching in the Machine Company he joined recording also produces and syndicates individual Rocky Mountains, it is a brow -raising sales for RCA, remaining until 1934 when programs. Then there is its active partici- occasion. he became affiliated with NBC. pation in the business of transcribing KOA, NBC-RED Denver outlet, was Vice-versa, Bob Morris, business broadcasts off-the-air or off-the-line for ad- on deck with Gil Verba, announcer super- manager of the division, hails from NBC’s vertisers and agencies. Audition records visor, and Yeoman Starr Yelland, a former engineering department where he was asso- for use in the selling of “live” shows are KOA announcer, for the launching in the ciated with outstanding broadcasting de- also made here. In all, the business that form of the departure by train of prefabri- velopments including the development of goes on is sound business, indeed. While it cated parts for steel hulls of Navy escort the Orthacoustic Record. Bob Friedheim, is based on the technical tempo of 33 rev- ships. Eastern sales manager, came from W MBH, olutions per minute, there’s nothing revolu- Mayor Stapleton of Denver, Gover- Joplin, Missouri, and Reginald Thomas, tionary about it except the sales gains con- nor Carr of California and representatives program chief, from the agency field. stantly scored by Mr. Egner and his lads of the W PB took part in the event. The tra- Division managers Frank E. Chizzini who can’t help but make an impression ditional bottle (this one filled with Pike’s (Chicago), Bob Schuetz (Hollywood) and

) are recording ex- whenever they make a record. Peak snow water I was broken as the as- Bill Young (Washington

Activity in the recording division semblage wished the “ships” smooth sail- ecutives of long standing. Incidentally, proceeds with the same pace and precision ing to Tokyo Schuetz was a radio amateur at ten. MAY 1942 11

"Down Mexico Way"

Wins Ohio First Award

• The NiiC-KKI) “Down Mexico Way” # Back in 191.5, Dr. Lee De Forest, milestones in the sensational growth of series— widely acclaimed since its incep- noted radio inventor, presented a young electronic entertainment. tion last February as an effective medium West Virginian student with one of his first The j)ortion of his collection dis- towards cementing; friendship with our vacuum tubes— a small glass bulb not un- played along the path of Radio (uty tours neighbors south of the Rio Grande — re- like an ordinary electric lamp which be- includes everything from the tiny “acorn” ceived new honors on May 5 when it wen came the open sesame to a great age of receiving tube to the giant 200-kilowatt a first award at the Thirteenth Institute for electronics. The youth was so impressed transmitting tube “taller than a man.” Education by Radio, at Ohio State Univer- with the gift as well as the radio prophecies His avocation for collecting tubes, sity, Columbus. of the inventor that he started collecting studying them and exhibiting them Coincidental with the award came radio and electronic tubes of all types with prompted NBC’s assigning him supervision the announcement that, due to great public the resulting accumulation of more than of all technical items displayed on studio

response, the series 3,000 different “valves” from all parts of tours. He doesn’t prefer the title, but he is,

will be continued the world. in effect, the “curator” of NBC’s exhibits. indefinitely instead This amazing collection, the property The combination of educational and of ending on June of Joseph D’Agostino, NBC Staff Engineer, showmanship talents developed by his avo- 6 as originally is recognized as the most complete in the cation also led to his appointment as man- scheduled. Also, the world. The assortment reveals — in glass ager of the Radio Corporation of America scope of the musi- and metal— a veritable history of technical exhibit building at the New York World’s

cal dramatic series broadcasting advances. Fair in 1939 and 1940. It was coincidental

will be widened to Radio City tourists always stop for a to D’Agostino’s appointment that the build- cover other nations glimpse at the 50-odd tubes from D’Agos- ing had the architectural shape of a tube IRENE KUHN i„ Central and tino’s group w'hich are located in the fourth but it was far from coincidence when Dr. South America. This expansion will prob- floor corridor of the studio section. The Lee De Forest greeted D’Agostino in front ably bring a change of title at an early date. showcase arrangement is frequently altered of the entrance to the Fair Building exactly Citation to “Down Mexico Way” so that tubes adjudged interesting by new- 25 years after he presented him with one of ness or oddness can be added. his first audions. read : “A provocative experiment that seeks to improve our understanding of Latin D’Agostino has reverent respect for It’s not surprising that D’Agostino is American culture and which has the more electronic tubes, and this summer expects a strong advocate of avocations for every- specific effect of suggesting educational to finish a narrative history of them. He one. That’s the gospel he passes on con- method in the field of languages and views electronics as the world’s biggest in- stantly to some 4,200 Boy Scouts in the music.” dustrial field— of which radio and television Northern New Jersey community he serves Presentation of the award was based are vital—but only component parts. And as Scout Executive. Hobbies and side inter- on the initial program of the series in which this importance, he holds, is having its ests, he holds, can lead to lifetime careers. Vice-President Henry A. Wallace and Seno- effect on what he terms “this electronic And even if they don’t become intermingled rita Castillo Najera, the daughter of the war.” To D’Agostino, this means that the w’ith the participants’ business objectives, Mexican Ambassador to the United States, radio tube is the most important weapon he believes that they serve a valuable pur- took part. Richard McDonagh, author of on both sides. pose in an instructional and recreational the script, and Ted Corday, program pro- He doesn’t refer to radio’s propa- way. Avocations, he adds, are especially ducer, were also honored at the sessions. ganda role in wartime, when he calls the essential for emotional relaxation in this

Interest in the series is stimulated on tube a “weapon”; rather, he alludes to its wartime period. a gigantic scale by the combined coopera- assignment in linking armed forces at home Eight years ago, D’Agostino discov- tive efforts of the National Federation of and afield, and its importance in making ered that a man can multiply his avoca- Music Clubs and the National Federation possible ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship, ship-to- tions. In his attempt at that time to interest of Business and Professional Women’s plane, plane-to-tank and countless other his daughter in mineralogy, the NBC engi- Clubs. Aggregate membership of these two combinations of military and naval com- neer himself became so absorbed in the organizations numbers nearly 2,0()0,00() munication. Swift war moves mean swift study that he too adopted it. Result: he’s a women. Listening groups were formed in communications, and it is the radio tube leading member of New Tork and New Jer-

many cities, and local lectures and concerts that makes it all possible, he declares. sey mineralogical societies— in fact, presi- were among the supplementary efforts to This conflict, just as the last one, he dent of the New Jersey group—and has the series carried by 106 NBC stations. believes, is producing special types of tubes presented lectures and papers before scien-

Irene Kuhn, program coordinator in for intricate military tasks. tific bodies including the New York Acad- the NBC Promotion Department, made an He points out that the entire broad- emy of Science and classes at prominent extensive trip through Mexico just prior to casting industry had its creation and rise universities on the subject. the program’s launching to gather material in the period between the two wars, and he And that's not all! He's also an ex-

for the series and associated projects. sees the tubes in his collection as the virtual pert on first aid methods. 12 NBC TRANSMITTER

Big Display Space Sam's Success Story Boosts WBAL Pace Proud of its phenomenal growth from a tiny retail cigar shop in 1917 to a great Baltimore, duly proud of its department store that is now second in dollar volume in downtown Detroit, Sam’s Cut # WBAL, slogan, “One of America’s Great Radio Rate, Inc., clings stubbornly to the name which has been magic for it from its earliest days, but credits broadcasting over WWJ, Detroit, for a great favorable ehange in Stations” and its proclamation, “WBAL believes advertising,” is public acceptance in the last three years. in backing up Sam’s Cut Rate has relied on cash-and-carry principles and on rapid turnover both statements with 52 full pages of news- paper advertising during 1942. at low prices. Until the depression years, it was a workingman’s store, selling '160,000 pairs of work gloves in a single year. The depression produced a new class of buyer— According to Harold C. Burke, man- the former “well-to-do” who had to cut corners. Max and Herman Osnos, president ager of the station, the campaign is already and vice-president of Sam’s, noted this and looked to radio to continue to reach the showing excellent results in corraling lis- white collar group with short messages of store policies, activities and events. teners, as evidenced by a recent postcard survey that showed is listened to The so-called “commercial” became shorter and shorter until now it is but a WBAL mention of the store name and location in connection with Monday, Wednesday and most in the evening by more than 50 per Friday evening talks by Preston W. Slosson, professor of history at the University of cent of Baltimore set owners. publicizing its Michigan. The title of “Slosson Interprets the News” describes the ten-minute program WBAL believes that which averages a response of about 100 letters a broadcast. local shows and NBC—RED Network pro- Sam’s cashed 1,000,000 pay checks last year! grams is the ideal copy approach; the lay- outs run by the station include pictures of NBC and WBAL stars and listings of pro-

KSL. Two years later, he received a bid to grams broadcast that evening and tbe next Double Auniversary construct and run KERC where he re- morning and afternoon.

It is now planned to add 14 out-of- at KFI, Los Angeles mained a dozen years. He left the Don Lee network to manage KFI and KECA, the two town newspapers to the already extensive

9 There was a double anniversary cele- Earle C. Anthony stations in Los Angeles. campaign. bration at KFI, Los Angeles, last month. The station celebrated its twentieth birth- A SHOW CASE OF COMMENTATORS day, and Harrison Holliway, its general manager, observed completion of his thirty- first year in radio. These are enviable mile- stones in a field so young as broadcasting. KIT, owned and operated by Earle C. Antbony, Inc., was placed in operation on Easter Sunday, 1922. The station— a 100-watt affair- rested on a kitchen

table for its pre- miere performance. Today, KEI boasts a mammoth 50,000- watt transmitter

that is one of the HARRISON HOLLIWAY best -known in the U.S.A. and has won many laurels.

The station is |)roud of many notable

“firsts” in its long career. Despite his thirty-one years in radio,

Harrison Holliway is one of the youngest broadcasting executives. He started techni- Silhouette photographs of NBC commentators feature this novel window in Clarks- Personal Finance Company's cal experiments with radio iti 1911, and burg, West Virginia. Station W Rl.K, cooperating with the maintained an amateur station which, in local branch, arranged the display of network news commentators and analysts. Public

1920, “worked” a station in Vancouver, interest ran so high that the window drew throngs for over a month. Each photo was Washington — 800 miles away. This was tagged with the commentator's name, pickup point and broadcast schedule. According such a feat for amateur |)hone transmission to Ken R. Dyke, NBC Director of Promotion, such displays are excellent audience

in that era that he received national pub- builders. “’'The idea." he said, “is being adopted by progressive stations who realize that as li(;ity. In 1922, Holliway— then only twenty- they can create a ‘point-of-sale' method of merchandising their programs just manu- one— constructed, operated and managed facturers market their wares." NAY 1942 13

COAST GREETS STROTZ WAVE Opens Without Ripple

9 Station Vi A\ 1C, Louisville, Kentucky. mov(‘d into an elaliorate new studio and office building on March 21. making the transition to the etdarged facilities without

a gala opening or the printing of a bro- chure. However, the Louisville lads are not too overcome by modesty to ex|)ress their just j)ride over the new structure which features live new studios (one of them ac-

commodating .3.50 onlookers), dressing rooms, a music library, conference rooms

and a spacious office suite. WAVE recently launched a brand- new 5, 000-watt BCA transmitter, too.

The lack of ballyhoo ( due to w ar con-

ditions) in the WAVE dedications in no way lessened the enlarged scope of service to clients and listeners. Upon his arrival in Hollywood to head West Coast operations, Sidney Strotz, NBC vice-president, got acquainted with his department heads at luncheon in the Brown Derby. Seated (left to right): Henry Maas, sales traffic; A. H. Saxton, engineering; Convene Via Mike Frank Dellett, auditing; Lew Frost, assistant to vice-president ; Sidney Strotz; John Swallow, program, and Alex Robb, program sales. Standing: Hal Bock, press; Paul 9 The first state-wide meeting of the Georgia Agricultural Council to he held by Gale, traffic; Bill Andrews, guest relations; David Lasley, sales promotion ; Myron Elges, sales; Bob Schuetz, radio recording; Walter Bunker, program; Andy Love, literary way of a radio broadcast took ])lace re- rights; Wendell W'illiarns, continuity acceptance, and Sydney Dixon, sales. cently when WSB, Atlanta, broadcast talks by the council leaders directed to the vari-

ous separate county meetings being held all Parade Promotion NBC in WW over the state. More than 110 mass meet- # At the suggestion of Station WTMJ, 9 Three NBC executives are represented ings of farmers and business men were

Milwaukee, a inanunoth Army Day parade in the new Who’s Who for 1942-1943, is- tuned in to the special broadcast directed was staged in that city on April 6. The sta- sued recently. They are Niles Trammell, by WSB Earm Director Bill Prance. Pur- tion’s idea of a parade was readily accepted President; Frank E. Mullen, Vice-President pose of the state-wide meeting was to co-

' by city officials; a proclamation by Mayor and General Manager, and Judith Waller, ordinate council activities toward improve- Carl F. Ziedler won immediate response Public Service Director of the NBC Cen- ment of war-time farm production and from the army units, volunteer defense tral Division. marketing. workers, labor groups and fraternal and civic organizations which participated. MILWAUKEE GETS A "RADIO CITY" Staged at night, the patriotic parade was witnessed by many thousands of Mil- waukeeans along the line of march. The promotional value of the event to WTMJ was adjudged tremendous.

St. Louis Under a Spell

9 KSO’s sixth annual spelling bee re- cently started its eight weeks schedule.

Frank Eschen, program director of the St. U Milwaukee NBC—RED outlet, will move into this modern structure late in TMJ , Louis station, acts as headmaster as teams June. The building will house The Milwaukee Journal's television and frequency- from fifteen city and county schools in the modulation facilities as well as the studio and office layout of IT TMJ. The studios are St. Louis area compete each Saturday after- located on Capitol Drive near the Milwaukee River Parkway—about three miles from noon. This six-year-old feature, begun be- downtown Milwaukee ; this is probably the first big city transmitter in the country to cause of its civic appeal, has gained the move its studio facilities out of a main business center. The structure is well removed endorsement of school heads, who declare from the roar and rumble of street noises and the hiss and crackle of electrical inter- it has proved an incentive for improvement ference, thus giving station engineers less of a problem in achieving noise-free, high- in spelling among students in local schools. quality transmission—a boon to listeners and sponsors. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC WAR CUNIC

Gratifying Response from Affiliates

# Nation-wide NBC-RED Network solidarity in aiding Amer- ica’s victory effort is the result of a series of “war clinics” recently held by NBC officials with affdiated station executives on their own home grounds. The “mountain-to-Mohammed” sessions were attended by more than 500 representatives of the 134 NBC- RED stations from coast to coast. Dissimilar as local conditions and problems were in various sections of the country visited by the convention caravan, every

NBC affiliate was found united in the common purpose to serve the Government and protect public interest in wartime to the maximum degree. William S. Hedges, vice-president in charge of stations, re-

ported ; “In no section did we find a dissenting voice. And because WILLIAM S. HEDGES of this steadfast loyalty and determination on the part of our

affiliates, the NBC Network today is ready and fully prepared, Frank E. Mullen, NBC executive vice-president and general along a common, united front stretching across the nation, to manager, gave the keynote address in New' York and Chicago.

meet all new emergencies as they arise as a result of the war.” Hedges was the keynoter at the other district sessions. The other Hedges remarked that NBC realized the need for such a con- speakers included Clarence L. Menser, national program man- vention even before “Pearl Harbor.” This awareness took shape ager; Roy C. Witmer, vice-president in charge of sales; Ken R. back in October, 1941, when NBC organized a Stations Planning Dyke, director of promotion; Charles B. Brown, sales promotion and Advisory Board to deal with matters relative to national manager; Albert E. Dale, director of information; A. L. Ashby, defense. Composed of members elected by affiliated stations in vice-president and legal counsel, and Dr. James Rowland Angell, each district, this committee was to meet every three months for public service counselor. joint disposition of current problems affecting the industry. The second day of each conference was turned over to affili- America’s entrance into the war brought the plan of a traveling ates for an open forum conducted by Sheldon B. Hickox, Jr., convention to the fore much sooner. manager of the NBC station relations department. Three chief problems were on the agenda of the two-day Each two-day session was presided over by station execu-

war clinics held in each of the following cities: New York, Cin- tives on the network’s planning and advisory hoard. Paul W. cinnati, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and San Francisco. The prob- Morency, of WTIC, headed the New York meeting. Other chair-

lems were: ( 1 ) How best to serve the Government and the nation men included Robert Dunville, WLW, at the sessions in Cincin- in time of war. (2) How best to fulfill its moral obligation to en- nati; Harry Stone, WSM, at the Atlanta booking; O. L. Taylor, tertaining the nation. (3) How to retain its revenue in order to KGNC, at the Dallas assemblage; Stanley Hubbard, KSTP, at

assure continuation of the industry as a free enterprise, without the Chicago “clinic” and Arden X. Panghorn, KG\^ , and Ed

Government support and }) 0 ssible restrictions. Yocum, KGYL—as joint chairmen— at the San Francisco finale.

CONVENTION QUOTES

‘ Roy C. Witmer: ‘Re can be proud of the record of broadcasting over the past two decades. In a very few years we have built a great industry and a great service, ffe can be thankful to all those .scientists, engineers and bu.siness leaders of vision who have contributed to the greatest mass communication system in the world. It is fortunate for our country and our people that we have available these vital broadcasting facilities. Let us accept with courage and enthusiasm the challenge of our times.”

A. L. Ashby: ”The industry is es.sential not only to public morale, but also to the Armed

Forces and it must be supported by private enterprise if it is to survive in the form we know

it today— the form that the American people admire, respect and believe in. The alternative

is (governmental support ivith its related problems and dangers. Broadcasting as u.sual has gone the way of 'bu.siness as usual.’ The needs of the Government come first.” ! !

MAY 1942 15

KPO AND KGO ARE ON THE GO A Switch in Time, Blackout Sublime

# NB('’s role in Midlown Manhattan’s first test hlackout on the night of A|)iil 30 was an unqualified success, according to

V. J. Gilcher, director of the network’s general service division. A unit of five electricians had blacked out the office section and all the studio sec- tion corridors within a minute or two after the alert sounded at 9 p.ni. Fiinergency switches permitted operation as usual of all microphones, teletypes, telautographs, lights in windowless studios, and other es- sential equipment. The press, news and in- ternational departments continued neces- sary operations with the aid of dim emer- gency lights and blackout curtains. Gilcher assigned major portion of the efficiency credit to Chief Electrician Frank

Heitmann and his staff, for whom last- minute complications and the necessity for maintaining broadcasting service made This modern NBC studio structure, recently opened in San Francisco, incorporates many architectural and engineering advances supervised by O. B, Hanson. I ice- blacking-out more than a matter of oper- NBC President and Chief Engineer. Golden Gate City's network shows originate here. ating a few switches. He also had high praise for the air raid wardens who NBC allots a similar schedule to announcements came in to man their posts. "The Better 'Ole" of charity and welfare drives of the .Amer- The following night NBC cut off its # Molly Bolger. w4io conducts the daily ican Red Cross Var Fund, the L SO and famous marquee signs on 49th and 50th other recognized organizations. EEA ( Manchester, New Hamjishire I Streets for the duration. Home .Makers’ Guild, recently hit a novel Public service program to|)ics em- note in stimulating audience response. The brace news, special events, education, gen- TOPPERS AND STOPPERS day after she'd given a mouth-watering eral service subjects and a long list of build-up to a doughnut recipe, Molly re- philanthropic, welfare and .Army and Navy [Continued from page 6) ceived a letter from a Coast Artilleryman programs. In addition to the NBC network And that’s not all stationed in Massachusetts. It wasn’t a copy shows under these headings, there are a The “Cleveland Plain Dealer” Poll great local clas- of the recipe the soldier wanted— it was a many programs of similar gave nine out of eleven top places to NBC- supply of doughnuts! sification which each NBC—RED station RED in its “All-American Personalities offers in its own coverage zone.

Eleven.” And the “Fame”-“Motion Picture There is nothing perfunctory about SERVICE WITH A STYLE Daily” poll gave fourteen “firsts” to NBC- the building of the public service programs.

( Continued from page 7 I RED. It is interesting to note that in this Their planning, writing, casting and pro- poll, NBC—RED took “three out of three” the war was noticeable in two ways: first, a duction are of the highest possible stand-

( first, second and third places ) in these six greater volume of public service broad- ards— and the high listener rating of the classifications: “Champion of Champions,” casts; second, the content has been altered offerings indicated by impartial survevs—

“Best Comedienne,” “Best Cornedv Team,” along wartime themes. The programs, in definitely proves their acceptance. “Best Master of Ceremonies,” “Best Vari- effect, are conditioning listeners to war— There are occasional public service ety Program”and “Outstanding New Star.” and all the sacrifices and trials essential on programs originating at affiliated stations And NBC—RED took the “top two” in these the part of the public before the days of vic- which are important enough for com- four classifications: “Best Classical Male tory and peace. plete network pickup: the only limitations Vocalist,” “Best Comedian,” “Best Dra- Every sustaining ]nogram on NBC of such nation-wide relays are due to the matic Series” and “Best Davtime Serial.” twice each month conveys a Government local nature of the offerings. And speaking of consistency, NBC’s announcement related to a vital wartime The affiliated stations of NBC—RED Bill Stern has proved an initial success, effort. The announcements, allocated bv the deserve commendation for their splendid coming out as “Best Sportscaster” in everv Office of Facts and Figures in a proportion cooperation in aiding the w ar effort through major national poll for three consecutive determined by their timeliness and impor- public service programs. It must be remem- years tance, deal with increased production, bond bered that any radio effort can become na- These NBC toppers are stoppers, in- and stamp drives, recruiting and other de- tional oidy through the collective support deed! fense activities. .And the network itself of individual network affiliates. 16 NBC TRANSMITTER

# Battle zones may be far from the tin. “Stella Dallas” has emphasized the con- locales of NBC serials and dramatic pro- Scripts Reflect War servation of food and the building up of grams, but they are nevertheless drastically energy as a contribution to the nation’s affecting the lives and fortunes of the fa- resources; participation in jobs helping

mous microphone characters w hose careers being handled logi- America’s war effort is also encouraged are followed regularly by immense audi- cally and patrioti- through the cast’s lines. ences. c a 1 in NBC In “Portia Faces Life,” a leading ro- 1 y Lewis H. Titterton, manager of the scripts. References mantic character is a foreign correspond- NBC Script Division, points out that cur- to Defense Bonds ent whose letters home reveal that he was rent damatizations cannot ignore the war. and Stamps, Red so incensed with the Axis invasion that he Just as the world conflict in one manner or Cross knitting, re- joined the Chetnik forces to do his bit for another touches on every citizen’s career, cruiting and other the Allies.

so it is altering the kaleidoscopic adven- war aid topics are Topics relative to national safety have tures of microphone characters. skillfully inserted been included in “One Man’s Family.” And LEWIS H. TITTERTON Titterton holds that the intelligence jjj dialogue. There in “Joe and Mabel,” the heroine makes fre-

level of dramatizations has increased since is no preaching, he reports, and all war ref- quent reference to her progress in a Red the war’s start, and he sees script shows as erences constructively reflect our country’s Cross first aid class.

contributing worth-while morale-building goals. Titterton was born in England, at- philosoj)hies to the American scene. Some tyj)ical examples in commer- tended Cambridge and Harvard Universi-

Neither censoring nor censuring cial scrij)ts indicate that the war is in the ties, and has an extensive literary back-

has been essential to date in script treat- background, and is usually handled by ground covering the magazine and book ments of world conditions and the Amer- dialogue reference rather than by actual publishing fields. Prior to joining NBC in ican victory effort. Dehnite proscriptions battle dramatizations. 1932 he was assistant editor of The Atlan- are made only on enacted air raids, simu- For example, in the “Light of the tic Monthly, and, in turn, general sales lated “on-the-scene” broadcasts and other World” serial, the main characters, who manager and associate editor of the Mac-

devices that could be misconstrued as “the had their roots in Europe, make frequent millan Company. Starting his NBC affilia- real thing’’ by listeners tuning in after a reference to the current conflict. “Back- tion as manager of the literary rights divi- j)rogram’s opening has made the fictional stage Wife” has an entirely different ap- sion, he was later named manager of the aspect clear. proach in that its characters extoll such script division which embraced both liter-

According to Titterton, the war is activities as saving paper and collecting ary rights and continuity supervision. NBC RED NETWORK LEADS ALL MAGAZINES IN ADVERTISING VOLUME

1927 1929 1931 1933 1935 I 1937 I 1939 I 1941 Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday NBC NBC NBC Evening Evening Evening Evening Evening Post Post Post Post Post RED RED RED Ladies Ladies NBC NBC NBC Saturday Saturday Saturday Home Home Evening Evening Evening Journal Journal RED RED RED Post Post Post

Ladies Ladies Good Good Home Home Colliers Colliers Colliers Ufe Housekeeping Housekeeping Journal Journal

NBC Good Good Good Good Life Colliers RED Housekeeping Housekeeping Housekeeping Housekeeping

Woman's Woman's Woman's Ladies American Good Liberty Home Home Home Home Time Weekly Housekeeping Companion Companion Companion Journal I JULY 1942

IN THIS

ISSUE :

9 A YANKEE lOB THAT'S DANDY •

RADIO'S GREAT POST-WAR EFFORT o

THE NRG CHINES

DR. JAMES ROWLAND ANGELL NBC Public Service Counselor and President Emeritus of Yale University —

2 NBC TRANSMITTER III ^

NBC TRANSMITTER ANGELL OF NBC . VOL. 8 JULY 1942 NO. 3

William Lyons Phelps Finds Him "'A Thoroughly Good Fellow"' Published Monthly by the National Broadcasting Company

RCA Building, Radio City, New York • NBC’s distinguished public service Phelps points out that it was unsafe for counselor—Dr. James Rowland Angell any professor or anyone else to engage receives a tribute from his old friend, Wil- with Angell in any contest of words. SUPREME COURT DECISION liam Lyons Phelps, one of Yale’s most “Angell was and is,” Phelps declares, outstanding scholars and beloved profes- “one of the most brilliant after-dinner ® The decisions of the United States sors, in the July issue of Coronet. speakers in America.

Supreme Court in the cases of Na- “Angell of Yale” is the title of the en- “Not only has he a marvelous sense of tional Broadcasting Company and tertaining article, which includes many humor and an extraordinary power of wit, Colnmhia Broadcasting System intimate anecdotes. but he has these gifts at instant command.” against the Federal Communica- “Dr. Angell and I,” Phelps writes, “have During Angell’s administration, Phelps tions Commission are cause for sat- this in common: he was the only man ever now points out, the material growth of the considered for the presidency of Yale who university was almost miraculous: he suc- isfaction to affiliates and networks was not a Yale graduate; and I was the ceeded in doubling the endowment and alike. only Yale graduate never considered for Edward Harkness contributed 10 com- In the words of Niles Trammell, that position. plete college units, making probably the president, an adverse decision NBC “There was, however, one respect in most expansive college plant installed in would have led to chaos in one of which Angell was not perfectly qualified America. the most important industries con- to be a college president. Old Tom Fuller “I think myself,” Phelps adds, “that in nected with the war effort. in the seventeenth century said it was de- those days when he pitched so successfully sirable there should be some dullness in It is gratifying, upon reading the on the Harvard Graduate School nine he college president. Knowing Angell Supreme Court decision, to note the every became, without trying to, a thoroughly intimately for many years, on and off the good fellow. clear-cut statement of facts upon record, I have never been able to detect “And that is what he is today.” which the decision was predicated. even a shadow of it in him.” In addition to his studies at the Uni- The Court swept aside the conten- Phelps organized the Harvard Gradu- versity of Michigan and Harvard, Dr. tion of the Commission that the ate School baseball team during the year Angell also attended several European validity of the regulations in ques- 1891-1892 when he was an English in- universities. Upon returning to the U.S.A. challenged tion could only he after structor there. to enter the teaching profession, he did a refusal to renew an affiliate’s sta- “Angell,” he relates, “who was the extensive research in the field of psychol- tion license for violation of the original fair-haired boy in every sense of ogy and wrote several books on the topic. regulations. Such a procedure, the tbe word, was pitcher on this nine, and I He developed the world’s first major de- Court pointed out. woidd residt in do not remember that we lost a game. He partment of psychology at the University irreparable injury. The way is now always bad something on the ball, and of Chicago, where he taught for 26 years. tbe rest of his life retired many After serving head of the National Re- paved for a determination of the during as of his opponents on many other fields.” search Council and president of the Car- legality of the FCC rules iu advance negie Corporation, he went to \ ale in of their hecoming effective. 1921 and his achievements there are of The cases have been remanded to Ordained and Foreordained world renown. He joined NBC as Public for trial. the three-judge Court No Service Counselor in 1937 and bis radio “Dr. Angell was not only or- one can predict their idtimate out- educational activities to date have won dained as a college president, he come, to he sure. But when the evi- widespread acclaim from listeners, edu- was foreordained,” according to dence is fully submitted, it should cators and Government officials. William Lyons Phelps’ Coronet he difficult for that Court to escape Dr. Angell has a lengthy list of hon- article. “’His father, James Burrill the conclusion that the proposed orary degrees, membership in scholarly Angell, teas one of the most dis- decorations by many foreign network regidations should he set societies, and tinguished university presidents in nations. He is president of the English aside because they are not only be- .American history. .As president of Speaking I nion of the L nited States and the power of the FCC, hut are yond the University Michigan, he be- of a member of the Order of the Past Par- arbitrary, capricious and unreason- came one the most progressive of ticiple — an exclusive group of former able. distinguished educa- and most of college and university presidents who con- tional leaders all the great Now that the cases are to he heard — of tinue to function actively after retirement. college presidents, he on their merits, perhajis the deci- American But anvone who observes Dr. Angell at was probably the most modest.” sion will state the case for the net- NBC knows that “retirement” is a word in works in its true perspective. the far distant future. —

JULY 1942 3

A YANKEE JOB THAT'S DANDY! NBC's International Division Boosts Uncle Sam's Cause

# “If you want my biography, you can broadcasts. The main j)oint proved is that

say that I was born on the f ourth of July people are listening. Radio waves don’t

—but that’s all. With a war on, this is no need passports and don’t have to pass cus- time for biographies; the job that’s being tom inspection. They cross enemy borders

done is the thing that counts.” as readily as friendly ones. They jienetrate The speaker was John Francis Royal, closed windows, drawn blinds and dark- NBC Vice-President in charge of inter- ened rooms. Invisibly, they reach out to relations, the interviewer who give hope and comfort to the oppre.ssed. ,! national and

6 • had set out to write his personal story was It is coincidental that they give torment and anxiety to the enemy. j abashed.

“There is a great story in the job the On NBC’s second floor, a huge office

' i men of the department are doing in war- section hums like a beehive all around the time,” Mr. Royal suggested. So the writer clock with the men and women doing their j hustled after the facts—and found them hits to help America win this War of

I as follows: Survival. There are ten language sections

I The International Division of NBC, he —each with a schedule of its own. The found, functions as a self-contained broad- featured tongues are English, Spanish,

casting system. While its broadcasts are French, German, Portuguese, Italian, FLYING TO RIO. — A close and cooperative with NBC-RED net- DOWN Greek, Turkish, Swedish and Danish. airport sight is depicted work activities, it is an entity in its own familiar A complete news and editorial setup is j right, embracing a staff of 82 in adminis- above with John F. Royal catching provided. Despite the fact that NBC-RED

I trative, sales, program, publicity, music, a plane for one of his frequent has an elaborate globe-girdling news and j traffic, editorial and news divisions. visits to Latin American nations special event department, the International

Under its new chief—Fred Bate, former represented in NBC’s 126-station Division has its own news section due to head of the NBC Western European staff, Pan American Network. Last year. different requirements. The importance of the division services three 50-kilowatt the items in relation to the nations at Royal made a 20,00()-mile air tour transmitters — WRCA and WNBI, Bound which they are beamed calls for separate of South America to organize the Brook, New Jersey, and WBOS, Boston handling. gigantic international radio project . a total of 20 hours each day. Ten lan- However, the short-wave division and which now represents a vital asset guages are included in the schedule and NBC-RED work closely on coverage of big to the United Nations victory effort. there are several major program func- news stories. For example, when Mexico’s As this issue of the Transmitter : tions: an elaborate news and entertainment President asked his Congress to declare lineup for South America and Europe; went to press. Royal had just re- war on the Axis powers, both the Red net- relays of outstanding NBC-RED sustain- turned to New York after a two- work and the short-wave stations coop- ing recorded repeats of smash-hit week trip to Mexico City, where he efficiently effectively pick- , shows; erated and on commercial programs for reception by conferred with executives of NBC ups from Mexico City as well as translated the United States Armed Forces in all Pan American network stations. relays to the entire world. parts of the world, and sponsored short- Many original “live” programs origi- wave features designed to interest foreign nate in Radio City for foreign listeners. buyers in American manufacturers’ wares. Some observers might call the broad- Aside from news in the ten languages,

There is a tremendous responsibility in casting of news and editorial comment there are interviews with foreign diplo- each phase the International : of Division’s “propaganda,” but the NBC short-wavers mats, visiting newsmen from distant na-

operations. This is true in normal peace- prefer to call it by its real name—“truth.” tions, and other persons deemed of interest

time periods and the trust is greatly ampli- Because it’s truth, they feel, that the enemy- to the listeners abroad. A second floor

fied in wartime. fears the most. studio has been set aside for the exclusive

News and editorial comment is perhaps Are the programs having their desired use of International; when extra facilities

the program item in greatest demand. In effect? Short-wave executives have defi- are needed, studios of NBC-RED in New

realization that short-wave radio is the nite proof that they are. Despite restric- York and other cities are made available only link persons of Nazi-controlled and tions and severe penalties placed on short- on split-second notice. occupied countries have with the United wave listening in Nazi-dominated nations, While news and comment top the pro-

Nations, NBC International is giving them letters and other forms of communica- gram order of the day, music is not neg- hope and mental ammunition in prepara- tions have been smuggled out of Germany lected. A music staff under the direction tion for the day they will be free peoples and occupied countries which register of Joseph Littau — noted symphonic and

again. I i cheers and applause for the American ( Continued on page 15 4 NBC TRANSMITTER

SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT Radio—not movie—names rule Hollywood air

By Sidney N. Strotz NBC Vice President, Western Division

• Before I crossed the Hudson River to an up and coming young radio comedian.

brave the wilds of the West, I found that He came to Hollywood for pictures and many Radio City natives had a number there, too, did fairly well. But when Red of peculiar ideas about radio in Holly- started on his present radio series, the ball

wood. One of these ideas, I found, was so really began rolling for bim, and as a

peculiar, it was virtually a myth—a myth result bis current success on tbe air has

I am now about to explode. This is it: pushed him even further up the ladder of that most of the NBC Hollywood pro- motion picture success. grams are carried by top-ranking picture Burns and Allen are among the kilo- names. cycle pioneers. Their brand of comedy has

Pure bunk! As a matter of cold fact, been a favorite of network dialers for a

there is not a single broadcast series origi- good many years—long before they ever nating in NBC Hol- dreamed of coming to Hollywood. Now lywood that stars a they do very well, indeed, as a picture top movie name. comedy team, and Gracie has even stepped Every mother’s son out on her own as a comedienne. and daughter on Lum and Abner are synonymous with our movietown air- radio. Chet Lauck and Norris Goff started lanes has been a in NBC’s Chicago studios nearly a decade

radio, vaudeville ago, and have been at it ever since as one

or stage star be- of the top dialogue teams on the air. Two

fore coming to the years ago they made their first picture, and cinema capital for because tbeir air following was so large SIDNEY N. STROTZ a fling at pictures. and so loyal, it made a great amount of Bing Crosby, for instance, was on the money. Result: a contract to make nine

air with Paul Whiteman before he even more films, the first of which is now had a very small part in “King of Jazz.” screening around the country, and doing

and was radio’s ace crooner before he ever even better than their first effort. faced a camera as a featured player in Kay Kyser was moving along quite well films. As for Jack Benny, he had five years as a dance band until he began bis College of radio and a dozen years of vaudeville of Musical Knowledge on NBC. He gravi- to his credit before he ever crashed a tated to outstanding national prominence,

movie lot. Abbott and Costello, who are and R-K-0 signed him for one trial pic-

box office dynamite these days, did much ture that was so successful he has done

radio, vaudeville and burlesque before two, and is signed for more.

putting on movie makeup. Fanny Brice is a stage veteran who was Bob Hope bas been going on the air well established in that field before sbe many years before tbe films even con- came West for pictures. Now she confines

sidered him. Rudy Vallee is nearlv as her activities entirely to radio.

much a radio institution as is radio itself. Eddie Cantor has been almost an habit- And Edgar Bergen was in radio’s top ual radio star with movies as a sideline. ranks before pictures ever gave him a And the number of radio writers who second look. either make film writing a sideline, or have

One of the best examples is Fibber stepped completely into that field from

McGee and Molly. Marian and Jim Jordan radio is so vast it is nearly impossible to

were doing a harmony act in NBC’s Chi- list them here. cago studios nine years ago, have been As a matter of fact, just glance over

doing Fibber and Molly for eight years, the entire list of names I have compiled,

and just now are coming into their own and you will see that the shoe is on the as potent picture material. other foot. Instead of Hollywood radio

Then there is Red Skelton. When 1 was being dominated by movie names, it is just

in Chicago, Red was doing fairly well as the other way around. JULY 1942 5

Intyre’s column, “New \ ork Day l»y l^ay,” PICTURE WITH A STORY of Novemlier 4, 19.46 when he (iiscusserl sensational puhlicily exploitation.

NBC's Clay Morgan and the Normandie “Among the best known, of course," McIntyre wrote, “was the arrival of the

Normandie in America. An important

maritime event, hut he I Morgan I turned

it into a Roman holiday.

“Me aroused interest that inspired the 8-column hanner and brought the busy

metropolis to a practical standstill as it lined the river front en masse to watch the vessel come up the hay and nose into the

dock. One thousand extra |)olice were re- (juired.” He was born (day land Tilden Morgan

in Jersey City, N. J., 48 years ago. After attending public school and one term of

high school in jersey (dty, he launched his

business career at the age of 14.

Between the ages of 14 and 19, he worked in a bank, served as an American Express Company clerk, sold fiberoid goods and specialty advertising, and took

nigbt courses in the Art Students League and the Columbia L niversity advertising

class. After three years on the stage— in stock and road companies—he enlisted in the New' York National Guard, served

overseas in World War I as a Second Lieu- tenant in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and spent a half year with the Army of Occu-

pation in Germany. In the post-war period he served three years as First Lieutenant

• On February 9, 1942, when the LkS.S. appears on deck whenever an important and Battalion Adjutant of the 71st In- Lafayette — the erstwhile French luxury radio matter pops up. Radio City folk fantry, New ^ ork National Guard. liner Normandie — caught fire and cap- sometimes think he simply materializes at In 1919. resuming his business career, sized at her New York pier, an alert the scene of any big activity the moment Morgan entered the New 4 ork office of cameraman caught the graphic scene por- it breaks. If several events calling for his the French Line, remaining 17 years until trayed on this page. presence happen at the same time, he he joined NB(i in October, 1936. as public

This single picture is packed with so seems to have the knack of being at all of relations executive. He was publicity direc- many NBC angles that it could be used them simultaneously. tor of the French Line for 13 vears. He effectively to illustrate any of several arti- Thus, such a startling occurrence as the traveled extensively in Europe, lectured on cles of NBC Transmitter caliber. Normandie fire, calling for speedy and French topics in many American cities and Most obvious news slant was NBC’s complete radio news coverage, found Clay wrote numerous magazine articles on travel coverage of the fire—a typical on-the-scene Ylorgan at the scene along with the an- sulijects. During two vears of his associa- commentary of history in the making. nouncers, newsmen and engineers. tion with the French Line, he also served Then, the central figure represents another But the day had deeper significance to as director of the French Government important story inasmuch as it show's the Morgan, perhaps, than to any other ob- Tourist Bureau in New \ork. late Graham McNamee at the mike. This server. For it was Morgan, as publicity Morgan was decorated with the Che- is probably the last photograph taken of director of the French Line, who made the valier Order of the Legion of Honor by the noted announcer, whose name will re- Normandie a household w ord. The maiden the French Government earlv in 1910. The main a trade legend throughout all of voyage of the pride of the French mer- formal presentation took place in New broadcasting’s future. But at the left, the chant marine will probably stand for \ ork the dav the Germans marched into man glancing at the smoking shell of the many post-war years as the greatest pub- Paris. But Morgan wears the award in the great liner makes still another story. He licity and promotional achievement in hope of a new day of freedom for the

is NBC’s Clay Morgan. As Assistant to the maritime history. France he knew and loved.

President he covers radio curricularly and Morgan, himself, is too modest to talk He is an active organizer and worker in extra-curricularly. He is an executive who about it. So we’ll quote the late O. 0. Me- various eharity drives each year. —)

6 NBC TRANSMITTER

WBZ JOINS NBC-RED

Massachusetts' Most Powerful Station Has Splendid Service Record

• Massachusetts’ most powerful radio sta- serve in many other ways. The station has time have been given to the Army, Navy, tion — 50,000-watt WBZ — joined the received ealls from hospitals requesting Marine Corps and Coast Guard, to civilian NBC-RED Network on June 15, the move blood donors of a certain type. It has been defense activities and to the War Bond marking another milestone in the Boston asked to broadcast warnings of dangerous campaign. station’s distinguished career and enlarg- road conditions, news of forest fires, even One of the station’s important contribu- ing NBC-RED’s audience in the vital cov- official Army instructions to air raid war- tions in the present war emergency was erage area. dens. the creation of the program “Remember The Boston transmitter, owned by Special events crews have covered sport- Pearl Harbor,” through which more than Westinghouse Radio Stations, Inc., was ing events and spot news. $150,000 in War Bonds were sold. For launched under In 1939, when the submarine Squalus originating this program, which has now other call letters went down, WBZ microphones went to spread to many other cities, station WBZ on November 15, sea and covered the disaster. When the was awarded a plaque for distinguished

1924. It adopted its Squalus was finally brought to the sur- service by the United States Treasury De- now -famous label face, WBZ flashed the news that the sub- partment.

of WBZ ( held since marine, which is now doing valiant service Statesmen, educators, clergy and Gov- 1921 by another as the Sailfish, had been reclaimed from ernment heads have appeared before the New England West- the bottom of the Atlantic. WBZ microphones, sharing the air sched- inghouse station In June of 1941, when 33 men went to ule with musicians and entertainers.

when it dedicated death in the submarine 0-9, WBZ micro- Charles S. Young (known more famil-

a new 50-kilowatt phones were first on the scene. iarly as Cy Young I is acting general man- CY YOUNG transmitter at Mil- Since the station’s early days, WBZ has ager of WBZ. Other executives include:

lis, Massachusetts, on March 13, 1931. given listeners complete coverage of world F. M. Sloan, chief engineer; W. Gordon In July, 1940, the present WBZ trans- events through frequent news broadcasts. Swan, program manager; Frank R. Bowes,

mitting plant, designed to become a radio It is impractical to list all the services sales manager; Harry D. Goodwin, sales center of standard broadcasting, short which WBZ has performed. Thousands of promotion manager, and E. F. Stafford, wave, frequency modulation and television, radio hours were devoted to labor, church publicity manager.

was opened at Hull, Massachusetts. and educational programs. WBZ has given WBZ is proud of its record of public The years between were years of growth, the farmer the latest in market and agri- service and today—as an NBC-RED affili-

of service to the many communities in its culture news and weather reports. ate — stands ready for whatever added great coverage zone, years marked by More recently, hundreds of hours of air duties the future may bring. other important milestones.

In November of 1925, WBZ was first linked with station WJZ, New York, and

on January 1, 1927, the Westinghouse sta- tion formally joined the Blue Network then a division of NBC. Since 1921, the Boston station had

three studio locations, the first in the Hotel Brunswick, later in the Hotel Statler, and since 1931, in the Hotel Bradford.

WBZ has served its listeners in many ways. Especially outstanding has been the

service rendered in times of disaster.

In 1936 and 1938, when the (Connecti- cut Valley was ravaged by floods, WBZ flew a force of announcers and engineers,

together with ecjuipment, to Springfield, and stayed on the air constantly, giving aid to flood victims and workers, broad-

casting news of conditions in the area, clearing messages for the Red Cross and for residents of the stricken area to friends

and relatives. WBZ has also been called upon to WBZ"s Cape Cod “Dwelling’ Transmitter House at Hull, Mass. JULY 1942 7

RADIO'S GREAT POST-WAR FUTURE f 0. B. Hanson Sees Tremendous Engineering Gains After Victory

I #Just about everybody in radio, or in- I'bey were going forward at normal, peace- war in 1942, the forward surge of radio, t terested in radio, is wondering what will time rates of progress, finding gradual ap- once the Nazi scourge has been cleared

|l happen to the industry when the last bomb plication to operations. from the earth, shouhl be almost beyond

4 has fallen and the quiet of peace returns “But war doesn’t allow for normal calculation. to a harassed world. living and working. Men pool ideas, ex- Consider what came out of the first 0. B. Hanson, NBC vice-president and perience and laboratories. Every sera]) of World War after the (iernian threat had

I chief engineer, foresees the stringent con- technical knowledge is searched for its been turned back in

I ditions of wartime operation followed by possible use in carrying the nation to vic- I ranee. I'he world

a post-war period of intense technical in- tory. As long as we are at war all this will went into that holo- novation and development. The reason, he be the exclusive property of the armed caust with a horse-

finds with the engineer’s logic, lies in the forces; but when peace comes again all and-buggy civiliza-

of radio development for the ingenious devices, all the wealth of tion. .Men’s , fevered pace minds war. All applied science, he says, takes intense wartime research and most of the traveled the dusty

tremendous forward steps under the re- men who now are busy in the nation’s roads of tradition. lentless pressure of a battle for existence. laboratories will revert to civilian life.” Out of the war

“Let’s see if we can find a parallel in No secret is the fact that radio figures came a new world;

past experience,” he said the other day at in practically every movement of men and new -scale indus-

Radio City. “We went into the last war motors, ships and planes in World War II. tries — motor car, with wireless telegraphy; came out with But hidden from the public and from pry- radio, aviation. And new men to pilot these wireless telephony. That’s where radio ing enemy agents alike are the designs industries to greatness.

broadcasting got its start, just about two and devices created on drawing boards and Hanson was one of tho.se young men.

years after the Armistice in 1918. laboratory work benches to make Amer- British-born, he was a gangling kid up in “Now we’re at war again. We’ve gone ica’s military the mightiest the world has Hartford, Connecticut, when Germany’s

into it with some aspects of radio at a ever seen. Until peace returns, as Hanson Ublans swept through Belgium into north-

pretty high level of development. More pointed out, the civilian will know little ern France. He was working in a type- important for the future, however, are the or nothing of the immense treasures of writer factory, but he already had some little-developed projects, even ideas, of research and development being piled up ideas about radio. A couple of years be-

science. Radio, like every other industry, in wartime. But if they are in proportion fore that the ill-fated Titanic had rammed had a lot of these before Pearl Harbor. to the vastness of science’s application to an iceberg with appalling results, but the spectacular rescues effected through radio

— it was wireless then—made the world NBC BEPOBTERS HOME FROM ENEMY LANDS sit up and take notice. Hanson was one of the kids who rigged up “ham,” or amateur, stations, as a result. He went to sea as Marconi operator on

British liners after completing a course in wireless at New York. One of his ships, the Stephano, was sunk off Nantucket Light in 1916 by the famous U-53, the sub-

marine that started the business of tor- pedoing vessels on this side of the Atlantic. Hanson came ashore early in 1917, went to work at the Marconi company’s plant

at Aldene, N. J. The factory hummed with war work.

But the war ended and business fell off.

Hanson took another turn at sea. this time on South American runs, before returning

to Hartford to set up an electrical busi- ness. He sold out in 1921. He was soon back in radio, this time in broadcasting.

His work at Station WAAM, Newark, Paul Fisher (left) and David Colin returned to the United States recently after where Hanson was practically the entire

internment in Axis countries. Fisher, former Berlin correspondent, and Colin, who staff, attracted the attention of officials at reported from Italy, revealed many startling facts regarding life behind enemy borders. {Continued on page 15) Raymond Gram Swing, one of Amer- Slips that j)a8s in the mike ica’s analysts, joins great news NBC reeordings to prove KOA I Denver I an in Septendier with four (juarter-hour noiincers’ l)oners. Here, the inikenie spots each week. WEAF’s short-wave mobile unit was right on literally face the music on the “Let’s Loo. deck for the gigantic “New York at War” at the Record Program.” parade.

The “Army Hour” goes 'round Ires a the world for feature pick-

ups. Here is Soviet Alajor Ian? General Sokolov- Sokolienok.

Snatching guest speakers out of the headlines is a customary proce- dure for Mary Margaret McBride Red Skelton, NBC comedian, beams over the headline (right I, of WEAF, New York. use of his famous mike phrase in The Los Angeles Here she is with Eve Curie. Evening Herald Express.

- i-

.And here’s the Doolittle who “dood it.’" Bill Stern, noted sports commenti Dor- Brigadier General .liininy Doolittle faces the fame, is shown interviewing a hf An unusual action photo of Tommy ,((

sey, topnotch swing bandsman of NB(.. mike after being decorated by the President. Proving Grom lif,. Putnams, (reoifte I', Nellie Kevell interviews radio’s two (reorjrc' (.eorfio A. is a prominent Iree- (left) is an NBC newseaster and same year and met lor lancer. The Putnam lads were horn the circles. the first time in New York radio

delivered the commencement Hollywood jiress stall. \iles Trammell, NBC president, When Martha Sherwin Curry, of the NBC Indiana, on May 6L. at San l)ie*:o. the iddress at De Pauw University, Greencastle, resi«med to join her Naval Lieutenant hushand de«;ree ot Doctor the Brown The NBC top executive received the honorary department tendered her a farewell luncheon at radio eommunieation as an the left. of Laws for his “keen appreciation of Derhv. She is third from instrument of public service.”

Clarence L. Menscr. Caught at the phone in a typical jio-se is Some 20 years ago. Menser have won him added NBC’s national program manager. whose thrilling interviews on the Army Hour Galesburg, professor of public speaking at Knox College. workers at the Army s Aberdeen (Maiyland) was pf attractive defense th; tlip sphonl s theater. ruin to Page 10 for a special feature on Stern. 10 NBC TRANSMITTER

SPORTSCASTER EXTRAORDINARY

Bill Stern's Sensational Rise Is Like an Alger Story

• At 35, Bill Stern is the biggest name in at Newport and maybe a split week on the sportscasting. Director of Sports of NBC, stage in Hartford.

he is also the intimate friend of famous In the Fall, Stern zigzags about the motion picture stars, celebrated ring cbam- United States to broadcast important foot- pions, baseball players, golfers, football ball games. Nights before games are spent stars and coaches. On his sport programs. not in sleep but in poring through records, Stern has played radio host to world- writing out reference cards and memoriz- famed celebrities; Bill bas parried words ing the names of the players. with ring champions, glamour girls, movie At Penn Military Academy, Bill Stern stars, All-American gridiron heroes, ad- was a good polo player and a fair quarter- venturers, tennis luminaries, baseball stars back on the football team. After college, and other national celebrities. be tried his hand at many trades. He was His concentration and bis interest in a saxophone player in a band, an usher his job are great indeed. He is an inde- in a motion picture theatre, a laborer on fatigable worker when it comes to putting tbe RKO movie lots in Hollywood, a cloth- over a program. Everything is minutely BILL STERN ing salesman, a stage director and now the planned. Everything must be “just so.” “voice of sports” to the NBC-RED audi- Nothing is left to chance. argues, criticizes, praises, and sweats until ence.

Stern’s sport announcing career really the script is finished. Meanwhile, the For the past two years, he has topped started with a sentimental gesture. Back phone on Stern’s desk had jangled 30 calls all four major popularity polls — those in Stern worked as a stage manager to the hour, the secretary had popped in 1933, conducted by the Scripps-Howard news- Music Hall. a sideline, and out with important messages, at Radio City As and papers, Radio Daily, Movie and Radio he would do some football announcing for visitors and executives from other depart- Guide and Motion Picture Daily. He is the the National Broadcasting Company. The ments had dropped in for quick talks on only sport announcer in the history of money was not much, but Stern loved the various matters. radio to make a grand slam and win all work and his talent did catch some favor- At 6:45, five times weekly. Stern rushes important popularity polls in the same able attention in the newspapers. into a studio to broadcast his daily sport year. Radio Guide recently took an exten-

Eollowing a serious automobile acci- show, often speaking the full 15 minutes sive popularity poll of all sport an- dent which hospitalized Bill for a con- without a prepared script. After the Mon- nouncers in the country. Bill Stern scored siderable time, he showed up at NBC day night show, he jumps into his car and 63.2 out of a possible 100. His nearest in the Eall, was given another trial at drives to his home for a quick dinner with competitor and runner-up in that poll had football announcing and reached the his wife and two-year-old son, Peter. Then a score of 14.6. choice “high salary” brackets. Before long at 9 o’clock, he is back at work at the Bill Stern talks like a runaway express Stern was placed in complete charge of Metro-Goldwyn studios doing the voice and lives like one. But his frenzied living all NBC sport broadcasts. He was as they narration for the weekly newsreel. The job and popularity has jacked him up from an say in sports, “no flash in the pan,” for usually ends at three in the morning. obscure, part-time announcer to America’s he proved that he was not only a most The rest of the week, besides doing his best-known sport commentator. refreshing football announcer, but a nightly sport broadcast, and directing tbe —MAC DAVIS shrewd and capable business executive as numerous activities of the NBC sports de- well. As NBC sports director, be built up partment, Bill Stern may do any of the the department to the biggest sports unit following: Hop a plane to Cleveland to Organic Matter in radio, handling exclusively the broad- broadcast a figbt, return to the office, for a • The advent of the NBC Transmitter in casting of most of the important athletic few hours, then hop another plane for a its new format brought forth a reminder events in the United States and doing an couple of days at Augusta, Georgia, to that several affiliated stations have their annual business of well over .$1,000,000. broadcast the professional golf matches. own local house magazines. Summer and Winter. Stern’s schedule Or, he may fly out to Hollywood for two WMBG, NBC-RED outlet of Richmond, hits a terrific pace. On Mondays, with his days of work before tbe cameras. Virginia, has a four-page monthly paper writer, Mac Davis, he begins work on the Then, a weekly show at some Army —the WMBG Transmitter—which has just “Sport Newsreel of the Air.” camp, a dozen personal appearances at celebrated its eighth birthday. It’s a live

For hours they work at a feverish pace, luncheons and dinners, a few special little paper containing a “tear-off” tab of pruning, fixing, writing and rewriting the shows and guest shots on other programs, program bighlights and news and pictures material, as Stern shouts, pleads, demands. a track meet in Iowa, a tennis tournament of NBC-RED and local programs. IDLY 1942 11

New Personnel Head AND NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY OFFER NBC Hails from Panama SUMNER RADIO INSTITUTE • Ernest de la Ossa, new .\B(> personnel director, is a native of the Canal Zone and coiTies to broadcasting as an exjjert on em- # The National Broadcasting Company- selected students from high schools and ployment problems. Northwestern University Summer Radio universities and for persons already em- His career has been varied and color- in late ployed stations or networks. Institute was launched Chicago by ful. While attending school in Cristobal represent exten- Actually, the response indicated that an in June. The courses he worked at a sive collaboration between the network enormous portion of the American public tourist concession and the university in providing instruction has an ambition to study radio’s many I jf and on anti-air- on the manifold phases of broadcasting. phases and that there are no age or geo- craft construction. Arrangements for the Summer Radio graphical bounds. Upon graduating Institute were made by Harry C. Kopf, Miss Waller, a pioneer in radio educa- from the Cristo- NBC vice-president and manager of the tion, is presenting the course on public bal High School central division; Judith Waller, the net- service programs in collaboration with (where he won work’s central division public service di- Allen iMiller, production director of Sta- American Legion rector, and Albert Crews, chairman of tion KWSC, State College of Washington. and Columbia (ml- curriculum, radio division, Northwestern Miller is former radio director of the Uni- lege scholarships ERNEST LA ' University. versity Chicago DE OSSA of and former director of and was class vale- Classes divide time between the North- the University Broadcasting Council in dictorian I he came to New York and western and Merchandise Chicago. campus NBC’s earned his A.B. degree at Columbia where studios. The network provides in- instructors are Wright, pro- Mart Other Wynn he won several honors in class and ath- lecturers studio facilities. structors, and duction director of the NBC central divi- letics. He also studied industrial relations The concentrated eight-week course in- sion, teaching radio production; Charles at the Harvard University Business School. instruction in radio writing, cludes acting, Urquhart, assistant production manager, All his education was self-financed; announcing and directing the plan- and announcing; Martin Magner, of the pro- he achieved this by serving as a head ning, adminstration and production of duction staff, radio acting, and Albert camp counselor, as a Columbia Univer- public service programs. Crews, of Northwestern, radio writing. sity reference librarian, and in other spe- According to Mr. Kopf, the collabora- Students are given the opportunity to cial college assignments. It is interesting tion is based the anticipated on demand observe the rehearsal and production of to note that one of his duties was super- for trained radio personnel to replace actual NBC network programs. University vision of the football broadcast booth. workers called for military and civilian credit will be given to students have wbo After graduation, he joined R. H. Macy duty. course is designed for war The the prerequisites necessary for admission. & Co., New' York, serving on the depart- ment store’s personnel training squad. In turn, he was non-selling department em- ployment interviewer and training super- visor. At the time he resigned to join NBC he was executive placement interviewer.

Human Barometer Finds Atmosphere Too Chilly

© Shortly after the ruling banning weather

reports. Bill Evans, WTMJ ( Milwaukee i announcer conducting the station’s “Top o’ the Morning” feature, puzzled over the situation for a few days, then greeted his

listeners with; “Well, if you want to know about the weather, better stick vour head out the w indow and find out.” Now a post card from an Evans fan poses this question: “Dear Bill —Since vou NBC FACULTY AND FACILITIES AID STUDENTS: NBC central division staff mem- stopped giving us the weather reports, my bers serving on the faculty of the Summer RaBio Institute at Northwestern University. husband has been taking your suggestion. Left to right, Charles Urquhart, assistant manager of the production department ; Wynn Every morning he sticks his head out the Wright, manager of production; Judith Waller, public service director, and Martin window, but. unfortunately, the neighbors Magner, of the production staff. think he’s just being inquisitive.” 12 NBC TRANSMITTER

PROMOTION: THE ADVANCE AGENT Frances Sprague Weds OF GOOD RADIO SALESMANSHIP Publishers' Consultant • Frances Sprague, chief librarian of By Charles B. Brown NBC since 1930, was married to Robert P. I\BC Sales Promotion Manager Joy, publishers’ consultant and • Promotion today, by the very nature of dropped advertising during or since World New York editor of circumstances, requires less of the pyro- War I. Current Events, on technics of yesterday. “The business of Again, we were able to fill the request June 27. The wed- promotion” is synonymous with “the pro- immediately because we had made an ex- ding took place at motion of business,” and any kind of pro- haustive search for such data and had sent the Pelham, New motion cannot operate effectively if it is our stations and our own sales personnel 't ork, home of the out of tune with the times. two special issues of our “Facts” folder on bride’s brother, This does not mean that promotion the subject. Stuart Sprague, a should he less dynamic; it means that Steering promotion down the middle of prominent radio at- MRS. ROBERT P. JOY today substance is the prime need. the road is at the same time the best and torney who for-

Promotion is the advance agent of a most difficult course to follow. A trifle too merly served on the NBC legal staff. strong sales force as well as the continu- much emphasis or reiteration of claims in Mrs. Joy is a native of Vermontville, ing contact between the advertisement or presentation arouses Michigan, and a graduate of Olivet Col- actual sales calls. resentment and criticism. Too much under- lege. Prior to joining NBC she was asso-

It is as useful as its statement or copy discipline and the idea ciated with the Standard Oil Development

ability to move is quickly voiced that the company is high- Company library at Elizabeth, New Jersey, convincing sales hat or complacent. and the Detroit Public Library. When she ideas into the In times like these, of course, the whole joined NBC--at the 711 Fifth Avenue minds of potential range of promotion activity must be inte- studios—in 1930, she set out to compile a users through mate- grated more than ever to specific problems general library by merging the book col-

rial which can be ^ Continued on page 16) lections of all departments. followed up and capitalized upon CHARLES B. BROWN by, the, sales, lorce WELCOME BACK, CHIEF! in hard-hitting sales contacts.

1 he major problem today is promo- tional speed—s|)eed in delivering a wide variety of material, not merelv on demand, hut before the demand is recognized by the buyer. Ability to fill the hill rests pretty much on what might be termed “promotional prescience” — that faculty which anticipates probable developments and the vital character of the promotional requests most likely to arise. For example, when priority regulations first began to arouse interest, we received an urgent recjuest for all available data on the effect they would have on food and drug advertising. Fortunately, Sales F’ro- motion had completed two comprehensive analytical reports on the subject —one, a check of advertisers using NBC; two, a survey of government regulations affect- ing such basic industries as food, drugs, gas and oil, tobacco, cosmetics, etc. It was therefore (juite simple to pull out the data. Another example concerns a long dis- Niles Trammell (right), president of NBC, was enJhusiastically welcomed hack to tance call asking for the best data on the active sendee after his recent illness bv more than 400 employees at the NBC A. A. outing value of continuing advertising under war at Huntington, Long Island, on June 23. Clay Morgan, assistant to the president, was conditions, commodity restrictions, etc., chatting with Mr. Trammell when this picture was snapped on the spacious Crescent including histories of those firms which Club grounds, where employees took part in many sports. )OLY 1942 13

Marie Gerard New DEEP IN THE ARM IN TEXAS Stations Greeter # Meet Miss Marie Gerard. She’s the charming young lady recently named re-

ceptionist in the NBC Station Relations Department. In her job, Miss Gerard meets

and greets all NBC alliliated station man- agers and executives visiting New York. Miss Gerard was horn at Fort Stotsen- burg, Philippine Islands, where her father, a New Yorker, was a civil engineer on

Go vei n men t as- signment. He was

lost in an airplane

flight when she was hut six months old.

But she lived in the Philippines, China and Japan before

MARIE GERARl the United States at the age of two. Her one memory of infant

days in the Far East is that she learned to walk in Japan.

Arriving in Seattle, she was brought % Janice Jarratt injects pep—and plenty of it—into the WOAI (San Antonio, Texas) directly to New York and has lived there news department as she begins her new series of appearances. Miss Jarratt, known as

since. Prior to joining NBC she was a ''the most photographed girl in America,” culminates a colorful career of commercial receptionist at the Westinghouse Building modeling and movie work by handling the "Womans Page of the Air” feature. Passessor the World’s Fair and a at New York of a natural journalistic ability and a radio voice which is receiving acclaim from Powers model. listeners, she is considered to be one of the greatest radio “finds” in the southwest. Miss Her avocation is singing and she is still jarratt will augment her programs of womens news with interviews of outstanding studying at the Metropolitan Opera Choral personalities over WOAI. Corwin Riddell, WOAI news chief, beams his pleasure over School with an active operatic career as the station's acquisition of Miss Jarratt, in the photo above. her chief objective.

of the State, from as far south as Miami, Air Tydings' Tidings WHO Drops Corn Belt as far north as Boston and as far west as For Public Guidings Chicago. Contests Due to War “Persons listening to these talks write

• In the interests of conserving rubber, • The use of radio as a means for a legis- in commendations or criticisms, so that gasoline and other fuel oils, WHO, Des lator to keep in touch with his constituents quite frequently they give me their own

Moines, Iowa, has cancelled plans for the is highly extolled by Senator Millard E. views not only on matters discussed but

annual Corn Belt Plowing Matches, ac- Tydings, of Maryland. He has been fea- on other matters which I find helpful in cording to Herb Plambeck, WHO farm tured in a fifteen-minute talk each Sunday formulating subjects for future talks.” news editor and contest director. night over WBAL, Baltimore, for the past As an example of the timeliness and Plambeck pointed out that increased year. importance of the topics covered. Senator farm activity, shortage of farm labor and Senator Tydings terms the broadcast Tydings pointed out that before Pearl the elimination of unnecessary transporta- report a “worthwhile institution,” inas- Harbor, there were two talks on the mili-

tion are other factors in the decision to much as it brings the representative in tary strength of Japan on land, sea and

discontinue the annual farm sports event intimate touch with his constituents and in the air. Labor, tax and shipping prob- “for the duration.” The third annual match creates a better knowledge and under- lems were among the additional subjects. at Albia last year attracted 38 contestants standing of current Government problems. from three states who competed before a “I have been astounded on going into Mike crowd of between 20,000 and 25,000 per- different communities in Maryland,” the sons. While relinquishing active sponsor- Senator stated, “at the number of people • With the war implying that there will

ship of the Corn Belt Match, WHO will who tell me they are listening each week be a shortage of male announcers, the

continue to cooperate with all communi- to these broadcasts. I have likewise re- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is em- ties interested in holding county matches. ceived many letters from listeners outside ploying girls for the mike assignments. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER

And a Gala Time Was Had by All!

• The annual outing of the National

• Yehudi—the little man who wasn’t there day,” La Prade ( now NBC director of Broadcasting Company Athletic Associa-

—has finally been found. For years, it music research) recalls. “When we used tion took place at the Crescent Club,

seems, he’s been operating the famous seven notes, it seemed no two announcers Huntington, Long Island, June 23. NBC chimes, the most popular musical ever got them in their proper order.” An all-day session of fun and sports trademark in the world. The familiar “g-e-c” notes were finally started with the departure of A.A. mem- In Hollywood’s Radio City, in San adopted, and NBC engineers developed an bers and guests on the Long Island Rail- Francisco, in Chicago, or in the NBC automatic system. Each of the three notes road from Pennsylvania Station. Cabs studios in New York, a simple push of a are composed of eight partial notes, and waiting at the Huntington station whisked button sets off the familiar “bing-bong- the twenty-four partials are then tuned to the lads and lassies to the expansive club bing,” heard nearly twenty billion times perfection by an oscilloscope and standard grounds.

each year throughout the world. There is frequency oscillator. George H. Frey, of Sales, who is the nothing to strike, no bells to ring. The In today’s modern studio, the chimes new A.A. president, arranged a crowded chimes, in fact, are not really chimes at are put on the air by a push of a button. day of tennis, swimming, horseback riding, all, but amplified oscillations in radio tube This push trips an electrical relay in the golf and other sports. Luncheon and circuits. master equipment room, setting rows of dinner were served at the club and an Identified with NBC for nearly 15 fingers on a revolving drum to plucking elaborate oasis for parched palates was

years, the chimes came into use when the the eight separate metal reeds. The com- provided. And, as if these facilities weren’t NBC Network needed a signal, a “go- bined tones resulting are the three famous enough, there were cold kegs of beer

ahead” device to put programs on the air. notes, each in perfect and automatic pitch. studded around the lawn, where self-

The early days in chime history were No microphone is used, as each of the service was the order of the day. somewhat hectic, and many NBC veterans metal reeds and a parallel strip of metal And at night, there was dancing. A recall the weird arrangements that some- form a small condenser. The vibrations of sliding roof in the clubhouse revealed the times went out on the air. 0. B. Hanson, the reed vary the capacity of the con- starlit heavens. There’s a report that A.A. Ernest La Prade and Phillips Carlin each denser, and these vibrations are amplified committeemen had been going to a Gypsy had a hand in the development of the directly onto the NBC network circuit. tea room to get advance weather reports present-day three-note signal, but not be- According to mathematics, Yehudi’s for the day.

fore experiments with seven-note, five-note “bing-bong-bing” is the most familiar and four-note signatures had been tried. melody in the country, with the notes ring- STATION SHORTS “The chimes were worked by hand, much ing in the average listener’s ears 16 times • Men employees of WTAM (Cleveland) like the ordinary dinner-table chimes to- each day. highlighted their recent banquet by re- naming their recreation club and dedicat- LA PRADE HONORED IN CINCINNATI ing it to “America’s unconquerable spirit for victory.” The 5T members of the group decided to formally change the name of the organization from the “1070” Club to the “1100” Club to conform with a recent

change in the station’s frequency.

• Men in the Armed Forces who receive the hospitality of the Milwaukee County I SO aren’t going to lack music. Over 2,000 records, most of them popular, have been donated by the musical library of WTMJ—W55M, The Journal Stations, fol- lowing an inventory. Many of the records are valuable as collectors’ items.

• Agnes White, KFI (Los Angeles) home economist, may soon take dialers right into the model kitchen of her own lovely home

— Cincinnati Entjuirer Photo. in the Palos Verdes hills. Because of the Ernest La Prade (center), NBC director of /nusic research, is shown receiving a rubber shortage, she hopes to broadcast Doctor of Music degree at the College of Music of Cincinnati. La Prade’s numerous her five-a-week “California Home” series musical activities include collaboration with the NBC engineering department in acoustics from there by a remote hook-up, saving and electronics. He has attracted widespread attention as an author and composer. many miles of monthly driving. JULY 1942 15

YANKEE JOB THAT'S DANDY

( Continued jroni page d )

hand conductor— is assigned full-tinic to the International Division.

A crack staff of translators is on deck to handle program preparation details as well as the swift, steady flow of listener mail. Despite the hazards of wartime ship- ping, foreign listeners’ comment arrives at a brisk rate. The popularity of short-wave rehroad- casts to American soldiers, sailors and marines has grown tremendously in re- cent months. Our service men have written a steady stream of appreciative letters thanking NBC and prominent sponsors for

DsivineO them an intimate link with the homeland they’re fighting for. Sponsors using NBC short waves to their network programs to our Armed send THE HUSTLING, BUSTLING INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT: r/,ere’s activity Forces include: American Tobacco Com- aplenty all day long in this large room where NBC short-wave programs are. shaped in pany, P. Ballantine & Sons, Carter Prod- ten different languages. This important department is filling a vital wartime role under ucts, Inc., Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Com- the guidance of John F. Royal, NBC vice-president in charge of international relations. pany, Esso Marketers, F. W. Fitch Company, General Foods Corporation,

S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Kraft Cheese achievements mentioned between the open- Just Stretch the Wall Company, Lever Brothers Company, Lewis- ing paragraph and this closing one prove Howe Company, Miles Laboratories, Inc., the truth of George M. Cohan’s lyrical If the Studio's Small Philip Morris & Co., Ltd., The Procter & proclamation that an “Independence Day

Gamble Company, The R. J. Reynolds birthday makes Royal doubly entitled to • After their recent experience at a school Tobacco Company, F. & M. Schaefer Brew- the label of Yankee Doodle Dandy!” near Thomaston, Ga.. the Swanee River ing Company, Vick Chemical Company, Boys, popular Vi SB ( Atlanta I quartet, can and Williamson Candy Company. say without fear of exaggeration that they International has its own sales staff did “bring down the house”—or part of headed by S. F. Woodell, who was in the it anyway. export business prior to his present post. RADIO'S POST-WAR FUTURE When show time came, the sponsors

The war has narrowed down the number I Continued from page 7 ) realized that the room prepared for the of sponsored programs but there is every program would never hold the crowd that indication that there will be a tremendous WEAF. They offered a job. Within two turned out. post-war boom in short-wave commercial years Hanson was plant manager, continu- Decisive action was forthcoming. The features. ing in that capacity when the National sponsors hastily organized a “demolition The value of the International Division Broadcasting Company was formed in crew” and carefully removed a large sec- in contributing towards America’s “good 1926. tion of the school room wall—making it neighbor” policy has been proved time Radio broadcasting grew at a tremen- possible for people in the next room to see and time again. Every event of interest to dous rate and Hanson developed with it. and hear the proceedings. our Latin-American neighbors is covered He is credited with a half dozen signifi- in great detail. A recent example was tbe cant inventions and hundreds of his sug- Near Beer visit of President Prado of Peru. From gestions have been built into equipment tbe moment the Peruvian statesman set developed at Radio City. Hanson was # Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a lot of brew - foot on U. S. A. soil until his departure. named chief engineer several years after eries above ground, but TMJ-Vi .5.5M. Buck Canel, of the NBC International NBC was organized and was elevated to a The Journal stations, in laying foundation staff, was on hand with mikes and engi- vice-presidency in 1938. for a 3()0-foot transmitter back of the local neers to report the highlights of his visit Hanson was in at the beginning of tele- "Radio City,” new home of the stations, for South American listeners. vision, saw it and frequency modulation discovered the ruins of an old one. Founda- This started out to be a biography of established. He has seen the frontiers of tion of the long forgotten structure was

John Francis Royal. And the only per- radio steadily pushed out, watched over found 12 feet dow n, along w ith sections of sonal fact listed was that he was born on the development of new radio tools to railroad track. The site now constitutes tbe Fourth of July. But the great patriotic make practical use of ultra-short waves. one of the city's most scenic sections. 16 NBC TRANSMITTER

Press to Broadcasting PROMOTION: ADVANCE AGENT {Continued from page 12)

Path Followed by Dale of individual advertisers because there are fewer common denominator distribution • With more than 20 years of experience or selling patterns today. In addition, in the newspaper and allied fields, Albert every advertising dollar must do the work E. Dale joined NBC in November, 1941, of two and every emotional concept must as director of the Department of Informa- be two-dimensional — first, it must meet the tion, bringing to radio press agentry and current need and, second, it must contain public relations a refreshing ser- note of continuing values which link it definitely vice and collaboration born of the linotype with post-war tomorrow. and reaching new heights of utility at the In short, the very essence of promotion

microphone. At the recent NBC War Clinic is the dramatic presentation of dynamic sessions, Dale called for renewed press- ideas which are a little ahead of the times radio cooperation. yet applicable to immediate needs. He is quick to notice trends and realizes Today, as never before, promotion can the great importance of press and radio and must serve every phase of business relations in this wartime period. operation from public relations down to ALBERT E. DALE Starting his newspaper career in Al- the company’s annual report. From here bany, New York, he was legislative corre- on, this nation and the world in general spondent for The New York Sun, The New Telegraph, and The Chicago Evening will be living in an era of new ideas. Ideas \ ork Evening Sun and The New York American. In 1940, after serving for a applied to social problems, ideas applied

Herald Tribune. Following a year as polit- year as Sunday editor and managing edi- to economic problems. The world is at a ical reporter on The New York Evening tor of The Washington Times Herald, Dale mental and spiritual cross-roads and ideas, Mail, he returned to Albany in 1922 to became director of public relations and sound and fundamental, understandable help organize The Albany Evening News. publicity for the Greater New York Fund. by all and dynamically presented will

In 1929 he joined the Hearst enter- Working with James Farley, the campaign prove a prime ingredient in bringing about i prises, serving as editor of the following chairman, he witnessed a record charity a greater distribution of the good things papers: The Detroit News, The Wisconsin drive, topping earlier campaigns by of life and a more stable era for the

News (Milwaukee), The Pittsburgh Sun S40(),()0(). greatest number of people. 1941 RED NETWORK CLIENTS AVERAGE 8 YEARS ON THE RED

RED ADVERTISERS FOR 10 YEARS OR MORE

RED ADVERTISERS FOR 5 YEARS OR MORE

RED ADVERTISERS FOR 2 YEARS OR MORE I

I NBC

I

AUGUST 1942

ARMY HOUR'S MISSION

Scene at Radio City dedica- tion of NBC's service flag July 11, At the microphone,

Lucy Monroe. To her left, William S. Hedges, NBC vice-president in charge of

stations; Captain Thomas B. Thompson and Army Chap-

I loin Earl Jennings. To her fight: Major General Sande- ford Jarman, chief speaker. —NBC Photo by Desfor :

2 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC TRANSMITTER VOL. 8 AUGUST 1942 NO. 4

Published Monthly by the National Broadcasting Company RCA Building, Radio City, New York

FOR THE WAR • From cover to cover in this issue of The Transmitter are stories and pictures about radio and radio peo- ple in the war. Possibly NBC shoidd brag about the vast amount of local and network time it is giving free to aid in the war effort, but it believes patriotism and loyalty are inherent qualities in radio’s every-day role. NBC and its affiliated stations have gone far ahead of all demands in such extra-curricular duties as selling defense bonds, collecting • Three ])ublished aids for listeners of the events with which the programs are scrap rubber, saving grain crops in the NBC Inter-American University of the concerned, the Inter- American L niversity the West, even sending gift boxes to Air have been announced. Dr. James of the Air has also adopted for reference soldiers. Radio finds these tasks a Rowland Angell, NBC public service coun- the new ‘Self-Revising Atlas,’ just brought obligation. privilege rather than an selor and general supervisor of the hemi- out in revised form by the C. S. Hammond In big and small things radio does spheric educational project, has pointed Company.” its part to win! out that the broadcasts will be complete in themselves and that the special pub- Colorful Ceremonies WELDING THE NETWORK lished aids are available for those wishing ® Fast goes the work of knitting to obtain maximum benefits through in- Nark Flag Dedication NBC and its affiliated stations into dividual, group or class listening. • The cover photograph of this issue of a more cohesive unit. The first of such aids is “Lands of the the NBC Transmitter shows a scene at

Two new moves in this direction Free.” Published by the Odyssey Press, it the Radio City dedication of NBC’s New First, the 10% discount plan is a handbook tieing in with the series of York service flag on July 11. which assures many of the less that name written by Stuart Ayers. The flag, containing 225 blue stars, powerful and more remote stations In a prefatory chapter entitled “The two gold, was dedicated by Major General the great air programs in which Fourth Dimension of Culture,” Dr. Angell Sandeford Jarman, second in command of NBC leads all networks. This, too, and Sterling Fisher—assistant public ser- the First Army and Commanding Gen- is one more step in the effort to vice counselor and director of the Inter- eral, Anti-aircraft defenses. Eastern Thea- give the listening public easier American I niversity of the Air—explain ter of Operations. William S. Hedges, access to the best programs. NBC that the purpose of the handbook is to NBC vice-president in charge of stations, itself absorbs the new discount give background information concerning accepted the flag from General Jarman. allowed all advertisers using our each forthcoming broadcast of the first Captain Thomas B. Thompson, Chief of full 12.S-stalion network. series of “Lands of the Free,” and care- Chaplains of the Third Naval District, and

Second lift for the stations is fully prepared lists of publications for Army Chaplain Earl Jennings participated

j NBC’s Fall Parade of Stars promo- supplementary reading. in the ceremonies. Lucy Monroe led the

tion plan, hailed as one of the “To give unity and comprehensiveness assemblage in the singing of the National i greatest in broadcast history. to this reading,” they declare, “the Inter- Anthem. I'he 62nd Anti-aircraft regi- Every station gets a promotional American University of the Air has mental band and Army, Navy, Marine kit of records to he put on the air, adopted as an official reference book the and Coast Guard color guards took part announcing the return of great impressive volume entitled ‘Latin Amer- in the event. names in new fall programs (with ica,’ written by Preston E. James, chief Taps were sounded for two former the big stars themselves doing the of the Latin American section in the NBC guide staff members represented l)y announcing), also all sorts of pub- Office of the Coordinator of Information the gold stars: Lieutenant Jacques Tar- licity material, pictures, mats, in Washington. The book was recently tiere, killed in Syria fighting with the Free stories, window display ideas. pul)lished by Lothrop, Lee and Shepard. French, and Lieutenant Donald Crocker, These indeed are eye-oi)ening “To give further assistance to listeners U. S. Navy bomber pilot shot down plans to achieve ear-opening results. in locating, understanding and visualizing “somewhere in the Pacific.” )

AUGUST 1942 3

"ARMY HOUR NOT AN ENTERTAINMENT; IT'S A MILITARY MISSION"-VARIETY

(The folloiving text is reprinted from the article "‘Showmanship and ‘The Army

Hour’’” by Robert J. Landry in the July 22, 1942, issue of “Variety.’’ The article by the brilliant radio editor of the “shotvmen’s bible” was subheaded “A Triumph Over Time, Water, Static and Redtape.”

“ # ‘The Army Hour’ is not an entertain- American people, disabusing them of false ment. That’s what they say. It’s a military confidence on the one hand, but keeping mission. The distinction may have seemed hope from withering and the outlook from like a literary conceit at the start. It has being all murky and depressing on the tended to become a crisp fact as the pro- other. Somebody has to do this, and the gram has been shaken down. Now in its Army has a habit of not waiting upon 10th week, ‘The Army Hour’ has become others. Never mind that critics sometimes progressively mililary-like, dirninishingly suggest that the complex politics of ‘hope’ The president of the Radio Corporation * * * schmalz-like; ought, in a democracy, to be handled out- of America participating in a recent “Army Hour” broadcast. Colonel David SarnofJ, “Now that it has settled down for the side the armed forces. That’s theoretical. U. S. Army Signal Corps, is shown facing the duration and gone over the bumps ( it’s 7 ‘The Army Hour’ is practical. Practical NBC microphone at Camp Murphy, Florida. in the Hooper Rating ) that any new series in putting radio programs together on a has to take ‘The Army Hour’ may be basis of the Army’s exclusive knowledge sweating, worrying, long distancing, examined as a clinical study in showman- of the whole picture, of the dangers to, cabling, script-writing, putting it together ship on a global magnitude of total war and the needs of maximum efficiency. job. There’s anywhere from 60 hours up and total human destiny. It is possible to “Naturally ‘The Army Hour’ must of hard work for Wyllis Cooper alone on consider now with some perspective the speak for all the branches and corps. ( It any one broadcast. J his is the supreme program goals set by Gen. A. D. Surles also speaks on occasion for the Navy.) In test of professionalism. No amateur could and Lt. Col. Ed Kirby of the Bureau of this war the over-all totals of publicity perform under such everyday handicaps. Public Relations and how these have been have tended to glamourize the air force Too few assistants, too few funds, too few translated and transmitted bv the Army’s first and tanks second. Only now are there conveniences. NBC pays the bills but the get-it-done civilian, Wyllis Cooper, the belated salutes being organized in the budget is not unlimited. It costs S7 jjer latter one of big time radio’s best writing- country at large and via all channels of minute, for example, to hold a |rroduction producing craftsmen. communications to such neglected bodies conference by telephone with NBC’s man. “ ‘The Army Hour’ goes to Australia, as the Medical Corps, the Quartermaster Bob St. John, in London. Cairo and other Jamaica, Canada, Chungking, Cairo, Eng- Corps, the Infantry, etc. Of military and points east and west, are proportionately land, Curacao, Hawaii, Ireland, India, other personages heard on ‘The Army higher. People in remote places have to be Newfoundland, Panama, Puerto Rico, Hour’ 16% have been connected with cued, rehearsed, supplied with directives

Russia. These world-encircling pickups aviation. Of visits to factories and other ( and in Army code as an added conijilica-

tell as well as any words of description the places in the United States the aviation tion I and the w hole undertaking is veiled farflung nature of this fight. They are percentage has been above 30%. In its until broadcast time by military secrecy. necessary parts of the program formula. ‘profiles’ of the lethal weapons of modern The Japanese must not know that Chiang

So, too, is praise of the British, the Rus- warfare the program has concentrated Kai-Shek or Archibald W avell w ill be at sians, the Dutch, the Chinese, the Aus- 8.3% on aerial matters. a given point at a given time to broad- * * * tralians, the Canadians, all the Allies “Now comes the get-it-done part, the cast. bunched together in the United Nations. “1'he domestic pickups are, of course,

A persisting emphasis upon the tie-up be- easy by comparison. The country is ram- tween the battle front and the production "OLD GLORY'' IN STUDIO pant with eager jness agents. Preferably front is also fundamental to the design of ‘The Army Hour’ likes to send one of its “The big 8-H studio at NBC is not ‘The Army Hour.’ The mounting cres- own men to set up the routine. Donald neglected in the operations of this cendo of the drill-press is the obbligato Briggs, the radio and film actor, is doing military mission.” Landry stated in to the rat-a-tat of the proving grounds, the such assignments for \^ \llis Cooper. Lt. his “Army Hour” Variety article. “It field maneuvers and, finally, the actual Howard Nussbaum, Lt. Joe Thompson is standard practice to troop in the death test with the enemy. and Jack Harris out of ashington also colors with a guard of soldiers fust “The processes of democratic mobili- travel a good deal to line up specials. It before the broadcast and the colors zation and organization are slow. An im- is their intimate knowledge of the pro- are trooped out with due ceremony at patient people has to be lighted through gram that makes them ideal in dealing the finale.” dark passages of history. ‘The Army w ith the local public relations officers and Hour’ editorializes now and again at the [Continued on page 15) —

4 NBC TRANSMITTER

EDUCATIONAL TRAIL-BLAZER

Central Division's Judith Waller Amazed Industry With "Firsts"

• When the School Broadcast Conference selected Judith W aller for its first annual award of merit on December 6, 1940, it turned the limelight on a woman who, in the words of a famed newspaper column- ist, “is a quiet, unassuming person who has labored hard for many years in the educational phase of radio.'’

^ et. to the hundreds of persons who know her and her work. Miss Waller’s selection seemed only a just recognition of her influence and effect upon education in radio. As a radio pioneer, who from the very beginning felt that radio should offer something more than entertainment.

M iss W aller made arrangements for liter- ally hundreds of informative lectures over Station W'MAQ, of which she was director from April, 1922. until 1932. Judith Waller (right) and Secretary Grace Neuuerth.

It was she who suggested that actual pick-ups of classroom lectures at North- first play-by-play broadcast of a big Another “first” which Aliss aller re- western University and at the University league baseball game from Wrigley Field. calls with a chuckle because of tbe furore of Chicago were feasible and desirable; True the World’s Series had been aired in it created at the offices of the American it was she who arranged for what was the fall of 1924. but no one, so far as is Telephone and Telegraph Company is the very likely the first musical appreciation known, had ever thought of broadcasting first international broadcast ever made hour, a program which made its debut on a play-by-play description of a regular the broadcasting of a telephone conversa-

October 12, 1922, with Mr. and Mrs. game until Miss Waller booked the first tion between John Gunther, Chicago Dailv Marx E. Oberndorfer as commentators on game in the late spring of 1925. Miss News correspondent in London, and Hal the work of the Chicago Symphony Or- Waller also booked the first play-by-play O’Flaherty, then foreign news editor, re- chestra; it was she who pioneered the account of a football game—that between garding the condition of King George AL children’s field with a “Hearing America the L niversity of Chicago and Brown t ni- then gravely ill. This broadcast, made on

First” musical series, Miss Georgene versity in 1924. Her station was the only December 4, 1928. cost a mere S75 in toll

Faulkner’s “Story Fady” series, Russell one in Chicago to broadcast the inaugura- charges, but it brought the wrath of the Pratt’s “Topsy Turvy Time” program and tion of President Coolidge on March 4. A. T. & T. down on her head because of a thrice-weekly program presented in 1925, and prior to that it had been one of a rule forbidding the broadcast of tele- collaboration with the Chicago Public a few to broadcast the Democratic and phone conversations.

Schools, and it was she who not only con- Republican National Conventions by land It was not until WMAQ joined NBC in ceived the idea of the celebrated “Univer- wire in 1924. 1931 and made Miss Waller its education sity of Chicago Round Table.” but who Miss Waller also is responsible for director in the NBC central division that also saved it from possible oblivion by booking such diverse radio programs as she began to devote most of her time to persuading NBC to retain it when WMAQ the first Chicago Symphony Orchestra the field of education in radio. Since then joined the network in 1931. It was Miss broadcast and the debut of Amos ’n’ she has been responsible, in addition to W^aller, too, who worked out the plans for Andy. She recalls considerable misgiv- the “University of Chicago Round Table.” the NBC-Northwestern University Sum- ings regarding the addition of Amos ’n’ for developing such programs as “Music mer Radio Institute which got off to a .Andy to her WMAQ staff. “They wanted and American A outh,” the National Music splendid start this season with 100 stu- S25.000 a year,” she said, “and my budget Camp broadcasts from Interlochen, Mich., dents. from The Chicago Daily News for all the “High School Studio Party” — pre- But Miss \^'aller’s experience in radio other program talent was exactly that sented in cooperation with the Radio has not been confined to education by figure. Frankly I didn’t know how much Council —of the Board of Education of anv means. .As director of one of Chi- of a gamble it would be to try to make Chicago “Student Opinion,” an ad lib cago’s most enterprising stations for ten stars out of a team that had acquired a discussion program for high sch«ol years, she has so many “firsts” to her certain amount of fame as Sam n’ youngsters. Parent-Teacher Association credit that she has forgotten many of Henry, hut which would have to change programs and the American Medical As- them. Yet it was her personal interview that name on my station. Luckily, they sociation’s “Doctors at Work.” with William Wrigley, Jr., that led to the proved their worth in short order.” [Continued on page 13) AUGUST 1942 5

3,134 Days in a Row LISTENERS PLAY CATCH-AS-CATCH-CAN WITH CATCHY NBC CATCH-PHRASES At 6 A.M., What a Go! • Add to impressive radio records the amazing total of consecutive broadcasts

• America’s modern language has been list, with “I’m wore to a frazzle, just piled u|j by Jack greatly colored by radio, particularly by wore to a fraaazle ” also in the running. Martin,

those comedians whose joke factories are Molly McGee says “’Taint Funny, I La (irosse, Wis-

located in the NBC Hollywood studios. McGee,” and millions of us stop millions consin I . As “I ncle When Little Johnny wants to contra- of others cold by telling them, “’Taint Josh.” he has been

” dict his mother nowadays, he says, “That funny, McGee. on the air — as of

ain’t the way I heerd it,” patterned after Charlie McCarthy’s pet phrase has July 1, 1942 —

Bill Thompson’s phrase as the Old Timer been a national byword for years—“I'll 3,134 consecutive

with Fibber McGee and Molly. clip ’em. So help me. I'll mow ’em down.” days, including Which illustrates the effect radio has From A1 Pearce comes Elmer Blurt’s Sundays and holi-

upon the language of the people of the “I Hope I Hope I Hope,” and Baby d a ) s . And what JACK MARTIN United States. Catch-phrases from radio Snooks’ addition to often-repeated phrases makes the record

are the modern versions of “twenty-three is “Why, Daddy?” still more amazing is the fact that his pro-

skiddoo” and “you tell ’em, I stutter.” Meredith Willson has millions of lis- gram opens up the station each morning Radio’s comedians add new' phrases to teners copying his “Well, bend me over at 6 a.m. the American slanguage every day, and and call me stoopid,” and Bing Crosby’s Martin conducts two listener clubs as every hep-cat is judged by his knowledge colorful slanguage has added many apt part of his broadcasts; they are the Radio of the latest line from Hollywood. phrases, including “Cinema Parlor,” in the Barn Club and tbe Radio in the

Red Skelton’s “I Dood It,” besides Crosbyism for motion picture theater, Kitchen Club. He is a veteran showman making newspaper headlines, has become and “fair hunk of fiddlin’,” which trans- and has trouped in every state of the an everyday phrase in young America’s lated means “a performance of great vir- Ebiion as well as many foreign lands. In vocabulary, along with his “I would an- tuosity on the violin.” World War 1, he headed a group of sol- sw'er that, but it would only wead to Dennis Day says “Yes, please” to Jack dier actors which performed in Europe. bw'oodshed,” and “If I do, I det a Benny, and in every town kids from eight WKBH believes that Martin’s impres- w'hippin’.” to eighty say “Yes, please” to every ques- sive total of consecutive days on the air

Jerry Colonna, on Bob Hope’s program, tion that calls for an affirmative. is an all-time record. If any NBC Trans- made “Greetings, gate,” a synonym for Cliff Arquette as Ben Willet, of “Point mitter reader has facts on a greater num-

“howdy,” “hello,” “good morning,” etc. Sublime” is responsible for reviving an ber of consecutive appearances, j)lease

“Wonderful world!” was Lum and oldie that most of radio’s language forward tbe data to the NBC Press Depart-

Abner’s most popular contribution to the twisters could borrow—“Aint I tbe one?” ment, New York.

GASOLINE AND TIRE RATIONING FAILS TO FAZE NBC FOLK

Chicago Engineer Harold Jackson demon- strates his scooter to Vocalist Ada Beth Peaher; left: Michael Fitzmaurice takes to

Dobbin ; right: Jack Benny and Mary Living- stone use bicycles. )

6 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC HOLLYWOOD STUDIO GETS IN THE SCRAP WGBF Makes Literal "Drive" for Rubber • To Clarence Leich, director of WGBF (Evansville, Indiana) goes the credit for one of the most original radio appeals in the recent rubber salvage campaign.

The station devoted one hour to the rubber appeal and during the program had staff men situated in their radio-

equipped automobiles at different inter- sections of the city. The announcer pro- claimed that all rubber offers telephoned

to the station would result in a call by a WGBF staff man within a few minutes. Operating in similar fashion to police radio calls, the announcer then gave the addresses to the WGBF man nearest each rubber pickup point. One of the amusing sidelights of the salvage quest occurred when a GBF man rang a listener’s doorbell. “I called for the rubber you offered,” he told the man who opened the door. “You’re standing on it!” was the un- Employees at liollyieoud's City collected rubber raupng Radio 640 pounds of — expected response, and off the WGBF rub- 2-ounce children's toys to boost the nation\% rubber stock from 50-pound floor mats—to ber hunter went with the listener’s door pile. Here's a truck being loaded with the elastic cargo. The photo shows (left to right): mat. Betty Boyle, secretary; John If aid. the network's "'Richfield Reporter” Sidney .V. Strotz. ; Result of the WGBF appeal: 100 calls vice-president in charge secretary, NBC of the western division, and Ruth Gunning, and 1,500 pounds of rubber for victory. inspecting the collection. The NBC engineering department helped the salvage drive by contributing coils of rubber covered cable and network officials approved the removal of non-essential rubber items from halls and offices. "THANK HUE!"

around” job of rubber collection. And the Bouncing Response to fifth award is now in the hands of a WOAI's Rubber Appeal 12-year-old lad from Utopia, Texas, who wrote of being bitten by a copperhead • Radio listeners in more than 200 com- while fishing old tires from a river near munities responded by letters and tele- his house—his experience being the most grams to a contest broadcast by WOAI unusual. (San Antonio, Texas), which awarded five WOAI’s contest ran two weeks, pro- $50 w^ar bonds for attention-getting scrap moted by announcements on the air. At its rubber collections. A total of 687,532 midway point, WOAI carried a 10-minute pounds of rubber was reported turned in question-and-answer program to further by contest entrants as of the closing date. acquaint listeners with entry details. June 30th. Every entry had to be certified by the filling station receiving the rubber. WOAI awarded a war bond to a south A "Second" Front

Texas man reporting collection of the • To accelerate war production in its

greatest amount of rubber — 49,082 area. WTAG I Worcester. Massachusetts W hen NBC's Hollywood headquarters got pounds. A San Antonio woman received has inaugurated a series of “tick tock’" a new paint job recently, the trade name another bond for contributing the greatest announcements. Spots, ticking the seconds that the Sherwin-lf illiarns Paint Company number of diversified articles—2.56 dif- away, emphasize the vital importance of labeled to their products paid a compliment ferent items. To a 13-year-old Freer, every minute in the war j)rogram and to the network. The official colors for the building are “NBC Green No. 1,” “NBC Texas, boy went a prize as the youngster stress the need for constant effort on the Green No. 2” and “,\BC Dado Green.” “16 years of age or under” offering the factory front to defeat the enemy on the Harry Alber, building maintenance super- battle front. commendation for the greatest volume of rubber scrap — 13,7(X) High visor, and .Mercedes McCambridge, NBC pounds. Another bond was awarded to a broadcasts has been received by TAG actress, are shown inspecting the products Terlingua, Texas, citizen for the best “all- from Orcester industrial plants. used by Painter Thomas McCarley. AUGUST 1942 7

DIPLOMAT OF RADIO CITY

NBC's J. de lara Almonte a Famous Host to World Celebrities

# It is rare that a radio executive whose Italian and Portuguese comes in |jarti<’U- entire activities are of the hehind-the- larly handy when distinguished foreign scenes variety has won such widespread visitors arrive. attention as NBC’s Juan de Jara Almonte, The newspaper and magazine stories assistant to the president and nighttime written about Almonte since he joined

manager of the network. The son of a NBC could fill a good-sized scrapbook. diplomat, he has introduced diplomacy Here are some interesting snatches from into radio on a very broad scale. He has publications: j

, been the subject of feature interviews in “It may interest you to know that J. de i publications all over the world, and, for Jara Almonte, night executive of the NBC an olf-the-microphone radio personality, and one of radio’s hest-dressed men, was receives an amazing amount of “fan” mail. first manager of the Philadelphia Opera His personal friends, listed together, House.”—The Jersey City Journal, June would read like a reprint of “Who’s 16, 1932. Who.” He has been with NBC since 1927 “Fact is Almonte once applied for a his “after executive assign- , and hours” — job as a reporter on the old New York 1 ment as official NBC host or rather the Daily News ... in top hat, gray-striped way he carried it out—has won him an trousers and frock coat . . . and got the unique spot on the radio scene. job!”—The Washington Post. June 10, When a king, ambassador, war hero, 1933. “typical American father”—or other per- J. DE JARA ALMONTE “Radio City has not quite reached the son prominent in the world news spotlight municipal stage of needing its own mayor. —drops into NBC they are received by the NBC host was still on deck to receive But if it should seek one, it’s pretty certain affable network executive in his elaborate them. that Juan de Jara Almonte would get the second floor office. His autograph book of In part, the folder read: “Perhaps if job. As a matter of fact, his present duties notable studio guests has, perhaps, one of it were possible for a large organization are not unlike that of a big metropolis the greatest contemporary collections in such as NBC to capture and crystallize its chief magistrate.”—The New ^ ork Sun, existence. And his cabinet of miniature personality in a single human being, John August 4, 1934. figures contains some collectors’ rare Almonte might reasonably assume that “J. J. Almonte, NBC’s night manager, items. role.” is being boosted by a number of ash- People who meet Almonte never forget Diplomacy is an inherent trait with ington newspapermen as Ambassador to him. The other day, a charming young Almonte because of his cosmopolitan Spain.”—Billboard, December, 1934. lady burst into his office and placed two background. He was born in Paris, the beautifully carved Chinese figures on his son of a Spanish diplomat, and was edu- desk. She said that some ten years before cated at Oxford and on the continent. she was a child performer on Madge When he joined NBC in 1927, he had Press Tie-In Boosts Tucker’s “Our Barn” program and re- broad international experience in journal- WTAG War Work Show membered that his collection was lacking ism and advertising. His initial NBC as- such items as the Chinese heads. Hence, a signment was as a member of the sales # Ways and means for women to partici-

decade later, on seeing the figures, she staff. Alternating with other members of pate in the war effort are offered in a

bought them immediately to fill the gap the department, he would spend an occa- new series on WTAG (Worcester, Massa- in the huge interesting collection in sional evening acting as NBC’s official chusetts I . Entitled “Women on the Alert,” Almonte’s office. host to entertain noted artists and visitors. the twice-weekly program seeks su}>port About a year ago, an NBC promo- His tact and affability attracted attention of housewives for salvage, conservation,

tional piece entitled “After Hours,” pro- and he was promoted to evening general and rationing drives and coordinates all claiming the fact that NBC’s welcome mat manager and, in turn, to assistant to the Government information concerning local stays out long past the regular business president. The only period in which he and national efforts in behalf of the war. day, was mailed out. The folder was writ- was away from his NBC desk was during Written and conducted by Anne Lorentz. ten around John Almonte’s hospitality. the 1939 New York World’s Fair when he WTAG war service coordinator, broad- And Almonte takes great pride in the was borrowed by the parent company— casts feature interviews with persons ac-

sheaf of letters that arrived within the to be official host at the RCA Building at tively engaged in some phases of war next few days. Industrial leaders, adver- the gigantic exposition. work. Highlights of “VI omen on the

tising executives and Congressmen were Almonte knows five languages fluently Alert” will be published in a newspaper

represented in the return mail, expressing — in addition to English. His ability to column by the same title to run in The gratification at the fact that their genial converse in French, Spanish, German, Worcester Evening Gazette. SHOSTAKOVICH'S!

• The outstanding musical event of 1942—and a sensational XB(|. thrilling composition written under the flame and shellfire of

aggression. The Radio City performance hy the NBC Symphon (

over NBC stations from coast to coast as well as in foreign lands \

industrial and entertainment worlds I several shown helow ) were pi^

C. E. Menser ( right I , vice-president in charge of programs, and T. H. Belviso, manager of music division, inspect microfilm containing score.

Major General and Mrs. Thomas A. Terry. Grigori Khiefets (leftt, Russian vice-consul, listens with John Elwood, KPO manager, in San Francisco’s NBC studios.

Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Nally and granddaughter. W endy Barry and William Murray. Baroness LamI TENTH SYMPHONY

Ileniisphere premiere of Dmitri Shostakovieli's ( was the Western ehxpieiit imiietmeiit of Faseist • of Lenin*jra«l ami hailed as an Arturo 'roseanini, on .Inly was heard , ra. under the baton of hort-wave facilities. Headline notables of the diplomatie, military, he ej)oeh-makin‘; performanee originatin'; in the huge 8-11 studio.

Ehdargements to sheet music size were made from tiny microfilm frames. H. W. Keresey, music eii.s- todian, holds some assembled parts.

In Hollywood: Albert Coates, Meredith Will- H. V. Kaltenhorn (right) and Olin Downes. ostakovich. son, Sidney N. Strotz, Leopold Stokowski and Alexander Skroukov, Russian vice-consul.

IVlax Reinhardt. Robert Riskin and Fay Wray. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Black. 10 NBC TRANSMITTER

"BB": A SUCCESS STORY

Bertha Brainard's Colorful Twenty Years in Broadcasting

• As jNBC manager of program sales, selling tasks in the past two decades.

Bertha Brainard is one of the busiest One night an overzealous office cleaner women on the American broadcasting took a damp cloth and wiped the signa- scene. tures off the famous piano. But Miss She’s known throughout the industry as Brainard started over, and once again the “BB,” but ballistically speaking, she packs piano represents a priceless collection of the merchandising punch of a mammoth autographs. Now, however, there’s a plate cannon. glass top to protect the rare signatures.

She’s blonde, petite and has the grace And at night the piano gets dressed in a and charm of a Broadway leading lady. pair of green “pajamas.” And she came close to being that because There are numerous stories connected during her school days in her home town with the collection of the autographs, but of South Orange, New Jersey, she took one Miss Brainard is especially proud of part in high school dramatics and, later, is the fact that Paderewski sat down to at the Montclair Normal School continued play “The Moonlight Sonata” on it when her pursuit of amateur theatricals. he was asked to sign it. The piano is so

However, World War I interrupted her tiny that it is occasionally sent to great dramatic aspirations and she enrolled as artists backstage in Radio City studios for an ambulance driver with the American autographing. Red Cross and was assigned to the New BERTHA BRAINARD “BB” has gone a long way since those

York area to drive wounded soldiers from Newark days at “Z.” She maintains grace transports to hospitals. Then, after man- sion of WJZ in its station roster, Miss and dignity in her executive assignment. aging a resort hotel at Greenwich, Con- Brainard was named Eastern program And she’s human, too, as all her fellow' necticut, she joined the staff of The Daily manager of the network and, in turn, com- workers know. She is modest about her News Record, New York trade paper of mercial program manager before assum- success in the business world and pleads the garment industry. ing her present post. with newspaper and magazine interviewers

It was in April, 1922, that she entered A glimpse at the charming executive to tone down the numerous success stories radio, joining WJZ—then in Newark, New makes it difficult to believe that she’s a and achievement anecdotes connected with Jersey—with a Broadway interview and full-fledged member of H. V. Kaltenborn’s her twenty years in radio. review column called “Broadcasting Twenty Year Club — inner sanctum of Broadway.” She speaks affectionately of prominent broadcasting "folks who have the old days at “Z”—as she terms the sta- spent a score of years in the industry. DOCTOR OF MUSIC tion that is now New York key of the She is the constant subject of feature

Blue Network Company. She has a file interviews in newspapers and magazines, drawer full of nostalgic clippings and and noted by-line writers have admitted photographs which she eagerly displays to that they were refreshingly surprised by interviewers. her charm and wit rather than the antici-

Her file reveals the amazing scoops pated stern disposition they usually en- she achieved in the early days of broad- counter in women executives. casting. Getting names of headline and Miss Brainard realizes that the mer- marquee-light caliber on the air was no chandising of programs calls for the same easy matter. Budgets for talent were prac- showmanship and salesmanship punch as tically non-existent in those days and any other commodity. She’s a shrewd pro- broadcasters had to hie out to Newark for gram observer, a keen evaluator of talent

their programs. But Miss Brainard’s tact and has the knack of knowing where , to and charm won out and she recruited offer shows that will bring home the re- prominent names of the entertainment sults sponsors desire. world to the Newark studio. Soon her staff Her fourth floor office has a door lead- activities included arranging programs, ing to the program board room where she writing scripts and announcing. regularly sits in on program conferences Roy Shield, NBC central division music degree Doc- When “Z” opened a New York studio and auditions. director, recently received the oj tor of Music from the Chicago Musical Col- in 1923, she moved her headquarters to A tiny upright piano in her office is lege. Rudolph Gan: (left), president of the the big city to take complete charge of decorated with the autographs of celebri- institution, is shown handing the honor to activities “across the Hudson.” With the ties— all of whom Miss Brainard has met Shield for his pioneering achievement in the formation of NBC in 1926 and the inclu- in her program-building and program- development of “music-keyed” radio drama. f AUGUST 1942 11

Davis Award Again FOUNDATIONS FOR VICTORY Offered Announcers

# The word is out, the search is on. Once again the nation will be scoured to find a

top-ranking announcer in the annual H. P. Davis National Memorial Announcers’ Award Competition.

To the announcer who wins first prize will go $300 and a gold medal, and sec- tional winners, chosen from the four national time zones, will receive engraved signet rings. All NBC stations—owned, operated or affiliated—may enter one candidate for the award, by making an off-the-air record-

ing, without the announcer knowing it. The transcriptions should be preceded by

a letter of notification, and the entry must include a photograph and biography of

the candidate. Entries, addressed to Mar- jory Stewart, Director, Microphone Play- house, 151 North Craig Street, Pittsburgh,

will be accepted up to October 1. Awards

will be made about November 2, on a nationwide NBC hook-up. Here's a partial result of the "Great Girdle Round-up" at IJf , Gincinriati. Kit Fox The award was established in 1933 by (extreme right). If Llf coordinator of defense broadcasts, conceived the idea for Gol. Mrs. H. P. Davis, of Pittsburgh, in mem- Cumquatt—a comic character heard on the station three mornings each week—to appeal ory of her husband, “father of radio to ivomen listeners for girdles to boost the Government's saltage drive. Bashful listeners broadcasting” identified with the found- who were too embarrassed to take the girdles to a public collection point were requested ing of KDKA in 1920. Judges base deci- to mail them to Col. Cumquatt—in real life Announcer- Actor Ken Peters—and under- sions on personality, diction, adaptability, garments of all sizes and shapes soon arrived at the station's offices. Miss Fox is shown voice and versatility. inspecting a small part of the collection held by (left to right) Myrtle Watson, Ethel Last year’s contest was outstandingly Mohr, Ellen Rowe, .4gnes Maloney and Jane Timberrnan. successful, entries coming from stations in every section of the country.

I Soldiers' Letters Add KVOO on the Map • When KVOO (Tulsa. Oklahoma) de- Double Service Color to KSD Series ! cided to offer listeners a war map of the • For two days a woman listener tele- • “Our Buddies” is the title of a new j world, the staff was assembled to submit

' the (Cincinnati) newsroom phoned WLW KSD (St. Louis) weekly half-hour featur- estimates as to the number of maps the at regular intervals asking that the latest ing letters listeners have received from station should order. Estimates, based on

! developments for news be summarized men in the Armed Forces. The series has a single Sunday afternoon announcement, her. ex- |i some novel twists and is proving an ran from 500 to 1,600, and the station said her radio was out of order, S She cellent attention-getting patriotic offering. ordered 2,000 maps. However, within Naturally, the WLW newsroom com- Letters from soldiers, sailors and three days of the broadcast, 7.200 requests j plied. Not only that, but they looked up a ( marines are read by Harold Grams and had streamed in and the map publishers neighborhood repair for her set. man the narration is embellished by interviews heeded a rush order to comply with the

with their friends and relatives. The pro- demand that proved K\ 00 is most cer- gram. which has a musical background, tainly “on the map”! First Radio "WAAC" is further enhanced by the sending of • Katharine Gaston Vernon, 25-year old “Buddy Boxes” to each service man repre- Service Flag Offer script writer and women’s program com- sented among the letter-writers on each mentator for WROL (Knoxville. Tennes- show. The gift boxes contain such utility • In twelve weeks, Vi TMJ (Milwaukee) see) has reported for duty with the items as cigarettes, shaving cream, razors, has distributed over 7.000 service flags.

Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, in Des blades, stationery, pencils, etc., gathered The offer applied only to those having

Moines, Iowa. She is believed to be the at “Buddy Booths” at the stores of the relatives in the service, the flags being

first woman in radio to join the nation’s programs’ sponsors—the Food Center and distributed free of charge to listeners ask- Armed Forces. Jim Remlev Super Stores. ing for them in writing. 12 NBC TRANSMITTER

PATRIOTIC GRAIN STORAGE PLAN STARTED IN N. DAKOTA BY WDAY

# Millions of bushels of grain—and no Through the Commodity Credit Cor-

place to put it. That is one of the most poration, many storage bins are being critical problems facing farmers on the constructed, but it won’t meet the demand

United States grain belt this year—a year by any means. when Government officials have asked It was natural that many thinking peo- farmers for an immense crop of food to ple became worried about the critical win the war and write the peace. situation, but it remained for a radio at- In North Dakota, preliminary estimates torney to expound a plan that was to be- show that the state may harvest its great- come radio’s answer to the emergency. est all-time crop this fall. Government Attorney Harold Bangert, general counsel statisticians reveal the startling fact that for Station WDAY in Fargo, North Da- between 50,000,000 to 80,000,000 bushels kota, decided there must be hundreds of of this grain will be left to rot in the fields empty garages and buildings throughout unless sufficient storage space is found North Dakota which could be adapted for right in North Dakota. grain storage. JOHNNY OLSON AND MAIL Throughout the grain belt, local and He took the plan to WDAY’s war ser- (Story beloiv) terminal elevators are plugged with grain, vice committee and the result was a state- and there’s little room left to store this wide “Garages For Grain” campaign con- WTMI Listeners Join fall’s harvest. Yet, more than ever before, ducted through the cooperation of state th is is the year when it is imperative not and county war boards of the Agricul- Radio Turntable Whirl to waste a single hushel of grain. tural Adjustment Administration. County • If the mail piles up much higher, hoards are registering the buildings and Johnny Olson’s Rumpus Room program then sending official inspectors to deter- —a five-times-a-week WTMJ (Milwaukee) MIKE CLOWNS mine whether the buildings are suitable feature — will have Wisconsin postmen for grain storage. From this sign-up, a working overtime. Primarily a record reserve pool of storage space is made stunt show, the program each Friday high- available for rental by farmers. lights a “Sing With the Record” contest “Garages For Grain” was inaugurated that has caught on like wildfire. in a special statewide broadcast July 7 Public clamor for spots on the pro- originated by WDAY and carried by gram— in which six persons are chosen KFYR, Bismarck. These two stations are to sing with their favorite records—has directing the campaign. A special pick-up reached astonishing proportions. The de-

was made from the Governor’s garage in mand for studio tickets has also been tre- Bismarck, where Governor John Moses mendous. A recent single day’s mail count signed up his own garage as “Number totaled 2,973 letters and post cards. One” in the state. The Governor officially

endorsed the radio plan and urged all KSD's Service Paper North Dakotans to cooperate fully in the registration. • Fifteen men in the Armed Forces who left jobs in the continuity, engineering and announcing departments of Station

KSD ( St. Louis I are now receiving copies Milwaukee's Radio City of a special monthly paper, “Brief Tran- Opens, Old Studios Kept scribed Interludes,” telling the news of Dave Murphy, If Ci (Schenectady, New their former co-workers at KSD. York) announcer, has satisfied the yen that • WTMJ (Milwaukee I moves to its new' grips many youngsters; he’s performed with “Radio City” Building on Sunday, Au- the clowns in the sawdust arena. For an gust 23. The changeover does not mean Teacher Takes Control interview with the Ring/ing Brothers clowns Newton, erstwhile first grade in Clown Alley of the dressing tent, he was the abandonment of the older studios; the • Louise G. made up and worked the entire afternoon previous setup will be retained at the teacher, is South Carolina’s first woman performance with the clown brigade. For Journal Building which has housed the radio control operator. After completing the past two years, Murphy has spent two station for many years. An architect’s a Government-sponsored radio defense weeks each summer working out as novice drawing of the new’ Milwaukee “Radio training course at the Lhiiversity of South clown with the Ringling funsters. Here’s Murphy (right) interviewing Lew Jacobs City” appeared in the May issue of the Carolina, she joined the staff of WIS, (left) and Felix Adler. NBC Transmitter. NBC affiliate in Columbia. AUGUST 1942 13

Meet John I. Gillin, Jr., NBC NEWS COVERAGE SHOWN TO SHOPPERS Youthful Radio "Wow"

# Youth might always have its (ling, hut

it never tossed itself into a greater series of successes than those achieved by John

J. Gillin, Jr., manager of WOW, Omaha, Nebraska. Gillin was horn in Omaha in 190.5 and

is a graduate of Creighton University’s College of Arts and Law School. In 1926, he was se- lected to represent Creighton at the Bi-Centennial Cele- bration of Canon- ization of St. Aloysious Gon- zaga, in Rome. He was elected to the JOHN J. GILLIN, JR. board of directors of the National Association of Broad- casters in 1934 as its youngest mem- ber and served as NAB vice-president in

1937. He is now an NAB executive com- mittee member and director representing the Tenth District. In 1940, he received “NRC Reporters to the Nation” is the title of the above nindoiv display recently the distinction of being the youngest man presented by Saks-Fifth Avenue, fashionable New York department store. The promo- ever appointed as chairman of the con- tional window, arranged by Irene Kuhn, NBC program promotion coordinator, is vention and visitors committee of the headed for other department store windows in various parts of the U.S.A., starting Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Three u'ith Strawbridge and Clothier, Philadelphia, and Thalheimer Brothers, Richmond, years earlier in 1937 he received a dis- — — Virginia. The display is built about a large scale model of the RCA Building. To the tinguished service award as “outstanding right of the model is a world map with red flasher buttons denoting NBC pickup points. young citizen” from the Junior Omaha At the left is a silhouette niap of the United States with designations of the home towns of Commerce. Chamber of the NBC correspondents. Connecting ribbons link the foreign posts of the men through After receiving his arts degree in 1927 the model of Radio City with their respective home toivns. The correspondents' portraits he entered radio as Chicago manager of are included in the display. Also, there's a scroll, “Go Ahead, NBC,” which commemo- National Radio Advertising, Inc. In 1929, rates the historic report of Bert Silen and Don Bell on the December 9, 1941, bombing he returned to Omaha as a midwestern of Manila while Jap planes were still blasting the city. representative of Kozak, Inc., of Batavia, Neiv York. He entered law school at the Evanston, Illinois. Her only idiosyncrasy same time and joined WOW as a part- EDUCATIONAL TRAIL-BLAZER is that of periodically firing her secretary, time announcer. Receiving his law degree ( Continued from page 4 ) Mrs. Grace Neuwerth. who has been with in 1931, he joined WOW on a full-time As public service director of the NBC her since 1925, and who consequently basis and was program director and com- Central Division, Miss Waller is respon- never pays any attention to her frequent mercial director before being named gen- sible for all sectional cultural programs “dismissals.” eral manager. —such as operas, talks ( except political ones outside lectures, women’s activities ) , All-Star "Casts" and children’s programs. As NBC repre- KOA Dedicates Flag • NBC’s “conductors’ hands” promotion, sentative at annual meetings and conven- • KOA. NBC Denver outlet, dedicated a which has been displayed at the country’s tions in these particular fields, she is one 15-star service Hag on July 11 during a leading department stores, is back at of the most widely-traveled executives in colorful half-hour broadcast. Governor Radio City for permanent exhibition to radio, having visited European broadcast- Ralph L. Carr, of Colorado, and .Army guests on guided tours. The plaster casts ing centers as well as all sizeable cities in and Navy officers participated. The studio of noted baton-wielders’ hands attracted the U. S. A. audience included present and past KOA widespread attention on the recent tour Her hobbies are books, photography, employees and their families and friends. and it was deemed appropriate to make the theater and good music in that order. Color bearers of the Army, Navy. Marines the display available to studio visitors. She lives with her mother and sister in and Coast Guard also took part. —

14 NBC TRANSMITTER

CONTACT KEEPS OREGONIANS LISTENING, KGW SURVEY ROOKLET SHOWS

• Arden X. Pangborn, managing director page feature story in the Sunday supple-

of KGW ( Portland, Oregon I has super- ment of The Oregonian on the occasion , vised preparation of a 24-page brochure, of KGW’s twentieth anniversary. entitled “Contact.” telling the story of the KGW advertisers were quick to realize station’s spring and early summer promo- the value of such a promotion and co- tion campaign. The theme of the brochure operated willingly is “Contact Keeps ’em Listening,” and re- with package cent audience surveys have borne out the staffers, window accuracy of the belief. displays and sam- During this year’s KGW campaign, ples for the audi- practically every type of advertising media ences at the several was utilized. Hundreds of inches of paid “Radio Parties.” newspaper space were used for display Thousands of in- ads; dozens of radio promotion spots vitations were SUSAN AND PIE AUNT were broadcast daily; 500 car cards were printed by the sta- (Story below) printed; scores of outdoor billboards, tions for the “Par- ARDEN X. PANGBORN strategically located throughout the city, ties” and presented Fan Nail Climbs High were rented; personal appearances were to audiences at every personal appearance made by the KGW artist staff before every made by the staff. Newspaper delivery As Easy as Pie on WHY major service and community club and trucks carried the KGW message through- every high school in and around Port- out the Oregon country with signs on the • riunnhing through the archives of The land; a group of weekly Sunday evening sides and backs of the trucks. Daily Oklahoman and Oklahoma City “Radio Parties ” staged over a three-month Portland theaters cooperated with Times, as well as the continuity files of period became so popular that larger movie.-trailers, and in one a broadcasting Station WKY, Oklahoma City, it would auditoriums became necessary three dif- booth was installed and is still the scene take very little tabulating to determine ferent times. of three KGW newscasts daily. that Aunt Susan, outstanding home econ- Newspaper space for genuine news The brochure has pictures of the vari- omist in the southwest, has been divulging stories was abundant and included a two- ous forms the campaign took. her cooking and homemaking secrets and facts to the people of the southwest for almost 15 years. MERRY MACS MAKE MERRY A check-up through Aunt Susan’s files would bring forth the following startling facts: over a 14-year period, this popular radio lecturer has written and delivered

11, 500, ()()() words for radio alone. Her newspaper writing has been somewhere around 9,000,000 words. For dialers throughout the southwest, Aunt Susan has delivered some 84.000 various recipes

all of them tested and approved in her own model kitchen. All of these recipes have been duplicated in print. The corre- spondence ledger proves that 3,800,000 letters have been carried into the WKY kitchen studios over this 14-year period.

The letters were from women in all walks

of life, asking for information and advice on the fine art of cooking and home- making. Experts agree that Aunt Susan’s mod- The popular NBC swing quartet seems quite pleased with the time-saving message

ern kitchen is among the most completely- hoard at the artists’ entrance of Hollywood’s Radio City. At a glance, in their rush to

equipped in the world. It was designed and from rehearsals and programs, the entertainers can see who has called them. Joe,

and is maintained by WKY under Aunt Ted and Judd McMichael are shown left to right; the charming girl member of the

Susan’s direction. quartet is Mary Lou Cook. AUGUST 1942 IS

Scholarship Announced SCORE OF YEARS FOR HIGH-SCORING WEAF For NBC Radio Course

# One of the 100 students in the NHC- Northuestern University Summer Radio

Institute is getting his instruction free of

charge, hut he doesn’t know it. Harry C. Kopf, vice-president and gen- eral manager of the NBC central division,

has announced that the network w ill award a full scholarship to the student who in the opinion of the faculty has done the most outstanding work. At the same time, Mr. Kopf reported that the Institute—representing the first effort on the part of a network to give instruction in radio acting, announcing, production, writing and public service administration— is achieving its objective of helping to meet an impending shortage of trained personnel during war time. Not only faculty members and NBC executives hut the students themselves are enthusiastic about the Institute. One class member declared that in two weeks he had picked up as much knowledge as in NBC's New York key station celebrates its twentieth anniversary with a special pro- a year of previous radio instruction. A gram on Sunday, August 16. Photo shows Sherman Gregory, WEAF manager, awarding college instructor enrolled in the course war stamp prizes to NBC employees who submitted the best ideas for incorporation in termed it “a milestone in radio education.” the anniversary program. Left to right: Alton Kastner, of the press department ; Rivera Another student praised the course be- Ingle, of the information division; W. G. Martin, manager of guest relations; Sherman cause of the “inside slant” on broadcast- Gregory; R. Gordon Webber, of radio recording, and George M. Nelson, supervisor of ing available to the Institute’s classes. mail and messenger service. Sixth winner (not shown here) teas William E. Webb, manager of institutional promotion. "A BUS FOR OS" ARMY HOUR'S MISSION used as impersonal voices, never as char- acters or persons. Lt. [Continued from paged) Col. W arren J. Clear w ith his hardbitten account of the Bataan commanders. Local NBC ])eople, however, heartbreak and his epigram ‘there are no often provide useful assistance. atheists in foxholes’ was one of the mem- * * * “Plainly there are right and wrong orable eyewitnesses of the series. ways to get broadcasting cooperation in “Jack Joy of the War Department the Army. Generals sometimes have brain- comes to Manhattan every Saturda\ to storms that must he discouraged, ddiis rehearse and conduct the NBC orchestra.

requires tact. Again the time is short, the One of his accomplishments was tran-

details many, there is no allowance for scribing at a piano in W ashington as a the kind of guy who would go sightseeing member of the Chinese embassy hummed or spiral into tailspins of awe. Knowledge- to him the melody of the "March of the able gents are much needed. Wyllis Ninth Route Army.’ Joy built up an Cooper himself has the advantage of being orchestration for this. Meantime the

a fo rmer commissioned officer of the last Chinese gentleman went to New \ ork and “ war. painstakingly taught the NBC choir the

' “Real peoj)le are used most of the time. Chinese words. By these great labors I he

These range from field marshals to pri- Army Hour’ has a thrilling martial j)iecc * * * This smiling trio of NBC western division vates. An occasional woman, as for ex- from a great, little-known ally.

executives decided it was better for them- amjjle an English ferry pilot or the head “Timing a j)rogram that is stitched to- selves and their tires if they traveled to WAAC, are included. There are some j)ro- gether by cable, transatlantic phone, tele- Hollywood's Radio City via bus. Photo shows fessional actors at the Radio City studios type and intuition calls for a rubber (top to bottom) Paul Gale, traffic manager; Jennings Pierce, station relations manager, where the productioii is tied together be- cushion that inflates or deflates with a wag * * * " and Henry Maas, sales traffic manager. fore a studio audience. The actors are of a forefinger. 16 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC EMPLOYEES Dll MIUTART SERVICE *

*0NE OUT OF FIVE EMPLOYEES IN SERVICE AS OF JUNE 30, 1942

• Back in 1928, a gangling 15-year-old the meet brought him to the attention of lad named Dave Garroway, set the golf- Afternoon "Tee" No NBC officials and he joined the network’s ing world on its collective ear when he Chicago announcing staff in 1940.

won his two first-round matches in the Novelty to Garroway He gained national fame for the first United States Amateur Tournament, qual- time last year when he handled play-by- ifying as one of the eight best simon- play broadcasts of the Tam o’Shanter pures in the country. Today this same Open in Chicago and this year moved into Dave Garroway, now an NBG sports- a top-ranking spot as a golf expert. caster, ranks as one of the outstanding Dave was horn July 13, 1913, in Schen- golf experts on the air. ectady, New York. When he was still in

Still, he probably would have been lost rompers, Dave’s family moved to St. to radio if his first attemj)t to make a liv- Louis where he grew up and graduated ing hadn't failed with such a thud. Dave from Washington University. He was cap- wrote a hook on pronunciation called tain of the Lhiiversity’s golf team in 1933. “You Don't Say!” and spent two years doling Garroway began playing golf trying to peddle it to schools before giving when he was 12 years old, taking lessons

up the writing business for good. from his dad, who is still one of the better He went to New York, where he got a amateurs in the Middle W'est. He soon job as an NBC page, thus making another became golfdom’s child prodigy. In addi- Dave Garroicay (center) at a golf meet. of that group who was to reach fame via tion to his show ing in the 1 . S. Amateur, He is slioicn with Lawson Little (left} inter- radio. After six weeks he was made Dave won the Missouri state champion- a viewing Ed Dudley. guide and two months later became a ships in 1928 and 1930 and barely missed guide trainer. Then he enrolled in NB(!’s ommended for the job and joined the staff winning the WYstern Pennsylvania Ama- New' York announcing class, where he seven minutes after his audition. teur in 1940 after eliminating the state studied for seven months. When the amateur tournament was held champion. He then dropped out of tourna- Garroway proved himself such a good in Pittsburgh in 1939, Dave started on the ment play until this year when he com- puj)il that when a vacancy occurred at road to becoming broadcasting's golf ex- peted in the amateur division of the Tam

KDKA I Pittsburgh I in 1938, he w as rec- })crt. His outstanding work in describing o'Shanter Open, doubling at the mike. I?MEXICAN RADIO EXECUTIVE VISITS 14BC

Emilio Azcorraga, head oi Mexico's vast network affiliated NBC's Pan American Network, recently visited Radio City, where he was greeted by ITOC executives. Left to right: Johii.'F. Royal, vice-president-, in charge of international relations; Senor Azcorraga; Niles Troinmell, president, and Frank E. Mullen, executive vice-president;^ and general manager. Senor

' * Azcorraga's.network, led by XEW> Mexico City, consists of • 2 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC TRANSMITTER RETURN TO GOLDEN GATE VOL. 8 SEPTEMBER 1942 NO. 5 John W. Elwood Again a Dominant Figure in West Coast Radio Published Monthly by the National Broadcasting Company RCA Building, Radio City, New York • New lop man at San Francisco Radio preparation for the important San Fran- City is genial John W. Elwood, since May cisco managerial post at a crucial time

1, 1942, general manager of KPO and when this strategically located western SYMPHONY FOR MILLIONS NBC operations in the Golden Gate City. city assumed unprecedented importance as To Elwood, a pioneer in world com- a wartime pick-up point. • In 1937, music-lovers received the jnunications and first secretary of the welcome news that a new major Elwood’s aggressive direction of KPO- Radio Corporation of America, the San symphonic organization—the NBC NBC policies is reflected in the rising tide Francisco post was a homecoming to a Symphony Orchestra — was to he of important programs and public service city in which he spent the years from 1923 features originating launched. This, in itself, was news in the San Francisco to 1927 as an executive working to de- studios, in the station’s of no little importance, hut the an- NBC and identifi- velop communications with the Far East. nouncement coupling Arturo Tosca- cation with every major community under- His oldest child, Virginia, now 18, was taking. nini as its conductor resulted in horn in San Erancisco. immense satisfaction everywhere. As chairman of the Radio Division for During the year j)receding his return Of course, there were a few skeptics the San Francisco War Chest, director to San Francisco, Elwood served as man- who declared that a fully-seasoned of the “Win-the-War Committee,” and a symphonic unit could not he put prominent member of the San Francisco together overnight, not even under Advertising Club, Elwood is recognized as the talented baton of a Toscanini. a dominant figure in the Golden Gate But the skeptics did not reckon City’s civic affairs. with the genius of the famed F’nder his guiding hand, and employ- maestro. From the heginning, the ing the unexcelled facilities of one of the NBC Symphony Orchestra took its world’s finest hroadcasting plants, San place with the world’s foremost sym- Francisco’s Radio City is fast assuming a phonic organizations. Its accom- positio!! of leadership in west coast radio. plishments are history now. So great has been the demand of radio audi- ences for the opportunity of listen- WFAA Bases Series on ing to this fine orchestra, that few NBC affiliates fail to broadcast this Civilian Defense Aims great musical event. In no small • Actual procedures and activities of measure, the NBC Symphony Or- each of the civilian defense groups of chestra has raised the musical appre- Texas are being dramatized in a series ciation of the people of this country. of weekly programs entitled “Texans On Last year, when Toscanini decided the Alert.” The broadcasts originate at to take a sabbatical leave of broad- WFAA. Dallas, and are carried hy addi- casting, Leopold Stokowski was tional Texas NBC affiliates. named to the conducting spot, and Each script contains an episode deal- the orchestra maintained its top- ing with the work being done in one par- notch radio and musical stature ager of NBC’s International Division, with ticular grouj) for the protection of life under Stokowski’s sterling leader- headquarters in New York City. Before and propertv. Aircraft warning services ship. But even a sabbatical year did that, he was j)rogram manager and a viee- systems, warden duties, fire-fighting not keep Toscanini removed from president of NBC. Many of NBC’s im- and methods, medical and health services, contact with the orchestra. He portant })uhlic service policies were for- Texas Defense Guard work, and many agreed to conduct a series of special mulated under his direction. “The Catholic other j)hases of the all-out war efforts are United States Treasury concerts as Hour” (still on NBC I and “America’s covered hy the broadcasts. well as the auspicious Shostakovich Town Meeting of the Air” I now on the

I'his series is of great interest to the Seventh Symphony. Blue Network I were among programs NBC has “frozen” the 5 to 6 p.m., founded on his policies. citizens of the Lone Star State, where EWT, Sunday spot for the winter A key man in hroadcasting from its in- more than 500,000 persons are in some series which commences November fancy, Elwootl. as an associate of Owen I). wav connected with the various defense programs have received the 1. And To.scanini will wield the \ oimg. helped to create RCA— parent activities. The baton for this first concert. Radio company of NBC and world pioneer in full endorsement and sanction of Gover- listeners look forward to these great linking continents hy radio. nor Coke Stevenson. Chairman of the musical events, for such they are. Elwood's hackground served as ideal National Defense Committee for Texas. SEPTEMBER 1942 3

NEW \m DISCOUNT PLAN A NATURAL Regarding the Author:

0 H illiam .S'. Urdf’cs, horn in Elm- EVOLUTION OF NBC SERVICE POLICY wood, Illinois, sprnt his boyhood in Colorado, working on his father's fruit By William S. Hedges ranch and attending school. Hefore en- tering the University of Chicago in Vice-President in Charge of Stations Departments 1914, he served as foreman in a Chi- cago car line shop. He left school in • Throughout the history of the National Ever since the early part of last winter, his junior year to enter the Army .dir Force and had extensive experience in Broadcasting Company a steady and con- study has been given to ways and means reporting, editing and publishing. The sistent effort has been made to encourage of bringing a greater number of programs radio department of The Chicago the use of more extensive networks by its to the entire network. As a result, the new Daily News was launched by Hedges In March, 1922. The following month advertisers. The most recent move along 10 per cent discount plan for all adver- he assisted in establishing the news- this line has been the new special discount tisers using a minimum of 12.5 stations jmper's station, which later became made available to advertisers using net- w as announced this summer. As had been H .MAQ. ll hen NBC acquired ll M.dQ, Mr. Hedges was retained as manager works of not less than 12.5 stations. anticipated, many orders were placed for and later handled consolidated Chi- While the new discount structure is the 125-station network. It a practical was cago NBC sales for If M.4Q and apparently accomplishing more tangible certainty that 13 of the NBC clients would n ENR. He has since served NBC in various executive assignments culmi- direct results than any previous policy take advantage of the plan because the nating in his appointment to head the looking toward the use of a jnaxinunn expanded network could be secured either Stations Departments in May, 1939. number of stations by advertisers, it is in at a saving to the advertiser or at such a line with sales policies which have pre- small increase in cost that none of them ceded it and which have had the same could afford to pass up the opportunity — if not more important— a better pro- objective in view. for expanded coverage. gram structure. Therefore, if NBC’s affili- At the time NBC took over the old If only those advertisers had taken the ates, its advertisers and the radio audience WEAF network from the American Tele- plan, NBC would have been “holding the benefit, it is inevitable that NBC will phone and Telegraph Company almost 16 bag” not only for decreased billing but benefit eventually if not immediately. years ago, an advertiser could buy time for increased station compensation. NBC’s The adoption of the complete network in the peak of evening listening w ith only only economic salvation lay in the possi- discount plan will have little immediate a handful of stations for his network. By bility that enough 50 and 60 station adver- effect upon those affiliates who are located 1933 the minimum purchase which an tisers would expand to the 125-station net- in the .50 most important markets in the advertiser could make included the entire works to enable NBC to balance its books. country, because most of them are already basic network. True, there were “splits” Whether or not such a result could getting the programs which are now being sold but each split network user was be immediately accomplished, officials of extended into the secondary markets. How- required to step aside for an advertiser NBC determined to carry out the project, ever, they too, will benefit in much the willing to purchase the entire basic net- because from a long-range point of view as a whole benefits. work. same fashion NBC as there w ould be beneficial results for NBC’s Leading advertisers with the high-rated In 1936 the average nighttime network advertisers, an improved program service programs will be more inclined to place consisted of 42 stations and the average nationally to radio listeners, and not only an increasingly high valuation upon their daytime network consisted of 28 stations. more dollars to the stations, but equally “time franchise” and accordingly a greater By 1939 the average nighttime adver- stability will be brought to the industry. tiser’s network had increased to 59 sta- tions and the average daytime advertiser’s The stations in the marginal markets network had increased to 33 stations. In should find the plan a l)oon second only 1941, the further advance to 76 stations to network affiliation. Their stations will had been made by nighttime users and carry more of the top-flight programs; 49 stations by daytime advertisers. they w ill, in consequence, hold their audi-

This progress was achieved as a result ences so that their available time for sale of many factors, including the aggressive to national-spot and local accounts w ill be in results promotional campaigns of network affili- just that much more productive ates in which some very effective selling of secured by their advertisers. individual markets has been made. Paced Of course, NBC had no monopoly on with this campaign of station promotion, planning ways and means of expanding which was by no means coordinated, were network service to its affiliates and in the constantly advancing requirements offering inducements to its clients. Other which NBC enforced. There was first the networks had similar ideas. However, requirement of full basic network pur- NBC’s new discount plan, while meeting chase. Now, a 50-station unit is the mini- competition in a most satisfactory way, mum — day or night — which an adver- nevertheless would have come into being tiser may buy to hold time against others. WILLIAM S. HEDGES (Continued on page 16) !

4 NBC TRANSMITTER

TURN TO THE WRIGHT

America Discovered Columbus (Ohio) Actor Had Plenty to Offer Radio

• Wynn Wright, NBC s new eastern divi- guns and threatened Wright, the affair sion production manager, almost became was plenty serious. But the young actor a lawyer. But a hit of little theatre work got his chance to make a bolt through the during his attendance at the Detroit Col- doorway and took it. lege of Law, soon convinced him that he His second narrow escape came on was more interested in scripts and scenes stage in full view of the audience. In one than writs and liens. Wright has spent as melodramatic sequence a knife was to fall many years in the theatre as he has in from the ceiling and imbed itself in the radio and his love for both fields is great; table in front of the villain. Time came actually, his greatest success has been for the knife to fall and it just wasn’t achieved out of welding the exjjerience he there. Like a good trouper, Wright car- has had in those two major phases of ried on by ad-libbing. Still tbe knife failed entertainment. to fall. So Wright carried on with action

Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1897, of the play by leaning over the table rest- Wright grew up in the midwest and was ing bis head on his folded arms. What he educated in Detroit. The stage beckoned didn’t know was that a prop man was still

at an early age and he , served with such tugging at a rope to loosen the knife and well-known stock companies as the Jessie make it fall. There was a sudden cry of

Bonstelle and Sam Hume units and gained W ynn W right bears a striking re- warning from the wings, Wright backed a foothold in acting that was to become a semblance to Abraham Lincoln. Yet, up in tbe nick of time and the blade fell in all his years of acting, he portrayed springboard to his radio executive career. with a swish and twang, half burying the Great Emancipator just once— in a Even when he joined the Navy in 1918. itself in the softwood table he was just commercial motion picture. his theatrical endeavors were not neg- leaning on. And they call stage melodrama lected. While in the service he was made make-believe

assistant director of the Newport ( Rhode directed camp dramatics. But. no! Of all Needless to say, the knife episode put

Island I Community Playhouse where he places, he wound up in charge of the camp him on edge for a while. So back he hied staged shows for audiences consisting commissary. And yet, can anyone think to Detroit in 1920 to operate his own little chiefly of service men. He was offered of a better spot for a hungry actor? theatre group and, two years later, he was the choice of taking an officer’s training Tanned and exhilarated from the out- named drama director at the University of course, but the Armistice was soon signed door life, Wright was soon back in New Detroit. In 1924, he opened the Detroit and Wright gave up the career of a tar York making the rounds of the talent ex- Repertory Theater and, in 1930, joined for that of a star. changes. He stumbled across two red-hot WWJ, Detroit, as drama director. He got an acting assignment with Mal- leads. A producer needed an assistant It was a long and interesting road he colm Fassett in Albany, New York, and stage manager for a Broadway revival and followed to his entrance into radio, but that’s the closest he ever came to a Broad- a stock company wanted a “heavy” for a all his stage experience of the past was to way performance. Not that New York series of one-night stands. He landed both be invaluable in bis executive broadcast- didn’t like the talents of young Wright. jobs at the same time and chose the latter ing posts. He directed, acted and devel-

Rather, he followed impulses in preference even though the first producer was willing oped sound effects procedures for WWJ to instincts, and even turned down a to make him full stage manager rather and, in 1934, joined NBC’s central divi- Broadway managerial job to stick to an than assistant. sion as a production director. His early actual acting assignment with a road com- So off he went on a six-month tour of NBC directorial chores included “Minia- pany. “The Thirteenth Chair.” His portrayal of ture Theatre,” “Vic and Sade,” and Like most actors, he’s had his ups and the villain almost cost him his life twice “Frank Buck’s Adventures.” WWJ again

downs. And it was during one of these during this half-year, though. In one bid for his services and he rejoined the “downs” that he found himself en route to town, when he was backstage getting off Detroit station as program and production a Bear Mountain boy scout reservation his make-up, three armed men entered his manager. He set out to rebuild the whole where his brother was camp director. Two dressing room. One clamped handcuffs on WWJ program department and the staff

boy scouts volunteered to row him across him and said “You’re under arrest.” It grew from just himself to three produc- a lake to the camp site and Wright offered turned out that they were detectives—con- tion directors, three writers and a large them his last two dimes; hut the scouts siderably alcoholized—and they felt that sound effects unit. refused them, saying they wanted to count justice should be served for the stage vil- The Motor City’s radio dramatic offer- the courtesy as their good turns for the lain’s misdeeds. In restrospect. the inci- ings were accelerated by Wright’s return.

day. At this point in the narrative, it dent might have its humor, but during the He presented many innovations and even

would seem natural to report that Wynn few moments in which thev flourished (Continued on page 13 \ —

SEPTEMBER 1942 5

GIRL AT THE SWITCH A SHIP OPERATOR IN 1916, R. F. GUY LOOKS RACK ON 26 RADIO YEARS

9 His full name is Raymond Frederick year, after a short period as inspector for Guv. But folks who know of his radio the Shipowners’ Radio Service and the activities throughout the past 26 years Independent Wireless Telegraph Com- would aptly believe that his initials stand pany, Ray joined the small group of West- for “Radio Frequency” Guy and "Radio inghouse men that built and operated the Facilities” Guy. original WJZ in Newark, New Jersey. Since 1929, Ray Guy has been radio It was not an unusual occurrence in

facilities engineer for NBC. However, he’s those early broadcasting days for Ray to

li ( Morfolk, Virginia) spent most of his man both the transmitter and the studios TAR note has a girl control operator. Loss of male personnel to radio career in the at the same titne. The first night on duty the Armed Forces has caused several sta- service of the he put New Jersey’s Governor Edwards on tions to seek trained women for the tech- Radio Corporation the air, serving as announcer, and then nical fobs. Mrs. C. E. Anthony, shown above of America and dashed across the building and up four in U TAR's new control room, is not a novice, at radio, various subsidia- flights of stairs to tend the transmitter. either. She previously served with a North Carolina station. ries—his start ac- After three years of supervisory activi- tually dating hack ties at WJZ. Ray joined the RCA Research to the old Marconi Department, heading the broadcast engi- Ray holds fellowships in the Institute Company — prede- neering section. In 1929, he joined NBC of Radio Engineers and the Radio Club cessor of the RCA as radio facilities engineer, accepting the of America and has been a prominent RAYMOND F. GUY we know today. Of offer of NBC chief engineer 0. B. Hanson, member of various technical committees course, like other prominent men in the whom Ray met in those early WJZ days of leading engineering societies. He is a industry, Ray took time out in World when Hanson was the one-man staff of licensed professional engineer in both

War I to serve Uncle Sam in the Army WAAM, a contemporary Newark station. New York and New Jersey.

Signal Corps. But, aside from this war- And for 13 years Ray has continued in He is frequently called upon to con- time leave and his pioneer days at old the important NBC radio facilities post. tribute articles and papers to technical WJZ, he has been in the RCA family He serves on various Government com- journals and has an ever-present sense of almost continuously and has made a wide- mittees and recently completed an 18,000- humor that is apt to express itself in his spread reputation for himself in technical mile trip for F ncle Sam. writings—even on engineering topics. achievements as well as in length of ser- vice.

His present title of radio facilities engi- neer covers a lot of ground—and so does the job that goes with it. Ray’s executive assignment covers the construction and maintenance of all NBC radio facilities standard broadcasting, international short wave, frequency modulation, and tele- vision.

Born at the turn of the century, Ray is now 43. When just 12 years old, he op- erated his own amateur station. Radio “hams” throughout the nation—and many in foreign lands—know Ray by his call letters through his long amateur station career — W2AK, 2ANC, 2W0 and even plain RG, the latter being his station iden- tity before the days of official licenses. Starting his commercial career as radio officer on the S.S. Sabine for the Marconi Company in 1916, Ray served on a total of seven ships before entering the Armv in 1918. Alter a year overseas, he entered Here’s young Ray Guy in the control room of “original” W JZ in .\ewark, \eu- Jersey. Pratt Institute and received his electrical Besides serving as one-third of the technical staff of the transmitter, Ray and his fellow engineering diploma in 1921. That same workers were given multiple assignments, including announcing. 6 NBC TRANSMITTER

Novelty Soldier Contest Series Started in Texas A Transmitter Bio: • “What's Your Name, Soldier” is a brand new radio variety show produced

PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES over WOAI I San Antonio, Texas) by and chiefly for soldiers of the 8th Service HIGHLIGHT AIR CAREER Command.

HARRY L. STONE Soldier audiences are invited to the studios of WOAI for each broadcast on which their own orchestras play Army • A Southern gentleman of the old school, His hobbies have to a degree been neg- song selections. The lads in khaki send in Harry Leith Stone, general manager of lected for another of his patriotic ven- their favorite song titles and reasons why WSM (Nashville, Tennessee) and chair- tures—“The Camel Caravan.” Harry was they like the compositions. The selections man of the NBC Stations Planning and from the start a contributing factor in this judged best by the 8th Service Command

Advisory Board, is a native of Jackson- traveling show for our Armed Forces. A War Bond Office are then played. The ville, Florida. little over twelve months ago, he and Rich- soldiers suggesting selections played on Born in 1898, he moved to Nashville, ard Marvin, of William Esty & Co., Inc., the program are given two dollars each where he received the rudiments of the huddled over the idea. Today the Caravan in War Savings Stamps and a chance to three R’s in local schools as a prelude to has traveled more than 65,000 miles and win ten dollars more. his achievements in a fourth R—radio. has played in 26 States, Panama, Guate- Soldiers with the same last name as During spare hours of his high school mala, and the Canal Zone. On its First the lucky entrants or song identifiers also and Vanderbilt University days, Harry Anniversary, the Caravan was awarded a share in prize awards. Approximately worked in his father’s machine shop and, medal for its year on the road, and, like $100 worth of War Savings Stamps is when World War I came along, he took many other of his ventures, Harry Stone given away each week. Every soldier his technical experience to the Army Ord- saw the fruit of his labors rewarded. within the 8th Service Command is elig- nance Department and the Aberdeen Prov- Incidentally, the troupe is still going ible to take part in the show. ing Ground. After the war, young Stone strong and Harry really beams when he Lee Segall contributed the new pro- entered the engineering side of the rail- talks of plans for an even bigger and bet- gram idea to the War Bond OSce. The road industry. ter show for our soldiers and sailors at series is proving a hit with listeners as Stone began his radio career some 18 home and abroad. well as participating soldiers.

years ago as Nashville’s first announcer over the first radio station there—WCBQ.

In those days, as he puts it, an announcer meant everything; in fact, the floor owed

its cleanliness many times to the an- nouncer on duty. And “on duty” meant toiling from sign-on to sign-off. Fifteen years ago he joined WSM. where his pleasant smile and his aptitude for making friends won him a place on the national radio scene. Twelve years ago he became manager of WSM.

Stone is a member of the Lions Club, the local Advertising Club, the American Legion, county radio chairman of the American Red Cross, committee member of the Davidson County Community Chest and radio head of the Committee for Civilian Defense. He turns to fishing, hunting and boat- ing for relaxation. His boat, an auxiliary

sloop, is often seen on the Cumberland River near Nashville, and Harry spends many enjoyable hours with his friends on the Myalihi. He recently used his boat in the Government’s scrap rubber drive tFSM^s general manager has earned quite a reputation as a radio executive who gets and collected a good-sized supply of old things done. In this photo. Stone is shown aboard the Myalibi collecting scrap rubber tires along the hanks of the Cumberland. along the banks of the Cumberland River. SEPTEMBER 1942 7

Tuition in Nutrition WSB Offers Brush-Up

Offered St. Louisans Engineering Studies

# An educational series, “Nutrition and # Mend)crs of the engineering staff of Your Health,” on Station KSD (St. WSB, Atlanta, are now spending four Louis), boasts of one of the largest “stu- hours a week studying a “refresher” dent bodies” for that type of program. course in electrical and radio engineering. That’s because 100 Red Cross nutrition The idea behind the course is to sup- classes being conducted in the St. Louis ]}lement and refresh the knowledge of in- area listen regularly and the students offer dividual engineers, both to aid in station program ideas. And even this group is operation and to hel|) prepare them for supplemented by interested dieticians and possible service in the Armed Forces. MRS. W. J. DALEY HEARS SON'S VOICE J he course, vs Inch ojjened w ith a study nutritionists from neighboring localities. (Story below) of fundamental mathematics, has pro- Each Thursday for two months, “Let’s gressed to fundamentals of electricity. The Talk It Over,” the regular KSD women’s RAF Hero Heard Back class will take up the theory and practice feature, has brought Mrs. Eugenia Home Via BBC Recording of broadcast engineering at an early date, Shrader, director of the nutrition divi- # In a routine check-up on the chances including a detailed study of transmission, sion of the St. Louis Red Cross, to the of getting an interview with Flight Lieu- reception, propagation of radio waves, microphone to discuss America’s aim of tenant Jimmie Daley, 22-year-old Ama- acoustics, and studio-audio equipment. keeping healthy, under the title “Nutri- rillo, Texas, member of the RAF Eagle Glass hours are staggered and individ- tion and Your Health.” Scheduled with Squadron, KGNC, of his home town, ual working shifts so arranged that every an eye to the housewives’ week-end shop- learned from BBC that Jimmie was to be member of the engineering department ping, the program is carried out infor- decorated with the British Distinguished can follow the study. Make-up sessions, mally, and features ideas contributed by Flying Cross. homework, and written examinations are students, nutritionists and dieticians of KGNC immediately requested a tran- included in the class set-up. Classes will Missouri and Illinois. scription of the actual presentation from require about eighteen months to com- Although informal, this “first-of-its- BBC, but was advised that they could only plete. kind” program in the St. Louis area fol- do the next best thing—which was to lows the general outline of the standard transcribe an interview with him after the Red Cross nutrition course, and inquiries award had been made. This was done and Takes Air Force Post are answered on the air or by mail. Spot the interview was played over KGNC, • 1 he NBC eastern division production announcements over KSD heralded the after which the record was officially pre- staff tendered a luncheon to 1 della Grind- program during its first weeks on the air. sented to his mother, Mrs. W. J. Daley. lay, department office manager, on August

The Red Cross has aided by running Daley disclosed in his interview that 14, when she left to become administra- notices in the St. Louis chapter paper and he had been over occupied territory and tive assistant in the radio branch of the in the Missouri dieticians’ journal. Germany 72 times since joining the RAF. Army Air Forces in Washington.

50-F00T BILLBOARDS FOCUS EYES (AND EARS) ON NBC STARS

Twelve giant billboards—each bearing a caricature of a different outstanding NBC artist—are being used by Station WBZ (Boston) at heavy traffic points and terminals around the Massachusetts capital. The billboards are aimed to direct attention to the NBC stellar shows now heard over WBZ. These 12-foot by 50-foot layouts feature NBC artists having highest Crossley and Hooper ratings. The promotion is part of WBZ’s extensive campaign calling attention to the Westinghouse station's recent affiliation with NBC. Other forms of promotion include feature radio programs, spot announcements and trade paper and newspaper copy. Frank E. Mullen, NBC executive vice- Bill Ray, NBC Chicago press head, keeps Resplendent in brilliant colors, president and general manager, receives his eye on the hall. And observers, con- NBC stations departments at Rs prize at the NBC press golf tournament. sidering present ruhher priorities, be- Chinese influence. The room was Variety’s Ben Bodec (right) also won. lieved that he had the right idea. of Scarsdale, N. Y. Walls are of

WTMA, Charleston, South Carolina, has leased a large sec- Here’s the famous old auditorium of Charleston’s Dock | tion of a local historic landmark for offices. Street will be used for special broadcasts studios and The Theater which i

old Dock Street Theater, shown above, will be modernized by WTMA, the building’s new tenant. Care will be taken 'i within to house broadcasting and administrative facilities. to avoid harming the beauty of the old decorations. |!

set ; )onna Reed, movie starlet and former Denison, This eye-catching department store window display of NBC newscasters was ) owa, farm girl, returns to her home state where up in Thalhimer’s, Richmond, Virginia. NBC affiliate WMBG of that city reports he is interviewed by Herb Plambeck, WHO, Des that the “stopper” display received “plenty of attention.” The window, previ- 1 loines, farm news editor. ously seen at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, will be shown in more cities, f 1

signed reception room of the Radio Daily’s Jack Alicoate (seated) At the golf meet; Albert E. Dale, direc- l)oasts of modern lines with a hears golf tallies. C. L. Menser, NBC tor, NBC department of information; by Mrs. Daryl Marsh Acheson, vice-president in charge of programs, is Joseph V. Connolly and Sydney Eiges, ut hue. shown at the extreme right. assistant NBC press manager.

Mi

Hi Jl 1

|M ; n jj

pTMJ, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, moved into its own “Radio The auditorium studio of WTMJ’s new building seats 379 ity” last month. Photo above shows the observation lounge persons. Twelve official dedication programs took place on esigned in the manner of a large living room. Curtains at the stage of this huge chamber. Milwaukeeans showed great le right hide the window looking into the auditorium. civic pride in the new radio structure.

urry Kopf (left), NBC vice-president in charge of the central division, con- A gigantic cake, with each candle representing a atulates Ann Keith, I winner of a scholarship at the NBC-Northwestem Univer- new NBC network program soon to be featured by y Summer Radio Institute. Judith Waller, public service director of NBC’s WEE A, Manchester. New Hampshire, is served by Intral division, and Albert Crews, Institute director, are at right. station manager David Shurtleff. 10 NBC TRANSHITTEB

TROOPER TO TROUPER WIOD Teaches Miami Commerce Chamber How to Get Summertime Ballyhoo

• To help solve the problem of convincing advertisers and agency men that

Miami, Florida, is no “deserted village” in the summertime. Station WIOD, of that city, went to the Chamber of Commerce for help. Were there any recent pictures of summertime crowds in the shopping dis-

tricts? Was there a file on summer bathing crowds at the beach? How about a good night club crowd scene taken in the summertime? Or a crowded drug store? A parking lot? The Chamber of Commerce was sorry—but no one had ever thought of taking pictures for publicity purposes in the summer; that formula was only for winter promotion.

So, WlOD’s promotion manager, Frank Jaffe, hired a photographer, and spent three weeks taking pictures of crowds—in clubs, restaurants, stores, shopping centers and beaches. They also took pictures of industrial workers on war con- tracts. The Army and Navy supplied pictures of their official activities.

The result is a 20-page brochure telling the story, in picture form, of Miami’s Ford Rush receiving a medal from Major greatest summer business in all history. It is now in the hands of hundreds of Christian J . Randall at Camp Niantic, advertisers and agency men all over the United States. Connecticut, in appreciation of the W SM But the greatest satisfaction at WIOD came when the Miami Chamber of Com- (Nashville, Tennessee) “Grand Ole Opry” merce, after looking over a sample copy, ordered 600 copies for itself to send to unit of the “Camel Caravan” which in the travel agents throughout the nation. past year has traveled 65,000 miles and played to our Armed Forces in 26 States, Guatemala and the Canal Zone.

WAACS DRAWING ON BROADCAST RANKS FOR RECRUITS; RECEPTIONIST, SCRIPT EXPERT AND RADIO EDITOR JOIN

• Jeanne Carter, petite blonde reception- • One of the first few women to leave • Winifred McAllister, radio editor of

ist of KOA, Denver, is the first woman the ranks of radio for the WAACS is The Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator, has employee of the Ruth Mary Morton, continuity editor of given up writing NBC Rocky Moun- WBOW, Terre Haute, Indiana, for the about radio people tain station to en- past five years. and programs to

ter the Armed Miss Morton, who is 28, is a graduate become a member Forces. She took of Butler Univer- of the Women’s the oath of alle- sity, Indianapolis, Auxiliary Army

giance in the and is a member of Corps. She is now

Women’s Arm y the Kappa Kappa in officers’ training Auxiliary Corps Sorority. She was school at Fort Des (WAACi in Den- born in Terre Moines, Iowa, and

ver on August 11. Haute and attended writes glowing let-

JEANNE CARTER . , WINIFRED MCALLISTER w hen she was Indiana State j,,, back to The sworn in as a specialist. Teachers College. Vindicator editorial office about Army

Miss Carter remains with KOA until She left WBOW life.

she is called to active duty, prohably some for a brief period Miss McAllister’s eulistment in tbe offi-

time in October, at which time she 11 re- RUTH MARY MORTON to accept tbe posi- cers’ candidate school was the second in

])ort in Des Moines, Iowa, for preliminary tion of radio director of Lazarus Depart- Youngstown. She is a graduate of the training of four weeks. ment Store, Columbus, Ohio, so that she Lbiiversity of Michigan, and also took

Jeanne is 24 years of age, and five feet, might gain wider experience in the adver- graduate work at the University of Pitts-

five inches tall. Her normal weight of 99 tising field, and was at one time con- burgh and Youngstown college. She is barred her by one pound from qualifying nected with Block’s Department Store, the daughter of Dr. F. B. McAllister, pas- for the WAACS. But a change in diet Indianapolis. tor of the Ninth Street Baptist church in pushed the scales up to 104. Since reporting for active duty at Fort Cincinnati. She had served as radio editor

A native of Denver, she is the daugh- Des Moines, Iowa, Miss Morton filled of The Vindicator for a year and a half ter of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Carter. many requests for press photos. before being sworn into the WAACS. . . ) . .

SEPTEMBER 1942 11 NAN WITH HOE AND NIKE Fall Promotion Plan

Uses Star Previews Minding Peas and Cues, Jennings Pierce Became Radio Executive

# NBC’s huge “Fall Parade of Stars” • Capsule character sketch of Jennings lor of Science in Agriculture—and a spcjt promotional campaign will be in effect in Pierce: Just a farmer at heart. as top tenor with the Colden Bear (Juartet. all parts of the U. S. A. by the time this And Pierce—NBC’s western division When his college (juartet was appear- issue of The Transmitter is distributed. manager of station relations and public ing in Yosemite National Park, an execu- Station response to the announcement has service—can prove it. A full acre victory- tive of Station KGO s]j(jtted Pierce, and exceptionally enthusiastic and there been ranch, bearing bumper crops of beans, offered him a joh. J. P. worked for a year will is every indication that the campaign corn, squash, melons, carrots, beets, pep- with the California State Uepartment of exploitation history in an industry make pers, etc., is exhibit A. When he is away Agriculture before making his start in that thrives on promotion. from NBC duties, J. P. is active with hoe radio, however, so it was 192.5 before he The huge merchandising campaign was and cultivator and spray gun. reported to KGO. Although his singing dispatched to stations in a package and had won him the job. Pierce started as — Pierce comes by his agricultural ability

good-sized one; many stations term it an announcer ( doubling as office boy, pro- a naturally. Long be-

“prize package.” merchandising port- ducer and special events man I a A fore he began his folio of mammoth size—packed chockful — 14-year tenure with At the time the NBC western division of audience-building ideas is already in NBC, he gained was formed. Pierce was drafted from affiliate. It includes the hands of each NBC practical farming KGO, and soon was chief announcer. His complete details and materials for con- experience near farming urge wouldn’t stay under cover, to draw record ducting the campaign Bakersfield, Cali- however, and NBC’s first west coast direc- audiences to the brilliant fall program fornia. His educa- tor of agriculture was Pierce. He held that line-up of the network. NBC tion was directed position from 1933 until he was made The contents of each portfolio include: toward scientific divisional director of public service pro- farming, and when grams in 1939. Early this year, he was (1) Plan of action. JENNINGS PIERCE he enrolled at the appointed western manager of the station (2) Ten recordings. (These transcrip- University of California, after serving relations department, retaining his public tions are, in effect, the core of the cam- during World War I with the Marines, service program post. paign. They include special “speak pre- Pierce majored in agriculture. He honors from edu- views” of returning fall stars; a long list Pierce received high emerged in 1923 with the degree of Bache- for of eminent advertising agencies cooper- cational and agricultural institutions public ated in arranging for these advance disk his work on NBC farm, school and “trailer” performances. service programs. (3) Prepared scripts (of 5, 10 and 15- JOINS FALL PARADE No honorary farmer on his home minute lengths) ranch, J. P. has put scientific farming (4) Spot announcements (of one min- principles to work on his acre plot. Mrs. ute or less) Pierce and the two youngsters, Jennings

(5) Photographs of stars (for lobby, Douglas, 14, and Alan Thompson, 12, are window and studio displays). the “farm hands,” and the oversize victory

(6) Mats (for newspaper publicity pur- garden is divided into departments, each poses) . one cared for by one member of the (7) Suggested newspaper advertise- family. Specialist in melons, and super- ments. visor of general activities, such as spray-

(8) Announcement ad mats. ing, irrigating and harvesting, is J. P. (9) Prepared press stories. himself. A flock of laying hens, and two

1 10) Newspaper feature page layout. saddle horses^—-“Prince” and “Lucky”— (11) Speech on “Radio’s Contribution are quartered on the Pierce place, which to the War Effort” (for use by station ex- consists of two commercial acres overall. ecutives in talks before civic groups) During almost 20 years of radio. Pierce (12) Catalogue of unusual promo- has made manv notable contributions to tional ideas. public service broadcasting. Such pro- (13) Printed window posters. Eddie Cantor turns over his “speak pre- grams as “California Agriculture” and (14) Printed car cards. vierv" disks to Frank E. Mullen, NBC execu- “Western Farm and Home Hour ’ were (15) Printed counter cards. tive vice-president and general manager. The developed under his supervisioTi, and the recordings, included in the “Fall Parade of recent “Unlimited Horizons ” was one of It is interesting to note that the cam- Stars” promotion campaign {story at left) series ever paign places particular importance on will be used to herald the seasonal return of the outstanding educational station-newspaper tie-in plans. the popular NBC program. developed in the west. "

12 NBC TRANSMITTER

STAMPING OUT AXIS BONDAGE

• NBC affiliates from coast to coast are doing that very thing by boosting the sale of L nited States War Bonds and Stamps. Stations and stars are contributing considerable time and facilities in this patriotic effort. Many stations not only promote the sale of bonds and stamps but actually sell them direct to the public. Pictured on this page are just a few of the representative radio bond drive activities.

“Buy „

George F. Putnam, if'EAF (New York) newscaster, and Marie Gerard (center), NBC station relations receptionist, sell a bond to Mrs. Lucille L. Silvey at the bond booth in Radio City.

Janette [r \, J 'W L ^>nger ^

M-G-M cameramen record Judy Jones, tt' SM (Nashville, Tennessee) star, singing “My Buddy” for the National IT'ar Bond Sales Drive.

I y

ii¥g»f ? B

f’fected'’^ Opry *

f our If MAQ (Chicago) announcers compete for war bond sales stints at the station's Merchandise Mart booth. Left to right: Fort Pearson, Cleve Conway, Louis Roen and Bob Brown. .

SEPTEMBER 1942 13

Stamp Award Goes to WSM NIKE AT CRASH SCENE; PLANE NIPS POWER LINE

Anonymous KVOO Star

I i # The Oklahoma Philatelic Society’s

I “Legion of Honor” medal to the philatelist who made the major contribution to exten-

J sion of the hobby during 1942 was awarded the KVOO “Stamp Man,” anony- mous commentator on the program, “Post- age Stamp Adventures,” broadcast each Sunday afternoon over KVOO (Tulsa, Oklahoma)

Presentation of the medal was made before a KVOO microphone by L. M. Blakey, newly elected president of the I Cover Collectors of America, and H. L. Whitman, president of the Tulsa Stamp Club, both prominent members of the Oklahoma Philatelic Society.

“Postage Stamp Adventures” is now one of the oldest philatelic programs in radio, having been broadcast continuously hy the same person over KVOO since January, 1929.

WSM (Nashville, Tennessee) sends The Transmitter this pictorial memento of the TURN TO THE WRIGHT broadcast of a “modern miracle.” The occasion teas the revival of the 80th Division at {Continued from page 4) Camp Forrest, Tennessee. Circling over the inductees and scattering pamphlets giving the ! history of the 80th in World War I, one of the fliers flew too low and clipped the power lj| went abroad to observe British radio pro- cable that was supplying WSM with electricity. Photo above shows the length of cable duction methods. He spent 19 days at || I taken off the pole just before the plane landed severing WSM power connections. Inset Broadcasting House, in I London, 1936, and I shows the plane, believe it or not, just as it crashed in the truck. The man on the right, returning to Detroit, opened a new audi- hanging over the plane is the aviator, who escaped unhurt from the crash. Half of the i torium studio for WWJ where many propeller teas taken off the plane before landing. The WSM program was being tran-

I epoch-making productions originated, sev- scribed by WSM announcer hid Collins. The disk ivas rushed to Nashville; the crashing eral of them obtaining nation-wide atten- of the plane against the poiver line was audible in the WSM broadcast that followed. tion.

He rejoined the NBC central division in Chicago in 1938 as a production director Rroadcast New Mexico Rig Georgia Response and handled many outstanding series. In January, 1939, he was appointed assistant Air Rase Flag Rites To Air Rubber Appeal production manager and, two months • The daily retreat ceremonies at the • Final tabulations on the WSB ( Atlanta ) later, was again promoted to production Albuquerque Air Base are now being state-wide 4-H Club contest for the collec- manager for the division. He held the broadcast by KOB, of that New Mexico tion of scrap rubber reveal that 168 clubs Chicago post until last month when he was city. When the program was launched. entered the 10-day contest, and that a transferred to New York as eastern divi- Governor John E. Miles issued a procla- grand total of 119,067 pounds of the pre- sion production manager. mation urging all residents of the state to cious material was salvaged. Wright strongly advocates some stage pause wherever they were at broadcasting Winning club, which received WSB

experience for all radio actors and direc- time and to make the practice of listen- Farm Director Bill Prance’s first prize of

tors. He still views radio as a great field ing to the ceremonies a “part of their $25 in cash, was that in Blundale Com- for new writing talent and his advice to daily lives.” munity in Emanuel County; this group

young authors is to break into broadcast- Lowering of the flag to the strains of alone rounded up more than 11,000

ing the trial-and-error way. If a script “The Star Spangled Banner” is preceded pounds of scrap rubber. Interest was not doesn’t click, he states, the new writer by a concert by the Air Base band. limited to 4-H Clubs, however, as was

should tear it up and do it over again, The series was arranged by KOB As- evidenced by one Georgia farmer who, repeating the formula until he strikes sistant Manager Merl H. Tucker and Lieu- although 78 years old. collected 484 home w ith the makings of a hit. tenant Howard A. Finch. pounds of rubber single-handed. —

14 NBC TRANSMITTER i

HOPE AND CROSBY IN GOLF DUEL FOR ARMY 36% of Legal Staff Serving Uncle Sam

• The NBC legal department has

given almost 36 per cent of its em- ployees to the United States Ser- vices, according to A. L. Ashby, NBC vice-president and general counsel.

The department’s honor roll in- cludes: John Hurley, of the Wash-

ington office, commissioned in the Navy; Franklin Butler, of the New York office, commissioned in the Navy; Edward Hidalgo, of the

Washington office, assigned to Gov- ernment work in Uruguay, South America; E. Gardner Prime, of the

New York office, commissioned in the Army, and Everett Deane, for- mer junior clerk of the New York There were laughs galore when Bing and Bob clashed ivith quips as ivell as putts. office, serving in the Federal Bureau

of I nvestigation.

• KOA I Denver ) broadcast a stroke-by- famous stars in action on the links. stroke account of a golf match played for Gagman Hope was at his sharpest, Army Relief by NBC stars Bing Crosby much to the delight of the gallery—and and Bob Hope, teamed respectively with Crosby returned quip for quip during 22nd Birthday of WWJ I golf professionals Lawson Little and Ed their golf round. It was Hope who won " { Dudley, when the foursome traversed the the match sinking Has Modest Observance — a birdie three on the | fairways of the Cherry Hills Country Club final hole to enable him and Dudley to • “Just too busy with helping to win the

near Denver on Sunday, August war” is the reason ( Detroit gave 16, before triumph over Crosby and Little. WWJ ! a capacity crowd of some 7,000 spectators. The gallery accounted for an approxi- for not celebrating the completion of 22 K The station also brought its Sunday mate total of $2,500 for Army Relief. years of broadcasting on August 20. In |M afternoon listeners a specially-arranged place of the elaborate programs of other i i ,

half-hour broadcast featuring Crosby and years, WWJ was content to add a phrase I Hope, which was staged near the club- WSB Provides Food for to its regular standby: “This is WWJ house following the match, in which the The Detroit News, 22 years old today.” ' Pepsodent Kid and the Kraft Crooner Thought— and Speech The Detroit News ran an editorial, and caused the crowd to shell out .|27,500 for • A new method of assigning announcers some of the long-time sponsors offered the purchase of war bonds to swell Uncle to programs has been uncovered at WSB congratulations during their programs.

.Sam’s war chest. ( Atlanta ) . It’s a method that depends That was all. Absent for the first time on

Bill Day, KOA news editor and special upon the appetites and tastes of the hoys an anniversary was William J. Scripps, events director, handled the mike assign- involved. whose boyish interest in radio many years ment in describing the golf match. He was When WSB broadcast the opening cam- ago resulted in the establishment of WWJ assisted by Lawson Little, former Ameri- paign speeches of gubernatorial candi- on August 20, 1920. Scripps, general man- can and British Open Champ and NBC dates Gene Talmadge and Ellis Arnall, it ager of radio for The Detroit News, is on golf authority, who commented on the was decided that Production Manager active duty in the Air Forces as a first play between strokes. All told, KOA de- Marcus Bartlett would do the Talmadge lieutenant. voted two hours of air time to the affair. pick-up—since all in attendance at Moul- Arrangements for the broadcast were trie were to participate in a huge fish-fry, made in a hurry. Not until two days be- while Arnall supporters at Newnan were OWI Gets Miss Lorentz fore the match did the Leyden-Chiles- to be served Georgia barbecue. • Anne Lorentz, recently war service co-

Wickersham post of the American Legion Mark dearly loves fried fish—but can’t ordinator at WTAG (Worcester, Massa- ! in Denver receive word that Hope take barbecue. I the International and Program Director Roy Mc- chusetts , has joined Crosby would he available. KOA helped Millian okayed that decision because he Division of the Office of War Information. publicize the affair in advance through hates fish and can really go for real South- It was expected that she would be as- spot announcements inviting the public ern harhecue. So Roy took the Arnall pro- signed to the program department of the to attend the match and see the two gram—and everybody was happy. New York branch. SEPTEMBER 1942 15

11 is entrance into radio occurr(*d a OUT-IEEVING JEEVES little over t\\o years ago when he got a three-week lem|)orar\ position in the din- IS RICHARDSON TRAIT ing loom of the (ioiumhia Broadcasting

.System. When his time was up. (iBS \ ice- j)resident Edward Klauher asked him what # Fiction can have its Jeeves, and the his ])lans v\ere. Richardson rc|)lied that he stage and screen their Arthur J'reacher, didn’t have any, and Klauher gave him a hut NBC has its Richardson— and to all letter of introduction to NBC. who meet him, he’s the prototype of the ffe brought the letter to Niles Jram- perfect hutler. mell at the opportune time NBC was j)lan- Actually, though, Richardson is much ning an executive dining room. more than a hutler. As major domo of “If you’re as good as Klauher sa\s \ou the NBC executive dining room, the sar- are, we ll hire you,” the NBC president re- torially perfect, courteous gentleman’s marked. gentleman prefers the title of steward. Richardson’s appearance is sartorially “You can’t tell how good 1 am until Not that Robert Frank Richardson is “correct” and his manner would win the you’ve tried me,” Richardson replied. A fussy about words. Not by a long shot. applause of Emily Post. He even out- few minutes later he hung up his hat and But he feels that neither “butler” nor Jeeves Wodehouse’s Jeeves and out- was at work ordering kitchen and dining “valet” accurately describes his duties at Treachers Hollywood’s Arthur Treacher. room e(]uipment and stocking the larder. NBC. And being right in words— as well Several folk who have noted him in action And now, after two years at NBC, he as actions— is what makes for perfect ser- call him the perfect steward. enjoys radio “more than ever.” vice, he holds.

“I don’t say my service is perfect.” Richardson explained to The Transmitter HONOR DENVER NEC MEN IN U. S. SERVICES reporter. “I aim at perfection, of course,

but all I expect is that the service be re- garded as ‘good’.” IB viv ' h|b Richardson and his wife, Christine, are teamed in handling all the cooking and MB service in the executive dining room.

Richardson is the only one who makes an appearance before the officials and I NBC •Robert B.Young Albert C.M9CH their distinguished guests at the frequent George M. Mathews luncheons ( wdth settings ranging from

four ) . to sixteen But behind the kitchen fbrleifC. Tor land JesscA.blu door, Christine efficiently reigns over the range and pantry. E. Starr Ye! Richardson hails from Brighton, Eng- Edward A. s.hh m' land—land of tea, crumpets and perfect butlers. Fie looks upon his NBC steward- ship as a privilege in the traditional man- E.R. Pearson ner of the land of his birth. He has served Stanley K.Brown in homes of several prominent persons and has earned the compliment of being Walter Cass consulted by many celebrities for menus for special private functions as well as advice on laying out linens, silverware, table placements, etc.

In his two years at NBC, Richardson

has served a long list of promitient guests.

Such names as Arturo Toscanini, Kirsten Miss Jeanne Carter W.A NC. Flagstad, Secretary of the Treasury Mor- genthau and Jack Benny will convey an idea of the assortment of noted personali- ties Richardson has served. Although luncheoTis in the executive dining room are limited to groups of 16, Richardson This patriotic lobby display was recently set up in I\BC’s Denver studio building in has supervised buffet service for groups tribute to the KOA workers in military service. Since the photo was taken, one more of 70 and large hotel parties. name—that of Bill Ballance, announcer—was added to the Army roll. .

16 NBC TRANSMITTER

POPULARITY LEAD OF NBC COMMERCIAL PROCRAMS INCREASES IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF WAR

• Leading the next network by 3o the year were made by NBC pro- the table below : per cent in total evening commercial grams. CAB EVENING COMMERCIAL jjrogram ratings, NBC came within The same study revealed a marked PROGRAM RATINGS one per cent of earning as many increase in NBC average program ( Accumulated for first six months 1 program rating points as all other ratings in the survey periods follow- Total CAB Ratings networks combined in the first six ing the December 7 attack on Pearl 1941 1942 months of 1942. Harbor, the January 5 regulation of NBC 15,764 18,249 riie special study, based on the tire sales, the February 9 adoption Network “A” 15..543 13.173 accumulated CAB ratings for all of War Time and the May 15 ration- Network “B” 5.040 4,813 (piarter-hour units, also shows that ing of gasoline in eastern seaboard Network “C ’ 451 1,166

7o per cent of the wartime gains in states ( note details on chart above I

network listening since the first of Results of the studv are shown in Total 36,798 37,401

NEW 10% DISCOUNT PLAN American Tobacco Co. Kay Kyser Phillip .Morris Co. lohnny Presents Bell Telep)hone System Telephone Hour PepsodenI Co. Boh Hope {Continued Irani page 3) Bristol-Myers Co Eddie Cantor Procter & Gamble. .Abie’s Irish Rose as the result of the independent thinking Mr. District .Attorney Truth or Consequences and planning of NBC in furtherance of Brown & Williamson W. .\. Sheaffer Pen Co. .. Gpton Close Tobacco Corp Red Skelton its objective to secure maximum listening . Edgar Bergen and Char- Tommy Dorsey Standard Brands for the maximum number of NBC affili- lie McCarthy Firestone Tire & One Man's Family ated stations, and at the same time not Rubber Co Voice of Firestone The O’Neills inflicting penalties upon advertisers, who F. W. Fitch Co. Fitch Bandwagon Hour of Vick Chemical Co... Dr. I. Q. for reasons of distribution or budgetary General Electric Co Charm General Foods Jack Benny limitations were unable to avail them- With such an imposing array of pro- t'anny Brice and Frank grams, American listetiers will be better selves of the over-all discount plan. .Morgan Advertisers using 125-station networks .Mdricb Family served this fall and winter than ever on NBC this fall and winter include: Liggett & Myers Co. Fred Waring before. OCTOBER 1942

IN THIS

ISSUE :

"TRAIL OF THE DOTTED LINE" if ROY C. WITHER

NBC Vice-President

in Charge of Sales

ROY C. WITMER —

2 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC TRANSMITTER BERRIES TO LICK THE JERRIES VOL. 8 OCTOBER 1942 NO. 6

Published Monthly by the KVOO Comes Through With Ingenious Plan to Save Big Crop National Broadcasting Company Building, Radio City, New York RCA • The loss of .$100. 000 to farmers in any field and would keep only one dav with-

county in America in any season is a seri- out being processed.

ous matter and that’s a threat farmers in Ihat meant that if farmers picked, AN ALL-AMERICA TEAM Adair County. Oklalioma, faced this year stemmed and hauled berries to the plant

• The Institute of Inter-Ainerican on their strawberry crop until farm radio oidy to find a shortage of barrels — or ste])ped in and saved the day and the none at all— their crop would he ruined Affairs is a significant new venture berries, too. and wasted. in the development of NBC's Inter- Inasmuch as these berries were des- Forestalling this, Manasco got together Aineriean University of the Air as tined for Lend-Lease shi]jment to our with Farm Editor Sam Schneider of Sta- a potentially powerful ally of estah- Allies, the mere cash saved was little in tion K\ 00 at Tulsa, Oklahoma. Schnei- lished academic institutions. comparison to the value of this food to der’s first program daily is the “Rural 10, 11 and 12. Held on October men and women abroad who look to Route 1170" broadcast at 0:4.5 to 7:00 to signalize the 450th anniversary America to save them from starvation. a.m.. a homey, chatty , informative tvpe of of the discovery of America hy When the berry season opened in broadcast well received hy Southwestern Columhus. this institute evolved as Adair County, growers expected a good farmers. an experimental union of the great Manasco early every morning called “mass medium'’ of radio with the Sam. told him how many barrels were available, how long the growers should specially-limited intellectual facili- pick and also told him to encourage ties and resources of one of the everyone in the county who could pos- world’s great universities for the sibly pick berries to do so because of the stimulating of international under- shortage of labor. standing. Smoothly the program progressed w ith of talks, A well-rounded schedide the labor supply regulated, proper amount discussions, broadcasts and demon- of berries jiicked and the exact number

strations resulted in a large regis- of crates brought to the plant. tration of diplomats, teachers and During the season. 2.871 barrels of students. berries were put up for which growers Columbia University joined with were paid .$80,388. Total loss during the operations: one barrel of berries. Another NH(; in this enterprise of bringing KVOO'S SAM SCHNEIDER j)lant in Arkansas, where coordination together—in the school’s McMillin was poor and no means of information Academic Theatre, in the Museum was used, lost 1,400 crates one day and market straight through and a huge field of Modern Art, and in the Radio dumped 1.000 crates in the river a day crop was ready after farmers had co- studios — many of the nujst City later. Total losses at this plant netted the operated carefully with the I nited States distinguished leaders in inter- growers in that area a loss for the season. De|)artment of Agriculture in the “Food .American affairs for a comprehen- Adair County growers netted the sum for Freedom" |)rogram. sive discussion and demonstration mentioned above: pickers made S38.000; 1 he season opened with jirices at .S.'L.iO the processing jilant j>ay roll was S3. 500 of cultural and economic develop- a crate. Sugar rationing hit. I'wo days a total of .S122.()4(i to the county people ments among the American nations. later |)iices \\ere fluctuating between .Sl.llo and sexeral thousand barrels of berries The success of this institute indi- and .S 2 ..1.1 a crate. to hel]) lick the .lerries. cates it is expected not only to he Keeping right on top of the situation. riie station benefited hy the tie-in in made into a regular annual ctm- Adair (iounty Agent Titus Alanasco and mam ways, hut its greatest satisfaction Fthridge. a jnominent grower, trihntion to inter-American under- Perr\ was in doing a \ ital wartime job. established a berry jirocessing })lant at standing. hilt also to bring into the Stilwell through the Agricultural Market- field of active cooperation other im- ing Ser\ ice. Berries brought in were to portant universities, as well as radio Radio Women Organize he processed. ])ut in barrels and sent to stations and networks in many other Fngland or other fighting fronts. # \nn Sterling, director of womens pro- hemis{>here. It is an nations of our Ihe plan was good, hut com])lications grams. KOAK). Seattle, was recently ap- experiment fraught with immense arose. Ibis was a new thing and farmers pointed state chairman of the .Association

potentialities for good. didn’t know how to cooperate. A ct full of Directors of WO men’s Programs. I'lie

It will he r<‘|)orted in detail in the and fast coordination was a necessity be- purpose- of the organi/alion is to further next issm* of The 'rransmitter. cause herrie.' had to he stemmed in the the war elTorl through women s programs. OCTOBER 1942 3

TRAIL OF THE DOTTED LINE

Reselling of Accounts Every 13 Weeks a Vital Staff Assignment

By Roy C. Witmer

I\BC Vice-President in Charge of Sales

• NBC has been at the top of popularity polls and sales records so long that some observers have been heard to remark that getting orders must be just an “over-the- transom” procedure. This would be ideal

—if it were true— for the building up of any product to the point where orders are just tossed into the office is a flattering thing to any sales manager. But notwith- standing the fact that most advertisers rate NBC Number One, there’s never any time for resting on laurels along the trail of today’s dotted line. It is an unremitting selling job on the part of NBC’s sales staff to keep the network in its position as the world leader of all advertising media— and it’s just as hard to stay on top as it is to COVERAGE IS POWERFUL SALES WEAPON—Mr. Witnier brings the point home reach that pinnacle. to members of his department: (left to right) I. E. Showerman, Eastern sales manager; Every account on the air must be re- George H. Frey, sales-service manager, and Edward R. Hitz, assistant to the vice- newed every 13 weeks—and every renewal president in charge of sales. is tantamount to a new sale. This means that the sales staff must constantly sell and vertise wares he can’t produce in sufficient Fundamentally, the sale of time is no resell the network against such obstacles quantities for the buying public. This different from the sale of any other com- as (1) wartime curtailments of advertis- situation may even be more severe in the modity. The commodity must be attrac- ing budgets, (2) diversion by advertisers year ahead. tive, its quality must be maintained and it of all or part of their radio expenditures Fortunately, even a full year before must constantly be sold and resold; in to other media, and (3) sales tactics of Pearl Harbor, we were in the position of other words, proved over and over again competitive networks. having about 85 percent of our sold time by use. In this respect, aside from our

The war angle, of course, is the biggest sponsored by advertisers in four brackets great number of leading commercial pro- problem in resales today. Many articles who, under almost any circumstances, grams, our service shows— including the have already been written in the trade would be practically the last to feel the NBC Symphony Orchestra broadcasts, press on the importance of continuous ad- effect of priorities or other curtailments, “The Army Hour,” “University of Chi- vertising during wartime. The oft-told at least to the point of affecting their net- cago Round Table,” sustaining newscasts, story of the necessity for an unbroken work radio advertising budgets. These religious broadcasts, etc.— are, in effect, stream of advertising, promotion, mer- classifications are food, tobacco, drugs powerful selling agents, for they, too, help chandising and exploitation projects has and soap. Industries more drastically to maintain the quality of the network proved itself so many times in the history affected by priority allocations and con- by building listening audiences and add- of business that I won’t attempt to tell it sumer rationing were, fortunately for us, ing a tremendous amount of good-will. In here. Surely, every advertiser has learned not in that foursome of “biggest” NBC other words, they help to sell and resell that lesson by now. And I’m including advertisers. the network to the listener and keep him

NBC itself, when I say “every advertiser”; But it has not been mere chance that listening and coming back for more. and our recognition of this principle of has kept the NBC schedule intact. It’s a On the statistical side of the fence, the continuous advertising has kept our sell- combination of having developed an ex- achievements of our sales efforts speak for ing effort on a par with the merchandising cellent medium to start with and a top- themselves. Considering the fact that prac- campaigns we recommend to our clients. flight sales and promotion staff constantly tically all NBC contracts are contingent

The biggest danger of losing an ac- driving home the powerful story of the on 13 week renewals, it is most impressive count these days occurs when priority most powerful of all networks—as well as to note that 33 percent of our present ad- allocations curtail or suspend the manu- an ample supply of concrete reasons whv vertisers have been on NBC 10 years or facture and sale of a sponsor’s produet to all NBC advertisers should remain on the more, 75 percent have been on our net- a point where he deems it needless to ad- air, and, of course, on NBC. ( Continued on page 13) 4 NBC TRANSMITTER

THE ANSWER ROOM

NBC's General Library Fills Many Odd Information Requests

• “Can you tell me what railroad Casey nature. Not only does this library attempt Jones operated?” “Do yellow-fever mos- AVID READERS to serve all departments of the company quitoes buzz or are they silent?” “What (although it is an adjunct of the press 9 On September 24, the semi-monthly is the diameter of a human hair?” department!, but it takes care of bulletin, ^'Timely Reading” ivas circu- many You can be thankful you are not on lated to NBC employees. The list con- students writing radio theses, authors of the receiviiig end of a telephone line that tained titles of the latest additions to radio articles, and advertising agency the library shelves. If ithin 24 spouts questions like these. But this is a NBC workers, among others. hours, every item on the bulletin teas normal everyday experience for the gen- To answer such a wide range of in- requested, and there were long ivaiting eral library at NBC. Day after day. week quiries the NBC library has on file nearly lists for the mafority of books. Frances in and week out. questions of all kinds Sprague, NBC’s chief librarian, com- 13,000 catalogued items plus several thou- pour into this information center. Some- mented: “It is very gratifying to see sand miscellaneous magazines and pam- that these lists the library are times it takes half a day to find the answer from phlets. This library, located on the fourth being used so extensively in our busi- to a particularly dilTicult query. In a few floor of NBC, forms a center for radio ness.” rare cases, no answer is found, but the information unequalled in the country. It

library is able to get the desired informa- is the oldest established reference library tion for a surprisingly high percentage of and Australia. Upon learning that these on radio broadcasting, and has the most requests. documents were available, a representa- comprehensive collection of data on the Just now the war brings in many spe- tive called and made arrangements to have industry. cial questions. The library has been asked them photostated. It appears that these New books and pamphlets on the sub-

to check on whether the majority of Hit- reports are now' out-of-print, and could be ject are being added all the time; radio ler’s invasions began on week-ends; to found nowhere else in the city. This is a magazines—technical, trade, and fan—are

find articles on the effect of the last war striking instance of the value of the li- received regularly, and kept permanently. and the present war on advertising, radio brary’s collection of early radio material, Station brochures and miscellaneous sur-

and general business conditions. Inquiries much of which is now rare and priceless. veys are steadily adding to the collection

about short-wave propaganda are gaining The variety of reference works might and keeping it up-to-date and complete. in number. surprise an outsider, but anyone in the All this material which has been as-

J'he library has found answers to such radio business understands how limitless sembled since 1930 is a veritable history

teasers as “Where is oil located in is the field covered by an industry of this of all aspects of radio and television.

Burma?” “What is the distance between

Chungking and Lashio?” “What is the comparative density of population in Bel- gium and China?” Facts on Java, the Great Barrier Reef and the Andaman Islands have been supplied. There have been requests for material on broadcast- ing in Japan, Italy and Germany, as well as for the location of far-away battle zones. Statistics on the Army and Navy are in great demand; in many cases, war data has to he supplied at a moment’s notice prior to a broadcast.

Facts on the broadcasting situation in South American countries have been com- piled. Information about victory gardens

for use in a radio script has been found.

Material on Aztec and Mayan music, illus- trations of old ads, details on the battles of Concord and I.,exington, studies of chil-

dreti’s radio programs, and the source and

text of the inscription on the Statue of Idherty, have been supplied. J he library recently had a call from an WHERE E.4CTS SPEAK VOLUMES— View of the NBC general library adjoining important Government agency for certain the press department. Located on the fourth floor of the Radio City office section, it is

documents giving data on radio in Egypt open to all employees in the quest of facts. IPs the biggest library of its kind. OCTOBER 1942 5

"CHICAGO, THAT WONDERFUL TOWN"

Love for Chicago Caused Harry C. Kopf to Become a Leading Citizen There

• “Harry C. Kopf is a Chicago boy who sales for the local display department of Gand)le picture at an early date and was built up one of the greatest sales records The Chicago Herald-Examiner. The rec- of major aid in turning the company into in all broadcasting history, and became a ord there, to quote the terse description the biggest single customer on NBC. vice-president of NBC and general man- provided by an associate, indicates that For the datebook, the following are ager of its central division.” he was “definitely a hot-shot.” In 1927 he milestones: January 1, 1939, appointed

That, in miniature, is the story of one joined the A. W. Shaw Publishing Com- sales manager of the NBC central divi- of the best-known, best-liked executives in pany, to represent the national depart- sion; October 9, 1940, appointed general

. radio. But insofar ment for “System” magazine, ^nd went manager of the NBC central division ef-

as biographies go, along with the firm when it was absorbed fective November 1 of that year; October

that statement is by tbe McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. 3, 1941, elected vice-president of NBC. far from complete. In 1929, his firm enthusiastically offered Nobody associated with him under-

It says nothing at him a much better post in New York, and estimates his executive talents. Even the

all about an execu- that led to the conclusion that Kopf, ap- messengers from the NBC mail room rate

tive who is called parently, is a “Chicagophile.” You get him as “a high-power guy.” Noted for

by his first name that idea from the fact that he left Mc- fast attack and lightning wit in matters

by everybody from Graw-Hill because he didn’t want to go of business, he is also noted for being the

his auto mechanic to New York, and he departed from his kind of individual with an instinctive lik- to the company’s ing for people. HARRY C. KOPF biggest client. It He considers himself as something of a overlooks the facts in life about a young football expert and probably takes more fellow who hung up a couple of track interest in the sports pages during the fall records for himself at the University of than at any other time of year. His house

Illinois, and who traces his foundations is near Northwestern University’s Dyche in sales technique to the business side of Stadium, so there’s no major transporta- a Chicago soda fountain. tion worry for his autumnal Saturday

For the record, he was born at Shaw- afternoons. neetown, Illinois, on December 26, 1902, His tendency to do things efficiently the son of an electrical engineer. It is also and swiftly also characterizes his bowling a matter of record that his parents gave game, a pastime in which he rates well him the middle name of Clifford—a fact above average. But when it comes to golf, which he has striven valiantly to forget, that’s another matter entirely. Associates beginning with early grade school days on concede him to be one of the most amaz- Chicago’s South Side. They had arrived ingly bad players in Christendom. in Chicago about 1912, and following his In the past couple of years, Kopf has bout with the grade school books, he went become an addict of various Waltonian on to Hyde Park High School and an pastimes. By a long stretch of the imagi- extra-curricular job of dishing out choco- nation, this new interest in aquatic sub- late malts and cokes across a marble foun- Here s young Harry Kopf a score of years jects might be traced to his peacetime tain top. It was along in that period he ago when he was a freshman at the U. of penchant for ocean voyaging. So enam- Illinois. His activity in track events paved made his acquaintance with athletics, tak- ored of the briny deep is he that he has the way to his stellar sales sprints of later ing a healthy interest in track events and crossed to Europe and back at least three years. He’s still an ardent sports enthusiast. basketball. times and to South America once. The

Later, at the U. of Illinois, track latter event furnished a bit of a thrill, due prowess netted him several charms for next job, with The Literary Digest, be- to the fact that it was a Dutch ship and the watch chain in sprint events. He also cause they wanted him to go to Detroit. had to dash for port when Germany in- got an Alpha Tau Omega pin for his vest, Kopf wanted to stay in the Windy City. vaded the Netherlands. and a job promoting the sale of Chester- That was in 1931, November to be exact, In passing, one stray fact should be fields for the Liggett & Myers Tobacco and the decision brought him to NBC. noted. Perhaps he is motivated by the Company. The name of Kopf loomed large in the ancient observation that “He travels far- He went on to a B.S. degree in 1925, commercial broadcasting picture from thest who travels alone.” In any event, he majoring in advertising and selling, and that time on. Drackett Chemical was an is still definitely in the eligible bachelor emerged on the Chicago scene that year early account, and so was Real Silk class—a fact that daily contributes to the in search of a job. Hosiery and the Hoover Vacuum Cleaner general bewilderment of young ladies who He was soon engaged making space Company. He stepped into the Procter & see him in his daily rounds. ,

6 NBC TRANSMITTER

GIRL IN CONTROL WSB LAUNCHES "VICTORY BANK" PLAN TO RECLAIM WASTED FARM LAND

• The suggestion by a Newton County, form ugliness into beauty, to make clear Georgia, fanner that land-owners and streams out of muddy streams, and to farmers like himself create for themselves assist nature in healing her surface and their nation a “victory bank” by wounds made by the repeated acts of selecting their worst piece of land for re- thoughtless men.” working it and making it productive has Although complete plans for promo- been actively endorsed and supported by tion of the project are yet to be made,

Bill Prance, farm director for WSB. it is hoped by station officials that civic Atlanta. organizations all over the state will be- Responses from listeners who heard the come activel) interested in the idea as a The distinction of being the first of her first the major community project. Complete co- announcement of “victory bank” sex to become control engineer of an Arkan- idea on a recent operation of all Government and State sas radio station goes to pretty Nell Grover “Dixie Farm conservation, agricultural, and forestry of KARK, NBC associate at Little Rock. She is also believed one the first ivomen oper- Hour” broadcast agencies has been extended the project. of ators in the Southu'est. Miss Grover came to have now become It is understood that a state-wide contest K.4RK fresh from Port Arthur College, Port will be held by the station so great that the at a later date Arthur, Texas, where she learned the opera- station plans con- to award prizes to those making the “most tion of the controls at a local station. She tinued promotion out of the least” with their “victory bank” first became interested in radio when offered an experimental course for women at Bren- of the project as a land. ham, Texas. She holds a first class radio major contribution telephone license. Oh, res, in addition to to the war effort. WAVES Get Fair Recruit being pretty she is 22 and single. Channing Cope, BILL PRANCE Newton County From NBC International farmer and member of the Georgia Farm • First WAVE to be recruited from KONO Recording Miss Bureau Federation, and Prance explained NBC’s Radio City personnel was blonde, Is in the Navy Now the idea to listeners like this: gray-eyed Alice Martens, secretary in the “We propose that — over and above NBC International sales department. • Josephine R. Yates, of the transcription

Twenty-three I everything else we are doing for the war years old and a gradu- staff of KOMO ( Seattle, Washington effort—we select a small piece of ground, ate of Purdue F ni- enlisted in the WAVES recently as an call it our ‘victory bank,’ dedicate it to versity, Lafayette, apprentice seaman. Follow ing four months victory, and proceed to work it ourselves. Indiana, Miss Mar- of training, she We are not talking about victory gardens tens awaited word will be eligible for —we mean taking over the uorst piece of when to report for commission as an land we have—that gullied, eroded, run- training at the ensign. down corner of land that wouldn’t even Naval Officer Miss \ ates w as sprout peas. We will call it our ‘victory Training School at born in Portland. hank’ because we are going to develop it Smith College, Oregon, in 1916 into an asset and make it pay a dividend.” Northampton, and has lived in Cautioning listeners against starting Massachusetts. Fol- Seattle 15 years. ALICE MARTENS with too big a piece of land. Cope men- lowing completion She attended tioned that a plot only ten feet by ten feet of the four-month course all successful Washington State might he a good size to work first, thus officer candidates receive commissions as College and the lessening the danger of early discourage- ensigns and are assigned shore tasks. L niversity of Washington. Prior to join- ment. It was pointed out that the ‘victory Miss Martens was eager to take the ing the KOMO staff last May, she was bank’ job could not he completed in one strenuous course and to do a good job w ith the Coordinator of Information office season, hut, rather, that it was to be some- for the Lnited States Navy. ‘"This isn't a doing short wave traffic work. She was thing that could and should he done every lark, you can he sure,” she said. “All the employed at earlier dates by the Ruth- year. girls inducted with me are serious about rauff and Ryan advertising agency in “The sole objective of the ‘victory the job which lies ahead of us. We know Hollywood, CBS in San Francisco, and hank’ project,” Co|)e said, “should he to it isn’t a glamour proposition and that we The San Francisco Examiner. build Georgia, to make hundred-dollar will have to study mighty hard if we are She is five feet five and has brown hair acres out of three-dollar acres, to trans- to make good.” and eyes. OCTOBER 1942 7

A first aid class at NBC Hollywood. Safety training is considered a vital wartime asset.

Patriotic Classes Get Enthusiastic Response

• An apple for the teacher, so the legend goes, used to hear fruit in winning peda- gogical favor.

But, today, with the nation aroused to wartime interest in nutritive evaluations NATIONAL STRENGTH IN PUBLIC IIEALTH-That’s the message given to NBC of all foodstuffs, it is apparent that teacher employees who attended the nutrition course recently given at Radio City. Inset: will cry out for a more balanced diet. Eleanora Sense (left), lecturer, and Jeanne Bradley, supervisor. And that’s just what the instructors at NBC’s New' York nutrition classes have been doing on recent Mondays when some WOAI DEVELOPS EFFECTIVE WINDOW TIE-INS 65 Radio City employees gathered in Studio 8G to hear the latest w ord in scien-

tific theories regarding the vitamins and calories needed to protect public health. Jeanne Bradley, of the personnel de- partment, w'as in charge of the classes pre- sented with the cooperation of the Kips Bay-Yorkville District Health Committee. Chief lecturer was Eleanora Sense, food and nutrition editor of American Home Magazine and author of the widely-ac- cepted “America’s Nutrition Primer.” The series of classes opened with a talk by Mrs. Bertram Wolff, a volunteer public health worker. Interest in the lectures grew by leaps

and bounds and it was believed that the short three-week course will be repeated. ® One of the most unusual radio mer- dows of the two well-known Texas chains.

Miss Bradley also supervises the first chandising tie-ins developed in the South- WOAI -advertised products and pic-

aid classes at NBC’s Radio City studios. west is now in use by WOAI, San Antonio, tures of the program stars are utilized in She reports that the 40 certificate-holders Texas. the displays, w ith reference to the air time

who passed the standard Red Cross first Seeking a direct tie-in between its pro- of the programs involved.

aid course will soon attend sessions of the grams, its sponsors and retail outlets, The unicjue windows have received advanced course. In addition, the stand- WOAI evolved a series of windows in a a great deal of attention and favorable

ard course w'ill be repeated for newcomers. number of representative stores of two comment from everyone concerned. I he There is a likelihood, pending the in- San Antonio chains—Handy-Andy Com- displays remain in place for a week, and terest shown by NBC employees, that munity Stores and Hom-Ond Food Stores. photograj)hs are sent to the sponsors and classes in radio code and Spanish will be By special arrangement with the manage- the stores. Windows are so scheduled that

launched. Miss Bradley w'ould appreciate ment of these groups, WOAI installs spe- the station’s clients all have representation

hearing from all interested NBC folk. cially-trimmed displays alternately in w in- within a reasonably short period of time. Katharine Donaldson, chosen as “Miss WEAF“ in the contest conducted by the NBC New York key, is shown with Announcer Ben Grauer (left! and John Powers.

An Army man—Corporal Jerry Andrus, of Camp Roberts Niles Trammell, —took this striking picture of Hollywood’s Radio City. toured the new M The print is said to represent a high mark for amateur of The Milwauk photography.

Niles Trammell, NBC president, adds metal gadgets to the Radio City scrap pile, as Frank E. Mullen, NBC vice- president and general manager, and entertainers look on.

Claude Barrere, of NBC’s Radio Recording Mrs. Robert Cross, volurj division, gazes through his Radio City “win- NBC Hollywood tour de? dow” at a pastoral scene painted right on tribution to men in the the wall of his windowless office. men are NBC

NBC Hollywood Program Director John Swallow gets up for an informal speech at a staff party, and it’s obvious NBC AFFILIATES FROM COAST TO COAST HE! there were no ties to what he said.

CSI) opens a War Bond and Stamp booth in The John W. Elwood, general manager of KPO; Sidney WHO, Des Moines, Iowa, went to town with it. Louis Post-Dispatfh Building. KSD Manager N. Strotz, NBC vice-president, and Mayor John F. patriotic window display bidding passers-by to j ieorge M. Burharh (right! introduces noted guests. Slavich, of Oakland, help open Oakland drive. come members of the WHO Bond Club. Advertising Man Richard Marvin iof William F^'tcy & Company) receives a gold pass to “(irand Ole Opry” from Harry Stone, manager of W.SM, .Nashville, Tennessee, where the program originates.

isident, recently NBC Hollywood paid tribute to its men in the Armed idio City—home Forces by the dedication of an honor roll and service flag NBC affiliate. in the studio lobby. The number on the flag was later altered from 32 to 40.

KTSM, El Paso, Texas, celebrates its thirteenth birthday with cake-cutting ceremonies. Left to right: Allen Hamil- ton, salesman-announcer; E. L. Gemoets, chief engineer; Karl Wyler, manager; Willard Kline, commercial man- ager, and Roy Chapman, program director (now in Army).

vorker, is shown at the Real wedding bells ring for the star of many now used for ticket dis- radio romances. Barbara Luddy, of the NBC ;es. About 1,500 service serial, “Lonely Women,” was married to ts each week. NBC Chicago Announcer Ned LeFevre.

As a newscaster, he’s a wow! Here’s Ch. Skipper, a wire- haired who wants to be wireless-aired. Skipper belongs to NBC Newscaster George Putnam and he’s shown mimick- ing his master at the mike.

I re’s moviedom’s Charles Laughton sipping cof- KOA, Denver, brings its bond appeal to the man- War bond sales at WIRE, Indianapolis, are soar- between telephone conversations with listeners on-the-street. Here’s an outdoor “Bondwagon” ing, and much credit is due the station’s “bond I ponding to his all-day i WEAF bond campaign. broadcast which added S 180,000 to local sales. booth” located in the lobby of the Claypool Hotel. i. 10 NBC TRANSMITTER

A Transmitter Bio:

KSTP CHIEF A PIONEER

IN RADIO AND AVIATION

STANLEY E. HUBBARD

• KSTP’s president, general manager and Mr. Hubbard is Third District member co-founder, Stanley E. Hubbard, has the of the NBC Stations Planning and Ad- distinction of getting in on the ground visory Board. He is active in civic affairs, floor of the two fastest-growing industries and is a state aeronautic commissioner of modern times, radio and aviation. and one of the leaders in the drive to Mr. Hubbard was born June 26, 1896, prevent the flying of unlicensed planes in in Red Wing, Minnesota, where his father Minnesota. He is a member of the Junior EVELYN CLARK was superintendent of schools. His educa- Association of Commerce, the Town and (Story below) tion consisted of St. Paul public schools, Country Club, the Athletic Club, the the .Sheldon School in New York and the American Legion and the St. Paul Avia- tion Club. University of Minnesota. While going to NBC Girl Brightens N. Y. school he built, in 1912, the first amateur radio transmitter in Minnesota. Subway Wartime Dimout So, when America declared war in WTIC's Service Paper • The comely young lady in the photo 1917, it was not unusual that he immedi- above brightened the dimmed-out atmos- ately enlisted in the Signal Corps, joining Off to Rousing Start phere for New York’s subway - riding the 1st New York Battalion. He served millions last month when her features • WTIC (Hartford, Connecticut) has overseas and was not discharged until adorned a car card proclaiming her as launched Tie Toe, a studio “newspaper,” March, 1919, at which time he immedi- “Miss Subways.” And her selection was to keep the boys in the service and those ately established Hubbard Field in Louis- particularly cheered by NBC folk who on leave doing government work informed ville, Kentucky. Then, in a few months, recognized “Glamorous New Yorker Eve- about studio events. he organized the first commercial air line lyn Clark” as an NBC secretary on the The first weekly issue rolled off the in the Ehiited States, the Ohio Valley Airo- personnel staff. press September 16. It contained the min- Transport Company, which operated daily The legend on the car card read “This utes of the monthly staff meeting at which air service with five passenger planes be- Provo, Utah, girl is a personnel worker General Manager Paul W. Morency sug- tween Louisville and Cincinnati. at NBC. Also a crack athlete — and a gested the service paper and named Con- Mr. Hubbard was associated with the trained singer. If her voice matches her tinuity Editor Grace Sapsuzian as editor. air transport industry for three years, dur- face, she should he on their network.” WTIC has 11 men in the armed ser- ing which time he organized the Seaboard Evelyn is 22 years old and the wife of vice, and seven on leave for special gov- Consolidated Air Lines and laid out air Private Sidney J. Laden, now at Fort ernment work connected with the war routes still used by air lines today. In Riley, Kansas. She is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, paper will serve as a 1922, he was appointed chief of the In- effort. The service weighs 120 pounds and has hazel eyes and link keeping them informed of ternal Revenue Bureau air service and constant curled blonde hair. She entered the “Miss latest doings at the studio and trans- organized the patrols which played such the Subways” competition at the suggestion In addition. Tic Toe contains ad- an imj)ortant part in a{)prehending rum mitter. of Helen M. Korday, NBC women’s place- the service, letters from smugglers. dresses of those in ment supervisor, and was selected by the editor articles of special But in 1923, he quit the Government them to the and beauty expert, John Robert Powers, for post to return to the home of his parents interest. the rapid transit glamorization. in Minneapolis and resume his radio ex- One of the first responses to Tic Toe, periments which were interrupted by the which was mailed out as a surprise to the Musical Salute war. In a few months he entered the field boys in the war effort, came from Ser- of radio broadcasting with WAMD, which geant Bruce Kern, of the Public Relations • Fhe staff band of WSM (Nashville,

was enlarged to 1,000 watts by 192.5. Office at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Kern Tennessee I takes time out two times a When fire destroyed this station in 1927 was a top-flight announcer at WTIC and week to join other musicians at the local

he erected KSTP, then 10,000 watts, and the first announcer to be drafted. Wrote railroad station to bid the boys good-bye

later expanded this to 25,000 watts. Today Kern: “Tic Toe certaiidy is a morale as they leave for training in the Armed

KSTP is a 50,000-walt station with an builder for the boys in the service. Gosh, Forces. In addition, the music lads have

outstandiiig service record. you can’t realize how much it means.” donated their services to play at camps. OCTOBER 1942 11

Boys (and Girls) From Syracuse Do Their Part

# 'I'he most active group of young broad- casters of WSYR, Syracuse, New York— many of them veterans of six years on the air with Ray Servatius’ “Juvenile News- paper of the Air”— have formed a patri- otic “Youth Fourth Front.” On Syracuse’s War Day, while a great parade wound through the streets of the city, the youngsters gathered in a down- town store window and began making a silk American flag as the Fourth Front’s first project. When the flag was finished, the sponsor—the Best Ice Cream Com- pany—gave a dinner for its young “edi- tors” and the flag and a letter from the kids was mailed to General MacArthur in Australia. The letter follows:

“We boys and girls of Syracuse, N. \ .. members of the Youth Fourth Front, send you this flag, which we made ourselves, entertainers WSYR, Syracuse, New in appreciation of the fight you and your TRIBUTE TO A NATIONAL HERO-Young of York, inspect the American they forwarding to General Douglas Mac- men are making to keep the Stars and flag made for Stripes ever flying over our homes, schools Arthur in the Pacific ivar zone. (Story at left.) and churches. “This flag, personally made by a group WOMAN ATHLETE BECOMES STELLAR SPORTSCASTER of us, sort of symbolizes our active par- • Jill Jackson, of New Orleans, is a living in radio. That was six months ago. And ticipation in community activities for our example of that old adage—there is no in almost less time than it takes to tell, Jill country. We are busy collecting scrap limit to what a woman can do provided Jackson was broadcasting major women’s materials, learning first aid, working in she wants to do it bad enough. sports events in New Orleans. our spare time for local defense agencies, Jill once had ambitions to be a first- The rest is history. Today she has three helping more around the home and buy- class athlete. And for a while it appeared sportscasts a week on Station WSMB. ing War Stamps and Bonds and in every as if she was well sponsored by the Jackson Brewing Com- way possible preparing ourselves to help on her way to star- pany. They include eye-witness accounts preserve those things for which you and dom after winning of all the major women’s sports events of your men are fighting. We thank you, and several city and the New Orleans section. we pledge you our support.” state tennis titles, not to mention two NBC Press Staff News New Dunlap Book Peeks ping-pong crowns. But even this was Record Spans 222 Years Into Television's Future not enough for the # A total of 222 years of newspaper and • At a time when many observers are diminutive New press association experience is represented wondering about television’s post - war Orleans woman. in the NBC New York press department status, Orrin E. Dunlap, Jr., presents a So she promptly staff. well-documented prophecy for the art of switched to golf—played about two years Leighton Blood, w ith a background of sight-and-sound transmission in his new' —and walked off with the New' Orleans 26 years on dailies and wire services, book, “The Future of Television,” pub- Muni title and several club champion- leads the veteran fourth-estaters in length lished by Harper & Brothers on October 1. ships. of news experience. William Ford is sec-

Mr. Dunlap is manager of the RCA de- At this bright point in her rising ond with 24 years and Everett L. Bragdon partment of information, and served for young career, fate stepped in. Jill Jackson third with 22 linotype anniversaries. many years as radio editor of The New sprained her back. And the doctors said Runner-up journalistic vets in the depart- York Times. His professional interest in —no more tennis, no more ping-pong and ment include: Samuel Kaufman, IT; Wil-

television has provided opportunities for no more golf. But Jill took it like a regu- liam M. Miller and Jo Ransom 16; Frank an all-inclusive study of the art and, in lar trouper. In fact, she was a trouper. Barber, 15; Edw ard Dow den. 1-1; Sydney

his new book, he sets forth his observa- Having done a lot of radio and theatrical Eiges and Woodrow Johnson. 12, and tions in clear language tbe non-technical work in New' Orleans, she thereupon de- John McKay, Charles Pekor. and Richard reader can understand. cided to combine them and seek a career Spencer, 10. 12 NBC TRANSMITTER

SALESMAN DE LUXE

State of Mounting Sales Rocks Rocky Mountain State

• It’s significant that James MacPherson, complete job. Give him a hard-to-sell pros- new manager of Station KOA, Denver, is pect, and he’s at his best. jocularly addressed by his more intimate Mac has been associated with radio acquaintances both as “The Reverend” since its infancy. He delights in telling and “The Sheriff.” tall stories about his early days in Chi- The facets of Jim MacPherson’s per- cago broadcasting, when most prospective sonality range that wide. Most of the advertisers regarded radio as some sort

time, he is as ami- of new “toy,” refusing to be convinced

able and soft- that it could be used effectively as a spoken as a parson medium for selling goods. Mac had a part

beloved by all. But in persuading many a current big-time get him aroused, radio advertising name to invest a few LIEUTENANT GENNARO ACAMPA and he’s tougher bucks experimenting with radio. The sub- (Story below) than any old-time sequent results they enjoyed convinced Western sheriff them that perhaps there was something \ who toted two to radio advertising after all. guns and could If you were to pick out the one topic Acampa Family Keeps

shoot equally well he enjoys discussing aside from radio, it JAMES MacPHERSON Step in Uniform i with both. In Mac’s would be his experiences in France with Way case, though, he’s vocally vitriolic. the A.E.F. in World War I. Some of his • Tenancy in the Acampa household is Jim MacPherson assumed the helm of stories are grim and realistic, the kind to getting to be tantamount to lieutenancy. KOA in August, when former General make one think. Others are on the humor- When 23-year-old Second Lieutenant side, Manager Lloyd E. Yoder (now Lieutenant- ous and Mac isn’t above making him- Frank Acampa attained his gold bar from i Commander Yoder) went on active duty self the butt of a joke. the Army he teased his father. Sergeant as Navy Public Relations Officer for the Just for the record, Mac is a “gentle- Gennaro Acampa, of the NBC police staff,

State of Colorado. “Mac,” before he man farmer,” living with his wife and two for being a mere sergeant while his off- stepped into the front office, had held the teen-aged children on a suburban farm spring was a lieutenant. But Pa Acampa co-jobs of local sales manager and na- near Arvada, on the outskirts of Denver. lost no time in getting promoted to lieu- tional spot representative, and had been He’s an ardent Denver and Colorado tenant of the Radio City studio patrol, and in the sales department of the 50,000-watt booster. one of his first actions in his higher rank Denver NBC station for eight years. His enthusiasm for Denver has re- was getting his picture taken, gold badge

He’s a “sales-minded” executive if ever mained strong in spite of a recent happen- et al, for forwarding to son Frank. there was one. The client counts first, last, ing at the first fall meeting of the Denver A younger son, Victor Acampa, 19, and always uppermost with Mac. Which Chamber of Commerce. Mac, as the new watched the proceedings with delight and is perhaps the major reason why KOA manager of KOA, was slated for a spot decided he, too, would get in the family exceeded its sales quota in both August at the head table. Spurning such promi- commission race. He promptly passed his and September—Mac’s first two months nence, he sat at a table with other KOA- ensign’s examination in the Navy and has of managership—within the first 15 days ites to avoid the spotlight. The chairman now told his dad and brother that he has of each month. And you can bet a western of the day wouldn’t let Mac go unnoticed. his eye on a lieutenancy and they’d better ten-gallon hat (the type Mac always sports Addressing the floor, he said that some- prepare to make room for him in the on his Eastern sales junkets) that KOA where in the gathering was James Mac- family lieutenant’s line. will continue to meet its monthly quota, Pherson, new manager of KOA and “a or there’ll be hell-a-poppin, with Mac as- newcomer to Denver.” That remark drew KOA Has Service Paper suming his best “sheriff” manner. hearty guffaws from the assemblage. Tall and thin as a bean pole, he looks Seemingly, everyone in the room but the • KOA, Denver, has developed a novel as though a strong wind would blow him chairman knew Mac as an old-time Den- method of keeping in touch with its em- over. He looks that way. Actually, he’s the verite and a staunch community boaster. ployees in the Armed Forces. The station possessor of an amazing vitality. His It’s the staff’s contention that KOA mails a bi-weekly mimeographed publica- ability to get things done—right, and in will do all right for the duration, particu- tion to its 21 service men, containing news a hurry—is one of his paramount assets. larly with regard to the lower right-hand of KOA happenings and excerpts from

And when it comes to selling a client corner of the monthly revenue ledger, their letters to friends at the station. Near- and keeping him sold on the virtues of under the able guidance of “Reverend,” est relatives of the men in service also radio as an advertising medium, he does a or “Sheriff,” James “Mac” MacPherson. receive the publication. OCTOBER 1942 13

TRAIL OF THE DOTTED LINE GALA PARTY FOR WSYR ANNIVERSARY (Continued from page 3) work five years or more, and 05 percenl have an unl)roken record of two years or more with us. d'hose figures easily speak volumes for themselves, hut there’s really more to the story than that. Every NBC salesman fairly radiates the indisputable fact that NBC is, today, the greatest advertising medium in the world, and he imparts the same feeling to his clients, keeping them constantly aware that, from the standpoint of top programs and public service offerings, to say noth- ing of its physical facilities, NBC heads all competitors in its field— and advertis- ing contem]3oraries in other fields as well.

And when 1 use the term “salesmen” 1 don’t mean just the 25 top men whose job it is to sell the network; I mean the entire

NBC organization. The sales staff itself is hacked up by an array of advertising, pro- PARTY LINE—Novel stunt of WSYR’s celebration was gathering guests horn on motion and research talent that deserves each of the station s twenty birthdays. Here’s the group attending the birthday breakfast great credit for every sales contract and on September 15—one of several anniversary stunts winning wide attention. each renewal. Promotional experts, the copywriters, et al, are the “home defense” From a fat-faced, one-year-old stuffing a lucky kid. He was Robert Earl Coon, staff who back up the sales department. cornflakes happily into his mouth with born at 4:15 a.m., and during the day

Finally, it’s the collective selling of NBC chubby hands, to a cute co-ed of 20 eating Miss Gloger went to the hospital and ])re- by the entire organization, from the presi- luscious birthday cake, an unusual guest sented the babe w ith a S50 War Bond. dent down, that sets the stage. list helped WSYR to celebrate its twen- These two stunts got space in both Of course, the mere knowledge that we tieth anniversary on September 15. Syracuse newspapers. have the best advertising medium in the There were 20 honored guests and All day the station w as busy w ith birth- w orld is not sufficient to sell and resell net- each of them had been born on the sta- day greetings and the tune “Happy Birth- work time to advertisers. That knowledge tion’s birthday in one year of the 20 years day” was played behind station breaks must be disseminated— not just once—but of WSYR’s existence. Not a year was and became the theme of as many shows repeatedly. And it is done every time the skipped, from Suzanne Gloger, born on as possible. In the evening the station’s network rolls up new and important the same day as the station—September entire talent roster and civic leaders achievements in listener surveys, in client 15, 1922 — right down to one-vear-old joined in a half-hour birthday show. results, in news scoops, etc. This happens Frederick VanMarter, who turned out to often, and provides us with the best pos- be a mugger par excellence and just about sible ammunition for new and repeated stole the show at the birthday breakfast selling. in the Hotel Syracuse last month.

To sum up, it is the combination of Colonel Harry C. Wilder, president of high-caliber stations throughout the coun- WSYR. was away, but the host was Fred try, the top-flight programs of our adver- R. Ripley, vice president. tisers, our great public service programs Each of the guests carried off a slab and hard-hitting sales promotion and of birthday cake and a crisp, new five- press activities, as well as the attitude of dollar bill as a present, while 20-year-old the entire organization, which keeps NBC Miss Gloger, installed as WSYR’s Birth- on top as the network most people listen day Girl, was given a new fall outfit on to most. the Syracuse Lhiiversity campus, where

she is a senior. In addition, every listener STAFF WAR TALKS with a birthday on September 15, wbo • Charles Laughton, the screen star, and wrote in at the station’s request, received John F. Royal, NBC vice-president in one dollar in War Stamps. Baby Robert Earl Coon, first baby born charge of international relations, recently Pressing hard on the birthday idea to in Syracuse on ll SYR’s twentieth birthday, addressed the NBC New’ York staff. Laugh- emphasize the station’s long standing in receives a S50 If ar Bond from the station. ton boosted War Bond sales; Royal dis- Central New York, WSYR made the first It is being presented by Suzanne Gloger, cussed his wartime London visit. baby born in Syracuse on September 15 born the same day as the station in 1922. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER

WSB Features Capsule HUNTING BIG GAME AN EXCITING PRELUDE Army-Navy Interview TO URQUHART'S RADIO CAREER • “Camp Crossroads” is the title of a new WSB (Atlanta) 30-minute program consisting mainly of four-minute inter- • A one-time big-game hunter who quit charged him. Charley managed to shoot views with men of the Armed Eorces the African veldt after three narrow and kill the beast in the nick of time. On either stationed at or passing escapes from death to seek peace and a third expedition, a green baboon am- through At- lanta. The interviews record the personal quiet in a radio studio is the new produc- bushed LYquhart, sinking his teeth in one experiences and informal reactions tion boss of the NBC central division. He of his legs. Urquhart killed the animal, of these men, but, to conform with regula- is Charles L rquhart. who succeeded Wynn but he spent seven weeks in a hospital tions, no mention is Wright when the latter was named Eastern recovering from the injury. made of military details. production manager of the network. That was enough. Urquhart returned Interviews are transcribed a week in I rquhart has been active in dramatics to America and entered radio at WMCA. advance at the Service Men’s Center of for the last 15 years. In fact, it was a stock New York, as announcer. A year later he the Atlanta Recreation Committee in company which brought about those big- was named program manager of WGBl. War downtown Atlanta. Other cooperating game experiences in Africa a few years Scranton, Pennsylvania, and, in 1935, he agencies are the and the Public Rela- back. became production manager of KDKA, USO tions office of Fort McPherson. Beth Born in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. He left that position to join Barnes arranges interviews and WSB Pro- on June 4, 1908, Charley attended school the NBC central division production staff Bartlett there and was graduated from Penn State in 1939. duction Manager Marcus handles music, continuity, and production of the in 1927. He spent one year at the Ameri- Among the NBC programs which he presentation. Relatives of men interviewed can Laboratory Theater in New York and has directed are “Girl Alone,” “In Care are notified so they may listen in. soon was playing the second male lead of Aggie Horn,” “Thunder Over Para- in the Broadway run of Upton Sinclair’s dise” and “Vic and Sade,” which he han- “Singing Jailbirds.” dled longer than any other director. He Noontime Prayers Then came Africa. He was employed gave up the reins on this popular show • Every day at 12 noon, except on Sun- as manager of a combined stock company when he took over his present duties. day, a one-minute religious service is

cinema theater in Nairobi, East . and Urquhart is married and lives in an broadcast over WWJ ( Detroit) The Prot- Africa, and remained there for two years. apartment on the Chicago North Side. His estant, Catholic and Jewish faiths are

A 20-minute drive from Nairobi brought hobby is circusana. represented on different days. would-be hunters into the middle of animal grounds and Urquhart spent most of his spare hours trying his skill. One dawn he suddenly came upon a rhinoceros who charged from 30 feet away. Long-legged Urquhart (he is six

feet, six and a half inches tall I managed to reach a nearby knoll which the rhinoce- ros couldn’t climb because of his weight. That was escape number one. Urquhart’s second thriller came a few months later when a wounded gazelle

WHO'S ZOO AT NBC # NBC Announcer Ed Herlihy, like Central Division Production Manager Charles Urquhart, has had consider- able experience with wild animals. Although the two men haven’t met, they worked on the same program as- signment—“Vic and Sade”—with Urqu- hart directing the show in Chicago

and Herlihy announcing it in New York. As an “experiment” Herlihy was co-owner of an animal farm in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1940, where he displayed “lions ’n tigers ’n LION-TAMING RADIO MAN—As a member of the Circus Fans Association and a everything” at an amusement park. good friend of Lion Tamer Tyrrell Jacobs (left), Charles Urquhart, NBC central division production manager, frequently takes a hand at putting the animals through their paces. :

OCTOBER 1942 15

SPORTSCASTER WINS TROPHIES GALORE

KSTPete STANDS GUARD (Story below)

KSTPete Comes to Life At Big Minnesota Fair

(/uarded by a large-size figure of “KSTPete,” the station’s trade character

“come to life,” the exhibit of Station

KSTP ( Minneajjol is-St. Paul I was a big hit at the recent Minnesota State Fair.

• Don Hill, ace sportscaster of Station who designated him as their favorite base- The exhibit featured pictures of XBC

WAVE, is pictured here with the trophies ball announcer. and KSTP stars, together with a huge

he has won in his four years of broad- The slender trophy on the left is the world map, next to which a I P news

casting sports for the Louisville, Ken- one Hill is most proud of. It was awarded machine poured out copy day and night.

tucky, NBC affiliate. him as captain of the WAVE softball Important items were posted with stream- The trophies were awarded for various team. 4'his team soundly whipped rival ers running from the stories to the news accomplishments. The large one in the Louisville Station WHAS 17-6 and 16-5 spots on the world map. center was presented by The Sporting in two charity softball games for the 1942 The j)icture disj)lay was seen by more News as a result of a poll of fans through- city radio chain jrionshij). than 30,000 persons who visited the sta-

out the nation. This trophy is symbolical rhe jjlaijue on the wall behind was tion booth. It was the second step in of Hill’s having been voted the outstand- presented by a group of six ])rominent KSTP's audience jnomotion campaign

ing announcer in all of the Double A base- local civic clubs in recognition of Don's which calls for exploitation of the photo

ball leagues. outstanding sports broadcasts. The re- dis|)lay throughout the entire state. KSTP

rinee other trophies, including the mainder of the background is made uj) first tested the exhibit at a count) fair.

two tall ones and the small one with the of pictures of major and minor league The photo disi>la\ will he linked A\ith

calendar attachment, w ere aw ai ded for his hall clubs, including the four Louisville appearances of KSTP’s "Sunset \ alle\ having won the American Association teams whose games Don has aired over Barn Dance.’’ a Saturda) night program Radio Appreciation Nite competition AVE. which originates each \\eek in a dif- three )ears in succession. Each announcer Hill has been with WA\ E four )ears. ferent Minnesota town. Sho\\ ings prob- in the association has a Radio Apprecia- In addition to the Louisville Colonels’ ably will he held in newspaper offices in

tion Nite annually, and Louisville has baseball games, he broadcasts local foot- each to\\n the barn dance pla)s. I he dis-

drawn the largest attendance each of the ball. basketball, boxing and wrestling. He pla\ will he open for a week before each

foil r years Hill has been ivith WAVE. The had a year of experience in Springfield. broadcast. There w ill he attendant pub-

1942 A])preciation Nite award, the fourth Illinois, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, before licity on the air and in the |jai)crs.

in a row won by Hill, will he presented joining WAVE in 1939. Don has a record Neat stunt of KS'l B s in its Minnesota

later in the season. Also pictured is the of over 3.060 broadcasts embracing 27 .State Fair exhibit was lh(‘ displa\ of a 1

loving cup |)resent(*d to Don h\ the Amer- different sports. That’s win Louis\ille is set of NBC ( himes . with a sign tea d mg.

* ’ “ t ican Legion, on behalf of man) of his fans proud of him. I he Famous NBC ( dlillK'S- R ing 1 11 nn NBC TRANSMITTER

This is the National Broadcasting Company"

CAg RATINGS i54l 1942^ l(^CR£A6B (First (Day and ^)lght) seven seven . mon-rtis)

Total Ratings 27,499-1 19,3i>b.5

I Total Quarter Hours 1, 2S

Average Program, i.z («.*y.) Ratinas

1

I k I

AN "AERIAL" ATTACK ON THE AXIS

WTIC Donates Its Old Towers to the Scrap Drive

(Hartford, Connecticut, in background)

IN THIS

ISSUE : 2 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC TRANSMITTER GUEST RELATIONS STAFF RECRUITS WOMEN IN N. Y. ' VOL. 8 NOVEMBER 1942 NO. 7 • One of the latest NBC contributions to well groomed, and between the ages of Published Monthly by the the war effort involves a temporary release 25 and 40.” National Broadcasting Company of manpower from the guest relations What is the nature of their duties? RCA Building, Radio City, New York staff, the positions to be filled by women. “Briefly, to act as receptionists and cen- In inaugurating this new policy, W. G. ters of information. On the desks that thev

Martin, manager of the guest relations take over are lists of daily programs, DECADE OF MERIT staff, answered a number of ({uestions for schedules of rehearsals, and studio assign- The Transmitter. Here’s a record of the ments. They are asked to locate artists, • Th is column, perhaps, is not the Q’s and A’s: production men, and lost pocketbooks. It’s place for a l)iography of Dr. Frank Will all the pages and guides be re- a busy job, and one requiring a lot of tact, Black. A record of accomplishment, placed? “No, just the pages, the ‘Ad- patience, and poise.” such as his, demands more space mirals’ who man the desks on NBC’s floors Will the change take place immedi- and extensive treatment. here in Radio City.” ately? “It has already begun. Three new December, 1942, marks the tenth How many positions does that open members are added each Monday, and this anniversary of Dr. Black’s associa- up? “Around 30. Three women to each of practice will be continued until all the tion with the National Broadcasting 10 desks.” positions are filled.” Company as Why three? “Daytime, nighttime, re- What is the boys’ reaction? “At first general music lief.” they were afraid they’d all be fired. Now, director. During Will the women wear uniforms? “No. they’re looking forward to Mondays.” decade he Just dark, conservative dresses. Material While it is not a requirement for the has contrihuted for uniforms is practically unavailable.” job, it is coincidental that the majority of Bp richly to the What are the requirements? “We are the women have husbands in L ncle Sam’s nation’s appre- looking for women with mature minds service overseas. Hence, they say they en- ciation of fine who have had some business experience. joy spending their otherw ise lonely hours ^ musie. And They must he charming, well educated. in NBC’s pleasant surroundings. n a m e has 1) e -

DR. FRANK BLACK come a house- hold word. His WPTF STARTS FROM THE GROUND UP TO AID SALVAGE DRIVE stature as a conductor has grown so tremendously that the hest sym- phonic organizations in the country

hid for his services. But it is not Dr. Black’s gifted baton alone that places his musicianship at the pin- nacle; as an arranger and composer, he has earned praise which critics rarely bestow with such liberality. His versatility is amazing. And what’s even more remarkable is the faet that everything he does is done well. Under his broad executive duties, he has participated in the presentation of musical shows run- ning the entire gamut from dance programs to symphonic concerts. In ten years. Dr. Black has seen musical programs assume an impor- tance hardly second to any other type of program. “I woidd like to feel,” he says, “that I had a little to do with it.” There can he no doubt that he has—and more than just “a little.” Joining icitli the local scrap salvage drive. If PTF (Raleigh, f irginia) contrihuted

’ Dr. Black belies the popular con- 50.000 feet ol pare copper ribbon and over 300 pounds of “99' t aluminum. The ception of a great musician. He is copper was from the ground system of its old 5-hilowatt towers, unearthed as part of not lemperaim'iital and he is modest the station's effort to help beat the Axis. The aluminum was a portion of the old trans- to a rare d<‘gree. mission line. Richard Mason. If RTF manager (left), and Henry llulicl:. chief engineer, On this t(Mith amiiv<*rsary of his are shoicn looking over a portion of the copper ribbon shortly before it was hauled service, congratulations to NBC. away by Raleigh scrap campaign workers. :

NOVEMBER 1942 3

"A VALUABLE AND SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT"

First Institute of Inter-American Affairs Sponsored by Network and University

By Dr. James Rowland Angell NBC Public Service Counselor

• The 450th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas was the fitting occasion for the conduct of an experiment of far- reaching importance in Western Hemi-

sphere relationships—the first Institute of Inter-American Affairs, held jointly by radio and a great university. The Institute, which was in session

October 10, 11 and 12, was conducted by Columbia University and the NBC Inter- American University of the Air. Repre- sentative authorities in cultural, economic, political and military fields participated

in the several sessions, held at Columbia’s McMillin academic theater, NBC Radio City studios and the Museum of Modern Art.

One of the speakers at the opening ses- sion, the Honorable Leighton McCarthy, Canadian Minister to the United States, gave recognition to the significance of the THE UMTERSITY OE THE KIEOCYCLES PEASE AHEAD-Dr. James Rouland occasion in these words Angell (left), president emeritus of Yale University and SBC public service counselor, “It marks a valuable and successful ex- checks the SBC Inter- American University of the Air curriculum icith Sterling Eisher, periment in cooperation between a uni- the networks assistant public service counselor and director of the project. versity and a private corporation in an

important field. This is itself an encour- from lessening interest in its proceedings, cerned. L nfortunately, the w ar arri\ ed be- agement in more ways than one to those accented the importance • of closer inter- fore that plan was able to bear its fruits. who are working toward cooperation in American cooperation in every field under “But the war has dramatized before the the bright political field of inter-American discussion. eyes of men of little faith the absolute relations.” Carlos Davila, former President of need of making out of the new world a

As a result of the experience gained in Chile, dwelt on this point w hen he referred complementary entity as to production this initial institute, responsible authori- to American economic unity as “my and consumption.’’ ties felt that the enterprise might well be favorite preoccupation”: These were the Institute’s group sub- developed into an annual affair, and on “Permit me to refer again to that as- jects. speakers and special presentations: an even more comprehensive scale than pect of continental cooperation. Strangely The Americas — a Model for Drld Co- the first. enough it is in this field that American operation: Chairman. Harry Morgan Ayres, The discussions in general were on very faith has had the fewest adepts. In Janu- director of summer sessions. Columbia Uni- versity; the Honorable Leighton McCarthy. broad topics: radio, music, motion pic- ary, 1940, I offered, as delegate of the Canadian Minister to the United States; tures, public health, political relations, Government of Chile, a plan for conti- Carlos Davila, former President of Chile; economic relations and military affairs. nental economic coordination, which was German Arciniegas. former minister of edu- The Institute operated on the principle of approved by the Inter-American Financial cation of Colombia, visiting i)rofessor at recruiting from the international field and Economic Advisory Committee, and Columbia University; James Rowland Angell, public service counselor. National leaders in all these activities, with a it was, I believe, the first time a document Broadcasting Company. view to bringing detailed inter-American of this kind contained the expression New World Music: Chairman. Ernest La affairs into perspective, each in juxtaposi- ‘economic integration of the American Prade. director, music research. National tion to the others. Continent.’ The approved plan embodied Broadcasting Company; Sir Ernest MacMil- All sessions were open to the public the means of supplying the United States lan. conductor. Toronto Symphony Orches- tra; class demonstration under supervision and several were broadcast over the NBC the rubber, tin, copper, nitrogen, chrom- of Lilia Belle Pitts, president. Music Educa- network. ium, oil and fibres to make this country tors National Conference; inaugural broad- The fact that virtually all the countries independent of other continents in so far cast of “Music of the New World.” the represented in the forum were at war, far as these strategic materials were con- (Continued on page 13) .

4 NBC TRANSMITTER

CANADA'S RADIO CLASSROOM

Part of Dominion Plan Linked With NBC Inter-American University of the Air

• Uke the I nited States. Canada has had for many years the problem of educating

a population distributed uneveidy. ofteti vei) sparsely, over a wide expanse of country.

With a population of less than 12. ()()().- 000 spread over an area greater than the

whole of the 1; nited States, the question

of supplying schools with adequate in-

structors has always been a difficult one.

Conse(|ue 2 itl\ . Canadian educators wel-

comed the idea of utilizing radio to reach many of the outlying rural areas and sup-

plying material in this way that would ordinarily be quite beyond the means of

individual communities to either afford or supply.

As earl\ as 1928. some provinces in Canada—Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic sea- board. in particular—conducted every w in- ter a planned series of two-hour school broadcasts once a week, "bhese broad- AURAL AIDS TO CLASSROOM TEACHING—Niue provinces unite in bringing to casts comprised dramatizations of history, Canadian public school children the broadcasts arranged by CBC. The series for 1942- geography and works of literature, gave 1943 is known as “Heroes of Canada” and originates in Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal. instruction in French, and included talks Halifax and Vancouver. The ear-phones shown in the above photograph are utilized for and dialogues on art. music, science, hard-of-hearing students. Programs are broadcast in both English and Erench. travel, and other subjects. There were also man) on-the-spot “actuality” broadcasts work with the cooperation of the Cana- and biographical notes and hints to from industrial plants, airports, ships and dian Council of Education for Citizen- teachers for the best possible utilization l^laces of general interest. ship. The success of these nationwide of the broadcasts. Later, other Canadian provinces fol- broadcasts designed for school children So great has been the response from lov\ed suit — British Columbia on the led to the more ambitious plan, arranged teachers and educational authorities Pacific coast, the Prairie provinces, and by the CBC’s Education Advisor, R. S. throughout the nine provinces of the Do- Quebec, which is largely French-speaking. Lambert, of a specially written series of minion, that a second and third edition Last \ear. an experimental group of dramas dealing with the lives of Cana- of the manual had to be printed. A plays was presented on the Canadian dians who have contributed to the growth monthly guide is also being distributed Broadcasting Corporation's national net- and progress of the country. This is known to teachers, giving advance information

as “Fleroes of Canada” and is being spon- about jjrograms with educational or cul-

sored by the Education Department of all tural value to be heard during the forth-

nine provinces of Canada. coming month. This is intended to help An interesting feature of these school teachers and students with their out-of- broadcasts, which are designed for chil- school listening.

dren from 8 to 12 years of age, is As xvell as its own series of national an introductory five-minute summary of school broadcasts, the CBC also presents world news preceding each program. a similar series in French, the “Radio These are prepared by the senior editor College,” for French-speaking students. of the CBC central newsroom in Toronto During the coming season, CBC j)lans

and have been well received in all school to carry part of the broadcasts of the rooms, especially by the teachers who find NBC Inter-American L niversity of the Air

in them an excellent introduction to the and to contribute five programs to it. This V/',’W LITE— That's what the CHC broad- studv of current events. In addition. CBC will be in fulfillment of the purpose of casts have brought to many Canadian has produced an illustrated teachers’ man- the series, to cement the ties that bind tbe studies. This candid photo shows a pupil in ual called “Young Canada Listens” which people of the Americas closer together and a Toronto hard-of-hearing class listening to

" future. a “Heroes of Canada broadcast gives details of the programs, historical to assist in building a bright N0VEMBERri942 5

TOP HONORS TO PETRIE

• floirard A . Pel i ie. of ll' k.dF. Neii

) ork, n as named national u inner

in the 1942 //. P. Davis MernoriiA

Announcers' Awards. Four .sectional awards — one for each tune zone

went to Lome Greene. ( HL. To- ronto: Fred Moore. IFGL. Fort

IFayiie: Gil I erha. FOA. Denver: and Ted Meyers. KFI. Los Anpeles. A. L. Ashby, \H(. vice-jiresidenl

and {'eiieral counsel, presented the Howard A. Petrie awards on an NHG broadcast No- (left), of WEAF, vember I . His program remarks are New York, receives the source, of the followiiifc article. the national award from Mr. Ashby.

cause he early felt that the transmission TRIBUTE TO BROADCASTING PIONEER of sound and sight was clearly within the realm of practical possibility. Later, he HIGHLIGHTS 1942 H. P. DAVIS AWARDS had the privilege of seeing these plans de- velop when for several years he ser\ed as

phonograph records from the temporary the first chairman of the board of the By A. L. Ashby transmitter in the garage of Dr. Frank National Broadcasting Companv. ISBC Vice-President and General Conrad any future or practical use to the In times like these, when the world is Counsel listening public, Mr. Davis had caught the torn by international strife and when we • The full measure of the greatness of a vision of mass entertainment and mass are constantly reminded of the tragedv man is seldom made during his lifetime. communication. He early dreamed of the incident to war, it is refreshing and hope-

So it was with the late H. P. Davis. vitalizing force of a national system of ful to celebrate an event like the making

While those of us who were associated broadcasting stations which would trans- of these awards. 1 say it is refreshing be-

\\ith him during his lifetime realized that mit simultaneously to the listening public cause it emphasizes the fact that even he was an engineer with vision, an ad- events of national and international im- though human nature is at present torn by ministrator of unusual ability, a business portance and the best in music, drama, dissension there are certain fundamentals man of peculiar creative force and a lover current events, sports and religion. which stand, which will be preserved and of human nature, yet after his passing, Knowing him as I did, I believe that which we look forward to enjoying in the we have discovered the quiet things which this vision on his part was in the nature future. he did to perpetuate his philosophies. The of a hobby in that he found rest and The H. P. Davis announcers’ awards

H. P. Davis awards are such an illustra- relaxation in trying to bring it to full are now conducted on a national basis and tion of the scope of Mr. Davis’s activities. fruition. At this same time, he was super- are made strictly on merit to representa- Long before his intimate associates at vising experiments in the Westinghouse tives chosen on a competitive basis from Westinghouse saw in the broadcasting of laboratories in the field of television be- (Continued on page 14)

Lome Greene, CBL, Toronto Ted Meyers, KFI, Los .Angeles Fred Moore, JTGL, Fort If ayne Gil Verba. KOA. Denier NBC TRANSMITTER

U. S. WAR CHEST JINGLE JANGLE JINGLES AS KDKA BONDWAGON GOES MERRILY ON

and other station officials. It is staffed by special sales girls from the various KDKA departments and by artists who appear on the station regularly. The troupe has made 13 appearances throughout the western Pennsylvania area covered by KDKA. The longest trip made was that to Everett, where the group traveled 108 miles over the Pennsylvania super-highway for a rally which resulted in a sale of $41,000 in a community of

2,200 people. This is an average of almost Relda Garrett, secretary to KDKA's man- an $18.75 bond per capita. ager, signs up a young bond buyer at Ell- The Bondwagon is set ujj so that each wood City. Big sales were made here. community in which it appears can take

full advantage of the impetus it gives tp Major Harrnar D. Denny, of the Army Air The famous Boudwagon has • KDKA bond sales. When officials of a town put. Corps, lends the band at KDK.d’s Zelienople contributed more than $650,000 in actual \- J)ond rally. A big show for a big cause. in a request for the KDKA group, station ' •' cash sales of Savings Bonds to help j, , War representatives from the sales, engineer- ' K -dy the fighting men of Uncle Sam and the ing, publicity and continuity departments broadcast and after that the meeting con- United Nations. pay an advatice visit to work out arrange- tinues until every possible bond sale is This outstanding performance has at- ments with public officials, civic groups, realized. tracted the attention of Government offi- banks and newspapers. At a number of rallies. KDKA has pre- cials, have been lavish in their praise who When these details are completed, they sented the 104th Cavalry Band, under the of the work by the station’s special bond- are whipped into shape for a special half- direction of Chief Warrant Officer Marion selling staff. hour program on Friday nights during C. Walter. This outfit has proved ex- The Bondwagon came into be- KDKA which KDKA salutes the community to be tremely popular at the meetings and the ing last July when the first rally was visited the following night. Then on Sat- appearances were made possible through staged on the steps of Pittsburgh’s City- urday a half-hour of the actual rally is the aid of Colonel A. H. Stackpole. County Building. During this first meet- ing. KDKA sold .$975 worth of bonds— a small beginning for an organization which has since developed into one of the outstanding bond-selling groups in the country.

From the first sale of .$975. KDKA has twice sold over $100,000 worth of bonds

at individual rallies. This figure was

passed first at Somerset on August 29, when some 5,000 people gathered at the county seat for a three-hour rally. And on Saturday. October 24, the KDKA Bond- wagon bettered the amount at Ellwood City. However, this high mark was shattered during the latest promotion of the KDKA Bondwagon. in a tie-up with the manage- ment of the “Ice-capades” show. Tickets were given to bond buyers for a special Sunday performance, and from this ar- rangement KDKA added over $230,000 to

its cash War Bond sale.

The Bondwagon is the result of careful planning by James B. Rock, KDKA man- The KDKA Bondwagon in front of Pittsburgh's Courthouse. Mrs. Raymond Clapper, ^ ager; W. B. McCill. promotion director. wife of the newspaper columnist, was the principal speaker and drew a huge audience. NOVEMBER 1942 7

OVER THE TOP EVERYONE ON NBC CHICAGO STAFF A SALESMAN FOR BIG WAR BOND DRIVE

• In a honcl drive believed to be unique in sales, followed closely by Jules llerbu-

insofar as broadcasting is concerned, eni- veaux, program manager, and jack (ial- j)loyees of the NBC central division braith, of network sales, with .$2,tK)0 oflices in Chicago rounded out the month apiece. Prank Bojan, music library clerk,

of October with a campaign in which each piled u|)$l,{575 in credits. Isabelle Coone\,

employee was responsible for the sale of .secretary to Harry Koi)f, was next r)ti the

$100 worth of United States War Bonds. list with $1,475 in bonds. Another pair of The goal originally was $27,000 because departments was represented in the $1,000 there are 270 employees connected with j)lus class—Art Pearson, purchasing agent, the Chicago NBC headquarters. But the collared $1,375 for the camj)aign, and sales total exceeded $73,000! M. W. Rife, of engineering, was in the At the beginning of the drive, no time drive with $1,175.

limit was set for a windup to the cam- Proving beyond all (piestion that this paign. Nobody knew, for sure, how long was a “peo])le’s campaign,” and not a

it would take 270 stenographers, clerks, contest reserved exclusively for the sales

guides, janitors and other employees to force, is the case of W. Weeden. Weeden.

sell $27,000 worth of bonds. One further usually hailed as “Bill” or “Hey. vou.” is

drawback (or so it seemed) was the pro- operator of the Weeden Shoe Shine and

hibition against including an employee’s I’ll Run Errands for a Dime Service, a own regular bond purchases in his total wholly unowned subsidiary of the NBC for the drive. In other words, the bonds central division. Bill Weeden, NBC shine

had to be sold to somebody not on the boy, is up on the honor roll of the NBC

NBC Chicago staff, since it was already bond campaign w ith sales that total more 100 percent signed up for bond purchases than $700. via the payroll route. In a pre\ ious bond booth campaign. But within two weeks from the start WMAQ announcers and entertainers had

of the campaign in early October, it be- disposed of $75,000 worth of war bonds D MAQ erected this huge bond sale ther- came apparent that NBC employees were in the lobby of the Merchandise Mart, mometer in the lobby NBC’s Chicago of good salesmen whether or not they hap- where Chicago studios are located. To- studios. Sales soared so high—and it kept pened to work in the company’s sales de- gether with the new sales drive’s antici- getting so hot for the Axis— that the mercury partment. total, ill couldn’t climb any higher until the ther- The $27,000 figure was realized pated this w add up to something mometer leas extended across the ceiling before the end of the second week! in excess of $175,000 worth of bonds dis-

(see below). Nona Sontsteby, announcers’ At that point, somebody thought that posed of by station personnel and artists secretary, is shown above recording some of the quota ought to be raised to $50,000 in the last few weeks. the early sales. Great going! and an end put to the drive on October 24. By the time they reached that date, more • The NBC Radio City studios recenth than $70,000 was in the bag, and on the staged two bond rallies for employees: the

petition of employees who wanted a crack New York staff utilized the double ses- at “just one more sale,” the campaign was sion so that the Treasury Department extended to October 31. talks could be beard by every emf)lovee Bill Weddell, NBC salesman, was stag- without any cessation of studio and ad-

ing a runaway contest for first place in ministrative activities. the bond drive, and had piled up more than $19,000 worth of bonds for delivery. Not too far behind her boss was Lois Gets Bond Post Aeppli, Weddell’s secretary, who was • At a recent state-wide meeting of the carrying on in second place with $6,175 Virginia War Savings Staff, held in Rich-

in sales to her credit. Phil Steitz, of spot mond. Mrs. Shirley Hosier Enright, office sales, was batting along toward the end manager of VTAR. Norfolk, was ap- of the contest with $5,150 to his credit, pointed state radio chairman of the followed by ffenry Livzey, guest relations women’s division. Mrs. Enright has ap-

manager, with $3,000 listed. pointed a local radio chairman at each Paul McCluer, network sales manager, \ irginia radio station to aid in the sale

was ensconced in fifth place with $2,100 of Vt ar Bonds and Stamps. Here’s the winner of the S500 War Bond Major James Warner Bellah—noted author — for a title for the “Show Without a Name.” in civilian life is presenting a series of tier silver tray presented to t Her name is Alleen Wiggs and she lives orientation talks over WSM, Nashville. department heads; it contains in New Albany, Indiana. Winning title for Tennessee, on Mondays and Fridays. He the NBC program starring Garry Moore is a Staff Intelligence Officer with the 80th is “Everything Goes.” Division at Camp Forrest.

WGY^, Schenectad ; sub-information bi| ( Photograph by U. S. Army Signal Corps Always working in harmony, the New York page and guide paling in the opf|l staff demonstrated the fact in a new way when a piano was Key Army and Navy officers of the New England area partici- Lieutenant R. W. ( i moved into their Radio City quarters recently for use with their pated in the recent WBZ (Boston! “Preventing Sabotage” broad- manager, and newly formed glee club. Doris Hurst, a guest relations secre- cast. Rear Admiral Wilson Brown (left!, commandant of the tary, is sliown at the keyboard. First Naval District, and Major General Sherman Miles, com- manding the First Service Command, are at the mike.

When Major Ernie Sanders returned to his Des Moines home Three units of the “Camel Caravan” were feted at a Nasliville, Hollywood’s Greer; on Army leave due to a broken arm, be paid a guest visit to Tennessee, banquet upon completion of 15 months of continuous WGKV. Charlesto)| WHO. where he served as .senior announcer, and appeared on Army and Navy entertaining. At extreme left is Harry Stone, phone. Joe Farris, the “Iowa Barn Dance Frolic” before an audience of 4,,'50fl manager of WSM, seated next to E. A. Darr, vice-president in and special events ' radio fans. charge of sales of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Announcer R< 9

John F. Royal, NBC vice- president in charge of in- ternational relations, and his bride, Leonora Cor- bett. At the left is a Car- Head of the NBC advisory committee to Time on his hands! One of the busiest men by network executives and study morale qualities of programs is Dr. in broadcasting, O. B. Hanson, NBC vice- of the couple’s well-wishers. Morris Fishbein, editor of the Journal of president in charge of engineering, is shown the American Medical Association and at the new NBC clock control system which Hygeia, the health magazine. Other noted assures correct program timing within one- physicians are serving on the committee. third of a second. ttitlSi US.IUVY

9pened a Navy

> lobby. Partici- to right) are: An all-night session of election returns was a public service The NBC page and guide staff has been a constant source of the in Hager, WGY offering of KSU, St. Louis. Here’s a view of the men who choice program talent. One of tlie prominent graduates of S. Evans. tabulated and broadcast the returns during a total of 4-7 pro- New York staff is Ted Steele, the dance hand conductor, shown gram spots between 8 p.m., election night, and 6 a.m.. the above wearing his old uniform just for "‘old time’s sake.” next morning.

s shown at the Off to the Army! Occasion of induction of George Voutsas, Mrs. J. B. Farthing, sister of Secretary of Commerce Jesse V^irginia, niicro- NBC Chicago production man, called for a party. Left to right: Jones, is shown at the WSM (Nashville. Tennessee) micro- GKV continuity Blanche Brand, Bill Thompson, Marge Dennette, Violet Col- phone, when she played one of her brother’s favorites on a It. is at the left, liander, George Voutsas and Don Marcotte. “Grand Ole Opry” program. A transcription of the rendition th at the right. was sent to Mr. Jones. 10 NBC TRANSMITTER

AN OLD-FASHIONED SCOOP

KPO Grabbed West Coast Election Spotlight With Fast Thinking

• It was midnight in dinnned-out San return party staged jointly by The San Examiner’s bustling editorial office.

Francisco on November 3, night of Cali- Francisco Examiner and KPO, and broad- Beating the advance drums for the fornia's most hotly contested general elec- cast directly from the editorial rooms of spectacular broadcast were daily news- tion in many years. the morning daily. jjaper stories, pictures, election charts and At Sutter and Montgomery Streets, in Opening at 9:30 p.m., when tabulations front page boxes in The San Francisco the heart of the Golden Gate City’s finan- began to indicate prohal)le election trends, Examiner, featuring news of KPO artists, cial district, two figures darted forward KPO opened a continuous all-night broad- announcers and executives. More than 600 as a limousine slowed down and pulled cast of returns, highlighted by all-star inches of newspaper publicity were ac- into the curb. With lightning speed the variety entertainment. corded the KPO-Examiner election partv. two men threw open the doors of the car Political experts from The Examiner’s Arrangements for employment of the and breathlessly greeted the occupants. staff provided analyses and interpretation joint facilities of these two great public

“Congratulations, Governor Warren! of mounting figures from city, state and service agencies were made by Clarence Let’s get over to The Examiner right nation, while KPO announcers Archie Lindner, publisher of The San Francisco away. KPO is waiting to broadcast our Presby and Budd Heyde kept dialers tuned Examiner, and John W. Elwood, general new Governor’s first official message to to KPO for up-to-the-minute returns as manager of KPO and NBC operations in the voters!” they reached the new'sroom by teletype, San Franeiseo, assisted by Don Martin, At a command from the occupants, the telephone and special messenger. KPO-NBC special events director, and Bill car moved forward, and as it sped across Adding special interest were cut-ins to Shea, press chief. Market Street to the Examiner Building, the NBC network for election figures from Earl Warren, Governor-elect of California, key points throughout the nation. San • New \ ork election coverage included caught his breath, and spoke for the first Francisco participated in the NBC net- half-hourly bulletins for the network. f time to his unexpected guests: work “round robin” roundup of election WEAF remained on the air until 2 a.m.— “You boys at KPO certainly move reports, broadcasting directly from The an hour beyond normal schedule. fast!” Only a few minutes before, ineumbent Governor Culbert L. Olson had conceded the election to his opponent. Attorney

General Warren, in an official statement from the State Capitol at Sacramento. Warren, driving across the Bay Bridge from Oakland, had heard the Governor’s admission of defeat on his car radio.

Back at Warren campaign headquarters at Sutter and Montgomery, representatives of other major networks and local radio stations were impatiently awaiting the arrival of the successful gubernatorial candidate, unaware that he was already heading for a broadcast in a rival camp. Within 20 minutes after the defeated candidate had accorded victory to his dynamic running mate, the Governor-elect was on the air addressing election-con- scious KPO dialers of the Pacific Coast.

It was a genuine old-time scoop for the NBC station. Through the alertness and resourcefulness of Bill Shea, press manager, and Milton Seropan, salesman, who maneuvered the Governor-elect into the broadcast under the noses of their KPO SCOOPS THE TOWN !—A feiv minutes after gubernatorial candidate Earl competitors, the KPO men scored a sensa- Warren, of California, was conceded the election by incumbent Governor Culbert L. tional local election beat. Olson, Warren spoke to voters over the NBC San Erancisco outlet. W arren is here shown d he Warren victory broadcast was the (center) while John W. Elwood (right), KPO general manager, greets listeners. Clarence climax of a gala old-fashioned election Lindner, publisher of The San Erancisco Examiner, is at the left. NOVEMBER 1942 11

WOW House Publication WBEN STAFF RESPONDS TO RED CROSS BLOOD BANK PLEA Wins Achievement Award

j • The News Tower, house puhlication of Station WOW, Omaha, Nebraska, won a triple achievement award of merit for f

t superiority in production, editorial con-

J tent and appearance at the 1942 confer-

I ence of the Southwestern Association of

I Industrial Editors at Stillwater. Okla-

I hoina, October 10. The award of a plaque was achieved

I in competition with more than 100 house

publications of all kinds. A committee. I

( headed by Professor Clement E. Trout, of the School of Journalism at Oklahoma A. & M. University, conducted the judg- ing. T he award was made on the basis of a

I comparison of the last 12 issues of The News Tower with

the same number J0 'U of issues of a year Vaughn DeLeath, the “original radio girl” now on the WBEN (Buffalo) staff, rallied ago. The News co-workers for blood bank donations. Left to right: Miss DeLeath; Carl Coleman, staff Tower was the organist; George R. forge, program director; Edgar H. Twamley, station director; only radio publica- Edwin Reirners, Ered Keller and Ken Powell, announcers, and Pat Vastola and William tion to receive an WNillen, musicians. The photograph was taken immediately after the staff's blood dona- award. tion and the smiles prove that it’s simple. Vaughn has a weekly program urging listeners The magazine to be volunteer blood donors. She ivas one of radio’s first stars. was established six years ago as a BILL WISEMAN means of acquaint- GR NEWS MAKES RADIO CITY DEBUT ing WOW listeners and clients with ac-

tivities of the radio station. It has a paid • Former NBC pages and guides will now question, he’ll make them feel that the\ circulation of about 10,000, and a com- be able to keep up with news of the are getting his full attention and interest

plimentary list ( including clients, adver- company and their former associates, at the moment.” tising agencies, etc.) of about 4,000. The thanks to GR News. This weekly, mimeo- After only two issues. Bill Orth, the

News Tower has a newspaper-type format graphed sheet, now' in its second month, is first editor, was transferred to the news and is of tabloid size. It is edited by Bill being published by the boys on the NBC and special events department. Tex Stew-

Wiseman, promotion and publicity man- page and guide staff in their spare time, art, present editor, is a guide trainer. Dave

ager of the station, a former Hearst news- and is mailed regularly to all staff men in Zingg, of the press department, has the

paper man. Its editorial content includes the service. staff title of press contact. The whole en- per- many photographs of radio stars and The paper, of approximately 10 pages, terprise is handled by the boys with the sonality news and features. includes items of interest to present and aid of A1 O’Connor, a staff super\ isor. The paper fills the double bill of pro- past personnel, as well as others at NBC.

viding program data and serving as an For instance, a recent issue listed .50 young excellent public relations medium. men in Radio City who have graduated WTMI's Magazine Wiseman was re-elected a director of from the staff’s uniformed ranks. Future • Station WTMJ has instituted an in- the editors’ association. The group has a plans call for by-line stories and program formal house organ so that the staff can

membership of 200 industrial editors notes on various NBC shows. express its views concerning all phases of

whose house publications, both external While the paper is written in a light, operation in The Milwaukee Journal's

and internal, have a combined circulation entertaining vein, it serves a practical pur- new Radio City. Issued twice monthly, of over 5,000,000. Members are mostly pose. A recent issue included tips on deal- tabbed as The Radio City Monitor, the

from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas. Mis- ing with persons taking the studio tour. first editions dealt largely with personal- souri, Nebraska and Kansas. Here’s a sample; izing station personnel, with a “question

I While in Oklahoma for the editors’ “When 10 people in a row ask a page and answer” section dealing w ith as many

convention, Wiseman addressed the Tulsa which floor a certain show is on, if he subjects as you’d imagine would come up li K Advertising Federation on “What We Are remembers that it’s only the first time in a radio station. Circulation is restricted Doing to Win This Radio War.” each of those individuals has asked the to the staff of WTMJ and W55M. j

f'

1 12 NBC TRANSMITTER { 'ki

WSM "Vets" Move in Drug Sponsors Benefit by KSTP's Big With the Second Army Merchandising Tie-in Campaign • The “veteran” Army maneuver crew of WSM, Nashville, has “moved in” with the

Second Army in Tennessee to bring its i listeners a comprehensive coverage of

field operations. '

WSM was among the first stations in

the I'. S. to comprehensively cover a

[ complete Army maneuver last year in the

first all-out defense tests of the Army in 1 Middle Tennessee. In covering these

| maneuvers, WSM’s crew, in full uniform {

w ith a private railroad car as headquar- 1

j

ters, covered the tests w ith portable equip- 1

j

ment in jeeps, tanks and a station wagon. : From Tennessee, WSM’s crew' moved to Louisiana for additional maneuver j | coverage, this time w ith two frequency- j j

modulation equipped mobile units. From i Louisiana. WSM went to the Carolina j j maneuvers and gave radio listeners fur-

ther Army drill reports. This year, the WSM crew with the

Second Army in Tennessee is tieing-in I station’s sales promo- KSTP PLAN HAS PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS-Tlie w ith two spots on “The Army Hour” of tion manager, Sam L. Levitan (extreme right), explains the idea to: (left to right) NBC, thus bringing national attention to I J. B. Slocumb, executive secretary, Minnesota State Pharmaceutical Association: WSM's military coverage. j

IVilliam Knight, president. Twin City Druggists Association : Riley Bryan, sales man- ager, McKesson-Rohhins; Keith K. Keller, chairman. Twin City State and National Merchandising Committee, and Porter Remington, president, M.S.P.A. SAFETY FIRST

• New features of the KSTP (St. Paul- tion’s trade character, with the words.

Minneapolis I “Plan of Coordinated Radio “Radio Recommended.” These posters will

Advertising and Drug Store Merchandis- he used by all Minnesota druggists to call ing.’ starting Deceinher 1, assure KSTP attention to their store displays of items drug advertisers of “bonus” year-around being promoted by KSTP in the special merchandising activity. drug campaign, as well as other KSTP- The KSTP plan, worked out with the advertised drug products. sponsorship and endorsement of the Min- These “Radio Recommended” posters nesota State Pharmaceutical Association will be distributed by the Twin City and the Twin City Retail Drug Associa- and state associations and by the drug tion, differs from those already in opera- travelers. tion in two important points. The calendar of KSTP drug promo- In addition to the 1'win City and state tions — to be advertised in two minute associations, the Minnesota Drug Trav- spots daily— was worked out by a group elers— representatives of drug wholesalers, headed by Keith K. Keller, Minneapolis jobbers and manufacturers — have been druggist, who is merchandising chair- keyed into the KSTP plan. Since these man of the National Association of Retail men— numbering more than .SO— are cover- Druggists and one of the outstanding drug ing Minnesota throughout the year, tieing merchandising authorities in the country. JCestinghouse station IF BZ, Boston, re- this organization into the plan means that Druggists w ill be notified of each month’s ceives citation. H . Gordon Swan, program the KSTP plan will have that many active promotions through the associations on manager (left), receives i\ational Board of “outstand- salesmen at all times. special forms prepared by KSTP. and by Fire I nderwriters' certificate for ing public service" from James F. Crafts, Another important feature of the K.STP the wholesalers and jobbers. In addition, who represented the national group. Jf'BZ plan is the store tie-in poster [irejiared by the retailers will receive special informa- was given honorable mention (top honors in is special particular KSdP. dhis a die-cut poster tion each month about the the East) in the first annual radio fire pre- utilizing a jiicture of KSd’Pete, the sta- KSd'P-advertised drug items. vention contest. NOVEMBER 1942 13

"VALUABLE EXPERIMENT" VETERAN JOURNALIST HEADS NBC NEWS ( (Continued from page 3)

music seri(;s ol ihv MU] Intel •Anicrican AND SPECIAL EVENTS DEPARTMENT University of the Air. featuriii}f the NIUJ Synipliony Orchestra condiicteil !iy Frank Black; panel discussion by Burle Marx,

I ager. also traveled I • he NBC news and special e\ ents de- He extensively in .South director. Brazilian .Symphony Orchestra:

^ partinent, until recently a division of the America and Europe. (]arleton Sprague Smith, chief, music divi- sion, New' \ ork Public I.ihrary; (iusiavo < program department, has been made a 1'hen, after a brilliant record as man- Duran, music division. I’an American Union; t self-contained part of the network. “This aging director of the AP of Great Britain. (iilhert Chase, music division. Library of t movement.” NBC President Niles Tram- Ltd., he returned to the L'nited States to Congress. Special music of tlie Columbus era

I mell stated, “is in recognition of the great become managing editor of Forbes Maga- under the direction of Lowell P. Beveridge. i importance of news broadcasting, and to zine and, later, executive editor. The Rediscovery of America: Chairman. Russell Potter, director. Institute of Arts and \ meet the requirements of operations under Brooks hails from Sedalia, Missouri, is Sciences, Columbia University; "University t war conditions.” 39, married, and the father of a 16-year- of Chicago Round Table” broadcast, pre- I Under the new arrangement. William old son. senting Avery O. Craven, jirofessor of F. Brooks, the new Fraticis C. McCall, who has been with American History. University of Chicago; director of news NBC since 1936, is manager of the de- James T. Shotwell. director. Carnegie F!n- and special events, partment. He began newspaper work as dowment for International Peace; Elbert D. Thomas, United .States .Senator from Utah. reports directly to a reporter for United Press and later was Military Cooperation .Among the -Amer- Frank E. Mullen, assistant bureau manager of the Aus- icas: Chairman. Major Harold W. Kent. vice-president and tralian Associated Press in New York, and United States War Department; Lieutenant- general manager. an editor in the New' York bureau of I'he General Stanley D. Embick. chairman, Inter- A noteworthy Chicago Tribune. America Defense Board; Vice-.Admiral .Al- bert W. Johnson, member. Inter-.America career in the news Adolph J. Schneider, assistant manager Defense Board. field, dating back for news, w ill supervise the. preparation of Audio-Visual Aids to Cultural Under- to 1917, especially scripts for the numerous NBC news pro- standing: Chairman. John M. Begg. assistant WILLIAM F. BROOKS for his grams. This entails editorship of the AP, chief, division of cultural relations. Depart- present position. Seven years of general UP and INS reports received, plus reports ment of State; John Grierson, film com- missioner of Canada; Enricpie De Lozada. news work preceded 14 years’ service with from NBC’s 40 war reporters throughout Bolivian adviser to Coordinator of Inter- the Associated Press in various capacities the world. American .Affairs; Richard S. Lambert, edu- —executive editor of AP’s feature service, Lathrop Mack, appointed assistant man- cational counselor. Canadian Broadcasting executive news editor in New York, execu- ager for special events, was a member of Corporation; Sterling Fisher, director. Inter- tive assistant to the general manager, and the AP staff from 1927 to 1936. During American University of the .Air, and radio consultant. Department of State; first public managing director of the AP of Great these years he worked in Cleveland, Co- showing of Inter-American cartoon motion Britain, Ltd. This latter post involved lumbus, Cincinnati, Springfield, and New pictures by Walt Disney. supervision of photographic coverage and York. He joined the Music Corporation of Health Problems of the .Americas: Chair- new's distribution in Europe. Australia, America in 1936 to do band exploitation, man. Dr. Morris Fishbein, editor, .lournal of and the Ear East. and came to NBC in 1938 as a writer in .American Medical Association; Dr. Joa Jacques Dornelles. Brazilian member of the For six years. Brooks had a good look the news department.

Pan American Sanitary Bureau ; Colonel at his own country by visiting every state Department activity has been so brisk -A. W. Dreisbach. medical division. Office of in the union as feature service chief and in recent months that the office space had Coordinator of Inter-American .Affairs; Dr. executive assistant to the AP general man- to be increased. J. R. Murdock. Pan .American Sanitary Bu- reau; Dr. W ilbur A. .Saw'yer. director. Inter- .American Aledicine. Rockefeller Foundation. Nobile Civic Series School "Workshop" Tie-in Post-War Relations of the .Americas: Chairman, Clark M. Eichelberger. chairman • WALA. Mobile, Alabama, has launched • Marquette University’s “Radio Work- of Committee to Study the Organization of “Victory Thru Cooperation,” a sponsored shop” program, heard over WTMJ, has Peace; Harry D. Gideonse. jiresident. Brook- program bringing some representative of opened a new series, built around a “This lyn College; Carter Goodrich, chairman, a city department, business or institution Is America” theme. Each week students governing body. International Labor Organ- before the microphone to be questioned from various city and suburban high ization; Philip C. Jessup, professor of inter- national law. Columbia University; Frank by a housewife and a shipyard worker. schools witness the broadcast to study Tannenbaum. associate professor of history. I he program is receiving wide acclaim radio technique. In the tryouts held at the Columbia University. as a public service feature as it brings Marquette speech building, 41 students .American Cultural Relations: Chairman. out problems for airing and explanation were chosen from 65 auditioned to make Charles Thomson, chief of division of cul- that affects the majority of Mobilians. The up the production staff of the workshop. tural relations. Department of State; Luis Quintanilla. Alexican Minister to the United program sets out to show “how to better Actors are classed as regulars and appren- States; Janies Lawrence Fly. chairman. Fed- help one’s self by aiding those serving the tices, with the period of apprenticeship eral Communications Commission ; S. D. public. The script is written by Charles ending when a student has participated in Shankland. ex-secretary. .-American .Associa- Saunders. WALA studio director. five radio productions. tion of School Administrators. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER

RADIO "TANK'' TRAVELS FAR FOR ROND SALES NBC Quiz Program Gets

I 16-Page Coronet Break

• Spectacular editorial attention has been

given to NBC’s “Truth or Consequences” , program in the January issue of Coronet j Magazine. A 16-page picture story of the

popular quiz-and-penalty comedy show is a highlight of the issue. The article states that 25,000,000 people tune in each Saturday to hear the daffy, chuckle-loaded show, and that 20,000 write in weekly to suggest conse- quences or praise the program. In the article, “Everything But the Truth,” Coronet sets forth how each con-

testant is asked a question and if he fails

to win 15 dollars by answering it, how he pays the consequences—such as singing a

duet in falsetto with a child radio star, or perhaps washing an elephant. The conse- quences are varied and hilarious. Most of the entrants, declares Coronet, This replica keeps rolling victory. for miss on purpose and no one enjoys the giddy going more than master-of-cere- • Station WIRE, Indianapolis, Indiana, be used in other War Bond rallies and monies Ralph Edwards who takes “Truth t

has added a new unit to its special events promotions. The unit will serve as a or Consequences” on country-wide treks. » department. Known as Mobile l^nit No. 2. mobile booth to appear at meetings in Besides the fun, all participants receive

it is constructed as a full-sized replica of connection with the various golf club pro- five dollars for their trouble as well as a • a General Grant tank. Called the WIRE motions executed by Mrs. Paul Shideler, chance at a 25-dollar grand prize. \ ^ War Bond Tank, it is used to boost the national director of golf club War Bond The program is sponsored by Procter sale of War Bonds and Stamps through- activities. and Gamble in the interests of Ivory Soap. out the State of Indiana. As the photograph suggests, the “tank”

The unit contains a public address sys- is a huge unit, built as a replica to add H. P. DAVIS AWARDS tem, recording equipment, and may be inspiration and color wherever exhibited. (Continued from page 5) used for remote control pick-ups when The unit is built on a 1940 model sedan paired with the fully-equipped Mobile automobile, but it looks like the “real different sections of the country. They are

Unit No. 1. Its first trip was made when thing” to many observers. made annually and represent outstanding the Indiana Victory Caravan started its achievement in the field of broadcasting. visit to some 60 cities in Indiana, Novem- It is a pleasure and privilege to be Alice T. ber 2. Wilson Engaged asked on behalf of the late H. P. Davis to

The caravan is made up of more than • Joseph B. Wilson, of Jackson Heights. make these awards. In doing so, I com- 200 men in uniform with full military Long Island, recently announced the en- mend the late H. P. Davis and his family equipment. There is a caravan convoy gagement of his for the foresight and practical results in of more than half a hundred pieces of daughter, Alice T. providing for these awards. I congratulate mechanized equipment including scout Wilson, to Private the winners of these awards and wish for cars, jeeps, peeps, the WIRE War Bond John J. Marger, them continued success in their fields of Tank, a full-sized replica of an “M-3” son of Mrs. John chosen activity. tank, transportation cars, field kitchens Marger of Jackson I bespeak for the listening public hearty and ambulances. Heights. appreciation of the fact that these awards Sponsored by the Indiana War Savings Both Miss Wil- are made possible to the end that the Staff in cooperation with the War Depart- son and Florence American system of broadcasting, the ment, the caravan is making the 12-day E. Marger, a sister greatest in the world, may continue to give tour to show the American people how of the prospective effect to the principles of our method of ALICE T. WILSON their War Bond dollars are being invested. bridegroom, are on living and make possible the continuous While en route the caravan presents in- the staff of the NBC legal department. development of broadcasting as a social, teresting military demonstrations to the Private Marger is now in service with the economic and moral force for the benefit public. Army Air Corps and no date has as yet of the American people and of the peoples The WIRE War Bond “tank” will later been fixed for the wedding. of the world at large. NOVEMBER 1942 15

Misses Hero Husband's Talk; Disk Saves Day • When Colonel Frank Armstrong, com-

manding odicer of the first (light of Fly- ing Fortresses over contiiumtal fhirope.

was interviewed on a recent “March of

rime” program from “some place in

England,” Mrs. Armstrong, active in Rich- mond. Virginia, war deftmse work, was attending a meeting. After neighbors and friends told her

that her husband had been on the air, she

j)honed the local NBC afliliate. WMBC, for a detailed report of the interview. But the sponsors of the program had already taken action by having the portion of the program ('ontaining (iolonel Armstrong’s MRS. FRANK ARMSTRONG and WILBUR M. HAVENS Photograph by U. S. Army Signal Corps (Story at lejt) interview transcribed and sent to WMBC. GOVERNOR AND PRIVATE Wilbur M. Havens, owner-manager of (Story below) WMBC, made the presentation of the CAMPBELL TO OWI POST record to Mrs. Armstrong after she had • Martin Cami)I)ell, managing director of

Fruitful Recruiting Drive heard it over the WMBC monitor system. WFAA, Dallas, and WBAP, Fort Worth, Made by Station KARK Such extra-curricular activity has ex- has been a])])ointed Texas radio consultant cellent j)ul)lic relations value. to the radio bureau of the OWL • just another example of the willingness of Station KARK, Little Hock, Arkansas, to aid in the all-out war effort is borne A PATRIOTIC GAME OF "HIDE-GO-SEEK" out in the above photograph as Governor Homer N. Atkins of Arkansas stressed the importance of the Air Forces. Interview-

ing the Governor is Private Tom Hudson of the 55th Air Base Scjuadron. The appeal to the youths of Arkansas was a feature of the two-week special re- cruiting drive in Arkansas and originated

in KARK’s spacious new home in the heart of downtown Little Rock. During the two-week drive. Private Hudson produced daily programs over KARK. The recruiting party from Elling- ton Field, Texas, was in command of Major John Payne and the enlistees were sent to Tarrant Field, near Fort Worth, Texas.

Before enlisting last September, Private Hudson was both announcer and actor on the Rudy Vallee show for eight months. In addition he had worked on the Treas- ury “Star Parade.” “Portia Faces Life” and other NBC i)roductions.

NBC WAR PROGRAM ASSIGNMENT • Jane Tiffany Wagner, former director The digging up oj old jurs jroni closets and storage chests icas urged by Station H IK). of the home economics department of Des Moines. Iona, in its success! ul campaign to gather the old pelts to make warm vests

Standard Brands, Inc., was recently a]j- for men of the merchant marine. Photo shows If HO \ewscasters Tom Mulready and pointed NBG director of women's war Hob Burlingame inspecting a windowjul oj the old jurs received in resjyonse to their

acti\ ities. She ad\ ises stations on j)lan- If HO ‘'If'ar Bulletin Board ' broadcasts. This windoiv has been filled some halj dozen ning activities in which women listeners times. About three tons oj jurs were received jrom 35 states. Members oj the jur

can help the \ ictory effort. industry process the jurs into vests jor the seamen. -

16 NBC TRANSMITTER

The last bug in the NBC Contest and Offer Booklet Wins injormation service is shooed out of exis- tence by the ready- Nation-Wide Applause reference booklet.

% Considerable applause has been ac- folder heralding the event, shows corded the NBC commercial traffic de- the last of the insect clan biting partment for the NBC contest and offer the dust. information l)ook issued last Summer to The wrinkle -free contest and replace the older weekly bulletin service. offer data service brought forth a

The new volume has been acclaimed barrage of fan mail from affiliates. for “taking all the bugs” out of the old Here are some rej)resentative system hy maintaining a single loose-leaf, quotes: ready-reference method at each affiliated “We have found the contest and station. Thus, any person assigned the offer information booklet so useful task of answering listeners’ queries has the here.”—-WTIC, Hartford, Connecti- data at arm’s reach. cut. John T. Murphy, supervisor of the “The new NBC contest and offer NBC commercial traffic department, has booklet is an improvement over the charge of the system whereby the booklets former setup and will greatly facili- are kept up to date by the issuing of neces- tate our handling of the informa- sary supplementary information on loose- tion.”—WBAL, Baltimore. leaf sheets. “The booklet is just as handy as it can “We think the idea is very unique, in-

Each offer has its own page in the be and we feel certain that it will he the formative and does expedite matters a booklet. The listed information includes most helpful for reference purposes in the great deal in our efforts to cooperate with sponsor’s name, program title, program future.”—WMBG, Richmond, Virginia. contest offers given on NBC.”—KGBX, time, contest or offer heading, require- “We are placing this booklet with our Springfield, Missouri.

ments, ])rizes, mailing address and vital girls at the switchboard who get quite a “Think it is a fine idea.” — KFf, Los contest dates. few' calls from our listeners regarding Angeles.

The book truly filled the bill in ex- these contests. We think this is a splendid “We appreciate this information very terminating the last bug in the contest and idea.”—WCOL, Columbus, Ohio. much and are certain that this new form offer information service and the accom- “The new NBC contest and offer book- will work out very well.” — KGW, Port- panying illustration, borrowed from the let is excellent.” — WOW, Omaha, Neb- land, Oregon. recent “No More ‘Bugs’ ” sales promotion raska. And these quotes are just samples!

WGBF Operators Turn NBC San Francisco Girl Kaney Named Head of NBC Enlists in the WAACS Teachers for Defense Chicago Stations Office

# Operators on the staff of WGBF, Evans- # First woman from NBC’s San Fran- • A. W. Kaney, prominent Chicago ville, fndiana, are taking a prominent and cisco Radio City to enter the WAACS broadcasting personality, known through- active part in the training of radio tech- is Dorothy M c out the industry as Sen Kaney, has been nicians and telegraphers. Fay Gehres, ^ Gaha. At the time appointed manager of the NBC central chief engineer, is teaching a class of radio of her induction, division station relations department. technicians at Evansville College, and she was secretary Kaney has been in radio 20 years, the

other staff members are teaching inter- to Henry Schaffer, last 1() being spent with NBC. national code to Army and Navy Air KPO’s sales pro- Following his graduation from North- Cadets. 'Phree code classes for women are motion manager. western L niversity, Kaney joined KYW—

also being conducted. An N B (i e ni then in Chicago—as an announcer; that

WGBF is broadcasting two half-hour ployee for the last was in 1922. He joined NBC in 1926, programs each week as part of the in- five years. Miss serving in various capacities, including

struction of officers and men at nearby Mcfiaha. previous news commentator, sports announcer, pro- DOROTHY McGAHA Canq) Breckenridge. The regular orienta- entering the gram production director, program man- tion courses will be given over WGBF as sales promotion dej)artment, was a secre- ager and chief of the central division

the Army believes that this material is tary in the executive offices and the sales continuity acceptance department.

suitable to be beard by the public, and dei)artment. She joined KPO in 1937 as It is readily discernible that a man may be useful as a morale program. an assistant in the audience mail division. with all-around training, and with first- Phese activities are ty|)ical examples of This brings the total of KPO employees hand knowledge of multiple branches of

radio’s aid to the victory effort. in Lhicle Sam's services to 13. the industry, is a “natural” for the spot.

NBC Transmit.t.p-p

Vol.8-10, 1942.44

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)9

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