m

NATIONAL EfiOADCASTINQ COMPANY, general library

30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, NEW YORK, N. 1 >:.-s Vr-. iS- ’

NBC VOL. 6 JANUARY, 1940 No. 1

LATEST PROGRESS IN TELEVISION NEW YEAR SftS MANY TRAINING FCC VIEWS NEW PORTABLE UNIT GROUPS HELD FOR YOUNGER MEN

elevision de- S the New Year ajrproaches and gets underway, it finds

T velops so rapid- AI the largest number yet of employe training courses ly that it is always in action. This is a result of the Company’s policy of filling outmoding its own vacancies from its own ranks. It has been said more and news. This month more often in the past few years that the Company is old there are several enough to prepare its personnel to fill the responsible posi- items for the record. tions created or opened as time goes on, and this year a We are all familiar more comprehensve effort than ever is being made in that with the ten-ton, direction. two-truck mobile Ashton Dunn of Personnel has already organized a group unit which has so for the purpose of learning the structure and activities of successfully picked various departments. It is similar to last year’s group which up such nemos as was developed to satisfy the expressed interest of the younger

Evolution of an Idea. boxing and tennis employes. Some of the more specialized courses recently matches, and base- planned or begun are working in connection with the larger ball and football games. This sleek monster is the incredi- group to fill out the general training program. All of them ble descendant of the early moving-picture apparatus. The have members of a remarkably high standard, the majority picture above clearly shows the dramatic evolution. Ed having received anywhere from one or two years of college Stolzenberger travels back through time to to an M.A. degree. demonstrate the actual Pathe camera used The most elementary course, given to to shoot The Birth of a Nation. In the all new employes of General Service and center Roy Meredith is at the controls of to any others who may wish to enroll, is the modern Mitchell movie camera which the Orientation Class. Meetings last about he uses in producing the television sub- two weeks and are held whenever there ject, Teletopics. And on the right is Ed is a sufficient number of enrollees. Dur- Cullen mastering one of the television ing the ten classes or so, the history of cameras at present employed in Studio RCA and NBC is explained and the or- 3H. ganization of NBC taken up.

And now there is a further development. After that, the logical step is to attend The RCA Laboratories in Camden have the group first mentioned above, which produced a new light-weight portable now has sixty-five members from eleven television field different departments. first pick-up . Since tbe unit. The compact . • examines . Ml 1 11 1 • 1 rCC new apparatus Will be able to televise material (l. to r.) James Fiy, Thad'^Brown?'Nor- meeting in October, at which Dr. Angell Craven beyond the reach of the equipment pre- A. M. spoke, they have gathered every Wednes- viously used. There are also many other practical day evening in the Sixth Floor Board Room to hear execu- advantages in the new unit. The cost is about one-sixth tives from the Continuity Acceptance, Engineering, Informa- and the weight about one-tenth that of the present mobile tion and Program Departments discuss their work and the equipment. An entire three-camera assembly in eleven functions of their divisions. Following the talk there is “suitcases” and with 1000 feet of cable weighs less than usually a lively question and answer period to clear up any 1500 pounds. Also the power needed is about one-fifth of {Continued on page 4) that formerly required. 110 volts, single phase, is enough. The flexibility of the system has been improved to allow dissolving from the scene on one camera to that being picked up by another, so that on the receiving screen you can see one view build up as the other dies out. The accompanying radio transmitter works on a wave-length of about one meter, the shortest yet employed in practical television work. The power is much less than that of the two-truck unit, but the wavelength is not only equally free of static, but can be used with small, highly efficient antennas which multiply the effective power several times. The RCA Manufacturing Company has already delivered one such unit to NBC. The new field equipment was demonstrated Friday, November 24, before members and officials of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington. D. C., by the RCA Laboratories. Among those present were James Lawrence Fly, Chairman of the FCC; Commissioners Thad H. Brown. Norman S. Case and T. A. M. Craven, members of One of the Wednesday night meetings in the personnel training {Continued on page 4) program. 2 NBC TRANSMITTER SHORTWAVE CARRIES FIRST COMMERCIAL PROGRAM TRANSMITTER AT RCAM

Europe often gets its own news more Whitman, advertising manager of the Six much impressed young men quickly by NBC shortwave than by any United Fruit Company, has said, “is spent Thursday, November 30, visiting other means. From the fifth floor stu- being sponsored strictly in the interests tbe RCA Manufacturing Company at

dio, French soldiers have even heard of good will.” There will be no prod- Camden, N. J. The six men were the the first report of leave about to be uct selling on the program, according staff of the NBC Transmitter, and given them. The fan letters received by to Whitman, and all commercial an- this was the second in a series of visits the International Division are aweing nouncements will be directed solely to various RCA subsidiaries. both in quantity and praise. And such toward creating better understanding Mr. Gilbert, of the RCAM Press De- is the quality of these broadcasts to and good will between the United partment, met the group at the Phila- foreign countries that many colleges States and the countries of Latin- delphia station and conducted them to have become interested in using them America where the United Fruit Com- the offices in Camden. Welcome NBC in the study of languages. They have pany does business. banners greeted the staff as they en- also proved successful enough to be The programs are broadcast over tered the Administration Building. granted a commercial license by the the international stations WNBI and There they were introduced to Mr. FCC. WRCA. The news is translated by Ad- Julius Haber, director of RCAM Press, Experimental programs in Spanish dison Durland and Eli “Buck” Canel who outlined the day’s activities. were started back in July, 1936. They of International, and announced by The tour began in the display room covered only a few hours a week at the John Barrett and A. L. De Olivares, where Mr. L. L. Titus, head of display, beginning, but increased in number as crack NBC International Division pointed out the latest products time went by. Exactly a year later, Spanish announcers. RCA and gave demonstrations of some of July 26, 1937, program services were John Barrett is the son of mission- the equipment. A record of the in- inaugurated in six languages, Spanish, ary parents and spent his early years dividual voices of the group was made Portuguese, French, German and in Puerto Rico. He graduated from on a portable recording unit. Thus Italian besides English. And from that the University of North Carolina, the gratitude of the men for the hos- time on they have been developed to where he was particularly active in pitality they received and their im- the unprecedented stage attested by the dramatics, in l935, and a few years pression of the Camden plants was large volume of foreign mail received later received an M.A. He has trav- preserved for future generations of daily. eled throughout the United States and Transmitter staffs. Until a few months ago, however, the West Indies, and taught Spanish the FCC granted only experimental for several years. In 1938 he made a Next, Mr. Throckmorton, president licenses for international shortwave tour for NBC to points of interest in of RCA Manufacturing, was kind broadcasting. Now the service has a this country in order to write and enough to greet the group personally, commercial license and will operate record in Spanish, material for Latin- following which Mr. Gilbert took them on it sixteen hours daily. It will cover American audiences. for a short walk to the Research and twenty Latin-American countries with A. L. De Olivares was born in Spain Engineering Laboratories. Here they programs in Spanish, Portuguese and and studied at the University of Bar- met Mr. L. M. Clement, vice president English, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and celona and the Conservatory of Music in charge of Engineering and Re- running to 1 :00 a.m., EST. In addi- there. He has had extensive experience search, and Mr. E. T. Dickey, who is tion a service to Europe from 9:00 as an actor and singer in both Bar- in charge of Engineering Publications a.m. to 4:00 p.m., EST, in English, celona and New York. During the past and Engineering Societies Contacts French. Italian and German will be two years he has been a commentator Mr. Dickey guided the men on an in- available to sponsors. Negotiations in Spanish for M-G-M newsreels, trav- spection tour of the Laboratories where already instituted with a number of elogues and shorts. He has also writ- they saw work in progress on micro- leading concerns have demonstrated ten radio scripts for Latin-American phones, photo-electric cells and infra- the definite desire of leaders in Amer- broadcasts. His association with NBC red wave devices. They also heard ican business and finance to develop began in 1936. music produced from a strip of mag- foreign markets, which, in connection netized steel tape. with the huge popular following that Before starting the afternoon’s tour, International built up in its experi- the staff had lunch in the Company mental days, augurs well for future dining room with Mr. Dickey, Mr. activity. As tbe NBC guides tell the Haber and Mr. McKeag. It was Mr. never-tiring public a hundred times a McKeag who showed the group the day, NBC International programs have die and cutting machines and led them a world wide mail response from 83 through the stock and assembly rooms, nations, dominions, colonies and pro- and in general made the afternoon as tectorates. hospitable and interesting as the morn- The first organization to take advan- ing had been. tage of the new commercial service is Before they left. Mr. Haber cleared the United Fruit Company. Their open- up a few final points for the men and ing program was broadcast from 9:00 topjjed the day off with a typical to 9:15 p.m., EST, on December 1. RCAM farewell and a promise to send The contract runs for fifty-two weeks up a Glenn Miller recording from RCA and provides for a similar program Victor. Finallv, the staff, loaded with seven days a week. The material broad- souvenirs and booklets, caught the “News in Spanish.” cast is news in Spanish, and, as E. S. A. L. De Olivares and John Barrett train for Manhattan. JANUARY, 1940 3 NBC BIOGRAPHY Blevins Davis

The indefatigable Blevins Davis, Immediately on his return to Amer- who handles NBC’s educational drama ica, Davis became associated with Mr. programs, did not wait until he was Phillips Carlin in the work of the able to walk to display his talent for Program Department. It was during the unusual. He began promptly on ibis })eriod that he developed his idea his career by being born in Indepen- of the Great Plays series, the work for dence. Missouri, the starting point of which he is most noted. I he series was the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe ]>lanned in connection with Lewis Tit- trails. The locale abounds in fascinat- (erton and William Rainey. It found ing legends so unusual as readily to a ready response from the |)ublic with stir the imagination of an alert young- its presentations of such traditional ster. Perhaps it was this interesting hits as The Lady of the Camellias, background that laid the foundation of Everyman, Alcestis, Macbeth and Vol- his interest in the theatre. pone. Sometime, if you urge him a bit, In .Jatiuary, 19.39, Blevins Davis en- he may tell you of an early incident tered the Education Division of the in his life which brought him very Program Department where he became close to the natural lore of land still an assi.stant to Walter G. Preston Jr., touched by the pioneer spirit. Business and now specializes in handling NBC’s interests made it necessary for his educational dramas, with particular father to travel into the Oregon coun- emphasis on the Great Plays series, of Blevins try to adjust claims. He took young Davis course.

Blevins, then only six years old, along grams. It was then decided that he During the past summer he spoke with him, and for six months they lived should go to England as special repre- before the American Library Associa- in the government house in the midst sentative and commentator. tion, which has been most helpful in of the Umatilla Reservation located in Mr. Davis found particular pleasure publicizing the series. He then made an isolated part of the state. One has in reporting scenes along the corona- an extensive tour of the universities but to imagine the richness of such tion route from the actual places de- in this country. The purpose of the an experience. scribed. One of the most interesting tour was to establish personal contact His education was as varied as his spots presented to radio listeners was and to discuss the reactions and view- early life, for he graduated from Mis- Christie’s. Whenever a prominent Eng- points of the listeners. A closer under- souri and Princeton Universities, and lish family finds itself on high finan- standing and mutual benefit naturally later did graduate work in the Yale cial seas, it turns its prized possessions resulted. University School of Fine Arts, De- over to the highest bidder at Christie’s It must be a great source of satis- partment of Drama. After he had re- sessions. And it has been well said faction to Mr. Davis to see his idea ceived his degree from Princeton, Mr. ibat sooner or later all the treasures becoming continually more popular Davis taught Drama and English. His of the British Empire find their way and more an integral part of drama activities in the National Education to those halls. Another noteworthy study in the nation’s schools. For one Association brought him recognition event was the broadcast description of thing, over one hundred and fiftv uni- in the form of the chairmanship of the the pageant at Bath in commemoration versities and colleges give credit to Visual Education Committee. It was of the Coronation of Edgar in 973 with those who listen in. In the case of after broad experience in this field that its colorful costumes and mediaeval Michigan and Utah, Great Plays forms he again heeded the call of things the- miming. part of the graduate studv. Three na- atrical and found himself enroute to Blevins Davis also remembers well tional radio awards have been received the New Haven campus. an example of precision in the timing by Great Plays, and Mr. John Royal, He had always had a deep interest of a great public event that would vice president in charge of Programs, in the coronation customs of English warm the heart of any radio man. has stated that he regards it as one of kings. His senior thesis in college was Those in charge of the ceremonies had NBC’s most important contributions to Coronation Customs as Reflected in announced that Their Majesties would education. Shakespearian Dramas. While at Yale arrive at Westminster Abbey at eleven Getting it established was not all he continued his researches and o’clock. Mr. Davis can show you a smooth sailing, however, as the follow- brought his familiarity with the sub- photograph of the king alighting from ing tvpically radio story shows. Short- ject up to the coronation of George V the golden coach before the Abbey and Iv after the series was announced an in 1911. It so happened that at the in the same picture Big Ben’s hands enthusiastic letter came to Mr. Davis. time Edward abdicated, Mr. Davis was pointing out eleven on the dot. Look- The writer was delighted, thought the still studying in Haven. His New ing back, Mr. Davis thinks Queen Marv whole idea excellent. Radio, it seems, knowledge was turned to material re- attracted the most attention and that was reallv getting some place. To w'ard when he wrote coronation articles the native princes from India caused think, said he. that now we will he for the Hearst syndicate. NBC became the greatest stir with their lavish and able to hear the actual voices of the aware of his on the work subject and richly colored robes. Throughout he countrv’s finest athletes while thev tell had furnish him the factual matter for worked closely with Ered Bates, NBC just how they made their greatest four Sunday night pre-coronation pro- representative in England. plays. - 4 NBC TRANSMITTER LATEST TELEVISION UNIT AA ACTIVITIES TRAINING CROUPS BEGUN [Continued from page 1) {Continued from page 1) the FCC Television Committee; Com- Skating points that may still be in doubt. It is missioner Frederick I. Thompson; planned to take up other departments Roller skating has sprung into and Commission Engineers headed by in the same manner later on, and the prominence as a popular winter ac- E. K. Jett, chief engineer. Represent- classes will end in May. tivity with a party held at the Colum- ing RCA were Ralph Beal, director of All the participants bus Circle Rink Tuesday evening, have done con Research; Dr. Charles Jolliffe, head of siderable reading and turned in a large December 12. The refreshment and the RCA Erequency Bureau; Harry number of essays on various topics game booths around the hall added Sademvater, RCAM Television Project related to broadcasting activities. And much—it is said—to the enjoyment of engineer; T. A. Smith, manager of besides all this, more detailed the skating. All AA members can join discus- RCAM Television Equipment Sales; sions are being scheduled. Representa- in future parties, which may come as and RCA Laboratory Engineers G. L. tives of such Program Divisions as often as every Tuesday at 8:15. Miss Bears, C. D. Kentner, W. J. Poch, Sustaining, Commercial and Music talk Winter of the Treasurer’s Office, who, W. T. Dutton and A. H. Turner. informally with small gatherings of fittingly enough, is handling the events, The apparatus for the demonstra- men about their special responsibilities can get reduced rate tickets, but wants tion was set up on the grounds of the and enable the men to become familiar to know ahead of time how many are U. S. Post Office Department Building. coming. with certain charts, machines, records, The activity on Pennsylvania Avenue etc., which are used. These intimate Horses, Horses was picked up, and various members meetings, together with the opportunity of the Commission and others appeared Indoor riding groups will be organ- offered to attend Commercial, Sustain- informally before the ike. ized right after the New Year’s holi- ing, Night Program and Program- day, and all interested should get in Press Board Expansion in another direction is Meetings, will give the touch with Mr. Van Houten. The meets also reported. Since the beginning of members of the group a far better view will probably take place at Aylward’s public television broadcasting in April of NBC organization than was previ- Academy on West 67 Street. No fees ously open to 1939, NBC has been actively engaged them. will be collected until after January in developing program material and Both foregoing courses are, by na- 1 when the actual riding starts. production technique considered suit- ture and necessity, fairly general, but able for advertising purposes. During Bowling several divisions of the Company are tbe first six regular service giving, or planning to give, much more months of Standings at the head of the bowl- experimental specific training to selected bodies of approximately ninety-five ing league are beginning to crystallize advertising programs were broadcast. men in order to prepare them for pos- with General Service Team 1 still in sible entrance into the department con- For the production of these programs the lead and Sales close behind. The cerned. For instance, there is Mr. NBC had the cooperation of fifty-four General Service alleycats have won 23 advertisers. charge or revenue was Engles’ course in artist management No and lost 4, while the Salesmen have collected because of the prohibitive v/hich has been successfully proceeding a record of 20 victories out of 27. regulations under tbe present with its talks and studies for nearly FCC The Ladies Team, we are sad to say, system of experimental operation. two months. has dropped to tenth place from eighth However, to considera due recent FCC since last month, with 9 wins and 18 And Pat Kelly’s announcing class, tions, a plan be worked out where- as is well is may losses on the wooden fairway. David knowm, the oldest training by a client would pay for at least part group of them all. This also is under- Henri still holds the High Series cham- of the operating costs. pionship with 601, and the High Score way at present with Dan Russell doing of 241 held by George McElratb bas his usual good job. also survived. Lutber of Treasurer’s Furthermore, Mr. Beville has chosen remains in the individual average lead ten employes from General Service for with 179 for 9 games played, but Henri an eight to ten weeks course in statis- has pushed into second place with 171 tics which began on December 14. For for 27 games. Watch that fellow. He an hour each week the men wdll con- makes news. sider such subjects as station coverage, Swimming program surveys, advertising agency expenditures, tabulating, organization All this athletic expansion includes records and unsolved problems of an opportunity for prospective mer- radio research. It is intended to fill maids which has opened up with an future vacancies in the Research Divi- offer from the Women’s Swimming As- sion with members of this class, and sociation of New York to give NBCites tbe whole arrangement has been made reduced membership rates. Twelve to tie in with the general employe dollars will entitle you to a six months training policy. The men who have course of weekly lessons at the Asso- been selected are Percival Black. ciation pool. All future Eleanor Holms W. Beverly Buschgen, Ralph Cameron, should get in touch with Frances Bar- Howard Gardner, William Halsey, hour, Room 412. Robert MacFadyen, William Materne. Inset: George W. Hayes at the first RCA Artists transmitter, used for the Dempsey-Carpen John Simpson and James Tyson, all of tier fight, July, 1931. At left, Mr. Hayes, The metal, clay and woodworking the Guest Relations uniformed staff, now general manager RCA Victor Argen- classes have been tina, examines the latest type of RCA tele- showing increased and Gene Kennedy, Mail Room super- vision transmitter. (Continued on page 9) visor. JANUARY, 1940 5

I — — i NBC SAN FRANCISCO by Dick Bertrandias

By publication time, a A broadcast in front of one gend- great many things pending had Samuel ducking armes who were annoyed will have happened . . . and we trust all for the best. over jammed-uj) traflie. For one thing, another Pumpkin Larceny holiday season will have ex- hausted itself. Among others . . . or “a biinpkin, a yel- . . . another KGO-KPO Xmas bumpkin, who stole the party, held in the Athletic low pumpkin?” But first Association’s club rooms, let’s set the stage for this will be rehashed from time drama. Ag. and Ed. Director to time, variously interpo- Jennings Pierce and his sec- lated. . . . Production Man- retary, Anita Bolton, dug ager Boh Seal will have re- deep to provide the staff with turned from his “at long a cider - and - ginger ’lasses- last” vacation. cookie bust, the day before It may he that Home Econ- Thanksgiving. Their oflice omist Gladys Cronkhite, will was elaborately decorated have presented the publicity with corn stalks, a pumpkin, department with those fre- etc. quently - promised pumpkin The party was over. What with the Mystery Pumpkin—Stanley Smith, Barbara Storey, A pies, and Field Supervisor Gladys Cronkhite, Jennings “Farmer” Pierce, Anita Bolton to do with the pumpkin? George Greaves will he a and Sophie Dunich. challenge was flung at Gladys papa. Cronkhite, station’s cookery Archie Presby, of the Announcing press and radio continued, with KGO- critic, defying her to make something Department, chairmanned the Xmas KPO Manager A1 Nelson still wielding of it. She did, but not without un- soiree. Date of the event was Decem- influence to light the way after nearly precedented difficulty. First, she sug- ber 13 ... a little ahead of the gun, two years estrangement. Latest evi- gested everyone contribute an egg, a but best suited for all concerned. dences are the tie-up with S. F. piece of butter and so on. They did. Friends, relatives and sugah-pies were Chronicle s 75th anniversary, and joint Then tragedy struck. Someone stole all on the welcome list . . . more about sponsorship of a mammoth Xmas Eve the pumpkin. Finally another pump- this epic in the next Transmitter, we Community Sing with S. F. News. Also kin was obtained, and the result was ihink. in keeping with publicity activity is 12 splendiferous cream-blanketed pies Press Manager Milt Samuel’s window’ which were raffled off to fatten the AA Snow Party stunts. Latest being the animated dis- coffers, to say nothing of individuals. At the same time plans for the Xmas plays that have San Franciscans and One individual, Traffic Manager George party were molded, the Athletic Asso- Oaklanders pushing in the plate glass. Feurst, was not interested in winning ciation member- a pie. Strictly cir- ship began peek- cumstantial evi- ing around the dence, but evi- calendar into 1940 NBC PHOTO CONTEST dence. if you’re to discover what following us. the possibilities UNDERWAY Miscellany for a junket into the snow country FIRST ENTRIES due January 8. Welcome to might be. Jennings Florence Larsen Pierce, head man wbo has been hid- PRIZES of $10.00, $5,00, and a year's SUBSCRIPTION to U. S. CAMERA will be of the local order ing out as a new given each month for pictures, taken by NBC employes, which best illustrate of the NBCAA, ap- member of Mimeo TITLES of BLUE NETWORK SHOWS—for instance, a farmer looking back over pointed Ed Barker . . . Mass birthday the fields in the evening to the lights in his house for “The Farm and Home Hour." of the Sales force party for Agnes ADVENTURES IN PHOTOGRAPHY, Wednesday nights on the Blue, will give you to shop around the Ansel, Vera Lash- an idea. R.R. companies in, Betty Milligan for a good deal. and Sophie Dun- RULES are these: The membership ich . . . Manager was properly in- 1. Your picture must be illustrative of a title of a Blue Network show. Nelson so sold on trigued by the idea. 2. Send your print—not the negative. S. F. he has taken 3. Print must be 5" by 7" (available at any photo finishers for 25 cents). up residence atop Patching 4. Mail your gem to the NBC TRANSMITTER, RCA Building, Radio City, N. Y. historical Nob Hill Things Up 5. Send your name, department, division and explanation of the picture. where he com- Reciprocal 6. ENTRIES FOR SECOND CONTEST DUE FEBRUARY 8. mands view of city friendliness of and bay. 6 NBC TRANSMITTER

for several years with the International Electrical Transcription, and there he News Service and suecessively for the remained until January 1938 when he NEW YORK Chicago Daily, the St. Louis Post-Dis- left to devote more time to such radio patch and the New Orleans Item. He dramas as Dick Tracy, which he origi- Program’s Program came to us from Warner Bros, where nated on the air, Terry and the Pirates, he was assistant publicity director. The Shadow and many others. Novels As most of us know and all of us The absolutely newest of and plays are also part of his versa- regret, Margaret O’Connor, secretary member Press is Arthur Chapman Jr., a native tility and a novel is in the offing to Mr. Royal, has had to go to the new of Denver and a graduate of the Uni- even now. hospital for an appendectomy. It was versity of Colorado. History repeats Production pretty had. To cheer her convalescence, He began his in as career as a journalist well. Wally McGill re-en- that impatient period of reconstruc- with several of has been the New York papers and then moved gaged on the musical side. has tion, the Program Department got to- He to the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. Since already had eight and a half years gether and let their monocles down in then he has done publicity for with NBC, the last five spent as a recording called, The Life and Loves work as- the Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp., sistant to Thomas Belviso. Before that of Margaret O Connor or for Westinghouse and for the New he was on the stage, in the Schuberts’ . The show, five momentous York World’s Fair. White Lilacs and Carroll’s Fioretta. minutes of voluble variety, singing, The adept lady off The Conservatory in Cincinnati, his dancing and wisecracks, was cooked up young warding stones from Mr. Kostka’s crystal home town, gave of his hy Script and delivered hot hy such cub- him some byhole is none other than Joslin, musical training, which he has also outstanding figures in the entertain- Marie who has risen steadily in the used to sing on our networks. He has ment world as John Royal, Wilfred company from Stenographic to the coveted been gone from us for the last twenty Roberts and Phillips Carlin. High posi- tion of secretary to the head Press. months in order to be personal repre- lights of the new production were of For those who would have sentative for Jascha Heifetz. This Frank Black’s limerick, rhyming Mar- you believe there is not a meant he had to get around. trav- garet and “targaret”; A. A. Schechter, New Yorker to be found He in NBC, we offer Miss Joslin as ex- elled more than 18,000 miles from vice president in charge of “It , hibit A. She did, however, return to April last to November. It also meant It ain’t got no news value”; and “Tit- Georgia, her mother’s state, helping advise the production of They terton’s Quartet” sending Maggie ivont home to study at the E. Shall Have Music. it’s “Hello you please come home? Those who Robert Lee Institute. Now Her musical instinct has found expres- again!” have heard this show, proclaim it un- sion in both voice and violin. The equalled in audience-appeal. The cry Transmitter’s May 1937 issue refer- Other Promotions and Changes is definitely for more. The audience red to a slight Southern accent. To for which it was particularly built has John H. Norton Jr., manager of the those phonetically inclined may we say called it “Unsurpassed.” This, of Blue Network Division, has been ap- that the regional pronunciations have course, is not surprising. Look at the pointed assistant to the vice president disappeared but the delightful softness performers. You will find them in the in charge of Stations, William S. of speech remains. picture below. Reading from vice to Hedges. Mr. Norton is a graduate of versa, they are Lewis H. Titterton, the University of Maryland. After gar- Return of the Natives Frank Black, William Hillpot, Ken nering several years of experience in Dyke, Vice President John Royal, A familiar face has reappeared in Wall Street, he joined NBC’s Com- Kathleen Kieffer, Selma Wickers, Wil- Electrical Transcription. George Low- mercial Engineering Department in fred Roberts, Tom Bennett, C. W. Fitch, iher is back — favorite haunt, room 1931. When we moved to Radio City Helen Guy, Phillips Carlin, Catherine 272. Long, long ago, a little ere the he became assistant manager of the W hitaker, A. A. Schechter and How- mighty Herbert fell, in ’27 to be exact, M and O Stations Division. In 1936 ard Petrie. George Lowther was a page. Coming he moved to Station Relations. In his up through the years, he entered Con- new capacity Mr. Norton will be pre- Press tinuity Acceptance and later turned to pared to assume the responsibilities of Benson Kosmos Pratt, erstwhile pub- writing and directing. ’36 saw him join Vice President Hedges in case of the licist of the Blue Network latter’s absence, and will and dispenser of Toscanini continue to be manager of tickets, has resigned from the Blue Network Division. the Press Department to di- A1 Isberg has been trans- rect publicity for Thomas ferred from KOA Denver to Dewey’s campaign for the Radio City and has taken Republican ])iesidential up his duties as television nomination. He will also engineer “No. 111339.” He coach Mr. Dewey in speech is native to Denver and a techni(pie. graduate of Colorado State. Arthur B. Donegan has Several years of his early been appointed to assume career were spent developing “the white man’s burden.” seismographic prospecting Ben Pratt’s former job. Pre- equipment for geo-physical vious to assuming his new companies. He joined the responsibilities, Donegan had engineering staff of KOA in been with NBC about five August 1937, specifically as weeks. He was Trade Neivs a control room engineer. editor. Formerly he worked “Maggie, won't you please come home.” {Continued on next page) — JANUARY, 1940 /

{Continued jroni page 6) In the midst of this mad merry ANNIVERSARY CHIMES twentieth century, it is reassuring to A1 Isberg is the real “they said it couldn’t be done and he did it” man. find one who can with calm efficiency right button. Dorothy Park, The NB(! 'ruANSMlTTKU salutes these Me moved his entire family, Mrs. Is- push the members oj the. National Broadcasting children, “one canary and having demonstrated that such is sec- berg, three complete to her, is secretary to Company, ivho, this month, a hairless Mexican,” all the way from ond nature their tenth year with the Company. Denver to Rockville Center, Long Dwight G. Wallace in Personnel. But York Island, and was in his new home in titles do not limit Miss Park’s accom- New Artists Service only seven days. Incidentally, this plishments. She has proven to all who Elsie Illirigworlh is Levine Artists Service makes a Colorado community out at come in contact with her that she Marks a handy person to have about. She Catherine J. Lovelock Artists .Service I he Center. Vernon Duke, also of Den- Program ver and Television Engineering, has a trod the campus of the University of David Ford Bond the William Jr. Program hit of a family there, five children, Vermont and later attended Chand- M. Young “two canaries and a woolly dog.” ler School for Secretaiies in Boston. Francis Thomas Breslin Sales Traffic Three’s a crowd. Eight’s a community. Those who know her, like her, all of Anthony P. (iusumano “M-A-Y D-A-Y, M-A-Y D-A-Y,” an them. What more can we say? Chicago airliner, fog, danger and a call for If you have been near Mr. Carlin’s Robert Marsh Kendall Artists Service help. office lately, you cannot possibly bave Loretta Ann Dwyer Sales “May Day! May Day!” Harry missed Mary Louise Field. While .Sterling Cecil Williams Traffic Woodman, Station Relations and a call Helen Gunderman is on leave of ab- New Jersey, and of NBC since Septem- for aid. And help comes. You see, sence, Miss Field, enthroned in secre- oiling the ber 1937, has moved around a bit in May Day is Mr. Woodman’s new secre- tarial splendor, is busy Station Relations. She is now secre- tary. She was recently transferred from wheels of Program’s jjrogress. If you’re tary to John H. Norton Jr. Miss Scott, Central Files where she has spent the about to say, “I’ve seen her some place who was Mr. Norton’s former secre- last few of her six NBC years. To be before,” you’re right. It could have tary, has resigned. ready for crises and opportunities, she been Traffic or News and Special trav- Feathers His Nest is studying business psychology and Events. She is especially fond of Penguin public speaking. She is still wonder- eling. Do you remember Casper Kuhn? ing, however, what the difference is A recent addition to the Treasurer’s He turns up every now and then on between an impromptu and an extem- office is Hamilton Robinson. Hamilton, the uniformed staff. He was also at ])oraneous talk. hired November 27, came to NBC with one time a contributor to this paper, Florence Snyder represents Phila- five years experience as a bookkeeper in fact edited a column known as delphia. There she was educated and for Chase National Bank and a back- Penguins Progress. Last spring Pen- majored for two years in English at ground of accounting and law courses guin Kuhn left NBC on a flight of the University of Pennsylvania. She taken at N. Y. U. When he is not fancy to Ripley’s Odditorium where he entered Stenographic in July 1937. looking at figures, he gets a good deal appeared in the guise of Master of Now she is secretary to the Television of pleasure riding a spirited steed Ceremonies. Lovely Marion Miller, the directors, sitting on guard up there on across the dunes. daughter of a missionary in far-off the ninth floor. She belongs to the Bill Kenneally, NBC television Hanoi, China, wandered in one July AA and demurely confesses to swat- guide, voiced his way into an an- evening, the story goes, and one thing ting the golf ball. nouncing job at the November 23rd leading to another, they were married Barbara Frank was a fair co-ed at auditions held for Station WAIR of on December 16. It was a private cere- Cornell. She is the new script reader Winston-Salem, N. C. He credited his mony, only relatives and close friends call room 265. Her job, in Miss Pul- break to knowledge and experience attending. The best man was Mr. lar’s office, is to read the submitted gleaned in Pat Kelly’s announcing E. Kirby, a member of the NAB-RMA scripts and weigh them in the balance. classes. Bill will have no need to feel Committee. The wedding was per- She came to us with considerable ex- lonesome in his new position, for Bill formed at St. Malachy’s, the “actors’ perience in the script line gathered at Gordon, another former guide, is also church.” Miss Miller, moreover, ap- the New York Theatre League and also an announcer at that station. Good peared recently in Father Malachy’s at the Federal Radio Project offices. luck. Bill. It will be a long time be- Miracle, all of which gives the circum- The latter was part of the Federal fore your basso profundo stops echo- stances a rare perfection of form, like Theatre. She brings with her an inter- ing through the ninth floor “murales.” some French vers de societe. Now Pen- est in painting and psycho-analysis. After five years as secretary to the guin Kuhn is back here breathing the Out of New York’s Julia Richman assistant of the HOLC in Chicago, Sue security so necessary to a married man. High School and City College, out of Foster came to New York in May to He mentioned that Tobacco Road is a manufacturing company, up from work for a heart specialist. She joined right across the street from the church. Steno, Anne Benda comes to Traffic. NBC the last week in October. Coming All we can do is wish the pair as long She replaces Ethelen Van Port. When from Monticello, Illinois, she went to and successful a run. she worked on 36th Street, she used McMurray College in Jacksonville for Other wedding bells tolled for Herve to gaze longingly at the RCA Build- a year and then finished at the Univer- Malcouronne. In this case December ing. (Radio must be fascinating work.) sity of Illinois. Work in a doctor’s of- 19 was the date, Jean Porter the bride. Errands brought her closer when she fice was one of her ambitions. She The marriage was the culmination of took samples up to the Rainbow Room trained for that for a year at Gregg a romance begun in 1937 when boy on those exciting express elevators. College, Chicago, studying at nights met girl in the summer stock company Then, the last week in August 1939, to be a medical secretary. She is re- at Martha’s Vineyard. The principals as it does to the favored few, a place placing Rita Doyle, who resigned. returned to the scene of their meeting with NBC came to Anne Benda. Bernadette Bautz of Englewood, for the honeymoon. 8 NBC TRANS^IITTER NBC TRANSMITTER Published for and by the employes WA S H I N C T O N of the National Broadcastingr Com- by Marian P. Gale pany from eoast to coast.

VOL. 6 JANUARY, 1940 No. 1 Santa Claus ar- rived early at EDITORIAL BOARD WRC and WMAL John Kelly Editor this December and Howard Flynn Associate Editor dropped some Charles Van Bergen Photographs prize packages. ASSOCIATES Best of all was the James Beardsley Guest Relations good news which Thomas Canning Guest Relations came to General Charles Turner Guest Relations Manager Kenneth James Tyson Guest Relations H. Berkeley from Bob Landry, Radio Address all correspondence to; NBC Trans- Editor mitter. National Broadcasting Company, of Variety Room 317, RCA Building, New York, N. Y. Magazine, an- Telephone: Circle 7-8300. Extension 220. nouncing that the two stations jointly had won the na- Stagecrafters’ Dilemma tional 1939 show- A Surrealistic Drama manship award for DRAMATIS PERSONAE stations operated by networks. It Warren Francis (left), congratulates Kenneth H. Berkeley. Shaw Sandburg was received at Onlookers (I. to r.) Frank Mullen, Frank Russell, Ed McGrady and Niles Trammell. Keats Pope first as a shock, Bulfinch Shakespear because for many years WRC and WMAL had been un- ployes responsible for the program Time: to be January 11 and 18 able to even get first mention for local showmanship. It was held at the Wil- Credits to Hugh Chain for tickets, showmanship in the contest. However, lard Hotel, December 9. About twenty- Electrical Transcription, ext. 772. when the shock wore off no one had a five people attended the luncheon, in- bitter chill it was. St. Agnes’ Eve, ah feeling that it wasn’t deserved, and a cluding not only members of the Pro- The hall for all its fetters was acold. check of the report sent Variety a month gram, Production and Commercial De- The echo of a cry. With slow sus- or so ago on the year’s activities listed partments and heads of other depart- tained stealth the vicious villain glided a number of promotional ventures con- ments, but representatives of RCA through the stygian shadows of the ducted by WRC and WMAL which Vice Presidents Frank Mullen and Ed sixth floor section Time forgot. Walls were undoubtedly contributing factors McGrady, and Warren Francis, Wash- that had looked down on Jane Eyre for the national award. One thing of ington Correspondent for Variety and Kelvin Keech alike, eyed with dis- note about this year’s contest, the two Magazine. trust this stranger with the cinematic Washington stations concentrated as Early in the month WRC and leer. Lumps of plaster under foot tore usual on constructive civic broadcasts WMAL received important presents at the offending heel. “Lecherous! rather than on what is generally from the Federal Communications Treacherous!” they screamed. (Time known as stunt programs. Previously Commission too. Both stations received was to prove the little souls right.) there had been an emphasis in the authorization from the FCC for sub- “What evil is brewing?” whispered the Variety questionnaire on the latter type stantial power increases. Each now hanging drops. “I don’t know,” giggled of program, but this was abandoned has permission for full time power of the trembling rope ends. The dark for 1939. This being the case the “Mile 5,000 watts, effective as soon as direc- shape the sets for the Stage- neared of Dimes Campaign,” the “NBC House tional antennas and other technical crafters’ current production. Help of the Future,” “The Doll House,” equipment can be installed. WMAL “EEEEE,” the slen- Yourself. screamed building and promoting locally and has been operating with 250 watts at der throated line brushes. me,” “Ah nationally the staff orchestra, and other night and 500 during the day. WRC sighed the sentimental sets of long ago. local talent such as commentators has had 1,000 watts at night and 5,000 “Bloody, bawdy villain!” roared the Baukhage and Godwin, played no during the day. deep-based pillars for the old — boy small part in the decision for the final Jimmy Seiler has been placed in took the play’s word literally and award. Variety didn’t mention in their charge of the newly created and much helped himself not only to the sets for showmanship issue any specific rea- needed Sound Effects Department for the present show, but for the past three sons why NBC Washington stations the two stations. Seiler is a graduate productions as well. were the winners but for those we men- of George Washington University, So now they’re all pitching in to tion above and any others which Va- where he majored in psychology and complete a new setting and Help Your- riety may have had, the plaque will languages. For the past month Seiler self will be presented January 11 and be proudly on display in the reception has been organizing the Department

18. Tickets are free, but you must room of the studios. in the hope it would be accepted. get them in advance from Hugh In honor of the event Executive And now Vi RC and WMAL wish all Chain, Electrical Transcription, Exten- Vice President Niles Trammell gave a their NBC brothers a happy and pros- sion 772. luncheon to those WRC-WMAL em- perous New Year. JANUARY, 1940 9

EXCHANGE CORNER WCY SCHENECTADY, N. Y.

— by W. T. Meenam This classified ad section is available, free of charge, to all NBC employes. Kales: WGY is all decked out in Holiday his fellow engineers in fighting the fire Forty-five word limit; no regular business or Attire. Christinas tiees, three of them, or should he attempt to keep the sta- professional service may be advertised. Ad- dress ads to NBC Transmitter, Room .’ilT, scintillate in the brilliance of flood tion on the air at all costs? They were RCA Building, New York. lights, and princess pine woven into aware of the fact that WGY had lost COl’lE.S of he heavy ropes is festooned about the only ninety seconds due to manual OLD the Tkansmittkk will available for a limited length of time. If you premises. Preparations are now under failure in a year’s operation. Our en- wish to complete your files, let us know annual staff Christ- gineer, however, had to shut down the way for the second —if you are wise enough to keep a file. mas party scheduled for Wednesday, station for he knew the flames weren’t CHICAGO—For .sale, IVi oz. Caron’s Sweet Dec. 20. Howard Tupper is general very far from thousands of gallons oi Pea Perfume. $5.00! Alice Weidenheim, chairman of the affair and he has as oil and that once the fire got into that Sales Promotion, Chicago. assistants, Gertrude Peeples, Caroline area the entire building might he con- MOVIE CAMERA for sale. Bell and Howell Osan, Betty Donahue, Vic Campbell, sumed. Bob Millham, Don MacElwain make, with lenses, tripod, projector, flail John Howe and Alex MacDonald. and Henry F. Vert, all trained for a Transmitter. Staff members to the number of 150, fire emergency, went to work with that is including their wives or girl chemical tanks, and in a few minutes AA ACTIVITIES the flames were quenched. WGY went friends, are expected to join in a rol- \ Continued from page 4) hack on the air after a quarter hour licking party. Numerous General Elec- interest and enthusiasm, so much so tric executives and several of their that they have decided to adopt a personnel who are in direct contact name: the Owls Club. Admitting that with the broadcasting force are also they are a group of bungling amateurs, invited to join us. It was decided to they insist that they get a lot of fun make this year’s party a masquerade out of their work. The clay modelling affair and prizes will be awarded for especially has become more and more the most attractive as well as the fun- ambitious, with John Becker producing niest and most original costumes. a sleepy bloodhound, Don Bogert dash- It’s the Whistles at the top of the ing off several realistic human figures, WG\ Bowling League at the present and a number of other members carv- lime, but by only a single game mar- ing out various other animals. The gin over the Statics. The second place metal workers have made some twentv team has a single game advantage over ashtrays in copper. Grace Sniffen, the the Faders. Masters has highest in- rugged individualist, has hammered dividual average for the season with out a beautiful pewter serving tray, George White a close second. and Miss Sprague has achieved four Kolin Hager, who has developed aluminum coasters. The aluminum into one of those golfers who refuse Christmas tree seen gracing the con- This is Standby Wishing You to put away their clubs until the snow A MERRY XMAS. ductors’ office in the holidays was made is the mountain peaks, captured by Owl Ann Jackwig. After the first on interruption of service. As a matter Thanksgiving laurels at the Mo- of the year the club expects to enter Day of fact the station didn’t lose any com- 23. Hager into new and more difficult designs. hawk Golf Club, Nov. Mr. mercial time. won first prize in an event promoted Jim Healey, current events commen- the pro. boss, by the way, by club The tator, performed as master of cere- CHORAL SOCIETY FORMED has been appointed by Mayor Robert monies at the annual banquet of the The Music Library is forming a Baxton of Schenectady to the special Wild Life Conference of the New York choral society. If you are an inhibited committee which is planning observ- State Conservation Council in Troy. Caruso or a mute, inglorious Schu- ance of the 250th anniversary of the The principal speaker was Governor mann-lleink, call up the Library right Indian Massacre at Schenectady. Herbert Lehman. away. If you hear someone in the WGY’s engineers have lost a chance Gertrude Peeples, Secretary to En- corridors whistling an odd bit of Bach, to claim the General Electric plaque gineer W. J. Purcell, is still boasting corral him. The idea is to have a for the best operations record for 1939, of the fact that she attended a Tosca- mixed group open to all members of hut they have earned widespread com- nini-conducted concert of the NBC ABC and their wives and their sweet- mendation for the manner in which Symphony Orchestra in New York. liearts, and hold three concerts during they met a real emergency. “Trudy,” by the way, offers the picture the year, possibly in Studio 8 H, cer- It was a Saturday night when one of her friend and companion “Stand- tainly followed by some celebration. of the engineers on a short wave trans- by,” a saucy pup that’s everyone’s pal. The third concert might even be an mitter discovered flames rising fifteen Alexander MacDonald, who finds Oratorio, if we are up to it, but in any feet from the control cable that runs plenty of time for his music after hi< case, only the best type of music will directly to the transformer vault. Two tasks in WGY Promotion are com- be sung, Bach, Handel. Palestrina, other men were on duty at the trans- pleted, won second prize in the bari- maybe some Gilbert and Sullivan. No mitter building, one of them on tone division at the annual Eisteddfod auditions required, only regular at- WGY’s 50,000 watt transmitter. The of Eastern New York Welshmen in tendance. In spite of the serious reper- problem was this, should WGY’s en- Utica recently. Mac sang Ethiopia toire the sponsors emphasize that gineer shut down his power and join Salutes the Colors. “Music for Fun” will be the keynote. — 10 NBC TRANSMITTER WILFRED ROBERTS NAMED ' NBC PRODUCTION HEAD ' NOW WE ARE FIVE

A fact of sentimental importance also was one of the first executives about this issue of the Transmitter is openly to recognize the possibility of

that it is Volume 6 No. 1, to all ap- making the guide and page staff a ])earances a birthday child. Far back training ground for positions higher in the Tr.\nsmitter office, which most up in the company. Thus Editor Le- of you couldn’t find even if you tried, pore’s idea was beginning to take form. there are five bright candles burning In May 1936, the Reception Staff Re- and five bright little news writers cele- view changed its name to the present brating a very significant fifth anniver- NBC Tr.4NSMITTER and widened its sary. Significant because after these scope to include items of Company in- five years, life has taken on a new terest. It took upon its broadening meaning. There is a new consciousness shoulders the job of fostering intra- in the type and a new expression in Company activities. It did promotion the simple halftone engravings. The work for groups like the glee club, Tra.nsmitter we blush to say it—has the annual dance and the various chess acquired Tradition. teams. And it helped with the publicity We are behind ivy-clad walls. W e work of coordinating many diverse expect old graduates will begin filing sporting interests into a general AA. As we look back through the files Wilfred S. Roberts back to consider mournfully how things have changed and to ramble on now, there are all sorts of imposing Wilfred S. Roberts, who recenth' in the following manner: features and photograph contests and ie‘j(jined NBC after a six months leave The paper was conceived in the cartoons and growing pains which of absence during which he was under minds of several members of the uni- make research a fascinating subject. contract to Paramount Pictures, has formed staff who believed that there For instance, when stations outside of replaced William S. Rainey as man- was ability among the receptionists. New York began to clamor for space ager of the Production Division, John The trials of bringing the idea to life the Transmitter began to print exclu- S. Royal announced a short time ago. were many; things like policies, prin- sives from the M and O’s. With this Rainey, who had been with the com- ciples and appropriations, so necessary development the circulation rose to ])any since Decemher 1927, organized to the first issue of a paper, were, to twenty-six hundred from the two hun- the Production and Sound Effects say the least, indistinct. The earliest dred or so copies of the first few is- Divisions, and recruited the present concept was limited to news of the Re- sues and we reached our full blown staff of 32 producers and directors. ciption Staff, a publicity release for maturity. He has resigned to join the Transcon- the guides, pages and hostesses, an op- In November 1936 NBC celebrated tinental Broadcasting and Television portunity for anyone interested to its tenth anniversary. For that occasion Corporation as a program executive. show his ability and qualify for a job the Transmitter really outdid itself. Wilfred Roberts was born in elsewhere in the company. A sixteen page issue appeared, some- Kenosha, Wis., and graduated from thing unheard of up to that time. It 1928. For the first year and a half of its the University of Wisconsin in had a cover and the most modern type He began his career in the theatre as life, the paper was called the Recep- of layout. A real masterpiece. tion Staff Review. Frank Lepore, now an actor and director, worked for sev- And now that we have reminded you eral executive capacity for of Television, was the first editor. He years in an of our austere past, you will, we feel the Co., and and his staff began work on the first Aluminum Goods Mfg. sure, be conscious of the air of tradi- joined in February as a issue early in September of 1934 and NBC 1936, tion in which we move. But after all. member of the Production Division. completed it three months later. The this is only because we move in accord After producing innumerable com- whole issue was rewritten three times with the Company. It is really NBC in an effort to prepare it for printing. mercial and sustaining shows, among that has the Tradition, we are the satel- them Time, Roberts Each title had to be laboriously print- The March of lites. And so, from time to time, to ed by hand, the master copy had to be transferred to the Commercial Pro- remind you of your heritage, we give perfect enough for a photostatic proc- gram Division, where he was associated you a new feature called: with Miss Bertha Brainard from Sep- ess, and when it finally came out there tember 1938 until he went to Holly- was just one thing wrong, the type 5 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH so small couldn’t read it. wood in April of this year. During his was you A six hour, coast-to-coast hook-up leave of absence he worked as an actor Nothing daunted, the editorial .staff was broadcast on New Year’s Eve. brought out the next issue with type so in nine Paramount pictures and re- A survey of the then hostesses was large that almost anyone could play turned to New York on November 1. conducted by the then Reception Staff squat tag between the lines. One star- Revieic. tling feature of these early issues was Effective January 1, 1940, Station “On December 31, the first of a an “all puzzle.” WTMA. Charleston, S. C., will become NBC crossword series of broadcasts concerning NBC afliliated with NBC, replacing Station In volume 1 No. 6 was a significant lours went on the air.” Succeeding W'CSC in the same city. WTMA broad- article written by Vice President and ones to concern themselves with “a casts with 2.50 watts on a frequency of General Counsel A. L. Ashby. In it dramatization of the ABC of Radio.” 1210 k.c. and is licensed for unlimited Mr. Ashby not only described the ac- An intercommunicating phone sys- time. tivities of the Legal Department but tem was installed in 8G and 8H. JANUARY, 1940

WTAM CLEVELAND WBZ BOSTON and WBZA SPRINGFIELD

by Bob D;iilpy by Charles ). Cilchrest’

Stubby Gordon is a busy man these NBC-Boston gang days. Stubby is assistant music direc- tor of WTAM and conducts Do You spent Thanksgiving Remember and several other NBC-Red week - end boating shows from Cleveland. But besides to New York and his regular duties, Gordon was selec- returning with Ra- ted by the Cleveland Press to lead a dio City boys and large orchestra for its annual Christ- other guests to give mas charity show. This year Movie them a look-see of Star George Raft is the featured at- WBZ business and traction. will also direct the Cordon studios. WBZites annual Ribs and Roast show which is making trij} were part of a banquet held by the Cleve- Vince Callaban, Cy land Baseball Writers. Tbe job calls Young, George Har- for dramatic coaching ability as well der. Frank Bowes. as musicianship and taxes Stubby’s Herb Masse, Babe versatility to the limit. Norris, D. A. Staff members gave their fifth an- Myer, Fred Cole nual party to Manager Vernon H. and Johnny McNa- Fribble in the Allerton Hotel. It was mara. Their guests in celebration of Mr. Fribble’s sixth returning with them year at and he was given a They took a boatride. WTAM, included Jim Mc- complete set of luggage by the staff. Connell, Hap Myers, Maurice Boyd, Rakov and his orchestra, Tony. Jua- Feature of the dinner party, as usual, Cordon Mills, Bill Tilenius, J. D. Van nita and Bud, and Fred Cole. The\ was the presentation of comedy acts Amburgh, Don Roberts and Walter had Saturday breakfast at the W BZ “ribbing” various people at the sta- Scott from NBC-Radio City; Grif studios, then a sales presentation b\ tion. Actors were Charlie Avellone, Thompson, KYW assistant manager: Frank Bowes and thence by cab to the John Disbrow, Lee Gordon and Tommy Sherman Gregory, KDKA general Harvard Club for lunch. Carter. The party was arranged by a manager; and John Dodge, WRC- New WBZ control room engineer is committee which included Fearl Hum- WMAL sales manager. WBZ General Truman W. Craine, formerly with mell, Mildred Funnell, S. E. Leonard, Manager John Holman met them at WNBC New Britain, Conn. Craine fills Tom Manning, Hal Metzger, Avellone, the Boston dock Saturday morning. the vacancy left by the resignation of Disbrow and Gordon. (You’ll find the whole gang in the Dick Hammond who became chief en- WTAM Notes picture.) During the boat ride the gineer of a new Salem, Mass., station. Salesman Russell Carter and Mana- gang was entertained by WBZ talent. Chick Morris staged a Thanksgiving ger Fribble being congratulated for Turkey Quiz show with studio audi-

landing the biggest commercial order mell being elected an officer of a ence donating food items to Salvation

in the history of the station. . . . Man- Army for city’s needy. Fublic jammed Pytbian Sisters chapter. . . . Tom Man- ager Fribble in Dayton for Ohio the studios so badly one guy ended U|) ning driving a classy new car. . . .

Broadcasters meeting. . . . the j)iano just as and Hal Metzger Therese Sabo sales secretary, ill with under Gene in Chicago for an NBC mid-west edu- Glenn started their part of the broad- an infected throat. . . . Lee Gordon in-

cational . . . conference. Fearl Hum- terviewing Alec Templeton on the air. cast. Boston’s ofhciated at . . . Helen Munson, of the Auditor’s Mayor Tobin office, laid up with an injured knee the sealing of the cornerstone for the suffered in a fall while running for a new .50,000 watt WBZ transmitter at Hull, Mass. Masachusetts’ Gover- street car. . . . Kathryn O’Connell get- And ting her own office to handle station nor Saltonstall did the honors at the ground breaking mail. . . . May Draxell, Stenographic ceremonies. The supervisor, getting orchids on the six- Mayor worked under difficulties with months anniversary of her engage- a mouth full of pain-deadener to re- ment. lieve the yawning cavity left b\ an Jane Weaver, director of women's extracted tooth. activities, was hostess to 20 women Election night scoop by W BZ was listeners to her daily morning pro- getting showman-wise Mayor Kane of gram at a dinner in Hotel Statler and W oburn to studio immediatelv after the opening night of the Ice Follies. he was returned to office. Ma\or At the Follies, Miss Weaver was intro- Kane made the broadcast okav but duced to the audience and presented was distinctly lopsided ... a swollen with a large bouquet of flowers. Her jaw incurred when he tried to close a women guests were winners in a con- saloon, illegally open, adjoining poll- test conducted on the program by Miss ing spot. Lee Gordon Weaver. And a MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. 12 NBC TRANSMITTER KYW PHILADELPHIA KOA DENVER by |. A. Aull by Charles Anderson Griffith B. Thompson Named Assistant Manager of KYW KOA-grams Transmitter Engineer Slusser and his group of experts out at the big Griffith B. Thompson, sales manager “Perry” Peregrine, KOA Engineer- 50,000-watt boomer are giving a of KYW, has been appointed assistant in-charge, is grousing because the sun- luncheon in honor of Manager Lloyd general manager. During the absence shiny weather this Fall is too much like his old home state, California. E. Yoder and his able assistant, Rob- of Leslie Joy, at present ill at his itching ready ert H. Owen. “Sluss” and his crew of home, Mr. Thompson will act as man- NO snow! He’s to get for shortwave one experts know how to throw a wicked ager. In addition to his new duties as more shows from of our 14,000 foot with luncheon for speeial oecasions like assistant manager, Thompson will con- mountains skiers sliding describing the sen- this, as each man feels he must up- tinue as sales manager of KYW. We down sation for the “City” folks who can’t hold the high standard of KOA in are glad to report that Mr. Joy is get up into the snow country. everything done around that 475 foot coming along in good shape and it is Barry Long is much happier now tower. hoped will be back at the office by sinee receiving news that his father Clarence Moore, Program director, the time this goes to print. has returned to his business duties traveled to Chicago for the Educa- James P. Begley, program manager after a stay in hospital. tional Conference in connection with of KYW, is recuperating at home fol- All hail “Bull’s-Eye” Yoder! 70- the great Chicago Public Schools Sys- lowing two blood transfusions at A shot that beauti- tem. Mr. Moore has long worked with Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia. yard brought down a ful cock pheasant probably gives KOA prominent Colorado educators in their When Dr. I.Q., during his broad- General Manager Yoder some sort of broadcasting activities and will be able cast from Philadelphia last month, a field record. the season to contribute much to the Conference asked who ran against McClelland for gun During just closed. Bill Brown of the Brown meetings. the presidency, the contestant an- Agencies and KOA’s MacPherson Assistant Manager Robert H. Owen swered without hesitation, “Abraham Jim introduced the transplanted Califor- has been laid with the flu for a Lincoln.” He won the money and up nian to Colorado’s special variety of few days, contracted while rooting for turned out to be a great nephew of the hunting and all hands reported good his Alma Mater on Thanksgiving Day Great Emancipator. Of all the people luck in the field, with the 70-yard shot when he and Mrs. Owen were hosting in the house that night Dan Munster, topping the record. Manager Yoder. Nobody blamed him the KYW announcer, had selected one for such contracting since his Alma of Lincoln’s few remaining relatives. Dune McColl of Artist Bureau is Mater, Colorado U., won handily in Kerby Cushing, KYW sportscaster. booked for the fourth year straight for a tight game with Denver University. celebrated two events last month, his the January Convention, Colorado own birthday and the arrival of a Chapter, American Mining Engineers’ A visit to quaint Santa Fe, the 400- daughter, weight 8 pounds 4 ounces, Congress. This is a big show every year-old capital of New Mexico, was name Kathleen MacFarlane Cushing. year and the KOA talent is always recently enjoyed by Marie Gregoire, Again this year KYW took its micro- well received. secretary to the manager. One of Miss phone behind the forbidding walls On Saturday, December 4, Manager Gregoire’s favorite diversions is to hop of two of Philadelphia’s prisons to Yoder, in his capacity as a former into her convertible coupe with the top broadcast the Christmas concerts by Carnegie Tech All-American, refereed down and drive the 400-odd miles to the inmates. Both programs were for the hot football game between Regis Santa Fe over the week-end. There she the benefit of the Prisoners’ Family College and Colorado School of Mines. inspects the ancient buildings in the Welfare Association. The first concert Walt Morrisey, Engineering super- city established by Coronado only 25 on December 9 was from Eastern State visor, reports that some diplomatic or 30 years after Columbus discovered Penitentiary and among other things refereeing was necessary during an in- America. featured an original solo number in cipient riot when one of the Mines’ Doctor I.Q., broadcasting from the Chinese by inmate D-4345. A special Iioys made a 90-yard run for a touch- Denver Theatre, continues to pack ’em program for the occasion was designed down. in up to the roof. KOA Announcers by C-7927. This concert was followed Chas. Anderson, Gil Verba, Bob on December 16 by a similar broad- Young, Jim Campbell and Ivan Schoo- cast from Philadelphia County prisoTi ley are ably assisting the Doctor in at Holmesburg. these NBC Red Network shows. Last At the present writing KYW is get- Monday night Dr. l.Q. announced that ting ready for its annual Christmas the previous week’s theatre audience party for the families of the staff mem- had answered correctly, on the “Right bers. Last year about 225 adults and and Wrong” portions of the program, 70 kiddies filled the auditorium and more questions than any other audi- kept everybody on their toes. Although ence to date. it is being kept a secret, if all goes Bill Ratigan, Continuity, is busy well Leroy Miller will again swelter helping Roscoe Stockton. Production, in a Santa Claus outfit. Joe Proulx will get scripts in shape for a series of probably tear out more of his hair shows to be presented by the Sloan worrying over the arrangements and Foundation on the subject of “Gov- everybody will have a good time. Un- KYW Camera Club renews its series. ernment Management.” And now (L. to R.) Jim Harvey, John R. Hogan, til then MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. Charles Heller, Milton E. Goldensky. Happy New Year to all. — jANL^ARV. RHO 13 KDKA PITTSBURGH by Jim Luntzel

Christmas Ed Calahan, head of Artists Bureau, back in the hospital again. Trouble: As this is writ- recurrence of a heart ailment. Condi- ten plans are un- tion: serious, so much so that his der way to make daughter was called here from Penns- this a “Radio burg. Pa. Fortunately Ed rallied with Christmas” in that Irish pluck of his and, while the Pittsburgh. All entire staff still is concerned about five stations here him, he is not as dangerously ill as he are planning on was. co-operating in a move to collect Personalities old or discarded Jim uuntzei “Silent” Jim Luntzel, the man of a sets, repair them few million words, celebrated a birth- and distribute to needy homes. Co- Metropolitan Club operating with the stations are the day party at the Hal Cohen of Variety; Si Stein- Radio Service Association, the Pitts- with hauser, editor of The Press; and burgh Post-Gazette, and the Associa- radio John Paulus, promotion editor of The tion of Federated Charities. Westing- Press among those present. Those in house KDKA is attempting to lead the the know report a fine time, even a field in ingenuity and energy to make boisterous one, was had by all. the affair a success. Ralph one of the world’s Each year the Pittsburgh Press stages Harmon, an “Old News Boys Day” when busi- best radio engineers and the inspira- tion behind the new 50,000 watt KDKA ness, professional men and civic lead- sell transmitter, placed himself in the cate- ers return to their old corners and . . . Through a four inch telescope . . . gory of the absent minded professor papers to raise funds for the Children’s during tests followed the in- pictures they have taken and Hospital. This year KDKA will stage the which camera auguration of the new outfit. Driving each in his loudest voice starts trying a giant sales effort to enable Old News- the field car about the city to to outtalk the other about “f.2.5,” “as- boy Sherman D. Gregory to win the KDKA test the signal strength produced, Har- tigmatic,” “gamma,” “circle of confu- silver cup offered by The Press. A perfect de- “Sidewalk Theater” will be erected on mon completed his duties and drove sion.” The latter term is a the car blithely into the scription of this outfit. the steps of the City and County Build- Grant Building

garage . . . but forgot to lower the Baudino is Westinghouse ing, and every actor on the staff of Joe demountable directional chief engineer, and you can KDKA will take part in a two hour loop antenna KDKA’s as he entered the building. speaking of pictures in the sales ballyhoo. The Mayor of Pitts- What hap- see him— — perched atop the burgh already has promised to buv a pened was a SHEAR accident. The photograph above, antenna clipped off as if it 718 foot transmitter tower at Alli- paper from Old Newsboy Gregory ff>r was had new been as Pa. either side of him is $5.00. Greg’s motto is: “We keep the mowed down— Charlie Mc- son Park, On change.” Carthy would say. one of the steeplejacks who helped When Joe Baudino, Dave Garroway erect the tower. The picture was taken Sympathy Extended and Carl Wyman get together they by W. B. McGill through a hook-uj) Roy Hasenbalg continues to hold don’t talk shop; they pull out candid with a four inch telescope, and Popular his own as this is Science Monthly. written, although recently published Allegheny General a half page, illus- Hospital officials UNUSUAL FILM SERIES trated article about declare his condi- it. McGill is mer- tion is critical. FOR NBC NEW YORK EMPLOYES chandise and pro- Since entering the motion manager of hospital Monday. KDKA. Photog- HOW would you like to see again such famous films as Nov. 6, Roy has raphy is only one The original BEAU GESTE with Ronald Colman and William Powell; Lon Chaney’s had no less than of his hobbies. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; Harold Lloyd’s SAFETY LAST; Buster Keaton in THE nine blood trans- In fact, no one has GENERAL; Fritz Lang's outstanding film, METROPOLIS; ANIMATED CARTOONS fusions, all but ever been able 1907-1933; Pudovkin's THE END OF ST. PETERSBURG; Lewis Stone in THE LOST three being given completely to clas- WORLD with the famous prehistoric monster animations; Rin-tin-tin in WHEIRE THE bv members of the sify and catalogue NORTH BEGINS; Douglas Fairbanks in THE AMERICANO? KDKA staff, Lynn his activities. The Morrow* (twice), man would be a Carl Wyman, Billy IF you would, let's get together about it. Send your name and room number to year’s material for Hinds, Francis Hobby Lobby if it CHARLES L. TURNER #317 RCA BUILDING Fitzsimmons and were still on George Meyer. NBC. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER NBC HOLLYWOOD by Noel Corbell

Bob Cobb (right) president of the Brown Derby Restaurants, guest on the initial pro- gram of “Little or Hollywood’’; Bob Redd, writer and director of the sustainer.

Football was one of the big reasons Christmas shopping in Hollywood took B. F. Fredendall, Audio-Facilities engineer from New York, and A. H. Saxton (left). so long to get under way. Interest in Western Division engineer, examine new orthacoustic equipment. the USC-UCLA game ran so high that A Prize-Winner a few days prior to the contest that swell start by planning field trips and was all anybody around the studios renting a dark room de luxe, didn’t run shouldn’t be much spare time. Sounds could talk about. The 0-0 outcome up a very good attendance at the first like an awful lot of fun; good luck, pleased everybody, except some of the outing. Charlie Smith, Artists Service, Freddie. lads who’d been handing out 14 points. was the only member who visited the From Cahuenga Pass where all kinds Another game that gathered consider- Chinese Junk anchored near Fish Har- of strange things happen, comes a able interest was the Soundmen vs. bor. The boys really missed something, story about a ten-ton iron ball. It ap- Pageboys. Because the tilt was of the because several world famed photogra- pears the big pill slipped its moorings “touch” species, there was a minimum phers were guests of Dr. Peterson that and bounded down the Pass, scattering of broken bones. However, Ted Cot- Sunday. Charlie brought home some motorists like scared rabbits, eventual- tiell, page, came out of one skirmish good negatives of the ancient Chinese ly coming to rest in the living room of with a shiner and later Harry Saz. I)oat and wins this month’s prize a local resident. The next day Hal sound chief, got a busted lip. Every- offered by Gilbert Morgan of the Mor- Bock, while cudgeling his brain over thing was pretty even up until the last gan Camera Shop for the picture ac- publicity problems, received a phone quarter when youth asserted itself and companying this story. call from the irate landowner demand- the pageboys came through with a Fred Dick of Maintenance, one of ing that he remove the ten-ton ball im- burst that gave a final score of 19 to 9. the first Hollywood employes, is leav- mediately. After several minutes of The Camera Club, which got off to a ing NBC after six years of service. amazement, Bock informed him he cer- Fred and his wife tainly wasn’t the owner of the big ball

have bought a forty- and that it was a case of mistaken acre ranch in Tilla- identity because he never knew iron mook County, Ore- balls came in ten-ton sizes. (The ball gon, where they belongs to a contractor who is also plan to make their named Bock.) vice home around the QUICK PIX . . . Don E. Gilman, middle of January. president in charge of the Western Fred and his wife Division, was chairman of the Assem- are planning to raise bly Program Meeting entitled “What Labrador mink and Is Radio’s Position As a Factor in a

chickens. He is Democracy?” . . . Alex Robb, manager planning plenty of Artists Service, collects match covers trout fishing and for a niece in Chicago. To date has deer hunting in his given her over five thousand, collected spare time. How- from different spots throughout the

ever, with a whole country . . . Mae Regan, Artists Service, gang of minks and received an audition request from an Edgar Bergen broadcasting from St. Vincent’s Hospital, December chickens to keep artist who claims to be a sensation with 10. Besides McCarthy, others are Dick Mack, Diana Carlson, Joe Parker, Paul Greene and Joe Alvin behind the pillar. track of there a pair of table spoons. JANUARY, 1940 15 NBC CHICAGO by Bob McCoy

Brandt to McCoy 6:50 the rvaitress came bearing the toe and a gold lettered “SEASON’S Introducing to readers of the Chicago steak much as an acolyte would carry GREETINGS” banner in their mouths, page, the real McCoy! Ah yes, gentle a censor. Mr. Rouse smiled lovingly brought the invitations to the Third reader, yours truly, Lynn Brandt, who on it. The rest of us gazed question- .Annual Christmas Party. The Scotties it. seen a ])robably in .Studio .A on De- in the past year and few months has ingly on None had ever won’t be been conducting this page, would like moose steak before. There it was, a cember 22, but it’s sure that just about (piite harmless looking, indeed a mild all of the Chicago employes, artists, to express my appreciation for the as- sistance and interest shown by those looking bit of meat. musicians and their families will pul in who have so kindly followed our Chi- And then Gene Rouse did the char- an appearance. Every year since the acteristic thing. He began slicing off (ihristmas Party was inaugurated more cago page. But now, I am more than delighted to pass the editorial baton to small pieces for his friends. Of course, and more peojfle have made it a point no one your writer took to there. first the cast of this guy, Bob McCoy, who henceforth refused. As be The year will be your Chicago correspondent. So the first bite all eyes were upon him. Knltemneyers Kindergarten gave a Rouse’s. it ten- long, and come in Boh! especially Mr. “Was moving enactment of an NBC Program der?” “How was the flavor?” “Was it Meeting. Last year the high spot was Thanks, Lynn, and . . . Here is the gamey and strong?” “No, it didn’t a cultural program of Chamber Music tale of a moose steak and how it started to flavored, very deli- orchestra. pro- life in a North Woods wilderness and seem be strongly by the announcers’ The cious, but not strong.” reached a startling crescendo ended it in a Chicago broiler. gram Announcer Gene Rouse and Produc- And so Mr. Rouse began his dinner. with Charlie Lyon winding himself in- bite tion Director Bucky Harris, in Minne- He cut into the steak easily, took a extricably around the bass viol. Just apolis one night for a Thomas Dewev and closed his eyes and chewed. Diners what the committee has planned for broadcast, met an old friend of theirs. Kirhv. Fern and Weber did likewise. this year we don’t know, but we’re verv Friend had been hunting and bagged sure that nobody will be disappf)inted. a handsome In burst of hunts- moose. a Sky Birds man’s generosity, he presented our Since early in September several of NBC representatives with four steaks the Chicago personnel and artists and apiece. musicians staff have quietly been go- Beaming almost as much as if they ing out to Northbrook each Saturday themselves had bagged, killed and morning. Reason for the weekly exo- quartered the ill-fated moose, Messrs. dus is to take flying instruction at Skv Rouse and Harris returned to Chicago. Harbor airjiort. Top man in the local On Thursday Gene Rouse left one of NBC Flying Corps is actor Hugh Row- his steaks in the restaurant drug store lands. who leads the field with over 300 with orders that this particular steak hours. Ed Gilbert, musician, has 150 was to be handled with loving and Announcer “. hours. The neophytes are tender care. . . this is a moose Louis Roen, Ed Cerny and Caroline steak.” It was to be none of your Montgomery All these brave and namby-pamby, gentlv reared steer hardy souls are taking their instruc- steaks. Indeed no! This was a steak Louis Roen and son Ginq, Caroline Mont- tion from Bill Turgeon. Louis Roen of great proportions; one fit for such gomery and Ed Cerny of the NBC Flying Corps. takes his flying so seriously that he has a man as Gene Rouse, robust and been pestering the life out of the hearty. “Very good, Gene, but not gamey.” United States Weather Bureau. He At 6:40 P. M. Mr. Rouse joined the “Tastes just like regular steak to me. wants to find out flight conditions for diners at the NBC table. Present at Gene.” a quick Christmas trip to his family in this memorable oceasion were Jack Northern Wisconsin. Fern from Special Events; Ed Weber, “Maybe they burned your moose Guest Relations; and Announcers Dur- steak and substituted one they had ly- Good Deed Well Done ing around.” ward Kirby and Bob McCoy. All were Again this year NBC employes will dining on nothing wilder than incuba- And from Mr. Rouse: “Does taste be hosts to one of Chicago’s needy tor chicken, well done spare-ribs and awfully mild, nice meat, but very families at their Christmas parly. The salad with lots of mayonnaise. mild.” And Mr. Rouse silently finished employes’ custom of helping a famih “Boys,” beamed Mr. Rouse, “I am his meal of moose steak looking just a each Christmas began three years ago. going to enjoy a rare treat. A moose little downcast. Later, over his coffee. Emploves, artists, musicians donated steak!” Everyone appreciated the situa- Gene Rouse was heard to mutter, clothing and money to help make tion. After all, it’s seldom we in the “Wonder if that moose’s name was Christmas a happy time for a poor city get to taste the delightful, game^ Ferdinand?” (Editor’s Note: This must family. This year, as in other years, flavor of even a squirrel. all be a big moosesteak. I the leading spirit behind this ver\ Julia, the waitress, wondered “What worthy cause is Rudi Neubauer. It has would Mr. Rouse want along with his Hello, Mr. Kringle never been necessary to use any high moose steak?” Gene would have some- On December 12 four red-sweatered pressure tactics to get donations. B\ thing mild as long as the meat would Scotties running across the top of the now everybody asks about the family be of such a strong, gamey flavor. At page and bearing holly wreaths, mistle- a month before Christmas. — — 16 NBC TRANSMITTER ROVING REPORTER

VALE ATQVE AVE someone can bring them back to the mezzanine. But keep- The end of the day; people looking out the windows, ing the guides neat is too much work for any one man, and looking at their watches, looking back over the day to see Tommy has contrived an unearthly being to help him. Among what they forgot to do, scribbling memos for tomorrow: the racks and presses and other diabolical machines, he the end of the year; looking back, wondering, looking for- has suspended from the roof of his cave a grotesque little ward and wondering, suddenly realizing that the guillotine figure, a Zombie. At a casual glance it seems to be a doll of time has struck off another piece of history—time to with one hand raised to its forehead, and Tommy passes it scribble on the memo pad another series of good intentions, off by saying, “If anyone come, he make-a salute.” But look time to find a resolution that can be easily kept or quietly closer and it begins to grow disturbingly familiar. It is broken. Perhaps it is the Lethean sense of days gone and fittingly dressed in a guide’s uniform and the label it wears departed, which makes us now celebrate so violently, or per- is “G. Olenslager”, a person whom the public knows as a haps it is the sense of futility in resolutions promised while guide trainer. Those who have seen it consider this repul- celebrating that makes perverse mankind sive little figure, with its popping eyes go out and celebrate to oblivion. We and pudgy hands, a true Zombie, and are have not yet begun our customary fes- convinced that when no one is around, it tival, but the New Year creeps upon us gets down from the roof and helps Tommv and throws about our shoulders the long, at the presses, perhaps even works the entangling folds of a vaguely philosophi- sewing machine. The original, or former, cal mood. “Why,” we ask, “Should we G. Olenslager has been wandering around rejoice? What resolution is there which in a daze lately and suffering peculiar we have not' before this had the intimate itcbes. He believes this is caused by pleasure of breaking? This is as good a Tommy’s sticking pins in the little Zombie time as any to take stock, and what do and roasting it over a slow fire. He is we find?” Well, we find another volume afraid he will soon wither away. of the Transmitter gathering dust and tradition in the files, a volume, however, THE LADY AND THE TIGER sturdy enough to endure a change of for- Jeanne Bradley, who handles a mean mat, of offices, of editors even. We find, filing case in Personnel and is renowned perhaps, an increasing effort to be truly for her clothes, which range from a fire- representative of the history of the Com- man’s jacket to a hat seemingly made of pany and the interests of the employes. canary feathers, has a passion for tigers. And right there we find also our new (This is not significant.) She has recently resolution—“To mirror more clearly your acquired a vivid picture of this feral beast concerns and activities.” But since we are from George Humphries and a sculpture a collective enterprise, this reallt calls of one from Trigve Hammer. You can for your help. So, as our New Year’s gift, we offer you. see Miss Bradley gets around. So far she hasn’t collected wholeheartedly, a nice shiny resolution, easy to keep and any livestock of this order, but if you have a stray tiger profitable, namely—to send the Transmitter any news or cub you want to get rid of. she probably won’t be able to incident which you think interesting material or a reason- resist it. this far we find, able facsimile thereof. And having gotten AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE too, our reason for rejoicing, for considering the last twelve Bill Samuell ushers at the Waring show weekday eve- months we see a year to be proud of in NBC, a year of nings perhaps it’s the money, perhaps it’s Donna Dae growth and expansion, of startling new developments and — and one night a solitary figure crept down the aisle and good intentions already being fulfilled which promise an sat brooding over Bill’s “First-two-rows-reserved.” Well, our even better twelve months for the Happv 1940 which we hero approached the individual and gave the ultimatum. wish you. “Sorry, this section is reserved.” Whereupon the squatter FOWL BOWL said, with his race’s traditional composure, “But I’m an Max Russell of Set Up has been talking a lot of turkey Indian. I belong on a reservation.” And the whole point lately. He won a fowl at the Thanksgiving bowling over is—the man was telling the truth. of it we thought at the Radio City Alleys. He was so proud PROMETHEUS IN THE PLAZA we’d mention it. 14 pounds of turkey! We’re proud of you Rockefeller Plaza is in winter dress, the ice rink bigger too. Max. than ever. We often pause to watch the little carnival of WITCHCRAFT IN RADIO CITY skaters in their ballet costumes, yet are saddened by the Carefully concealed from the eyes of man and the light plight of poor Prometheus, traditional bringer of fire, his which he of day, there is a weird cavern on the third floor, in which, expression changed, the divine assurance with his tradition eclipsed by if vour divining rod should lead veu in that direction, you sprawls over the Plaza diminished, the will hear strange spells muttered amid clouds of steam another—the Christmas tree. Prometheus, bounded on “Pressa da pants,” “Mena da sleeve.” “Sewa da label.” North and South by the branches of a seventy foot spruce, out at the passers-by. And even the children This is the domain of Gaetano Velotta, who passes among peers moodily cannot harm one us in the guise of a valet, keeping the guides’ uniforms in laugh at him because they know his torch shape and sewing on their nameplates, so that, when lost. needle of yon green tree or melt one cube of the ice below. ADVANCES REPORTED IN MANY FIELDS DURING 1939

he yearend sur- programs were introduced, steerable antennae installed, and T vey for 1939 has program service helow' the Equator increased by three and been made and a half hours daily. shows remarkable TECHNICAL AM) TRANSCRIPTIONS: Outstanding progress in practi- w'ere developments of high fidelity sound transmission for cally all fields of television and its application for electrical transcriptions. broadcasting. We EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE: A revolutionary present herewith a step in educational broadcasting was taken with the develop- brief review of the ment and inauguration of a new plan of public service Press Release on the programs to cover definite fields of learning in a systematic past twelve months. way. According to an analysis by Dr. James Rowland TELEVISION: Angell, the NBC plan breaks down into three major ser- Following inaugura- vices: (I) Programs designed for classroom use and pro- Paderewski tion of regular tele- grams by and for educators, discussing educational prob- casting on April 30, lems; (2) programs furnishing systematic information in outstanding progress was made in production, lighting and various fields for adult education and assigned listening by programming. Portable field equipment was introduced and students; (3) gen- the schedule increased from two hours to an average of eral service to pub- fifteen hours a week. lic interests over a SPECIAL EVENTS: Events leading up to and following wide cultural front. declarations of war in Europe challenged radio’s news cov- This plan extends erage as never before. NBC’s factual reports kept listeners far beyond the informed of all activities. One result of the news-packed schoolroom in sub- year was the development to a fine point of a new type of ject matter, appeal radio “forum” broadcasting, in w'hich commentators scat- and availability be- tered throughout Europe in strategic capitals were linked cause, in Dr. An- in two-way discussions within a single program. The ten gell’s opinion, the outstanding stories of 1939 as selected by A. A. Schechter four time zones and were War Coverage, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, the fact that each Albania, Memel, the European war, the Russo-Finnish Con- state has its own flict and the Sino-Japanese War; Neutrality and Congress: school system and Ray Johnson, Arch Oboler and Alla Nazimova discussing Oboler’s play, "This Roosevelt’s Peace Appeal and Hitler’s Answer; Death of each school its own Lonely Heart.” Pope Pius XI and Coronation of Pius XII; Royal Visit to schedule makes it America; Squalus Disaster; Graf Spec; Capture of the City impossible for a national network to extend direct classroom of Flint; Duke of Windsor’s Address from Verdun; Louis- service beyond certain minimums. However, during the Galento Fight. closing months of 1939, more than 80 programs a week INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING: Commercial news were presented under the new schedule. DRAMA: Continuing an unbroken eight-year rise, we reached a peak of 1,397 hours devoted to dramatic pre- sentation. The quality improved commensurately with the introduction of new program series and the offering of per- formances by many distinguished theatre names. ARTISTS SERVICE had outstanding concert success. New services inaugurated were Radio Features Division, for planning and testing “package shows”, and a lecture divi- sion, enlarging the scope of bookings. MUSIC: The Symphony Orchestra became a year-round organization. A specially wTitten radio opera w^as given its world premiere. Several distinguished instrumental groups were introduced. International musical events were widely covered. SPORTS: Opening wtih the Rose and Sugar Bowl grid- iron battles. NBC followed every major sport event of the year, including prize fights, baseball, track and field meets, horse, crew' and airplane races, hockey, golf and tennis WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: Direct contact with more than 100 leading women’s organizations and active participation by individual women listeners Special Events at the Outbreak of War (Continued on page 5) 2 NBC TRANSMITTER

1939 YEAR-END STATEME NT BY DAVID SARNOFF TELEVISION The following article is a condensed sion and reception, have been devel- report of the Year-End Statement by oped for commercial use. Radio ser- This is the first in a series of month- Mr. David Sarnoff, reviewing the vices depend on equipment, and RCA ly articles on Television written espe- achievements of 1939 and pointing not only has invented, developed, and cially for the TRANSMITTER by ahead to important developments for manufactured but has also aided the Noran C. Kersta, assistant to Mr. C. W. 1940. American radio industry to put these Farrier, Television coordinator. We “Radio in 1939 has had its greatest new products into dailv use. hope that the column will serve as a year. than radio re- “The outbreak of in More 9,000,000 war Europe record of RCA -NBC progress in this sold. 45,000,- brought to Inc., ceivers have been With RCA Communications, new field. 000 receivers in American homes and a substantial increase in traffic during NBC television ended the year 1939 automobiles, radio has become an in- the last four months of 1939. Daily having put on 668 individual pro- tegral part of our national life. word-of-mouth reports from the war grams in the eight months from April “American-owned radio communica- zone by trained observers have been 30, 1939 to January 1st, 1940. The tion services, vital to our national de- brought to America by tbis company, schedule was on an average of five fense, have maintained direct contacts and then broadcast over national net- days a week, two hours a day, for a with all nations, belligerent and neu- works. Radio photographs from Eu- total of 361.87 hours, or an average tral. Our radio communication facili- rope and South America, received via of a little over ten hours a week. The ties guarantee the freedom of our RCA Communications, have appeared programs were made up of approxi- communication lanes for the flow of daily in our newspapers. mately one-third from the studio, one- international messages and in the in- “In reviewing the year’s accomplish- third film, and one-third out-door terests of American trade. ments of radio, it is evident that they pickups. “The war, and its threat to the neu- cannot be measured in statistics, or of the outstanding studio trality of the Western Hemisphere, put dollars and cents. They must be Some hits as the American system of free and pri- gauged by the public service rendered shows were such Broadway Jane Eyre, Dover Road, The Milky vate enterprise in radio to the acid —by technical advance and by social Way, Three a Horse, and test. American broadcasting met the contribution. It is in these terms that Men On others; such Gilbert and Sullivan test. American radio told the truth to radio in 1939 has surpassed all its operettas as Pinafore, Cox and Box, its listeners at home and throughout previous achievements. Pirates Penzance. of the the world. Its short-wave broadcasts “The research laboratories of the and of Some were almost the world’s only free, fac- Radio Corporation continued their co- outstanding outdoor pickups were Roosevelt, at the tual, and uncensored sources of radio ordinated attack on all fronts of radio President speaking the World’s news. From day to day and from hour to explore the possibilities of improv- dedication of New York Fair; the Eastern Grass Court Cham- to hour, it told the history-making ing old services and to create new story of the year. ones. New areas of the ether spectrum pionship matches in Rye, New York; most of the Brooklyn Dodgers profes- “As RCA is the only radio organiza- have been invaded with startling re- six-day tion in the world engaged in every sidts, and with great promise. Televi- sional football games; bike races at Madison Square Garden; the field of radio, the progress of the sion, the latest child of the RCA re- Baer-Nova fight; the Television Ball Corj)oration is indicated by its posi- search laboratories, after a period of the the premiere of tion in broadcasting, manufacturing, field test, emerged into the domain of from Waldorf; the at the Capitol communications and research, and its ])ublic service. Here economic and Gone With Wind the weekly boxing and advances are determined l)y its ability artistic problems were confronted re- Theatre; and Ridgewood to render public service in eacb of the (juiring a trial-and-error method of wrestling matches from the Grove Arena. the outstanding fields in which it is engaged. solution. These problems have been Among Dis- “An increase in the volume of busi- studied in the television program oper- film programs we have had Walt ness bandied by NBC by which the ations of NBC in 1939 with substantial ney cartoons, many foreign and domes- nation’s advertisers stimulated the dis- progress. tic features, and the March of Time tribution of products, enabled the “On the technical side, the quality series; travelogues, educational and the remain- company to carry on an expanded of television images broadcast by NBC scientific shorts made up service in all fields of broadcasting.” has shown striking improvement in der of the film programs. estimated (At tbis point Mr. Sarnoff mentioned brilliance and clarity. A new type of Our television audience is the neighborhood of 2,000 many of the activities recorded in the Iconoscope or pick-up tube—the “Or- to be in January 1940. article on the front page.) thicon”—has been developed by RCA home receivers as of 1, per- “In translating the developments of Laboratories and tested with great suc- With the average of four or five the research laboratory into practical cess by NBC. This type of Iconoscope, sons per receiver as indicated in an devices for existing and new radio far more sensitive than any heretofore early survey, it means that our potential 10,000. services, tbe RCA Manufacturing Com- employed, and requiring less brilliant audience is between 8,000 and pany has contributed materially to tbe light on the subjects televised, will be Eacb week the television audience has its likes and 1939 progress of radio in all fields. available to all television stations dur- an opportunity to express Rajiid advances are being made in the ing the coming year. Similarly, the dislikes on every program transmitted. development and use of radio devices latest types of television transmitters We have found that the average of all our sur- in many industries in which speed and developed by RCA are available to shows since the beginning of precision of manufacturing operation stations through the RCA Manufactur- vey on October 8th has been rated “Fair”, are vital factors. ing Company. “Good”, on a basis of “Poor”, “Improved television equipment, and “Two other important television de- “Good”, and “Excellent”. It has also tubes and transmitters for long, short- velopments are scheduled for public been found that on the average, about wave, and ultra-short-wave transmis- {Continued on page 9) {Continued on page 5) FEBRUARY, 1940 3 NBC BIOGRAPHY N. Ray Kelly

“We’re off to see the wizard” sang with NBC and was later responsible the happy little notebook on its way for Kelly’s being called to us. to keep an appointment with Ray When the inevitable 1929 came Kelly, master magician of Sound Ef- along and put a stop to everything, fects. It was a very special occasion, Ray Kelly was in the Harvard Law too, because Ray Kelly this month School. During the summer he had completes ten years with NBC as head worked for the Gypsy Oil Co. as a man in the business of whees, booms production clerk and so, after he left and bangs. Harvard, he went back to his old job, Way back in 1930 Sound Effects but this time in a Seminole district consisted of one make-shift door, for lease camp. An unusual place to de- slamming, and a few cups and saucers. velop a sensitivity for sounds. Perhaps The department was kept in a spare because Ray Kelly listened to the closet in the top of the Fifth Avenue sound of drills all day and then spent building. There was room to stand up the still nights in a bunk house where on one side but the gables soon put a only tired men and crickets conspired stop to that. There were only two or against the silence, perhaps because be three shows a week, ones like East of developed the mechanical dexterity so Cairo and Harbor Lights, which needed necessary to a drilling crew, perhaps sound effects anyway. About that time these help to account for his success NBC decided to organize a special de- as a sound effects man. partment to take care of the incidental The original sound equipment was Ray Kelly and Rain Machine sounds, previously made by the con- all manual. Not until 1933 was per- cessions or an odd musician here and mission granted Kelly to use recorded floor shop by Kelly and the three there. Ray Kelly was called in to be sound. Today we have five thousand others who work with him. Alchemy the head of this new NBC Sound Ef- different subjects on records. Usage and sound effects are not far removed. fects Department; the title impressed is about half and half between manual If a few incantations and thick smoke him but the size of the quarters soon and recorded effects. float out into the corridor, it is because left him no illusions. When the Department gets a requisi- a mysterious new gadget is being con- Today it is a different story. Kelly tion for a given sound, if it is entirely trived. and his ingeniousness are responsible new, then, Kelly says, the whole De- for the change. The Department has Kelly was born in Prior Creek, partment works hand in glove invent- grown from one and a half to twenty- Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, of ing. With a mysterious manner they four men. Instead of the original two part Cherokee, part Irish parentage. pull out bits of incongruous materials shows per week there are now some Perhaps the beat of ceremonial drums and before long the sound has evolved. hundred and thirty, with the Depart- is still running through his veins, and The rain machine is the classical ex- ment in New York divided into two it may account for his genius when ample of this process. Stumped for a functions, the operative group under it comes to sound effects, which after revolutionary method of making rain, Major Dillon and the Development all are a sort of ritual. Some of the Ray Kelly went out to lunch. He and Maintenance group for which Mr. land now making Tennessee was sprinkled a little salt on his lettuce, Kelly is directly responsible. Opera- bought by the government from the and there was the solution. Vi’ith a tions in the studio we are all familiar Cherokees. Mr. Kelly has said that if little interpretation and a piece from he had all the government still with, but the job of Development and owed the cabinet maker it became the rain his Maintenance is to develop new sound family in the land deal, he could machine. Bird seed, poured onto a equipment and cooperate with the sta- retire. turn table gently revolving, then eased tions in building and maintaining the Ray Kelly was only two years old off by a windshield wiper splashing it same high standards of equipment and when his family moved to Tulsa, onto a perch and a ping pong ball and service throughout the network. Equip- Oklahoma. Tulsa didn’t actually exist finally onto a pitched roof made of ment of standard design is furnished then, but his father and family rode cellophane and tightly stretched cheese network stations as required, or, in into the territory on a spring-bed cloth, made a very realistic rain. the case of stations doing their own wagon to stake their claim during the Kelly believes in putting the real construction, the necessary plans, Cherokee land rush and when Tulsa article into use whenever it is possible. drawings, etc., are supplied. At pres- materialized the Kellys were already If you bear the sound of a duel you ent there are five or six stations on moved in. School in Tulsa accounted can be sure the sabres are real. Long the networks with full grown Sound for the next few years in his young ago he discovered you can’t fool the Effects Departments and many others life. The college career began at feminine listeners about household well underway. Washington University. However, he sounds. They know the ring of five Lots of the men in charge of sound got his degree from Knox College. and ten cent store glass and there’s no effects all over the country were As an undergraduate, Kelly was stage use telling them it’s crystal. So the trained under Ray Kelly, and the manager and later president for two Sound Effects Department has its own familiar items to be seen in the studios, years of the Campus Theatre at Knox. very discriminating kitchen and pantry- the big turntables, wagon wheels, etc., The faculty sponsor for this group was taking everything into consideration were most of them built in the fourth a C. L. Menser who became associated {Continued on page 8) -

4 NBC TRANSMITTER NBC CHICAGO by Bob McCoy A A treasury. The machines w ould be Santa Claus Came to Town a pleasant w'ay of helping to swell the As promised in the last issue of the coffers, and certainly a convenience to Transmitter the Third Annual Christ- an\body who can’t take time to go to mas Party was held in Studio A on the main floor for cigarettes. December 29. And also as promised Fine Romances the party was, literally, a howling suc- cess. The howling began in the throats Up in the National Sales office these of the NBC young and so contagious days two new’ rings are giving off a was it that it soon spread to the grown- blinding light as they skim over the ups along the walls of the studio and typewriter keys. One of those rings even to the overflow crowd in the cor- belongs to Esther Nilsen who at Christ- ridor. In one corner was the mam- mas time announced her engagement moth Christmas tree and in the other to Mr. Herman Husted. Our congratu- three corners were people, people and KIRBY COMES HOME A WINNER lations to the fortunate Mr. Husted. Corinne Murphy, Durward Kirby (as if you Naturally, the cen- The other fellow luck is still more people. couldn’t tell), Jane Stahl, Lois Aeppli and whose run- ter of the studio wasn’t a vast waste Ransom Sherman. ning in spades is Mr. Bernard Schroe- of green congoleum. That’s where der whose ring the popular Rubye most of the guests of honor were. Kids, Then Guide Paul Millen, struggling Downs is wearing. Rubye plans on kids and more kids and everyone of under the weight of it—and the aroma wedding bells March 1 and she and them having a swell time. Well, why —brought in the huge horseshoe made Mr. Schroeder w’ill a-farming go. not? After all, who could ask more up of choicest vegetable specimens. They’ll go as far as Libertyville, III. of life than a trained crow, a marion- Paul brought along not only the vege- Lest anyone think Rubye will live a ette show, magician and best of all — tation hut some of the girls from Cen- Grapes of Wrath existence, perish the Santa Claus! tral Stenographic. By the time the thought. The farms around Liberty- Besides the entertainment, every one violent osculations were over our an- ville are super special productions all received a present from Mr. Claus or nouncer looked like some of the vege- done in new glorious Technicolor. one of his helpers he’d put under con- tables might have been hurled by the Quick Delivery tract for the occasion. Judith Waller studio audience. Not for long however and John Whalley were two who were was Durward Kirby aghast at the ef- Proving that our Engineering staff kept busy digging down for presents fects of his charm and glamor. As the is fleet as the wind and moves on for the guests—big and little. Sorely accompanying picture shows he made w inged feet, we cite this case, in which missed this year was Niles Trammell a quick recovery and like all cham- Engineer E. L. Bernheim was here in who heretofore has always occupied a pions was able to bring a broad smile the Merchandise Mart one minute and place on the floor smack in the center to his violently red and beaming face. at the Hotel Sherman the next. Well, of the studio, having a grand time for almost the next. Seems the Sherman Peanuts, Candy, Popcorn himself. To Judith Waller and her was scheduled for a broadcast at 12:30 committee go all of our thanks for a At the January 8th meeting of the a.m. one Thursday. At the last minute really happy Christmas party which is Athletic Association, the question of the equipment at the pickup point now definitely a tradition here. having automatic vending machines went “kaput.” The nemo man worked installed was brought up. No decision frantically to get it going but to no Vegetable Crooner was made by the members, but should avail. At 12:33 Mr. Bernheim left the If Announcer Durward Kirby ever they be installed, the profits derived Mart w’ith an amplifier and a battery wants to mix up a pot of soup, he from them would go directly into the cord. At that time of the morning this neighborhood looks like the vast Arctic ktiows how to get the vegetables for it. wastes it felt like All he has to do is sing. When he and them. Not a cab made his singing dehut on Club Mati- in sight, but, fortunately for Bernheim, Mrs. Marvin driven nee little did he realize to what heights Royston had down he would soar. When he did a repeat to pick up her husband, so, quick as a ))erformance on the same program on flash, into the car went Bernheim with “. an anguished plea to . get to Hotel January 5 he knew just where he . stood. At least in the estimation of Sherman, quick.” Evidently Mrs. his fellow announcers. As the last Royston covered the four and a half notes of his solo died away. Announcer blocks in minus nothing flat for the Boh Brown stepped to the microphone Sherman was ready to take the air at and read a touching tribute to Kirby’s 12:40, equipment perfect and just dy- ing to be put to use. vocal talents. It was to the effect that “. the artists of the Metropolitan . . New Faces were indebted to him for making the public appreciate them the more . . . Welcome to these new members: and we confer upon you the degree of Corinne Murphy, Margaret Benbow,

Novocanum, . . . if Phillip Steitz, Earl Ebi, Claude Welles, Cocanum because PART OF THE PARTY IN STUDIO A there ever was a dope, it’s you!” “Hey, Ma! See me, ma, see me?” Boh Larimer and Joseph Carroll. FEBRUARY, 1940 5

CURTAIN CALLS OF 1939 TELEVISION [Continued from page 2) The last day of the old year heard an historic broadcast over the Blue 65 per cent of the receivers are in use viewing is in the Network. It ran from 1 :30 to 4:00 at all times; daytime p.m., was called Curtain Calls of 1939, neighborhood of 50 per cent, and the and the speeches, talent and entertain- night-time average runs over 80 per ment were as varied as the past amaz- cent. A survey of the technical recep- ing year. Mr. Sarnoff spoke and, by tion in the home has shown that the way of contrast, ten Jeeter Lesters. people rate the technical (juality of our Dorothy Maynor and Carmen Miranda programs much better than “Good”. contributed, and seven languages were On January 15th, the FCC held a heard by an astonished audience. We hearing on its new regulations for have had somewhat similar programs television. It is anticipated that partial on other New Year’s Eves, l)ul this was commercialization of television will be in many ways unique, no other pro- permitted under the new approved gram having contained, for instance, a regulations. NBC has been doing a review of events leading up to a major considerable amount of groundwork Sidney Strotz war, or a television show. for the past few years on the com- mercial aspects of television and it is Among the high spots were a visit SIDNEY STROTZ NEW V.P. early participation of to Helsinki, Information Please, Bob expecting some sponsors under the new regulations, Sidney N. Strotz, manager of the Hope, Joe DiMaggio and John Charles finally accepted. Central Division, was elected a vice Thomas. The television part picked up should they be president by the board of directors at Larry Clinton in the Sunken Plaza, their regular December meeting. who appeared on receivers in Studio Strotz has been manager of the Cen- 8H and thus conducted his band. The tral Division since last January, suc- program ended with the audience, led ceeding Niles Trammell. Previously by Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt in Strotz had been Program and Artists Washington, repeating the oath of al- Service manager of the Central Divi- legiance to the flag of the United sion, since he joined the Company in States, and the playing of the Star 1933. Spangled Banner. Strotz is noted especially for making Chicago one of the major points for originating outstanding programs and 1939 ADVANCES for developing radio talent which has [Continued from page 1) achieved national prominence. throughout the country contributed to A native of Chicago, Strotz attended a year of vast improvement and en- St. John’s Military Academy and largement of interest in programs de- Cornell University, leaving college to signed for women and children. serve in the 326th Battalion Tank NETWORK EXPANSION: With Corps during the World War. the addition of 20 stations our network In 1928 he organized the Chicago affiliates reached the unprecedented Stadium Corporation and became sec- total of 181 outlets in the United retary and treasurer of the Company, States, Canada and Cuba, a far cry Mus. Mod. Art Film Library which built and operated the largest from our founding in 1926 when we A memorable moment from Fairbanks’ indoor arena in the country. He be- “Robin Hood,” second program of the NBC were only 18 stations strong. Page 11. came president of the Corporation in Film Society. See 1930. As president of the stadium he promoted almost every form of enter- tainment from championship fights to A PHOTO COKTEST circuses, indoor football games and ice carnivals, and brought Sonja Henie to ALL NBC EMPLOYES this country for her first exhibition

tour. PRIZES will be given, $10.00, $5.00 and a year's subscription to U. S. CAMERA, for the best pictures illustrating TITLES of BLUE NETWORK SHOWS. ADVENTURES IN PHOTOGRAPHY, Wednesday nights on the Blue, wiU give an idea. to the of entries, the first contest 5 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH you Due small number has been postponed for one month—but one month only, so send your pictures in now. The $15,000 “tubes” exhibit was in- RULES are these: stalled among the clover leaf exhibits of the NBC tour. 1. Your picture must be illustrative of a title of a Blue Network show. 2. Send your print—not the negative. The Reception Staff Review began " 3. Print must be 5" by 1 (available at any photo finishers for 25 cents). a series of articles on the history and 4. Mail your masterpiece to the TRANSMIT'TER, Room 465, RCA Bldg., N. Y. organization of the Company. 5. Send your name, department, division and explanation of the picture. William Burke Miller advanced to the newly established position of Night START IN CLICKING Program Director. 6 NBC TRANSMITTER

vinced NBC pretty promptly that she NEW YORK had what it takes to take dictation, for she was barely a week in Stenographic before she joined the cliffdwellers of

Well, you know, it was Christmas, ihe fourth floor, parking her papers and people got together and had a under Mr. D’Agostino’s fabulous flora. high time, and a lot of interesting (This may seem florid, hut consult the things happened, and there were curi- December issue.) How does she do it? ous incidents which will never be fully Well, her story is briefly told. Hazel explained, and, well, you know, it w'as majored in Sociology at Nassau Col- Christmas. Gradually we’re getting the lege. She graduated from Katherine loose ends stowed away in the third Gihhs Business School. During the drawer on the left, but there are still last political campaign she worked for a lot of rumors running around the the Independent Coalition of American corridors in short pants. A pair of red Women. The next three years found flannels disappeared—from right out- her at the Bank of Manhattan, and side the Legal Department of all NBC completes the tale. She likes ice skating music Our own Charles Van Bergen helps Debu- places. Now what in the world . . . and (but you won’t see tante Mary Ellen Cookman relax at a Tele- And then there was the kid at the 8H her in the Plaza). There are those vision Ball rehearsal. party who got a football from Santa who will he interested to know that and turned it back, which, in its minor her hobby is collecting Toscanini re- now floating around among his way, is also puzzling. And the strange cordings. friends, he did go through a short clicking noise from Television. And And then there is Mary F. Sheppard. period of residence in Ossining. He the sound of many leaves being turned If you manage to steal past the recep- attended Newark Academy and Brown over in Script. And the weird celebra- tion desk of the producers’ office, you University, class of ’23. After gradua- tion the little Zombie staged for itself. might in your hurry run smack into tion he entered the advertising depart- Fortunately, we have all been through her, now performing secretarial duties ment of L. Bamberger and Co. and the holidays before, so everybody was for those fateful judiciaries. Hunter then set uj) his owti agency. He joined more or less braced for the occasion, was the college, and the publishing NBC for the first time in 1932. Mr. and we have no casualties to report, house of Grosset and Dunlap was her Roux dabbles in stamp collecting and in fact everything was tossed off very first business conditioning. From hooks plays a little golf. His principal in- neatly and we think it the best Christ- to law seemed a logical step, and she terest is gardening, however, w'ith mas and New Year’s yet. was soon firmly entrenched behind the which he combines a propensity for Broadcasting went on, telecasting formidable lettering of Cravath, Deg- building rock walls, possibly acquired continued, recording did not falter, ersdorff, Swain and Wood. She then during the Ossining period. and there were a few changes and pro- went back to the academic atmosphere, They^re giving us the run around up motions. taking a position in the publicity office in the Telegraph and Traffic Depart- For instance, Mr. D’Agostino, who, of Fordham University. Her tastes are ments. Those occupying the chairs like the inevitable Nugent, has a fac- seasonal, tennis in summer, bridge in won’t sit still long enough for us to ulty for popping into these columns winter. discover who’s taking whose place. virtually every issue, has done it Beulah Scott set out on her NBC Perhaps it’s because the department is again, this time by acquiring a new career just as we went to press, so here right next to that room where they secretary. Hazel Olsen must have con- she is. She attended the Erasmus Hall play records all day long, but it seems High School where she distinguished to us like a game of Going to Jerusa- herself on the athletic field, basketball lem. and hockey being her favorites. At Beginning at one end of the line, graduation she was named Girl Athlete because Kay Barr has left for San of the class. She is definitely in the Francisco Press, we note that Anthony “Know,” having worked for Dun and Cusumano is comfortably filling the Bradstreet. This was followed by former’s chair in room 562—or else three years with Shreve, Lamb and he’ll he at home taking old automo- Harman, a noted architectural firm bile engines apart; he can really put which designed a certain tall building them together again though. Cusumano down Fifth Avenue a hit. It was this came from Brooklyn City College and association that stimulated her interest started work at NBC as a page, ten in the arts. years ago, on a New Year’s night. And that takes care of the ladies. Albert Frey is filling Cusuniano’s

As for the gentlemen . . . shoes. He has been in Traffic since last Returning to NBC after a two year July and now sits looking around un- at in interval with Hearst and CBS is easily the alluring chairs other Willan C. Roux, who joins the Na- corners of room 565. He came origi- tional Spot and Local Sales Depart- nally from the Mail Room and has ment to work on M and O Stations been with NBC for several years. promotion. A resident of South Val Kalligeros runs quick and Orange, Mr. Roux was horn and grabs Frey’s ex-chair and now has a MILLER’S FATHER MIRACLE spent the better part of his life in New coy expression on his face. He began When we saw this, we knew you’d want to see it, too. Meet Mrs. Casper B. Kuhn. Jersey, although according to a rumor {Continued on next page) FEBRUARY, 1940 /

{Continued from page 6) ANNIVERSARY CHIMES life as a Guest Relations Rage, one day AA ACTIVITIES he became legman for Telegraph, and now he is in Traffic. The NBC Transmitter salutes these Vincent O’Connell goes in for Kal- members the National As a body the AA was practically of Broadcasting ligeros as clerk and general office hoy Company, who, this month, in a state of hibernation during the complete in Traffic. If you notice the slight their tenth year with the Company. holidays while its individual members brogue remember that O’Connell has were at play elsewhere. Wood and here for the ])ast six New York only been over metal working, dancing, and women’s years. Since O’Connell has left Tele- swimming were all in a state of sus- May Frances Ball Artists Service graph, Pete Ratyca moves up to the pended animation, while basketball Harry A. Olsen Engineering day schedule and reports that he has and chess were still struggling to wake Louis A. Anderson General Service the staff all under control. Bill Rippa up. Elsie Marie Ashton Information comes up from Duplicating to take Mary Frances Sprague Information the night schedule. We are sure though Dancing Peter Zalantis Program that by next week all will be different. The dancers had one last class be- Norval Ray Kelly Program All right, you probably think the fore the holidays in which the mem- Edward DeSalisbury Sales Traffic jam is pretty confusing. That’s bers insisted on learning some smooth Hugh Malcolm Beville, Jr. Sales nothing. Whole divisions are moving waltz steps and fox trots that could be A. Burke Grotty Tele\'ision around in a mad circle, the Trans- used for Christmas and New Year’s Theodore Zaer Treasurer’s mitter as usual on the periphery. You parties. This emphasis on practicality see, they dispossessed the television Washington had good results, and all the members receiver from 465 and moved the reported great social triumphs when Elsie Mae Ramby General Transmitter in, which left 317 va- they returned to the class in January. cant, and Harold Bisson, Advertising On New Year’s Eve some of them even Production manager, took over, right attempted the tango, and came out lar that near the end riding where he was when he first came with was given without a scratch. up altogether, the Company (he has to have a win- and the members started some independent coasting and skiing. dow for matching colors—and after Artists all, the Transmitter is just black and Bowling white and read all over), and that The wood and metal workers, dorm- made 302 a great emptiness (the tabu- ant during the festivities, reawoke in Bowling is one exception to the rule lators gone heaven knows where) and January and went back to their old on inactivity over the holidays. Like Information has gone in there, causing haunt in room 300. Clay modellers Tennyson’s brook it seems to go on a gaping hole in Press which may be and woodworkers are meeting on Mon- forever, and the balls continue to roll filled by the Library, which, of course, day evenings at 6 o’clock under the down the alley in spite of New Year’s, makes room back on the fourth floor direction of Trygve Hammer, and the winter or what not. As the alleymen that, it is rumored, might be taken metal workers gather at the same time (and women) emerged from the over by Television. (We’d have gotten on Wednesdays. Any more people in- Christmas season. General Service James Joyce to do this story for us, terested should get in touch with Lewis Team 1 still held the lead, but Engi- but he’s busy with a semicolon.) Julian in 293. neering 1 and Treasurer’s had pushed The Neivs and Special Events out the Sales Team for second and Riding Department had a gathering at Mr. third place. The gallant American wo- Schechter’s house on December 27th. Plunging into the season with new men of the Ladies Team, after stand- Occasion: the holiday spirit, which vigor after a short post New Year’s ing in tenth place last month, have brings together members of the De- rest, the Riding Club got under way fought back to ninth, while the men partment once a year, and also the with groups organized for both indoor from Program, whose talents seem to fact that Mr. Schechter has sort of and outdoor activities. The fresh air lie more in the entertainment field, moved. The party opened with a fiends continued to meet on Saturdays are still in the cellar. On individual chorus of Adeste Fideles. The guests, if weather permitted, and on January honors among the ladies, Mary Lesko having met first at the household ap- 6 attempted some skijoring on the of Accounting runs off with both the pliances department of the five and snow covered roads near their head- High Series and High Score, getting a ten, proceeded to Mr. Schechter’s and quarters in Cluster, New Jersey. Ski- 464 and 187 respectively. Dot ^lichel a buffet supper. The packages were all joring (said to be pronounced “ski- of Traffic, secretary of the League, by opened at once, among the articles yoring”), for those who don’t know, is the way, has the second High Series found in the tissue paper were a large an ingenious sport combining all the with a 446, while Ada Moyer, a ringer cork screw, a box of roach powder, perils and excitements of riding, skiing on the Ladies Team, is runner up for dust cloths, a broom and a bedbug ex- and crack-the-whip. The versatile mem- High Score with a 167. Among the terminator. Also among the wrappings bers of the riding group seemed will- men, George Frey of Sales has shot up was Mr. Schechter, right in the middle. ing to tackle the intricacies of all three to first place in both High Score and Some time later w'hen the party broke and took turns at towing from horse- High Series with 660 and 258. George up, members of the department went back or being towed on skiis. Those Milne’s series of 615 gives him second home convinced that this had been the on the latter end of the game seemed place, while George McElrath ( this special event of the year. to spend more time in snow drifts sounds like a pullman porters’ conven- Now that you have gotten this far, than they did on their runners, and all tion) is in second place having a High we would like to congratulate you and ended the day with hands bruised by Score of 241. Albert Protzman and make a date for next month at the the tow-line. However, in spite of all George Frey lead the individual aver- same time in the same old place. discomforts, the sliding was so popu- ages with marks of 172 and 171. 8 NBC TRANSMITTER NBC TRANSMITTER Published for and by the employes KOA DENVER of the National Broadcasting Com- pany from coast to coast. by Charles Anderson

VOL. 6 FEBRUARY, 1940 No. 2 KOA goes to the Theatre! Decem- ber 14th, Denver’s 12 leading theatres EDITORIAL BOARD began a promotional co-operation cam- John Kelly Editor Howard Flynn Assistant Editor paign as result of an agreement signed Charles Van Bergen Photographs by General Manager Lloyd Yoder and ASSOCIATES Harry Huffman of Fox Intermountain James Beardsley Guest Relations Theatres, Inc. To celebrate the sign- Thomas Canning Guest Relations ing of the pact a mammoth program Charles Turner Guest Relations was presented from the stage of the James Tyson Guest Relations Denver Theatre. Clarence Moore, Pro- William Crawford Gartoons gram Director of KOA, M.C.’d the Address all correspondence to: NBC Trans- show introducing Manager Yoder, Mr. mitter, National Company, Broadcasting Huffman, singer Donald Novis and Dr. Room 465, RCA Building, New York, N. Y. I. Q. KOA will carry Theatre reporter Telephone: Circle 7-8300. Extension 220. Seated: Harry Huffman (left) of Fox-1. M. program daily and theatres in Denver Theatres: Lloyd Yoder. Standing: Manager Region will carry Rice, Paramount Theatre; Bernie Hynes, and Rocky Mountain Manager, Denver Theatre; James Mac- RAY KELLY trailers publicizing KOA-NBC out- Pherson. {Continued from page 3) standing radio attractions. Conserva- except, well—the ladies can’t hear the tive estimate states that theatre audi- to San Francisco to officiate at the colors clash. ences will get 8,000,000 reminders Annual East-West game and to bring You’ve probably heard the distant yearly of NBC’s programs. As Promo- his wife back to Colorado with him. roll of thunder. Technician Kelly took tion Manager James MacPherson of The Staff of KOA turned out en masse six months trying to find a steer hide KOA says, “8,000,000 KOA flashes at the station to greet Mrs. Yoder and large enough to give the proper sound can’t be wrong.” give her a bouquet of roses as an ex- for a thunder drum. One was finally Denver University has again com- pression of our hospitality. located in Chicago, cured and stretched mandeered the services of KOA’s As- KOA is joining with the Sloan Chief Engineer ef- onto a six-foot square frame. It is used sistant Manager and Foundation in a very worthwhile the now for many varieties of percussion Robert H. Owen. He will lecture fort to make educational broadcasts in the sounds, long sustained rolls and dis- Electrical Engineering Seniors equally interesting to every listener. tant explosions. In the natural world College of Engineering. Mr. Owen With Dr. A. D. H. Kaplan, Professor sounds very seldom are the same. garnered his B.A. in Science and Elec- of Government Management at the at University of That, too, is considered up in the sound trical Engineering the University of Denver, acting as author- with effects shop. The single sound of Colorado and spent several years ity, and Forbes Parkhill, nationally thunder may come from an electronic the General Electric Company in known writer, preparing the scripts, machine, from a recording, from an Schenectady, New York, before coming Roscoe Stockton, KOA Producer, is the inflated basketball bladder filled with to Denver again to put KOA on directing the series to be started soon bird-seed, or from the inexplicable air for the first time, in 1924. under the title You Make America. The thunder sheet with a magnetic pickup, Saturday, December 9th, President shows will have dramatic appeal and as well as from the drum. Neville Miller of the National Associa- production techniques applied to make This winter a specially designed tion of Broadcasters, paid a visit to them interest-getters as well as educa- regional Confer- of RCA sound effects kit for youngsters Denver for the NAB tional aids to better understanding were attended by the of Manage- appeared. It had a little rain resona- ence. The meetings problems Government and Assistant is result of of tor, a mild steam engine puffer, a Manager Lloyd Yoder, ment. Program months Owens. couple of balloons, one for surf, one Manager Robert H. consultation between Manager Lloyd for thunder, and other charms. The The welcome mat was spread in Yoder, Dr. A. D. H. Kaplan, Clarence story finally comes out that the de- typical KOA class for the arrival after Moore, Program Director, and mem- signer was Ray Kelly. Now every kid Christmas of Mrs. Yoder, wife of bers of the Sloan Foundation. went in of that got one for Christmas has w'ritten Manager Lloyd Yoder. Mr. Yoder J. A. Slusser, engineer charge to Uncle Ray who has been elected the KOA Transmitter, received from Chief Engineer of the Short Pants the Chamber of Commerce of Aurora 1 u beauti- Sound Effects Club. This makes the special commendation for the lighting young Kellys, both of them, the talk ful Christmas effects which had passersby oh-ing as they drove by of the town among the younger set of ^ W the building and tower. Two ever- Great Neck, Long Island. 'f r greens in front had strings of lights; a In fact, Ray Kelly seems to be able 1 .7 of green over the to create any sound with precision and big wreath and rope - > ^ door; inside another wreath and light- proper variations. So if you’re writ- the ing a radio play that needs unheard of ed Christmas tree; and on the roof Hi-frequency noises, don’t worry about them, go on two small towers for the All this worrying about the play, because Kelly 1 antenna were floodlighted. I combined with the neon on the tower could, if necessary, produce the sounds ' * t • the fountain out front made some- of life on Mars, and these would he and to at. authentic. Welcome to Denver, Mrs. Yoderl thing look FEBRUARY, 1940 9

WBZ BOSTON AND WBZA SPRINGFIELD EXCHANGE CORNER by Charles Cilchrest- This classified ad section is available, jrec of charge, to all NBC employes. Rules: Christ-mas Party Hill and closing their country home Forty-five ivord limit; no regular business or professional service may be advertised. .Ad- for the winter. The twenty-five mile The WBZA, Springfield, crowd dress ads to NBC Transmitter, Room 46.), drive in snow and ice is too tough . . . came to Boston to join the WBZ gang RCA Building, New York. Announcer Fred Cole achieved an am- lor the stations’ combined Christmas OLD COPIES of the Tr.ansmitteh will be bition yesterday when the driver of a Party Friday, Dec. 22. The whole mob available for one more month. If you wish huge Greyhound bus let Fred take over was present except George Harder, to complete your files, let us know— if the wheel for a few blocks. Fred also you are wise enough to keep a file. Fred Cole and Bob White who were up went home last night with a huge sky- in rural Snellville staging a Christmas NEWSREEL THEATRE—Last year NBC rocket four feet long but he refuses broadcast from a little red school was the biggest user of Rockefeller Cen- to say what its purpose may be . . . ter Newsreel Theatre passes. This year house for the Blue Network. Mr. Hol- Promotion and News Manager George they are again available. They admit you man played the part of Santa and dealt Harder’s horseback riding has been for 15c. If interested see Mr. Tart. out the studio gifts to each staff mem- curtailed by the deeply drifting snow BEDROOM SET for sale—7 pieces Hun- ber. Followed a big turkey dinner condi- along the bridle paths . . . Cy Young’s garian ash with walnut trim. Good with punch on the side and the lads nautically minded pals aren’t wasting tion. Original cost $1600, will sell $97. and lassies had a swell time, later ad- For appointment WIckersham 2-8694. the winter even if their boats have been journing to the Bradford Roof for put in dry dock. The sailors meet HARVARD CLASSICS for sale—A com- floor Programs dancing and a show. plete set not yet removed from shipping regularly at WBZ for navigation train- continued to be broadcast by a mourn- boxes. Best brown cloth binding, retail for ing . . . Kay Leatherbee of Sales and ful skeleton crew who eyed the festivi- $-40, will sell for $25. Call Transmitter. Promotion is back from a midwinter White made up ties enviously. Bob TRUMPET for sale — Goldplated Conn vacation in New Hampshire . . . Vince for his doing duty come Yuletide by “Symphony Special”, with chromium- Callahan, Frank Bowes, Babe Norris packing wife and self off to Spring- plated valves, special engraving, in ex- and Herb Masse spent a weekend in a cellent condition. Call Transmitter. field for re-union with his old gang for snow surrounded Maine lodge and New Year’s Eve. RCA RADIO VictTola, AC, armchair model. went to a country barn dance where Listed $120, will sell $50. Call Miss Con- Holman Address only Mrs. Callahan and Mrs. Bowes way, 733. could handle the tricky steps. DAFOE’S “Robinson Crusoe”, 1843 edition, John A. Holman’s address on “Pre- Announcer Arch Macdonald moved with duplication on page 226, lines 16 and pare New England for Possible Enemy into Boston from his Providence, R. I., 17. Will pay up to $200 depending upon

Invasion” brought a packed house to home for the winter . . . Traffic Man- condition. Call George Olenslager. the Advertising Club of Boston’s first ager Gordon Swan has been too busy 1940 meeting, even if it was Hangover lately to paste heads of the local gang STATEMENT BY SARNOFF Day — Jan. 2. Mr. Holman, general on cartoons from the New Yorker and {Continued page manager of WBZ-WBZA for NBC, also Esquire. Hence the BZ-Bulletin Board from 2) is a captain in the United States Signal is drably full of nothing but serious demonstration during 1940. One will large Corps Reserve. In addition to the local business . . . Ruth Nylan joined the be the improved projection of ad execs the meeting was attended by BZ staff, working in the Accounting screen television images, of a size ade- every leading regular army, national Department under Bob Halloran. quate for theatre presentation. The guard and reserve officer in Boston. other is that of television relay sta- Christmas Cards tions, using frequencies of 500 mega- Coming and Going Home Economist Mildred Carlson cycles and upwards, an important step Assistant Manager Vince Callahan and Song-Patter Men Gene and Glenn toward a television network. and Sales Manager Frank Bowes requested old Christmas cards on five “The birth-date of broadcasting in opened the new year by going to New broadcasts. Cards were to be turned the United States is generally regarded York on a business trip. Incidentally, over to crippled kids in Boston’s hos- as Election Day 1920, when the re- the new Callahan kitten has six toes pitals to be used in helping numbed turns of the Harding-Cox election were on each paw . . . Vince always does fingers regain agility. More than broadcast. Only twenty years later, things in a big way. 70,000 cards came in. The hospitals more people will actually see and hear Recent visitors to BZ included popu- finally announced they could use no the presidential candidates in 1940 by lar Bill Kostka, head of the N. Y. more. The flow was stopped only television, than heard the 1920 election Press Department, who spent a day when these stations broadcast that fact. returns by sound broadcasting. getting acquainted with the Boston “In all history, no other industry NBC gang and discussing press prob- ever crammed so much amazing prog- lems with local radio eds. Consensus Perhaps you turned over to this ress into one 20-year span. But the of BZ boys is that Bill is a swell guy page to finish reading Mr. Sarnoff’s far-reaching developments, which are with plenty on the ball. speech, perhaps you were in a hurry now the subject of investigation and to find your name in the Boston- experiment in the radio research lab- To and Fro Springfield columns, or perhaps—the oratories, already indicate that the Sports Commentator Bob Evans is point is perhaps you missed reading progress of the next two decades will sporting one of those new torpedo about the Photo Contest, on page 5. surpass the achievements of the last bodied Buicks and so is Salesman It’s a good chance to make money and two— in the birth of new miracles of

Babe Norris . . . Frank and Mrs. have fun at the same time, so why not radio science, and in the building of

Bowes are moving to Boston’s Beacon join and get your friends in on it too. new highways of public service.” 10 NBC TRANSMITTER

GEORGE DE SOUSA NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF RCA KYW PHILADELPHIA George S. De Sousa, Treasurer, was by J. A. Aull elected Vice President and Treasurer of the Radio Corporation of America, the KYW Hunting and Fishing Club, David Sarnoff, President, announced made one announcement during a following a regular meeting of the broadcast offering a compass to any

Board of Directors on December 22, listener who would write in for it. 1939. Mr. De Sousa has been Trea- Requests were received from 262 towns surer of RCA since its formation in in six states, Pennsylvania, New York, 1919, and prior thereto was an officer New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Virginia. Company of America, the predecessor Thirty-six fathers who got that way company to RCA. on New Year’s Day were treated to a special broadcast and entertainment in the KYW Auditorium on Tuesday eve- TRAFFIC XMAS GREETINGS ning, January 2, in honor of the were While the regular broadcasters Boy beats Girl in diapering contest. “events”. In addition to the entertain- flooding the ether with messages of ment, each father received a gift pack- the holiday cheer on Christmas Day, “Parkie”, the cow that introduces age including just about everything Telegraph and Traffic Divisions broke the KYW program. At Our House, ran from a week’s free Dy-Dee Wash Ser- of routine messages and out of the rut into difficulty recently with almost dis- vice to a box of cigars. Highlights of sent out their own greetings to various astrous results. It seems that the pro- the evening were 81 -year old Mrs. key points around the country. From ducers had been unable to find sound Elizabeth Ogden, who was born on the Telegraph room an elaborate de- effects that completely filled the bill. New Year’s Day, and Alton W. Sei- transmitted to Chicago on the sign was Dan Munster, ingenious and mechani- bert, Harrisburg, father of twins, who teletypewriter, a large Christmas tree cally-minded announcer, finally suc- was flown into town by Esso Market- with three candles bearing the initials, ceeded in developing an effect which ers to receive the two hundred dollars NBC, and the words, “Holiday Greet- seemed to satisfy—a small pair of bel- award of the Standard Oil Company. ings to Chicago Communications from lows placed inside an ordinary mega- Seibert announced on the air that he New York,” in block letters, all formed phone. The cow effect was produced by would call the two little girls Carol by using the letter X on the machine. blowing through the small end of the Esso and Caroline Esso Extra because Traffic sent out an even Mr. Kiklica in megaphone. he was so happy about the whole thing. more intricate design to all the key After the broadcast, which featured The other day, however, disaster oc- points of the A.T. & T. transmission the KYW orchestra and vocalists in curred. As the “go ahead” was given lines. His picture employed most of appropriate baby songs, the guests from the control room, Munster blew the letters of the alphabet as well as were entertained with a diapering con- through the megaphone just a bit more X and numerous dashes and periods. test between a team of five beautiful strenuously than usual. The bellows It also represented a Christmas tree, student nurses from Hahnemann Hos- popped right out of the megaphone flanked by an NBC microphone and pital and five University of Pennsyl- and clattered to the floor, while the the A.T. & T. Bell, and had the words, vania students. The boys won a silver only noise picked up by the micro- “Merry Christmas Happy New Year,” cup presented by the Stanley-Warner phone was a generous exhalation of in block letters. Theaters for completing their task in Munster’s breath followed by an un- About twenty minutes were required the record lime of 34 seconds. controllable snicker. It was the mis- to run off the design on the machine. In addition to the Dy-Dee Wash Ser- fortune of Mrs. Edith Gifford Stan- It must have been greeted with lively vice and the box of La Azora cigars, hope, who conducts the program’s in- interest at the receiving points as peo- the gift package included an Esso glass terviews, to follow “Parkie”. Mrs. ple gathered around the telety pewriters bank, two press passes to the movie, Stanhope managed to get out the first to all the gradually taking see details A Child is Born, a bank account of five few words, but just as she reached the shape. Within half an hour after it dollars established by Esso Marketers point where the script called for her had been sent out, seventeen replies for the new baby, and a tank of the to extol the awe-inspiring virtues of were received from the various key new Esso Extra Gasoline. points sending thanks and returning parenthood, she broke down complete- the greeting. From Minneapolis came ly—breaking into a paroxysm of the greeting, “Very beautiful piece of laughter that bordered on the hysteri- cal. show’s artistry and best wishes to you all The producers have agreed from Minneapolis Radio Department.” that it would be safer either to record Toledo replied, “Toledo thanks you an actual cow’s voice or else to broad- and wishes every one a Merry Christ- cast by remote control the actual moo mas and a Happy New Year and may of a cow at the beginning and end of your shadow never grow less,” while every program. St. Louis was even more enthusiastic: Lambert Beeuwkes, Sales Promotion “A classy and artistic piece of work manager of KYW, has been busy mail- beautiful enough for framing and ing more than 2500 compasses to placing in a conspicuous place. We prospective sportsmen in the station’s reciprocate your Xmas greetings.” listening area. It all started early last

Other responses came from all over. month when Joe O’Bryne, director of Which of these fathers doesn’t look happy? 1

J'EBRUAR^^ 1940 1 NBC HOLLYWOOD by Noel Corbett

A couple of years back when Robert Schuetz came to Hollywood to be in charge of broadcast- ing ecjuipment dur- ing construction of Hollywood Radio City, Helen Welty was secretary to the engineers in charge of the job. “Lefty” Lefler, then a page, To win this month's Hollywood Photo Con test Jack Hall went to New York. acted as Schuetz’ assistant in check- Parlies and open houses were high- ing incoming equip- lights of this year’s holiday festivities. ment. When the One picture, fifteen executives. In addition to many private office par- job was completed lies and get-togethers, several of the Schuetz returned to New Tork, Helen drews, (iuest Relations, Hollywood; employes hung out the “come one, went to work for Henry Maas in Sales John Swallow, Program Director; come all” signs. Frank Figgins, En- Traffic and “Lefty” was transferred to Marvin Young, Assistant Program Di- gineering Maintenance supervisor, gave Traffic. Now they’re all together again rector. Left to Right, sitting: Alfred his annual egg-nog party, and another in the Hollywood Radio - Recording H. Saxton, Division Engineer; Alex successful meeting was Ben Gage’s Division: Schuetz is the boss, Helen’s Robb, Artists Service; Lrank Dellett, wing-ding. his secretary and “Lefty” is the third Division Auditor; Harold J. Bock, By the time this hits the office desks, member of the newly formed Depart- Press Relations Manager; Lew Lrost, Joe Thompson will be a director on ment, working as clerk. Assistant to Vice President; and Don the staff. New York Thompson, who Gilman, Vice President in Charge of Don E. Gilman decided to a deal about musical When knows good pro- the Western Division, NBC, Holly- start 1940 right by lunching NBC grams, having worked rvith Meredith wood. Willson and produced that type of Western Division executives, there was QUICK PIX . . . Lew Frost attended program for the past six years, will a 100% turnout. You can see the en- the East-West Game in San Erancisco work on musical shows in Radio City. tire list of them gathered together in Year’s Day and later visited with Incidentally, for those in New York one place in the picture above. Left New who might be interested, Thompson is to right, standing: Sydney Dixon, Sales Lloyd Yoder who journeyed there an advocate of swing music. He has Manager; Wendell Williams, Con- from Denver to act as head linesman over 14,000 records which he is ship- tinuity Acceptance, Hollywood; Paul of the tilt . . . Vice President Don Gil- ping to his new home in Gotham. Gale, Traffic Supervisor; Robert man was elected to the Board of Direc- Here’s an old story involving new Schuetz, Radio-Recording Division; tors of the L. A. Chamber of Commerce people. Joe Kay put off getting bur- Walter Bunker, Production Manager, the beginning of the year . . . Jack glary insurance and the other day Hollywood; Charles Brown, Sales Stewart of Sales nabbed $2.50 from sneak thieves entered his home and Promotion Manager; William An- the Times Movie Contest . . . Kathryn cleaned out all Phelan has been available cash and transferred into jewelry. The prow- Continuity Accept- lers got thirty-two LLOYD AND FAIRBANKS ance from Engineer- silver dollars which ing . . . Charlie Joe was saving be- LAUNCH NBC FILM SOCIETY Brown has been ap- cause they had pointed Chairman cocked - eyed eagles FEB. 1 5:10 and 8:30 P.M. Harold Lloyd in SAFETY LAST. of the L. A. Ad or something, a dime Club’s “On to Van- bank that was al- FEB. 15 5:10 and 8:30 P.M. Douglas Fairbanks as FIOBIN HOOD. couver” committee. most full and a roll The Pacific Coast A series of 10 famous films will be presented for NBC New York employes of Jefferson nickels. and their families. Admission to members only. Membership fee $2.00 each person. Advertising Clubs His college ring, his convene there in John Barrymore's DR. JEKYL AND MR. HYDE; Charlie Chaplin and Marie wife’s wedding ring July . . . Paul IMc- Dressier in TILLIE'S PUNCTURED ROMANCE; Lon Chaney's PHANTOM OF THE and a wristwatch OPERA; and other famous films not publicly available. Cluer visited with made up the swag. Sydney Dixon last Oh, yes, Frank SEND YOUR NAME AND ROOM NUMBER NOW TO— month . . . George Davis sold another McMen amin’s ap- CHARLES L. TURNER ROOM 465 policy the next pendix went out morning. with 1939. —

12 NBC TRANSMITTER

WCY SCHENECTADY, N. Y. by W. T. Meenam

Christmas At WCY carried to an ambulance and the hos- pital for an emergency appendectomy. WGY’s second Christmas Party in Mr. Hager survived the surgical or- the new building, with Manager Kolin deal in fine shape and three days later Hager as host, has been chalked up was doing a good job of running a among the unforgettable events of the broadcasting station from a hospital 30 decade by 180 guests, including the bed. staff, musicians, artists and their wives and sweethearts, as well as officials of Scissors and Paste General Electric. It was a costume Tom Lewis, of Young & Rubicam’s party, the first undertaken by WGY, radio department, returned to his Alma and there were action and entertain- Mater in time to join in the annual ment every minute until the earl) New Year’s air show of Scissors and hours of the morning. Highlighted Paste. All members of the staff, secre- among the events was the unexpected FIND THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE C. H. Lang, Charles E. Wilson, Bernard taries, pages, engineers, announeers, appearance of Philip D. Reed, chair- Cruger, Kolin Hager, Philip Reed and etc., extended public greetings. man of the board of General Electric Martin P. Rice. and the new President, Charles E. Wil- Bowling son. Announcing their intention just table, set of dishes, a permanent In WGY’s six-team bowling league, to look in and pay their respects, they wave, table silver and slaeks. Many the Whistles have a one-game margin, remained to join the holiday fun. beautiful costumes were exhibited by as of Jan. 4. Only three games separate Other G-E guests included Chester H. the guests. There were Colonial cos- the bottom and top teams. Anything Lang, Publicity Department manager, tumes, Mexican, Spanish, Dutch, kid can happen and probably will. So and his assistants William Merrihue, outfits, Hillbillies and many comedy much interest has been built up in the Bartlett Rowan and Robert Gibson. make-ups. The most original was that game that three men, A. 0. Coggeshall, Victor Campbell and Gordie Ran- built and worn by Bernard Cruger. John Sheehan and Chester Vedder dall were heads of the entertainment Cruger’s hobby is making miniature, asked Santa Claus for bowling balls and they combined to produce an hour locomotives to scale from the giant and got them. show with music by orchestras directed locomotives. For his costume, he re- by Randall and Edward A. Rice, solos versed the process and built, to scale, Skiing by Annette McCullough, Barbara a five-foot speaking likeness of a rib- After waiting for weeks for a good Knox and Vicki Colamarie, a special bon microphone. Crug, inside the skiing show, the winter sports enthusi- song-sketch by the Landt Trio and microphone, communicated with the asts of WGY are getting their fill. Bill Curly Mahr, a serious address which outside world by means of portable Purcell helped Lowell Thomas with turned into a comedy by William Mer- public address equipment. Annette Mc- his broadcasts and skiing at Lake rihue of G-E, and an original sketch Cullough received a prize for the best Placid and the following week tried in which male members of the staff, “kid’s” costume, and Mr. and Mrs. out the slopes at Old Forge ^— Betty impersonating the secretarial staff, W. T. Meenam prizes for the most King Donahue with husband Lloyd en- conducted a heavenly broadcasting original couple’s outfit — “Angels of joyed the New Year week-end at Placid station. Peace”—Hitler and Stalin. —Horton Mosher, who did the real Among the many attractive prizes The committee in charge consisted work for the Thomas pick-ups from which were distributed to lucky of Howard Tupper, chairman; Ger- num- Placid, spent his leisure time photo- bers were a radio set, a spectacular trude Peeples, Betty Donahue, Caro- graphing skiers on the Placid trails basket of fruit, an album of line Osan, Alexander MacDonald, John Straus and the bobsledders on Mt. VanHoe- Waltz records, an 1. E. S. Lamp, white Howe, Victor Campbell, Chester Ru- venburg — Victor Campbell attended pottery vase, musical powder box, end dowski and Gordie Randall. the Ralston convention at St. Louis Chet Vedder, senior announcer, is back Three Christmas trees, ga)ly deco- at the microphone after six weeks’ sick rated and brightly flood-lighted gave leave—Miss Ruth A. Clark is wearing the premises of WGY a gala holiday the ring of Kenneth Hallenbeck of appearance. Massive ropes of Princess Press—Jack Keane and Mrs. Keane Pine were festooned the length of the passed the Christmas week-end in New foyer and at each end of the hall was York. a large tree. The third tree, thirty feet high, made a festive background in the Bonanza audience studio. We were going to put a story in here Kolin Hager that we have been trying to tell you for Kolin Hager extended a Happy New months, but the title will do just as \ear to WGY listeners on the Scissors well for calling your attention to the ANGELS WITH FUNNY FACES and Paste program Thursday, Decem- chance to win yourself a bonanza in Tom Martin, Ken Hallenbeck, Alex Mac- ber 28. The following morning a the photo contest. Page 5 will tell you Donald, Michael Tusco, A. O. Coggeshall and Phil Brook. hastily summoned doctor ordered him all about it. —

FEBRUARY, 1940 13

K D KA PITTSBURGH by Jim Luntzel

humana would emerge in dulcet tones which he glues together, varnishes and from the bathroom. Bernie was thrilled. gives to his friends as products of his The neighbors weren’t. machine shop. “They won’t mind when it’s all Before he came to KDKA, Arm- tuned up,” Armstrong told the irate strong was organist at the Staidey

landlord. “Besides, I will play request Theater in Pittsburgh and for three

numbers for them. They’ll like it years he took jiart in sketches and then.” blackouts on the stage with such stars Then Mrs. Armstrong came home. as Dick Powell, Joe Penner, Jack One look at the console; everything Haley and Joe E. Brown. Before that was O. K. One look at the kitchen, he played the organ in silent picture “Get that thing out of here!” There theatres and this period goes l)ack to was a glint in Mrs. Armstrong’s eyes. the days of “Fatty” Arbuckle, Mary Bernie Armstrong, away for the moment, “Now don’t be hasty. Baby. Just let Pickford, Gloria Swanson. He remem- from the KDKA organ. me play it for you. Listen how nice it bers playing for The Shiek with

is. Just like downtown.” Rudolph Valentino. Going back fur- Thousands of radio listeners know And Armstrong sat to play ther we find him as a youth of 13 Bernie Armstrong as an outstanding down one of those intricate arrangements |)Iaying violin in the pit orchestra. organist, a master of music. But they for which he is famous. He gave it Those were the days of road shows do not know that he also is a mechanic, all he had. At the first few bars, Mrs. in the “opery house”. Bernie made a an actor and the possessor of a unique Armstrong listened with lips com- salary of $2.00 a night. sense of humor; neither do they know pressed. Then Bernie opened up. Sound We find him at the age of six pester- (and he would certainly deny it) that effects started pouring from every ing his parents for a banjo, wbicb be he is a maker of mistakes. room of the apartment, eventually got from Sears-Roebuck. He To his credit, Bernie designed bedroom, closets, kitchen and hallway. learned to play all tbe “hoe-downs” KDKA’s new $25,000 pipe organ, the Mrs. Armstrong is said to have fainted. and “patters” by ear wdtbin three first Wurlitzer ever to be designed The Armstrongs months. At eight he pestered again, especially for radio. While he was now live in a bungalow. and a mail-order violin was forthcom- working on the plans he got an idea. ing. At 9 the pestering started once “Why not,” he thought, “build a Perhaps it’s a complex. It COULD more this time for a piano. V hen he smaller pipe organ for the home. After be, because Bernie has more than one. — was ten years old he could play all all, the wife is visiting her mother, and The number one fixation in the Arm- three instruments with such skill that if I work nights I can get it finished strong psychological make-up is his his parents decided to give him a and surprise her when she comes horror of going into a store. He hasn’t musical education, so the family back.” So he plunged into the project. gone into a department store, a cloth- moved to town, (Weston, \ a., The console, Bernie decided, naturally ing store or a bank for ten years. He W. j)apers please copy) and for three should go into the living room of the even refuses to go into a drug store. )ears he studied the piano. Bv the apartment. So into the living room it He explains it by saying; time he was 13 he was playing the went. “I just don’t go for that sort of exit march daily in school. He received Now, everybody knows that a pipe thing. It makes me nervous; I’m em- a dollar a month for this. During that organ must have a blower; but what barrassed.” Every stitch of clothes he summer he got his first “big” job, everybody doesn’t know is that a wears was purchased by a Western among grown men, in the “opery blower fits just dandy under the Union messenger boy. Anytime Arm- house” mentioned above. kitchen sink. This was Bernie’s own strong needs socks, shoes or “sealing Bernie has had innumerable offers discovery. The two-and-a-half horse wax” he calls the boy and makes the to go on the road with various stage power motor which runs the blower purchase through his “agent”. was and movie stars as accompanist and somewhat of a problem, but This could go on until it would straight man. He has always refused. Bernie, with the true instinct of a born make a book which would dwarf Gone Pittsburgh remains the only big citv discoverer, found that it went nicelv With the Wind. It could contain chap- in wbich he has ever worked. in the kitchen pantry. Of course he ters on how Bernie won $4,000 in the had to remove a shelf or two but old sweepstakes (hardly a mistake bv anv

ideas always must make wav for tb(> calculation), ' V and how he bought a , new. The chimes fitted perfectly in the complete set of lathes, band saws, drill bedroom clothes closet, but where to presses for a basement workshop; how put the xylophone? This required a he dropped a hammer on his foot and bit of study, but eventually the xylo- decided to sell the outfit, costing more phone went under the davenport in the than .$800 for $150; how he regretted living room. Finally, everything that his sale a week later and started buy- an organ needs to be an organ found ing the same equipment back piece by its resting place in the Armstrong piece at a cost of more than $250; and apartment. Bernie would sit in the liv- how after making one small cigarette ing room. He would press vox humana box he decided to “send away” and on the console keyboard,—and vox buy various objects already cut out COI NATlOt^AL BROADCASTING 14 NBC TRANSMITTER WASHINGTON by Marion P. Gale

Until President Roosevelt’s Christ- the entrance of the WRC-WMAL WRC-WMAL announcer for the past inas broadcast when he extended his studios in the Trans-Lux Building. year, has been appointed to the Pro- greetings to the nation, WRC-WMAL Gordon Hittenmark, “WRC Time- duction Department. Roger Von Roth, engineers had never had an occasion keeper”, distributed more than 18,000 recently with Station WDBJ at to switch to emergency e(jui]iment dolls to hospitals and charity organi- Roanoke, Virginia, will take Wheeler’s while on the air. However, while the zations in and around Washington place as an announcer effective Eeh- invocation was being delivered at the this year as a result of his Christmas ruary 1st. He started in radio many lighting of the Community Christmas Doll Campaign for needy children. years ago at NBC in Radio City . . . Tree ceremonies, just before the Presi- This year’s record was the highest of working first in the mail division, then dent was scheduled to speak, an am- any of the four years that Hittenmark as a page, a guide and later as a mem- plifier tube in the main set of has conducted the drive. Beginning ber of the set-up staff. He is a graduate equipment burned out. Quickly Ralph December 4th and ending Christmas of Dan Russell’s announcing school, Hamill, Control supervisor, changed Eve, he broadcast pleas daily on his and has announced at Stations WAIR over to auxiliary equipment. Only program for donors to his campaign. Winston Salem, and WPTF Raleigh three seconds of the actual program A specially constructed dollhouse was before going to Roanoke. were lost. Ever since the first Presi- erected at a down town street corner Rose Ewell, receptionist, entertained dential broadcast announcers and so that people could deposit their dolls a number of NBC people at her home engineers have carried along duplicate any time of the day it was convenient. on New Year’s Eve. “Sardines” and equipment to insure success in trans- The title of Director of Women’s “Murder” were the two most popular mitting the Chief Executive’s voice. Activities for WRC and WMAL has games of the evening. Those attending The NBC-Eiiemng Star “Mile been conferred upon Mary Mason by were. Vice President Russell, Attorney O’Dimes” campaign, which last year General Manager Berkeley. Since P. J. Hennessey, Esther Jenkins, John raised over $10,000 for the fight “Cousin Mary”, as she is known to her Hurley, Mary Mason, Vic Kissal, against infantile paralysis, has been WRC Home Forum listeners, started Gladys Murphy, Bryson Rash, Rodney repeated here as a feature of the broadcasting in 1925, her work has Erickson, Ross Filion and Eva Cluff. National Capital’s celebration of the been mostly with women’s programs. An informal party was held in Com- President’s Birthday Ball festivities, as During her four years in Washington, mercial Manager John Dodge’s office was announced by General Manager she has been in great demand by club the day before Christmas. A contest Kenneth H. Berkeley. The campaign and church organizations for her in- between Rudy Goldenstroth, auditor, was begun January 14th and continued teresting talks on progress in radio. and Vice President Russell was de- through January 29th. The “Mile O’ Announcer Jack Roney is recuperat- cided a draw. Several NBCites turned Dimes” stand, which attracted so many ing in a local hospital from severe their Christmas money over to Mr. thousands last winter, was put up once burns he received when a kettle of Russell on the outcome of bets made again on the corner of 14th Street and water on a stove tipped over on him. that day on the California-Tennessee New York Avenue directly in front of George Wheeler, who has been a game.

Here’s a chance to get acquainted with the WTAM

Cleveland staff. The party which

brings them all into the picture is S' ^ J the fifth annual one in honor of Manager Vernon

H. Prihble. who is seated at the head of the table. Un- fortunately there

isn’t room to tell you who the rest of them are, hut you ean see they’re a very attraetive looking group. We’d like though to point out OUT columnist Boh Dailey just above those curls on the right. WTAM honors Manager Vernon H. Pribble, seated at the head of the table. FEBRUARY, 1940 15 NBC SAN FRANCI SCO by Kay Barr

Manager A1 Nelson gave the staff a party December 22, starting at noon. Everyone not on actual duty was present and those who were working heard the program over a special in- side set-up. George Mardikian, owner and chef of the famous Omar Khay- )am restaurants, was on hand with 18 roasted turkeys. Every person received a gift and scores received prizes up to a console receiving set.

Five Christmas trees, artistic fes- toons and wreathes decorated the

Thousands stopped, looked and listened. offices and lobbies; “Uncle” Bennie Anita Bolton, Jennings Pierce, Mardikian, Al Nelson and Gladys Cronkhite. Walker made a convincing Santa Since early December the NBC sta- Claus; Jennings Pierce was the general ceived the significant diamond solitaire tions in San Francisco have been chairman; Announcer Larry Keating from Alfred Siren, and said the marri- receiving wide and favorable attention did much of the em cee business; Pro- age would take place during the com- for a series of broadcasts based on the gram Manager Glenn Dolherg led the ing summer. history of San Francisco and the Bay “community” singing, and a dozen George Fuerst, head of Traffic, re- region. Both KGO and KPO are carry- others contributed time, energy and ceived his grandest Christmas gift in ing the broadcasts under the title of genius to the success of “the best partv the form of a capital “YES” from The City of St. Francis, and Dave we ever had.” Pierce and some of the Mary Cody, and they will march down Drummond, writer-producer, is doing hoys produced the climax in the the middle aisle within a few months. the heavy work back stage. special record of songs and talks ad- Starting with one half-hour program dressed to Nelson, a feature of which Engagement of David McNutt, also each week, a second was added when was an arrangement of special words of Press, to Janet Gullman had been the material became too plentiful. The to the tune of Jingle Bells, Jingle announced hut Dave slipped one over San Francisco Chronicle is co-operat- Bells, only the call letters, KGO-KPO, by jumping over to Reno for a sur- ing, which is another achievement for were used in place of the usual words. prise ceremony December 31. The Manager A1 Nelson. For nearly two Cupid contributed to the Happy happy day culminated a University of years before he became manager last Holidays at KGO and KPO studios California romance. October the local newspapers had with five matches. June Shaw of Press Natalie Park, actress of the dramatic shunned radio news except for pro- started the epidemic by announcing staff, and Melvin Vickland, former gram schedules. The City of St. that she had been married since last announcer, planned an elopement to Francis series reached its climax in a July 17 to Dr. Clifford L. Feiler of Reno. But Natalie’s mother got wind two and one-half hour program in the Cleveland, Ohio. Her resignation was of the plan and went along. The Civic Auditorium. It was also a cele- to he effective January 15. Reverend T. Clarence Vickland, uncle bration of the Diamond Jubilee Anni- Florence Larsen of Mimeograph re- of the groom, also got the tip and versary of The Chronicle, which made joined the party so he could perform its first appearance January 16, 1865. the ceremony. Vows exchanged Janu- All of which is getting much favorable ary 4. attention for NBC stations. In connec- In co-operation with The San Fran- tion with the News — KGO-KPO cisco News, KGO and KPO broadcast Christmas Sing promotion, the stations the annual Carol and Communitv received especially kind attention from Sing from the War Memorial Opera The News. House in San Francisco, Christmas KGO and attracted KPO thousands Eve. Some 7000 persons were attracted of Christmas shoppers with three win- to the place by the program, a third dow displays in San Francisco and of these being unable to get into the Oakland. Two were miniature broad- theatre. Outstanding soloists and sing- casts with moving figures and sound. ing groups were on the 90-minute pro- The third was a demonstration of a gram. parts of which went network and toy sound effects set. In the picture, shortwave. Ancient bells from the Uncle Bennie Walker, m. c. in the Mission Dolores started and finished group, appears at the right. Ruth the network portion of the broadcast, Sprague, “Susie Q”, right of Bennie being picked up in the 155-year-old in the group, also appears alive, top tower of the Mission. Boys pulling center. Credit should be given to Milt ropes were too vigorous and two of Samuel, Press head, and A1 Dinsdale the ropes broke. Engineers had to ring of the O’Dee Studios, who was assisted the bells by hand to keep the show by Cyril Miller and Detail of the Xmas display In Ethel Laurie Hollings. Henercoff's home. going. 16 NBC TRANSMITTER ROVING REPORTER

BUT ONCE A YEAR STRAIGHT FROM THE STORK’S MOUTH

The 8H Christmas show was a great success. Lurking Hugh Savage’s cherubic grin is well known on the mez- between two blondheaded tots after it was over, we heard zanine and somehow even comes over the loudspeaker when a lot of remarks that any producer would be glad to print he calls the tours together. The grin is wider than ever now. on his marquee. It was also quite original, combining in Hugh the Expectant has become Hugh the Proud. On Janu- one and the same performance the dramatic glorification of ary 10, at 8 o’clock in the morning, at Physicians Hospital Cinderella, a tapdancing Pied Piper, and a Santa Claus in Jackson Heights, his wife presented him with a fine whose favorite paunchline was “My! 1 wish I wasn’t so bouncing baby girl, 6 pounds, 12 ounces. This is worth the !” hoarse heartiest congratulations of us all, and it is likely to have But we don’t intend to report here the highlights, the a considerable effect on our public relations. The infectious dancing, the beautiful cos- smile, the friendly voice have tumes. To us, the best part become irresistible. Guides re- of the show was the eighth porting for tour now have a floor after the presents had sense of roseate clouds float- been dispersed—and we mean ing about the mezzanine. And dispersed. Children underfoot, the tourists, hearing them- children wreathed around the selves called, feel an unex- columns, mothers chasing off- pected touch of spring in the spring among the ashstands, air and enter the elevator football games, rubber halls with hearts uplifted and a lying in wait, airplanes buzz- warm sense of all being well ing, whistles blowing, hells with the world. ringing, toy dogs barking, toy JENNIFER WREN dolls walking, rolling, tum- bling, squirming around the We’ve mentioned in another floor. It was an overwhelming place, but we’re not going to spectacle, something like a tell you where, the gay whirl Hollywood premiere, which of life in Radio City, divisions we were incapable of describ- skyrocketing from one floor ing. So we asked our car- to another, managers whizzing toonist to try it, and after past, and the Tr.4NSMITTER in visiting the Picasso show to its third office in three months. refresh his memory, he im- Our last one was known to mortalized the whole business habitues as the Elbow Room, in the masterpiece at the right. just 62 floors below the Rain- A day or two later, still bow Room. The present one chagrined at the defeat of our literary prowess, we boarded is a little smaller and seems to have been christened the a 5th Avenue bus (where it seems almost anything can hap- Orifice. We’ve been trying to think what it all reminds us pen) and ensconced ourselves on the upper deck. At the of—and at last we’ve remembered. It reminds us of a story, next stop a young man with an intelligent-looking young just a little thing we picked up from the boys in the back- woman got on and sat down a few seats ahead of us. The room, but we thought you’d like to hear from the mob, so young woman immediately turned around and said, looking here is the edifying story of small Jennifer Wren. It straight at us, “But it’s an old hack. is!” Such clairvoy- It seems a little bird, just back from Palm Beach, started ance is cruel. are still wondering, as you probably are We to build a nest in an oak tree. She was tired of living with too by now. But that’s all. her familv and wanted to branch out for herself. But no PAGE BOYS’ EISTEDDFOD sooner had she started in on her twigging, than a storm came Even the singing mice begin to pale when we think of the along and blew the branch down. It was a rather decrepit usually austere brass buttons and citation cords bursting old tree. Nothing daunted, the little bird started in again into song. Sixteen voices, some in the high C range and a on a new branch, but that was soon closed because of the sprinkling of baritones and even basses, on the guide staff Bank Holidav. She tried again and the farmer’s hoy, play- is quite a phenomenon even for a soundproof building. ing Tarzan, knocked the stuffings out of her horsehair up- And all sixteen voices were raising Saint Nick in the halls, holstery. She tried once more and had just finished putting come Christmas Eve. Eventually they ended up in Studio a copy of Poems We All Love in the guest room, when the 8G for the Christmas Eve program of Name It and Take It. farmer came along and cut the tree down for firewood. The audience thought the show was under martial law rvhen Bv now the little bird was feeling pretty discouraged. As the uniformed staff marched in with their speciallv acquired she sat in a bush, brooding, she saw a spider trying to build

you name it and we’ll take it attitude. All through the pro- itself a web. Six times it tried and failed; the seventh time, gram Ed East, the well known master of ceremonies, kept however, the spider dropped gracefully on its thread from

hinting at a surprise, and it turned out to be the sixteen the top of the bush to a twig right in front of the little bird,

guide and page voices led by Production man Bill Marshall. who quickly gobbled it up and said to herself, “If at first It concluded the half-hour program with ten minutes of you don’t succeed, go home to mother,” and she flew back four part Christmas carols. to Palm Beach and went in for Female Suffrage. NBC TRANSMITTER VOL. 6 MARCH. 1940 No. 3

PACES’ AND GUIDES’ MINSTREL SHOW ARTISTS SERVICE DEPARTMENT ATTAINS TELEVISION SUCCESS TENTH ANNIVERSARY ach month the Chimes proudly ring out the tenth — E anniversary of various individuals in the Company. Now we ring a special change on our Anniversary Carillon with ten resounding peals at the end for a whole Division. NBC Artists Service has celebrated its first decade. Along

with it, the Civic Concert Service celebrates too. Ten years ago NBC’s artist bureau was reorganized. At that time Civic Concert Service became affiliated with the newly formed NBC Artists Service. Miss Dema Harshbarger became Civic president and Mr. George Engles, Civic vice president, later succeeding to the president’s title. Mr. Engles was also made vice president of NBC and Managing Director of NBC Artists Service in that early move. The years that followed developed not only an outstand- ing record for the Division but also a deep loyalty and

remarkable friendship. The foremost example of this is Mr. Engles’ long association with Dr. Walter Damrosch. Before he came to NBC, Mr. Engles was almost entirely “Better than most Broadway hits.” concerned with the management of a few great artists, such as Paderewski, Schumann-Heink and Heifetz. When he came ensation of the month was the Pages’ and Guides’ to our Company, however, he took advantage of the oppor- S Television Show January 24th, repeated Fehruary 1st tunity to develop young talent and has even extended his because of public demand and for the FCC, who visited activities to the recent establishment of a training class for Radio City to see how things were getting along. In the potential concert managers. Indeed, Mr. Engles can survey traditional minstrel form, the idea was conceived and exe- with satisfaction a decade of ever increasing success, high- cuted by the uniformed staff and coached by Television lighted by the management of supreme figures like Kirsten Producer Warren Wade, who knows what a minstrel show Flagstad. should be if anyone does. Another source of satisfaction which the entire Division At a cast meeting after the performances, Vice-President must value greatly, is the closeness of their organization. Morton brought in some of the responses and the audience Many of them are likewise celebrating their tenth anniver- rating sheet. The acclaim was “four starred”, “special con- sary, or longer service with the Company. Helen Mobert, sideration”, “more”. Letters made statements like, “Have May Ball, Adelaide Bucheister, Alex Haas and Larry Fitz- never enjoyed any television show as thoroughly.” There — gerald came to NBC with Mr. Engles in 1928. Marks Levine were telegrams too “Best entertainment ever. Better than and Elsie Illingworth are ringing in the start of a new most Broadway hits”. The cold figures, averaged from ques- {Continued on Page 8) tionnaires sent to owners of television sets, are the most in- dicative of all. The figure was 2.66 out of a possible 3, the highest rating for any variety show. The public still gets a kick out of the old-fashioned songs, and it still has a soft spot in its collective heart for the Chautauquas, the minstrels and carnivals of years past. 21 guides and pages are also apt to be lively and enthusiastic. Altogether the show ran off quickly and brightly. Much hard work went into it, done in the pages’ and guides’ spare time—of which there is little. The artists wrote their OMTi acts, thought up the stage routine and arranged the music. Then, with a trouper like Mr. Wade to add the authentic touch, the effect was perfect. The Bai/y News suggested that if these were the guides and pages, NBC had better put the regular Broadway talent in the uniforms and let Guest Relations wear the grease paint. When the curtain went up on the kinescope, Casper Kuhn, the interlocutor, was all dressed up in a sort of Mad-Hatter costume. In back of him was the traditional minstrel form with four end-men and the chorus lines. The fanfare was given by Bob Button, a particularly glib young man on the piano. Earl Wrightson, one of the highlights, began the CIVIC CONCERTS LUNCHEON {Continued Major Lenox R. Lohr in the center; to his right, Niles Trammel; on Page 4) to his left, George Engles. 2 NBC TRANSMITTER DR. CONRAD PRESENTED STORY OF SHORT WAVES BY SARNOFF FOR MEDAL A condensed report of an address delivered Dr. At a recent dinner of the American by Frank Conrad in ac- cepting the Institute of the City of New York, Dr. medal of the American Frank Conrad, Assistant Chief En- Institute. gineer of the Westinghouse Electrical Mr. Chairman and ladies and gen- and Manufacturing Company, and tlemen, I deeply appreciate the honor known as “the father of broadcasting”, extended by the American Institute of was presented by Mr. David Sarnofl the City of New York in awarding me for the Gold Medal of the American the Institute’s medal. I am particularly gratified Institute. We publish herewith a con- that the award was deter- densed report of Mr. Sarnoff’s pre- mined in part by work in the develop- sentation speech. ment of radio broadcasting. Radio broadcasting justly be Recall early days of short wave. I am grateful for this opportunity may classed among the developments which to join with The American Institute Early pioneers in radio broadcast- have done most to produce our pres- of the City of New York in honoring ing gather to honor Dr. Erank Con- ent eivilization. It is in the forefront one of our country’s great pioneers. rad, Westinghouse engineer, second Dr. Frank Conrad. of agencies for the extension of from left, who demonstrates a replica Today, the frontiers of geography civilized thought and action. Ulti- of the first short wave set with which mately, it should be a mighty weapon have almost vanished. But expanding he picked up a Pittsburgh broadcast civilization still pioneer- for peace, but paradoxically, it was calls for the in London in the early 1920’s. At the ing spirit. The modern pioneer blazes literally horn of the last World War. far left is C. W. Horn, now an NBC a trail of experiment and invention Before the struggle began, radio’s official, who sent the program. At Dr. into the boundless wilderness of our apparent field of greatest use was in Conrad’s right is David Sarnoff, who communication from ship-to-shore, ignorance, and converts it into a fer- was with Conrad when the broadcast vessel to vessel or with isolated spots. tile land of useful knowledge and was received. R. T. Pollock, President The apparatus as developed before the service. of the American Institute, donor of is Dr. Frank Con- war period effectively served this pur- Such a pioneer the 1940 Gold Medal to Dr. Conrad, rad, to we are glad to pay our pose. The military necessities of war whom is at the extreme right. respects this evening. time furnished the incentive for a fur- In April 1920, Dr. Conrad began ther development, but, what was even sending out experimental broadcasts. more important, it furnished the in our Pittsburgh-Boston tests—that He would talk into the microphone necessary financial support. this phenomenon is due to the skip and then, for a rest, would play phono- At the close of the war, we found zonp near the transmitter. graph records. His broadcasts began ourselves in possession of the radio At a conference of associated radio to attract attention around Pittsburgh, products of many research agencies companies held in London, England, and stimulated the sale of radio parts but with no apparent use to which to in the early 1920’s, delegates raised to home set builders; so much so that put these products. In my own case some questions as to short waves ever business executives of his company it was undoubtedly the natural fas- being of any value in radio. Tying a authorized him to build a new radio- cination of working with a new tool wire to a curtain rod for an aerial, I telephone transmitter, which was com- that induced me to continue my re- “tuned in” on our station 8XK at pleted in the fall of 1920. search and experimentation. Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh an- The broadcast of the Harding-Cox Today we all know that radio has nouncer launched a prearranged pro- election returns over the Westinghouse come far and fast since those war gram. On New Year’s Eve in 1923, we Station KDKA in Pittsburgh made days. I am convinced that if radio transmitted a short wave program history. That event is universally re- broadcasting is to continue to expand, from Pittsburgh to Great Britain. This garded as the birth of public broad- then the short wave lengths offer the program was rebroadcast to British listeners, the first internation- casting. Although it was the 1920 only road. Two developments in the and was election broadcast which chiefly made use of short wave bands appear to be ally broadcast program as well as the the name of Frank Conrad known to imminent at this time: a network of first to rehroadcast. Near the end the public, he has made marry con- short wave broadcasting stations, and of 1924, KDKA’s short wave program tributions of basic importance to television. There is ample room on- was transmitted to Australia. This radio. these bands for expansion. What is transmission marked the ultimate in The United States was created by more, the short waves are the long distance transmission since it was sent pioneers. As long as the pioneering distance carriers of radio. half-way round the world. spirit lives, America will go forward. We began to realize this faet as Since those rather crude beginnings, Dr. Frank Conrad is an illustrious early as 1922. I arranged to carry on the technique of short wave broadcast- example of this pioireering spirit. experimental short wave tests from ing has advanced dailv. Today every in Mr. President, I have the great my home transmitter to an amateur nation Europe displays a keen ap- privilege to present to you, for the station in Boston. preciation of the importance of short high honor of the Gold Medal of the Radio men in general were con- wave transmission in inter-country American Institute of the City of New vinced that the short wave signals died mass communication. The day will York, one of America’s true pioneers; out after traveling a relatively few come when short waves will find their a benefactor of humanity, and my miles. They did not know—and this rightful use as bonds of international friend—Dr. Frank Conrad. is one of the things we demonstrated understanding and appreciation. MARCH, 1940 3

have to do. I have found many NEW YORK hobbies better than just one. Some have furnished me with recreation; others have been the means of forming An introductory column has the intimate and lasting companionships editorial privilege of being the expres- or business contacts.” He can, it seems, sion of a magazine’s own point of be interested in almost anything. 'Fhe view. It is also a handy place to ac- hobbies he lists at jnesenl, for there knowledge errors. First, then, we may very well be additional ones by would like to apologize to two whole the time we go to press, are: his work- Departments, to Press and to News shop; coin collection; a small zoo; a and Special Events for getting hold collection of ancient decks of cards; of the wrong picture last month and gun collection; making movies of his printing the wrong caption for the children, often with sound and in picture we did get. Many kowtows to color; athletics; magic, learned while all. Next, we would like to state our studying at Cambridge, England; but- policy on the tender subject of en- terfly collecting and stamp collecting. Presenting— Mrs. Edward Herlihy! gagements and marriages. These have Such variety speaks for itself. Major always been news, and our policy is Lohr could easily form a Hobbv Club closes with the hamis up and the bars simply to print them, when we hear of by himself. down. them and have the permission of the Traveling in this illustrious com- ACT 11 shows the climax with a people involved. But we haven’t or- pany we find Bill Stern, making that large cast. The characters, in the order ganized a secretarial spying system issue of Look pretty much an NBC of their appearance, are: Ann Lee yet, and so we often don’t hear the affair. Bill is pictured before the mike, Strom, of Sales, and Robert E. East- Crossley report on Cupid Inc. There- but the write up tells how he went to man, of Programs, who were iTiarried fore, we make the plea that if you Hollywood to become an actor, and January 14th in Scarsdale, N. Y. have knowledge, rumor, or suspicion ended up digging postholes on the Next, Announcer Ed Herlihy made of such events, or indeed any incident RKO lot. Later, however, he was stage his vows with Jeanne Suzanne Graham that would he of interest, convenience director of Radio Citv Music Hall on January 19th at St. Paul’s Church or necessity to the public, just buzz and the Center Theatre before becom- R.C. The Rev. John Fitzgerald, a fel- 220, drop a word, and we will start ing one of our finest sports announ- low classmate of Ed’s from Boston snooping. If you are involved your- cers. The write up ends on that wistful College, Class of ’32, performed the self, all the better. We carefully pro- note, so well known in radio, “He ceremony. Previous to her marriage, tect the anonymity of our sources. To hasn’t had a vacation in six vears.” Mrs. Herlihy was an illustrator’s see his name in print is an experience model and was judged the most beau- everyone should have once. Hearts and Flowers tiful “Red head” in New York in a Major Lohr, who heads our Names recent poll. Mr. and Mrs. have taken Connuhiality is rampant in NBC. in the News this month, cannot be un- up residence in a penthouse on the California had its season, reported in — used to seeing himself in print. On East side “Close to heaven” says the the last issue, and the tide has now this occasion, however, it is not in effervescent Ed. The scene closes with surged over Radio City. All three acts connection with radio, but with re- a startling statistic: Mr. Herlihy has of the drama are represented, giving laxation. The February 13th issue of gained seven pounds since the cere- a complete cross section of this busi- Look carried a double spread of Major mony. ness of getting married. Lohr engaged in the pursuit of his The plot continues to thicken. On Act I sees Ranald MacDougall of hobbies, with pictures and all. On January 20th, Miss Cornelia Reding- Script engaged. We, as chorus, asked pages 44 and 45 you can see him in ton Dickerman, of New York and him how it happened and something his workshop, studying his coin col- Long Island, and Ernest Lee Jahncke, about the object of his good inten- lection, playing with his bear cubs and Jr., of Station Relations, were married tions. Mr. MacDougall obliged with, following various other of the ten at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Rich- “Well—She’s a young lady.” “Yes, activities which he lists as his hobbies. mond, Virginia. ves,” we urged. “Her name is Lucille Major Lohr is quoted as saying, “A Completing ACT II, temporarily, Brophy, and she’s the secretarial assist- hobby must be something you don’t Evelyn Vergaletti. of Long Island, and ant to Jerry Danzig, head of Commer- Alfred Patkocy, supervisor of Dupli- cial Programs on a (slight pause NOT cating, became man and wife January for station identification) rival net- 27th at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and work.” The engagement was officially then left for Florida. announced on February 19th, the bride-to-be’s birthday. The month of The denouement comes in ACT June is being cleared for musical HI, rounding out the story. Up in rights for the performance. This is International, we found Arthur S. what comes of acting in plays with Deter, known to his Portuguese listeners attractive young ladies, but Mr. Mac- as Fernando de Sa, floating merrily

Dougall is very happy about it all, around the sub-stratosphere. On Mon- and the adhesive plaster over his right day, February 5th, at 3:48 and 10 eye has nothing whatever to do with seconds, came Mary Jean, all of eight Evelyn Vergaletti becomes Mrs. Alfred Patkocy. marital arrangements. Thus, ACT I {Continued on page 6) 4 NBC TRANSMITTER PACES’ AND GUIDES’ SHOW STACECRAFTERS PRESENT TELEVISION NEWS {Continued from Page 1) Help Yourself specialty acts with the plaintive appeal, DRAMATIS PERSONAE by Noran E. Kersta Canh You Hear Me Callin’, Caroline? Frederick Bittlesby Kirk Quinn On January 30th, RCA announced and when the audience was reduced Uncle John Ray O’Connell the successful operation of a television to tears. Bill Garden cheered them up Fanny Keane Jeanne Harrison radio relay system for network con- with a comedy interpretation of Ida. Messenger Jack Morris nection of television transmitters in Next, “Introducing Mr. Walter Coveil, Miss Breckenridge Virginia Kelly various markets. This is perhaps one fugitive from a summer stock com- Miss Oglesby Edmee Logan of the most significant developments pany,” with an original monologue Tony George Andrews of television since the introduction of impersonating “hams of the stage and Christopher Stringer Walter Coveil the orthicon, the new sensitive pick-up the movies, known for mugging, not A Job Hunter Robert West tube for television cameras. These re- mustard, I mean.” Slightly on the Schuyler Danforth Dave Crandall lays work on a frequency of around burlesque side was the Benson-Don- A. B. Alexander Robert Stone 500 megacycles, with a power of 10 lin-Jenkins-Button murder in the first Peggy Danforth Mary Nealon watts or less. At these extremely high degree of a specially written Icono- Philip Nichols William Garden frequencies the antennas are very scope Symphony. It set a new idiom John C. Holman Gillette Malcherone small and can be designed to give very in symphonic music. Bill Miller and Henry C Williams efficient beam transmission from one the chorus must have pulled the heart George Bartholomew relay tower to the next. Preliminary strings of many ex-drugstore cowboys Nicholas B. Bradley Ray Girard plans for the erection of such a net- with their extravagant nostalgia, be- A Woman Barbara Kirk work ranging along the Eastern sea- ginning, “Gee, but I’d give the world First nighters acclaimed it, critics coast from Boston to Washington show to see that old gang of mine.” And crumbled before it. It was the latest possibilities of making television pro- then the dancing pageboy. Parsons, presentation of the Stagecrafters, Help grams available to approximately 20 showed how he trips through the halls Yourself by Paul Volpius, a balmy million persons, or roughly one-sixth on payday, to the accompanying bit of business in a bank. The first of the nation’s population. Programs screams of 21 rhythmaniacs. performance was on Friday night, could originate or be received at any trio The remaining minutes saw a February 2, on the famous boards of city along the link. specialty and the never-to-be-omitted Studio 8G. That and all succeeding Each relay station contains both re- barbershop quartet. Keith Gunther performances played to packed houses, ceiving and transmitting apparatus, brought in the white glove element and and if you didn’t see it, you will be and is mounted on a 100 foot steel explained why he was “—gonna quit, out of the conversation for months to tower. Towers would be spaced ap- Sattiday.” There was a very moving come, with people pointing to you as proximately 30 miles apart. Of course, that rendition of classic in sentiment. a man who is definitely not up on the this tower spacing would vary depend- Mighty Lak a Rose, by Joe Jenkins. progress of the arts. ing upon the nature of the terrain over And for a perfect example of the By now you have gathered that we which the transmission is to take minstrel manner, we refer you to Roy have nothing but praise for this place. An experimental relay system Pascal’s Mandy. Earl Wrightson theatrical milestone, and we do not has been in operation between NBC’s brought the show to a close with the hesitate to confess that the problem Empire State transmitter and River- mournful note about “I used to sing of the reviewer is merely to choose head, Long Island. One relay station in Frankfort, now it’s frankfurters I the brightest lights from this galaxy is located 45 miles from the Empire sell.” And the chorus went off to the of stars. Walter Covell, in the lead, State Building and the next fifteen Dark Town Strutters’ Ball. easily earned for himself the title of miles farther which boosts the signal If you missed this show, there will “the modern Garrick”, Gillette Mal- another 15 miles to Riverhead. be another soon. This was only the cherone, (obviously a stage name for During the week of January 15th, first stop for the 21 minstrels. Mr. Gillette Malcouronne) turned in a fine Mr. Morton and Mr. Hanson, along Wade will continue in the director’s and finished characterization, Kirk with several RCA officials, testified at chair. So keep your eyes on the 3H Quinn and Robert Stone glowed in a the FCC hearing on television. The marquee. light of their own, and, in fact, the hearing was held in conjunction with entire cast scored personal triumphs. a preliminary report on the status of But there are others who equally commercial television issued by the deserve the laurel. Bettina Steinke, for FCC a few weeks before. The NBC’s her sets, wins the Tr.\nsmitter Critics testimony was in favor of the tenta- Circle’s Art Award of the year. Vir- tive rules and regulations set up in ginia Black earns orchids as assistant this report. A few other companies to the director, as well as John Becker, interested in television, however, have Business Manager, and Hugh Chain, objections to the FCC’s stand on cer- House Manager, and on down the line. tain technical standards of transmis- Great plaudits, of course, go to Robert sion, and to the time when television Stone, the brain behind the deed, im- broadcasting should become commer- presario, producer, director and actor, cial in the same sense that sound a theatrical milestone by himself. broadcasting is today. After a week The Stagecrafters are in the great and a half of testimony and cross-ex- tradition of grand old troupers. They {Continued on page 11) {Continued on page 11) — —

MARCH, 1940 NBC CHICAGO by Bob McCoy Band, heard on Sundays and sponsored This Changing World by General Mills. It’s interesting to Life in the Chicago office this month note that of all these men j)romoted was quite a whirl, what with all the this month, ten of them originally changes, promotions and auditions. started out with NBC either on the Hold on tight and we’ll plunge right Guide Staff or in the Mail Room. into the maelstrom It starts with the popular jimmy Apologia Neale who has been assigned to assist The writer bows his head and Salesmen Harry Kopf and I’aul Mc- humbly asks pardon from the follow- Cluer in servicing their accounts. ing people for the following reasons: Neale is still in charge of Sales Traffic, To Helen MacDermiad and George- hut Floyd Van Etten now handles anne Huxley of Audience Mail who most of the duties of that office. Ed have been here for lo! these many Stockmar moves over from Program months with nary a word of welcome Traffic to replace Van Etten. Frank from the official publication; To Pro- Colder, formerly Night Program duction Director Archie Scott whom Supervisor, now fills Stockmar’s chair we so badly ignored when we wrote Al Barker wonders what the heroine should as Day Program Traffic Supervisor. do next. up the Xmas party. Scotty was that Are you still tagging along and all-important man behind the scenes, keeping track of things? Here we go breaks weren’t confined only to the and sometimes in front, who produced Traffic, Sales and Artists Service De- again. Lincoln Douglass, who now has the entertainment and kept it running ten years service behind him, moves partments last month. Things hap- smoothly; To Esther Ludwig, the Con- up to the twentieth floor from Artists pened around the Announcers’ office tinuity Contralto, whose engagement Service to be Night Traffic Supervisor. that give you that smugly pleasant to Golf Professional Bob McDonald feeling it’s Ray Neihengen is now Artists Service that a pretty good world. somehow slipped through our type- Accountant, and Ken Stedman moves First of all Tom Casey was moved writer. up to a Senior Announcer’s berth re- over to the next desk, formerly Nei- Extra-Curricular hengen ’s, and is Credit and Collection placing Pierre Andre who returned to Adding to the achievements of our man. Arnold Johnson comes up from Station WGN in Chicago. Tom was Chicago Continuity Staff this month Artists Service to replace John Wehr- the first graduate of the Chicago An- was the feat of Albert Barker who heim who in turn replaced Stedman. nouncing School and has been with had his new play Overnight per- From the Mail Room comes Fred NBC for about six years. Started out formed in Chicago the nights of Janu- Klein to do Johnson’s former work in on the Page staff and in 1936 was ary 31 and February 1 and 2. The Artists Service. Fred Klein is the made a Junior Announcer, the first in play was presented by the Radio young fellow who last spring won a the Central Division. So now, you see Theatre Guild in the Chicago Women’s fight over a terrific illness which seri- Casey is fulfilling all those prophecies Club Theatre. Al Barker has been a ously threatened his life. made concerning his future success. member of Ken Robinson’s staff for If you think we’ve stopped report- Replacing Tom Casey as Junior several years and is well known for ing recent transfers, you’re very wrong Announcer is Fred Kasper who has his writing of Don Winslow of the because here are some more for you. been carrying out the duties of Assist- Navy. He has also written several After all, they’re all good news and ant to Bill Kephart for the past nine Lights Out scripts. For the legitimate why keep things like that quiet. Lois months. Kasper is also a product of theatre he has had presented on Broad- Aeppli is now a full fledged secretary Lynn Brandt’s Announcing School. way Man on Stilts produced by Arthur in Network Sales. Comes from the Incidentally, considering the number Hopkins; Buckaroo and American Central Stenographic and replaces of men here and throughout the coun- Holiday. Outside literary activity was Florence Reiland who resigned. Doro- try who trained in the Announcing not confined only to Al Barker of thea O’Heron is now pounding out school, it is obvious that the school Continuity. Although he left our NBC script in place of Miss Aeppli. New is paying dividends. Jim Madden writing staff about seven months ago, faces on the Guide Staff are those of comes from the Guide Staff to replace we’re sure you’ll be interested to know Jerry Hawthorne, William Bent and Fred Kasper. Madden joined NBC that Leslie Edgley will have his first Sherrill Edwards. They’re polishing four months ago—and, you’re right novel published this month. up the brass buttons formerly worn he attends classes in announcing. Sir! by Bob Larimer and Claude Welles Final, but not the least, personal My Card, who resigned and Jim Madden, now in success story is that of Announcer Ed Bailey, speaking for the Sound the Announcers’ office. Up in Network Dave Zimmerman. One day last fall Department, challenged the Guide Sales there’s a new Salesman. He is Dave had an idea for a program. He Staff to a Basketball game this month.

John M. McCormick who comes to us worked it out carefully, wrote and re- Chuck Klein and arner Holmgren from Minneapolis, Station WCCO, to wrote sample scripts and finally had of the Guides are in a huddle con- be exact, where he was Assistant it ready for presentation. Now, the sidering the challenge and right now Manager. idea has blossomed forth as a new it looks like they’ll take the Sound Changes, promotions and good Red network program. It’s Beat the men up on it. () NBC TRANSMITTER

NEW YORK tion of 14,000 swing and symphonic [Continued from page 3) records. Questioned upon this point the modest Mr. Thompson sighed re- pounds and trailing traditional clouds gretfully and said “No! Only about of cigar smoke. Mr. Deter or de Sa 4,000.” The difference in figures must wants it distinctly known that this is undoubtedly be attributed to the not an ordinary baby. For one thing, Hollywood influence, Mr. Thompson its face doesn’t pucker like most agrees. Joe graduated from Stanford habies, and for another, it needs a University, California in 1931. He haircut already. Mr. Deter, when then left his home state to work in pressed, admits that Mary Jean doesn’t New York for various magazine houses talk yet, but an assertive “ma-ma”, or and edited such publications as probably “da-da”, is expected momen- College Humor, Life and Cosmopoli- tarily. (Blackout) THE ANNOUNCING CLASS tan. However, he was more interested Changes and Additions Sanford Doremus, Maestro Dan Russel, Bill in radio, and in 1934 he returned to Raleigh, Jack Erixson and Howard Flynn. A usually reliable source of infor- San Francisco and shortly afterwards mation sent us word that the Script became afhliated with the NBC San

is not with the Stagecrafters) . It is Department, which is so retiring and Francisco office, where he wrote and not surprising then that one of her so omnipresent, has a new member. directed for the next two years. In interests is walking, just walking and So, while Mr. Titterton was out to 1936 he took up similar duties at our looking at the people about her. An- lunch, we sneaked in and interviewed Hollywood studios and was associated other interest is music, very fitting for her. Very pleasant it was too. The with such shows as the Packard and her present work, and she once played new memher turns out to be the cor- Maxwell House programs. He re- over the radio in Baltimore before ridorahle Kathleen Lane, who shows mained there until this January when networks were even thought of. All great vice-versatility in her education. he was transferred to the New York this adds up to give increased zest to She went to school in Bronxville. Production Division. her position, where she can watch the Then she went to the University de He first saw the light of day in Rio musically famous coming in and Grenoble for two years, where they de Janiero, Brazil. There, Portuguese going out like the tide. also speak another language, and was a native language to him. He The ivord was going around that hence can talk French like all the graduated from Baylor University, the Production office (second floor) other literary linguists in Script. After Texas, last June and soon became af- was a brighter, gayer place these days, some further rounds with a business filiated with our International Depart- so we went down to see what all the school in California, Kathleen worked ment. Recently he was added to the shouting was about. On inquiring as secretary for General Smiley and permanent roster. His name is James where the phenomenon might be at the Flushing Kirmesse before she I. Christie. Since he came to NBC, he found, we were told to keep going came here. Stenographic knew her for has been announcing and writing straight ahead, and when we came to a week only, after which she found script for Portuguese programs. His a door marked “private”, to go right herself in Mr. Titterton’s foyer. She nom de microphone is Mario Cardoso, in and that would be it. It was. Petty is a sort of assistant secretary, though and under that title he is now on the hasn’t discovered Mary Christiene she and the irreplacable Helen air from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M., EST. Leahy yet, but he will. And beneath Sweeney often “double in brass”, as Starting March 13, he is presenting the blond curls rests knowledge gar- Mr. Titterton so expressively puts it. a new series of Portuguese programs, nered from Notre Dame College, Kathleen’s diversions are music and organized by himself, which is called Wildcliff Jr. College and the Presby- badminton and there is the additional Knowing New York and will offer terian Hospital Nursing School, not interest in her job of frequently see- short wave listeners colorful and in- to mention business courses and ing the literary grate. teresting descriptions of various phases knowledge of musical structure from Presenting now a woman of great and activities of the metropolis. The the noted pianist Charles Hauhiel at experience, Mr. Chotzinoff’s new sec- series will be broadcast each Wednes- New York University. Christiene retary, Ross Frederick. We say “a day from 4:45 to 5:00 P.M., EST. did medical work exclusively before woman of experience” because she is During the summer, the first Wednes- coming here, specializing in medical by no means new to radio, having day in each month will be devoted to stenography. She is a familiar figure worked, just a short while ago, with activities of the New York World’s at the City Morgue, but says she likes Hugh Gibson and, earlier, for the Fair for 1940. better. In fact, she laid seige for Voice of Experience, itself. Her home NBC half get Announcers is in Newark. She went to Maryland a year and a to into NBC. — Boh Stanton has from College, first as a student, some years Reaction “it was worth it”. We agree. come WWJ in to position as Senior later as secretary to the president of The most recent arrival from the Detroit take a Announcer at has also an- the college. Among other activities West Coast to take up activities in NBC. He nounced for in St. Louis. was which have given her a wide view and New York is Joe Thompson of the KSD He raised, “more or less,” in Minnesota great love of life, she worked with her Production Staff. He replaces Austin and Florida and is a graduate of the mother on a famous column in the Crooni-Johnson who is free lancing. University con- Newark Evening News, with a psy- Mr. Thompson’s NBC activities have of Miami. Having done siderable Special Events in the chiatrist who was running a clinic been well-recorded in previous dis- wmrk likely Stan- with one hand and writing a book patches sent in hy our Hollywood Re- past, you are to find Mr. action with the other, with H. H. McClure, porter, Noel Corbett. Predominant ton announcing at the scene of and with Robert West (the one who among them was his estimated collec- [Continued on next page) Aly\RCH, 1940 7

{Continued from opposite page) as well as in the studio. He takes the AA ACTIVITIES ANNIVERSARY CHIMES place of George Ansbro, who resigned, after six years, to free lance. Also in the announcing line is Mr. Election Month The NBC TRANSMITTER salutes Francisco Lara of International. J. During February, AA President these members of the National Broad- Venezuelan born, Mr. Lara is the an- George McElrath appointed a special casting Company, who, this month, nouncer and script writer most re- committee consisting of George Frey, complete their tenth year with the cently associated with the Division. He A1 Nicol and Claire Maxwell to nomi- Company. studied at the Colegio Nacional del nate candidates for the offices of presi- New York ‘ Tachira, and has traveled extensively dent, first vice jnesident, second vice Wilbur Carl Resides Engineering through Central America, Colombia president, secretary j and treasurer. Magnus Opsal Engineering and Venezuela. He has been in this Hence, for the past month the election Margaret C. Leonard General Service country for twenty-one years, six of fever has permeated the atmosphere Isabel McGeary President’s Office which were spent in the New York as nominating and secret balloting Benjamin Ferdinand Baer Program offices of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where has been going on, and now all the Harvey John Gannon Program he was in charge of the Spanish pub- members are anxiously awaiting the licity and the supervision of synchron- Chicago results to be announced at the annual ization of short pictures in Spanish, AA meeting scheduled to be held some E. G. Eisenmenger Engineering the scripts of which he prepared him- time this month. Vein D. Mills Engineering self. He was married in this country Eric R. Danielson Program Bowling and has two children. If you are look- John James Neale Sales ing for a fourth at bridge, we give The third and final chapter of the Hollywood you Mr. Lara. Bowling League is well underway, and When he started to work as an NBC all teams are still striving valiantly. C. E. Pickett Engineering page last April, Russell Dollar had a Thursday, Jan. 30, marked the second firm intention to become an an- meeting of the Ladies Team and Audit- nouncer. He studied the art in his ing. The ladies startled the brawny scheduled for the evening of Feb. 0 spare time for seven months and was men by trouncing them three games was a dismal failure. The festivities well prepared for the announcing for the second time this season. (After were to take place in the Rockefeller class auditions of last October. He all, it’s leap year.) As we go to press, Plaza Skating Rink, all the plans and

' was immediately selected for the class, the scores from September 28 through arrangements had been made, and then and then Dan Russell went to work. February 8, stand as follows: in the as evening settled over the city, the

I The results of the two Russells’ efforts first three brackets are General Ser- rains came. Shrugging their shoulders speak for themselves. Towards the end vice I with 42 games won; second. the undaunted skaters pooh poohed j

I of January, Dollar won an audition Treasurer’s 35; and third. Engineer- the rain and instead of partaking of for WPTF, Raleigh, N. C. After three ing 2 with 33 victories. To date the skating, they partook of food in the weeks, he was put in charge of all highest score for a single game among cafe adjoining the rink. Wliile the continuity for transcribed announce- the ladies stands at 187 bowled by gaiety was going on inside the rain ments and handles thirty-two hours Mary Lesko. George Frey boasts the continued to pour without, until

of announcing a week. top score for the men with 258. The finally, giving up in despair, it ceased. On top of this. Jack Erixson, also of individual averages, for those who Quickly the ice was brushed off and the announcing class, took the honors have played 25 or more games, credit soon the merrymakers were gliding at an audition held February 9th for Protzman— 174, Nicol—174 and Heit- around the oval. Thus, after an eve- WFBG, Altoona, Pa. Jack joined the mann—173. NBC’s bowlers take over ning of food, frolic, and possibly a page staff at the same time Dollar did twelve of the twenty-four Radio City few bumps, the party ended with and rapidly rose to be a guide. Lately, Bowling Alleys each Thursday evening everyone heading for home with a he has been at the mezzanine desk, from 5:30 to 8:00. Sj)ectators are in- happy feeling, and possibly a few helping the tours get off to a good vited. bumps. Those attending the party were start. We congratulate these Marion fellows To The Ladies Ayer, Charles Wall, Mary heartily, but it looks as if Dan Russell Irvine, R. J. Teichner, Grace Sniffin, Several groups of NBC girls are will soon be without a class to teach. Anthony Faillace and Helen Winter finding considerable enjoyment in AA Many of the feminine visitors to (and possibly a few bumps). If in- gymnasium and badminton classes. NBC during the past year and a half terested in joining, call Helen Winter. There’s room for more athletes in have gone out sighing about “that cute these classes, so if you enjoy muscle- Dancing little fuzzy-headed guide,” but alas, limbering exercise and would like to this can be no more because the per- Dancing classes, which terminated join the groups, call A1 Walker on plexing but cute Mr. Materne of the in the middle of January, were pro- extension 625. The classes are held guide staff has been moved up to the nounced a first rate success by the at A1 Walker’s Gymnasium, 251 W. Sales Department, where he is taking participants and Mary Coyne, director 80th St. on Monday night from 7:30 over the ex-responsibilities of John of the group. The final meeting ended to 9:30, and on Wednesday evening, Hoagland. This new job. Bud says, in a whirl of skirts and dancing feet there is badminton from 5:30 to 7:30. gives him plenty of walking around. answering to the rhythm of Bolero, The above mentioned John Hoag- Skating Tango, and swing music, and even be- land has. been moved to a position as Old Man Rain’s attempt to put a fore the final strains of Goodnight {Continued on page 9) damper on the ice skating party {Continued on page 11) 8 NBC TRANSMITTER NBC TRANSMITTER Published for and by the employes WASHINGTON of the National Broadcasting Com- pany from coast to coast. by Marian P. Cale

VOL. 6 MARCH, 1940 No. 3 Results for this year’s Mile O’Dimes Campaign came after the EDITORIAL BOARD deadline for this John Kelly Editor column last month, so we will Howard Flynn Assistant Editor make a report now. Smashing the goal Charles Van Bergen Photographs by more than a half a mile the final ASSOCIATES tally showed $16,500 or 165,000 dimes James Beardsley Guest Relations were laid on the track during the two Thomas Canning Guest Relations week drive. After a special broadcast Charles Turner Guest Relations James Tyson Guest Relations January 29th from the Mile O’Dimes William Crawford Gartoons stand in front of our studios, the dimes were sent by armored trucks to Address all correspondence to; NBC Trans- mitter, National Broadcasting Company, the White House to aid in the fight Room 465, RCA Building, New York, N. Y. against infantile paralysis. Colonel Telephone: Circle 7-8300. Extension 220. Edwin M. Watson, military aide to AT THE MILE O’ DIMES STAND the President, accepted the gift for Mrs. Roosevelt sees Assistant Attorney General Edwar Kemp turn over to Bud President Roosevelt. The dimes were Barry the Department of Justice’s con- ARTISTS SERVICE tribution. poured into 16 bags, each with a huge (Continued from page 1) $1,000 sign painted across it. Night decade this year, as are Siegfried assured the promising actor, however, Supervisor Bud Barry, who was active Hearst, Catherine Lovelock, 0. 0. Bot- they were not scouting for television night and day drumming up competi- torff and D. L. Cornetet. “I believe,” talent but were merely seeking diver- tion between government departments Mr. Engels said, “that this long and sion from the television hearings being and local business organizations for friendly coinjjanionship in a job which held at the FCC. contributions, found need of a short we all love is one of the greatest con- Announcer Raymond Michael is at- vacation after it was all over. tributing factors to what success we tracting considerable attention these have achieved so far.” Lots of NBC folks were present at days as WMAL’s “man before the Coinciding with this occasion was the Washington Ad Club annual Jam- mike” at the hockey games. News- the 19th Annual Convention of the boree held at the Mayflower Hotel, paper reporters and columnists have founders of the Civic Music Plan. Saturday, January 27 th. Those on been very enthusiastic about Michael’s This group formed the Civic Concert hand for the occasion were NBC Vice hockey broadcasting ability. In fact Service for the purpose of insuring Presidents Frank Russell and A. H. he has been described by some of the annually excellent concerts and a Morton; J. V. McConnell, manager of nation’s hockey connoisseurs as “far sound economic base for Civic Music NBC’s National Spot Advertising; the best they’ve ever heard”. And this P. Associations. It was in 1930 that Civic J. Hennessey, Ross Filion, Carleton is the chap, mind you, who broadcast Concerts became affiliated with NBC. Smith, Fred Shawn, Mary Mason, the first game he ever saw. Rodney Erickson, Baylor, Stanley Last year it achieved its best record Ben Five WRC-WMAL announcers were in artist hookings. Bell, Martha Cosgriff, Helen Mobber- selected by the President’s Birthday Mr. 0. 0. Bottorff, general manager, ley, Eva Cluff, Rudy Coldenstroth, Ball Committee to emcee the celebra- presided over the Convention and re- Harold Thomasson, Vic Kissal and tions and introduce the visiting moving called the past history of the group. Rose Ewell. Commercial Manager John picture stars at the local hotels Janu- The visiting members of the Field Dodge and “WRC Timekeeper” Gor- ary 29th. Those taking part were Lee Staff were widely entertained by execu- don Hittenmark entertained at infor- Everett, Gordon Hittenmark, Raymond tives and artists, the activities cul- mal parties for clients and advertising Michael, William Crago and Bryson minating in a luncheon given by the agency executives preceding the ban- Rash. president, executives and heads of de- quet. A telegram we recently received ad- partments of NBC, in the Rainbow Last month cigars and candy were vises that a brand new weekly maga- Room. Major Lenox R. Lohr con- passed around for two special events zine covering all local radio stations gratulated the representatives on their in the Commercial Department. Sales- is soon to make its bow, and the cover remarkable success. men Jim Sweet and Ben Baylor werq will bear the title of On the Air. It is

In one of the final sessions of the the donors . . . and the reason was the signed by the “Editor of On the Air”. conference, George Engles, president, arrival of a little boy at Mr. and Mrs. Well, by way of the old grape vine outlined the plans for 1940. He stated Sweet’s house and a baby girl at the telegraph system we have learned the that the same general policies which Baylors. identity of the editor—it is to be had proved so successful in the past John Hurley of NBC’s Legal De- none other than our “WRC Time- would be continued in the future. In partment in Washington, played one keeper” Gordon Hittenmark. Having conclusion, Mr. Engles pledged the of the leading roles in Criminals at started the year out with one success- continuance of NBC’s jiolicy of con- Large recently presented by the Civic ful venture after another, namely the stantly searching for new and out- Theatre Players. On hand to congratu- Doll Campaign, then the Barrel of standing eoncert attractions, thereby late him after the final curtain were Dimes for the fight-infantile-paralysis enlarging the artistic reservoir upon Vice Presidents A. H. Morton and drive— it’s no wonder Hittenmark is which Civic Music Associations might 0. B. Hanson, and Attorney P. J. Hen- bursting with enthusiasm to start a draw. nessey. At Hurley’s dressing room they new local radio magazine. )

MARCH, 1940 9 KDKA PITTSBURGH EXCHANGE CORNER by Jim Luntzel FOK SALE—An original oil painting, por- trait liy Gerard Ter Borcli. 17tli century Last month’s story on Bernie Arm- thing. He dashed into the kitchen.— Flemish painter. “The Scholar.” Call Transmitter. strong was not intended to become a Bernie now is the best customer of his serial, l)ut there was a loose string or neighborhood cleaning and dyeing so to he lied, and we thought the fol- man. NEW YORK lowing was pertinent enough to merit Sounds, which with charity and fore- {Continued jrom page 7) the submission of a second chapter. bearance could be translated into assistant salesman under George Ben- (Editor’s note: The Saturday Evening .S.O.S. signals, came with high powei' son. His career at NBC Itcgaii in the Post took THREE chapters to tell the and great frequency from Dr. Russell Messenger Ser\ice during llie summer ’38 story of Orson Welles!) Pratt’s ofiice recently. Like many dis- of and he moved from there to ’39 Now Bernie Armstrong, as was appointed and disillusioned humani- Central Files. In July he became pointed out in last month’s issue of tarians, Pratt was paying the price of clerk in Sales, which position he has just left the Transmitter, is an unusual fellow over generosity. Stressing on his early to Up-and-Coming Materne. —but he would be the last one to ad- morning kids’ program that every Hoagland attributes his success as a salesman to his past experience with mit it. The record shows, however, child should have a pet. Doc offered his father’s iron that this gifted organist at KDKA is his program as a clearing house for foundry. one of those children of fate to whom youngsters who wanted to give away Inside Sfory things always happen. Recently when pets. Then came the deluge. date To This month there are two young Armstrong was recovering from the he has had over four hundred tele- men who deserve mention, not because flu, he chafed at remaining away from phone calls and letters for pels. The they have become vice presidents, or the studio with nothing to do. So he trouble is, the kids who have pets are even become engaged, but for ereative decided to make time pass quickly by holding on to them, and for every one work which has momentarily carried taking stock of his extensive wardrobe, who wants to give away a pet, there them out of their departments and put every stitch of which was bought for are twenty who want them. Never them on the air. You will recognize him sight unseen by Western Union again, says the sadder but wiser Gordon Webber as the member of the messenger boy. (Last month it was ex- Doctor. Information Department who helps plained how he has a phobia against Dave Garroway, former page boy write the good will letters. Such a job going into a department or clothing who has made good at KDKA as obviously calls for writing ability to store. special events announcer, has all the start with. It has also given Gordon “Here’s a pretty how-de-do”, he aplomb and poise that is necessary to realization of radio’s tremendous audi- mused to himself in dismay. “My new carry him over the routine emergen- ence and an understanding of that camel’s hair topcoat—all splotched cies which may arise in the course of audience’s interests and psychology. with mud.” Being a man of direct ac- his daily work, but one situation de- So he wrote a play—and then some tion, Bernie went to the bathroom veloped on a quiz program last week more plays. The first was produced filled the tub and doused the coat. which tested him to the limit. by the Radio Guild on January 17th. First hint of trouble came when he A team of meat salesmen were op- It was called Peter Lovely’s Pigeons tried to rinse it. The water weighed it posing a team of fish salesmen as part and presented the reminiscences of a down so heavily that he couldn’t lift of a pre-Lenten feature and a swell gentle old man. Mr. Titterton des- it. his Inspiration came in the form of set of questions had been prepared, cribed it as “a delicate and nostalgic youngster’s baseball bat, which made with answers attached for Garroway’s drama”. a fine tamper. Bernie will recommend infoTmation. The program got under On February 3rd, the Guild pro- it to anyone. It works fine. The next way, and with an audience of over a duced two more plays for which Gor- difficulty came when he tried to hang hundred invited guests looking on, don Webber was responsible. Going the coat up to dry. Again inspiration! Dave called the first contestant, who Home was in the form of a dialogue “Why not hurry this business?” pulled a master script from his pocket, between an old man and a boy in thought Armstrong. “Why not put glanced quickly for the question and which the old man regained, in a way, that coat in the turkey roaster and dry read off the answer. As the next con- his youth, slowly merging into the

it in the oven?” The surprising part testant came up, the first one handed character of the boy. Moon Road, the of this story is that the idea worked. over the script, and so on and so on, second of the plays, was adapted by The coat fitted into the roaster. The to the announcer’s discomfiture. Gordon from a story by Tom Carey, roaster fitted into the oven. Bernie With the program headed for a cer- who holds the Black Watch in Inter- carefully adjusted the fire to tain lie, naturally each side rolling up national. It tells of a boy and girl, “medium” and felt quite proud of a perfect score, Garroway was getting much in love, who are dead, and how himself. redder and redder around the collar. the girl gently brings the boy to a “It’s foolish to spend money send- Finally on the last round of questions, realization of this. ing clothes to cleaners,” he said to Dave discarded the script and ad All three plays are clearly based on himself. “From now on I’ll do this libbed questions of his own,—much the intimate psychology which radio, all the time. Think of the money I’d to the contestants’ discomfiture. The perhaps, can present better than any save.” Well,—we repeat that the idea fish men won out when two of the other medium. We wdsh continuing worked—the coat did dry. But Bernie meat men were stumped on the final success to Gordon and Tom, who are became interested in a book, forgot round. Which was appropriate enough of the writing tribe that is growing up about the coat until he smelled some- since it was just before Lent anyway. in radio, not coming from the outside. 10 NBC TRANSMITTER RADIO CITY FLYING CLUB In a Company like this you are WCY SCHENECTADY, N. Y. bound to find adventurous people. by W. T. Meenam Some of them take to the air, a natural medium for the unconquerable spirit. Bowling March O’Dimes About a year ago Paul Burton— if If George McElrath of New York Announcers Wilbur Morrison, How- you don’t know him it’s because he and John Howe, president of WGY’s ard Tupper, Tom Martin, A1 Zink and has the dawn patrol up in Air Condi- bowling league, can get together, Phil Brook had a tough outdoor tioning—a brother of his and Tommy there’s likely to be an inter-city NBC assignment recently. WGY, associated Severin of Guest Relations decided to bowling meet somewhere in the Mo- with the Schenectady Gazette, pre- buy an airplane, and out of it all came hawk Valley sometime before the days sented a daily noontime program on an organization known as the Radio get too long. From NBC’s New York the main Schenectady business thor- City Flying Club. With Burton, a twelve-team league it is proposed to oughfare in connection with the March licensed pilot these past six years, at select ten men or two teams to meet O’Dimes Campaign. The week was the the controls, the club has grown by the same number of men from WGY’s coldest of the winter and all the pro- climbs and glides. This year, out at modest six-team league. grams originated on the street. How- Flushing Field, the three charter mem- The Squeals, sparked by A1 Taylor ever, the job was worthwhile as bers act as administrators. Harvey of Sales and including such marksmen Schenectady County’s contribution to Gannon from Night Program is presi- as Peter Narkon, Horton Mosher, the Infantile Paralysis Fund this year dent of the student body, which is Howard Wheeler, Kolin Hager, was 100 percent greater than in 1939. made up largely of NBC recruits. benched by an appendectomy, and Helping Burton with the instruction Gordie Randall, are leading the league Massacre is A. T. Williams of Engineering, also by a two-game margin over the Howls Victor Campbell, A1 Zink and Tom a licensed pilot. Vincent O’Connell of and Faders. Not a comfortable lead Martin are receiving the congratula- Traffic is bright student No. 1 with but it looks pretty big at the moment. tions of Schenectady officials for their many hours of solo flying to his credit. Chet Vedder, who returned to an- work in writing and presenting a half One department in the Flying School nouncer duties after two months’ ill- hour dramatic sketch depicting the is known as the Future Gold Star Fly- ness, has been going great guns and exciting incidents in connection with ing Mothers. Mary Coyne, Jean Harri- now leads the league in average and the Schenectady Massacre in 1690. On son and Virginia Black, all of Sales, also with the best three-game total of Feb. 8 at 11:15 P.M., the 250th anni- are taking flying lessons. The girls 613. Howard Tapper’s 242 continues versary of the massacre and fire al- have affectionately named the ship the high single. most to the minute, the WGY Players “DeBoid”. There are many in NBC Skate Race presented the dramatic offering. The performance was preceded by short who have taken demonstration flights A1 Zink and Tommy Martin, turned with talks by the present Mayor of the city. a wary hand to the controls to loose on the National Skating Cham- discover how easy flying really is. Mills Ten Eyck, and his predecessor, pionships at Schenectady, gave a fine There are members of the Flying Club Robert Baxter. performance as air reporters and com- from other Radio City companies and mentators. WGY was associated with W2ALP-W60SH lately a group the from New York the Schenectady Union Star on the Members of the staff Horton Telephone All together WGY Company. three-day events which brought all the Mosher, Phil Brook and Bernard Gin- there are about twenty regulars, in- American Olympic skating eligibles to ger recently contacted A1 Korb, for- cluding five women. Seven have soloed Schenectady. Duval, the Union Dan mer control engineer and now so far. WGY Star’s sporting editor, handled the in the Maintenance Engineering Divi- The Civil Aeronautics Authority is background story on the air and Zink sion of Hollywood NBC. Gene Darl- the guiding angel for the school. It and Martin did the descriptive job. ington, G-E Manager in charge of advocates a certain routine of instruc- Sunday, succession of three broad- a short wave broadcasting, and an ama- tion and this is followed very closely casts spotted during the afternoon, teur operator of years’ standing, by Instructor Burton. The course con- built to a stirring climax with the up established the voice contact via his sists of fifty hours flying time, the point championship hinging on the re- transmitter W2ALP. Korb talked via first eight are with the instructor and sult of the five mile race. Both Zink his outfit W60SH and reported that are the minimum required for solo and Martin let themselves go on the he had recently built a home at Bur- flying. It soon becomes evident to the event which was enlivened by a one bank and will shortly start digging student that an airplane is very light round fight between two of the con- for his swimming pool. and can be handled gently. When the testants. preliminaries are taken care of, there To and Fro are 35 hours of solo flying required all the dues get paid. That was when A. 0. Coggeshall, manager of the and seven more hours with the instruc- Ace Burton climbed out of the cock- Program Department, Alex MacDon- tor in the form of check flights and pit with all seventy-five dollars in his ald, Promotion, and Howard Tupper, instruction in advanced and precision pocket. Along came the wind from the announcer, are members of the maneouvers. Lessons in cross-country propeller and the seventy-five were Schenectady Choral Society—A1 Zink piloting are also given at this stage scattered all over the field. But when and Mrs. Zink have joined the and lead to the fifty mile, two-stop Paul got through picking dollar bills Schenectady Civic Players and are solo flight. About then you are ready out of the ruts where the planes taxi booked for parts in the next produc- for a license—it is all very simple. back and forth, he counted up and dis- tion—Caroline Osan is spending a few And what is so rare as a day when covered he had seventy-seven dollars. weeks in a well earned rest. 1

MARCH, 1940 1

DO YOU LIKE TO SING? WINNERS OF PROGRAM TITLE PHOTO CONTEST

The Choral Society, which we men- 1). R. Buckham, John N. Fricker photo contest. Mr. Buckham wins first tioned a while hack, is underway and and Jack Leonhardt come through prize, ten negotiable dollars, for his growing rapidly. If you are interested this month as the winners of our latest picture entitled Quicksilver, which you in joining a unique society, one formed have no doubt al- for “fun and relaxation” with no fees ready noticed at to jjay at all, get in touch with Harry the to[) of the Wightman of Music, Room 373, or page. The idea be- extension 047. If you are interested hind the contest enough, a concert may he arranged was to make a pic- in the spring. And all you have to do ture representing is attend rehearsals. All NBCites are the title of a Blue eligible. No auditions are required Network show. On whatsoever. this line, Mr. Fric- ker wins second STACECRAFTERS j)iize, five dollars which might he [Continued jroni page 4) spent on photo- have carried on and on and on ti) ing - graphic e q u i to get Help Yourself produced. ment, for The Wife Th rough the singular adversities of Saver. It speaks missing sets, missing lines, a holiday for itself. Third season and the effort of finding a prize is a year’s “dark” studio, they battled their way subscription to to their gala premiere. The only “QUICKSILVER” V. S. Camera and criticism that followed the curtain 1st Prize: D. R. Buckham. goes to Mr. Leon- raising was directed not at the per- hardt, who turned in the Easy Aces. formance, but at their unconscionable Ray Lee Jackson, Richard G. Spen- luck, when some misguided minor sug- cer and Herbert C. McKay were the gested they reentitle themselves The judges of the contest, photographic Grope Theatre. Considering these dif- experts all. Mr. McKay is the expert ficulties, we must bestow additional on Adventures in Photography, which praise on all hands. is on the Blue itself, Wednesday nights And now, as the sun sets over the at 10:30 P. M., EST. Sunken Plaza, we say farewell to these the other contestants, our thanks unusual people, hoping we may soon To for their enthusiasm, our condolences return and join once again in their for missing out this time. delightful diversions. We say “Good- bye” to the Stagecrafters, or, in their own quaint language, “The Curtain is Down.” TELEVISION [Continued from page 4) AA ACTIVITIES amination in Washington, the FCC [Continued from page 7) look a tour of practically all the tele- Ladies wafted through the air, there vision laboratories, manufacturing was talk of a new class. Mary Coyne j)lants and broadcasting stations in is working on plans for the reconven- the East. During most of this visit, ing of the group even now, so if you’re they watched NBC television programs interested in brushing up on the art “THE WIFE SAVER” on various types of receiving equip- of swing and sway, you may reach 2nd Prize: John N. Fricker. ment, in many different locations. In her on 561. Here’s a tip: The annual the Newburgh area, they visited pri- NBC spring dance will be here soon. vate homes to find the amount of en- Swimming thusiasm and audience satisfaction with the present type of programs Special flash from the acquatic and service possible under existing front. Frances Barbour sends out a financial limitations, technical equip- general invitation to all NBC swim- ment, and standards. As yet they have mers to join the AA swimming club. not voiced their opinion, nor have Now’s the time for you mermaids and they released new official rules and men to rehearse your favorite dives regulations. It is hoped that in this and strokes for the approaching sum- column next month a full explana- mer days you will spend on the local tion of the commercial status of tele- beaches. For information call Miss "EASY ACES” vision may appear as a result of anv Barbour, 361. 3rd Prize; Jack Leonhardt. FCC statement made in the interim. 12 NBC TRANSMITTER

WTAM CLEVELAND WBZ BOSTON and WBZA SPRINGFIELD by Bob Dailey by Charles Cilchrest

Manager Vernon H. Pribble brought WBZ-WBZA General Manager John wife went to the hospital for a physi- honors to the station when he was A. Holman was just elevated from the cal checkup . . . Illness kept Announ- elected president of the Ohio Broad- rank of Captain to Major in the United cer Arch MacDonald home in bed for casters Association, an organization of States Signal Corps, Reserve . . . and a week . . . Sales Manager Frank 22 stations. Pribble was instrumental now sports the new insignia of his Bowes enjoys the fact that the new in organizing tbe association in 1935, increased rank in Uncle Sam’s army Boston boulevard Bowes winter apart- shortly after he came to WTAM as . . . George Harder, Promotion chief, ment is only ten minutes from the manager. thought up the idea of installing studio. But he wonders how it will WTAM’s men’s organization, the radio’s first ice skating studio. Had work out. Mrs. Bowes is werry, werry 1070 Club, has been very active dur- the roof of WBZ Studio frozen over pleased she is only fifteen minutes ing the past month. Two evening social and got Skating Stars Bess Ehrhardt from the best shoppes . . . Announcers meetings were held in the club room and Roy Shipstad to stage the first Chick Morris and Fred Cole spent a with a capacity attendance. Billiards, broadcast with their artists and clowns weekend skiing in New Hampshire. ping-pong, cards and refreshments from the 1940 Ice Follies. The show Control Room Engineer Bob Hender- held the attention of the men for four caught plenty of pictorial space in son also weekends in New Hampshire with skis, is it love. or five hours each time. Secretary Tom Boston papers . . . Westinghouse a pair of or Bob? moved WBZ Studio Supervisor Bob Manning was in charge of arrange- Re Resolutions ments. Dufiield to WOWO-WGL, Ft. Wayne, Strangely enough, all three of Ind., and promoted him to Plant The Bob Whites’ (Night Manager) WTAM’s news announcers claim Irish Manager. Bob was replaced on the budget, tbe result of New Year’s Day descent. They are Tom Manning, Will WBZ staff by Bill Hauser, formerly resolutions, died an ignominious death Kennedy and John Murphy. Even Studio Supervisor of WBZA in Spring- after exactly three weeks—much to Bob’s relief and Mrs. White’s regret News Editor Bob Dailey has a flavor field . . . News, Sports and Special

. . . As as she likes Mr. of Erin in his ancestry. The only man Events Broadcaster Bob Evans re- much Weeks working on news broadcasts wbo won’t signed his WBZ job to return to his and his broadcasts, George Harder’s secretary, Kay Leatherbee, will think be wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day first love—baseball. Bob is the son of thrice before offering to copy his is Editor A1 Orrick. Orrick is newly Billy Evans, manager of the farm script for It took all her arrived from New York where he system for the Boston Red Sox and him again.

spare time for three full days . . . worked in the News Department for former famous umpire. George Har- Accountant Bob Halloran spends three the past year. Incidentally, both Ken- der temporarily put Harry Goodwin, nedy and Murphy are recent fathers. of Sales Promotion, on the morning nights a week in school and 15 more weekly hours studying. still, And both carry photo albums wherever newscasts to replace Bob and turned And somehow, he finds time to Maine- they go. special events over to Charles Gil- go

ward on weekend ski trips . . . Clair- Jesse Francis, of the Engineering chrest, afternoon and evening news voyant warned Announcer Keyes Per- Department, is planning an ambitious editor. rin to take an auto ride soon vacation this summer. He and his wife NOT Social Notes to be offered bim by a co-worker named are going to cruise down the Ohio Frank. Since Salesmanager Bowes is river in the cabin cruiser Francis built Brother Aelred (Aidan Redmond) is tbe only BZite named Frank, Keyes himself last winter. returned to visit WBZ where he was wonders whether the clairvoyant really Announcer George Hartrick is just Chief Announcer for years. Old timers sees into the future or only saw out of the hospital as the result of on staff staged a party for him. At- Bowes drive a car at his customary clip. injuries suffered in a recent auto acci- tending from BZ were Johnny Mc- It fourth annual visit to Namara, George Harder, Peggy Mc- dent. was his Personnel Changes Charity Hospital. But as Hartrick puts Garahan, Grace Edmunds, Harry Tierney, former secretary to it, “someone has to check up on the Goodwin and Ruth Moran. Party Jo hospital system.” broke up with Brother Aelred offering Gordon Swan, becomes secretary to Program Director Jobnny McNamara Two added members to the staff: a baritone concert in Studio C . . .

Pretty Lois Faulhaber, with her “you When Gene and Glenn turned their . . . Betty Baker becomes Gordon’s all” and “ah ’spect” from Nashville, Junior Quiz into a BZ affair, the two sec., giving up her work in the Pro- Virginia, becomes a switchboard sons of Assistant Manager Vince Calla- gram Department . . . Ruth Nylin goes operator, and Dorothy Morris, a for- han, Danny and Vincie, both won into Prog. Dept, and Doris C. Camp- bell joins the Accounting staff. mer Ohio University student, enters prizes for spelling . . . Salesman Babe the Stenographic Department. Norris broke his Kernwood Club’s Home Economist Mildred Carlson WTAM NOTES: Maestro Lee Gor- bowling record the other night—high is building up quite a public speaking don directed the Cleveland sports single string of 190 Boston pins—and business for herself. Latest speech was writers annual Ribs and Roast show the Kernwood boys expect that record given to the Simmons College Jour- for the third consecutive year . . . to stand for a long, long time . . . nalism Class on the subject: Writing

Sports Announcer Tom Manning Harry Goodwin also is an expert for Advertising . . . James Wood be- threatening to play handball again to bowler and hies to his club whenever comes chief operator at the WBZ trans-

remove that waistline . . . The WTAM busy BZ biz will give him an evening mitter in Millis. He replaces Donald news room getting a new interior. off . . . TrafiBc Manager Gordon Swan’s Stanier. MARCH, 1940 13

KYW Philadelphia KOA DENVER

by J. A. Aull by Charles Anderson

Clarence Fuhrman, maestro of the A white-faced calf, donated by City” opening, a gala hour-long pro- KYW orchestra, has answered lots of KOA, was awarded during the Stock gram went on the air January 15lh. fan mail but a request sent in last Show to members of the 4-H Club. During the week an all-star revue of month stumped him completely. For The KOA calf, along with a dozen KOA talent appeared four times daily some time KYW has been putting on others, was turned loose in the arena on the stage of the mammoth Fox- an “opportunity” program offering to with 24 boys grasping for them. Each Denver Theatre celebrating the event. give anyone with talent an opportunity calf was given to the boy who managed Clarence Moore, Program director, to be heard in an audition in the KYW to wrestle and throw a rope halter acted as M.C., introducing Milt Shred- studios. If their ability warrants it, over the animal’s head. This is an nik and his orchestra, Patty Worth, they are then invited to sing on the annual stunt which provides a humor- juvenile singer. Men of the West, and program. Last month, Fuhrman re- ous touch to the show. The 1938 win- Helen Marie Briscoe with her 5 Gentle- ceived a post card from out of town ner of the KOA Calf, Jake Van Dyke men of Jive. which said, “Dear Sir, 1 am interested of Ovid, Colo, sold his prize beefer KOA’s studios were headejuarters in having one of your auditions. Can for enough to pay a year’s tuition in during January 13th to 20th for many you please send me one.” the State Agriculture College at Fort Rocky Mountain visitors in Denver to Away back in 1934 Prudence Penny Coll ins, Colo. attend the National Western Stock was doing her bit over KYW in the Miss Leona Leigh, KOA Reception- Show. Stockmen and their families the halls interest of the Chicago Herald and ist, was the recipient of a bridal thronged of Denver’s Radio Examiner. Although the records don’t shower by Mrs. Jane Parsley, former City gandering the miracles of radio. disclose the fact, apparently Miss member of the KOA Staff. Miss Leigh A reception and tea at the Denver Penny offered her listeners a very will be married to Mr. Kenneth Stan- Country Club on January 17th beautiful fork if they would prove ley in February. honored Mrs. Lloyd Yoder, wife of possession of a gas stove six years old KOA’s general manager. Invitations It’s a tough life we lead fellers . . . or over. That was in Chicago. The KOA covered the dedication of the new were issued by Mrs. Robert H. Owens other day, a red faced postman Ski-tow at Winter Park a few weeks to 100 of Denver’s elite. brought in a post card to the KYW ago and did we have fun. First, Stan Recent additions to the KOA Staff mail room addressed to Prudence and Neal, engineer, loaded himself with are George Mathews, Guest Relations. Moore, KYW, Chicago. “Heard your short-wave equipment and set himself Robert Morris, elevator operator, and program”, read the card, “and am gingerly on the tow. All went well, William Anderson, elevator operator, writing in to accept that fork. have all of live up to the tradi- We till half-way up and then boom . . . whom KOA an old stove that must be 50 years off he went into a snow bank and just tion of welcoming all visitors with a old, but our Alcazar gas range is six by the way of adding insult to injury smile. years and 2 months old.” Attached the Tow seat smaeked him on the konk Walt Morrisey, handsome Control was a note from the Superintendent for good luck. Undaunted he rose and supervisor, is now sporting a new con- of Mails. It said briefly, “Attached demanded a recount. After awhile he vertible coupe which is practically a was found in Supply section of this reached the top wondering what hit travelling radio laboratory, since \\ alt office while destroying a condemned him. Then, Jim Campbell, announcer, attached all the latest gadgets. Hot distributing case. Kindly deliver with assayed tbe perilous ride loaded with a and cold running water is the only suitable explanation and the regrets portable radio “cue” receiver ... You convenience missing so far. of the post office for the delay.” The said it. Boom! The card was postmarked September 14, Tow caught him 1934. by the seat of the On February 9, the KYW Camera pants and drug Club celebrated its second anniversary him through the with a special broadcast in the KYW snow. Well, to auditorium. A number of prominent make a long story, photographers attended the broadcast. they got together The KYW Production Department successfully and was notified the other day by NBC did a fine job music rights that the original theme from tbe top of for the program Singing Strings was the mountain. no longer available. The Department Don’t get us appealed to Martin Gabowitz, pianist wrong, it’s a very of the orchestra and a composer of no safe Ski-tow. Just mean reputation in his own right, to needs a bit of give them a new theme. In just one practice. half hour Gabowitz was back with a Inaugurating new theme. “Pd had it in my mind KOA’s week-long for some time”, said Gabowitz to a celebration of the flabbergasted Production Department. 5th anniversary of Governor Ralph Carr speaking at dedication of new Ski-tow “I just put it down on paper.” Denver’s “Radio at Winter Park. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER

N C HOLLYWOOD by Noel Corbett

“S4-K1” broadcasts under way, he re- in charge of Special Events, had a ceived the good news that 20th-Cen- lot of fun working out the special tury-Fox wanted him for an original broadcast from the Annual Style Show screen story. Cavalcade of Radio. Ted at the Biltmore Hotel. It was Miss will continue with his experimental Scully’s idea to present a Radio Gla- programs, as well as the writing of mour Gal for 1940 during the pro- Brentliouse. gram, and Helen Wood, one of Here’s another radio-movie tie-in: Hollywood’s loveliest, got the bid. Ted Hcdiger, director, was “hamming” Everything went along swell until Ben at his ham station, W6QED, when he Alexander (accompanied by the strains picked up Shanghai. The message, of A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody) from Miss Ann Swayne, was a leap got up to introduce Miss Wood. He year proposal of marriage for George slipped flat on his face on the run- Brent, Warners star. Hediger phoned way. “I should be emceeing the ‘fall’ the message to Brent, who graciously opening,” he cracked. declined and informed Miss Swayne Quick Fix through Hediger’s station that he was sending her a silk dress. Margaret Kent, Artists Service, did considerable horseback riding on the Mishaps desert on a recent holiday . . . George Alex “Honeyboy” Robb, manager, McMenamin is so full of pep since

John Royal (left) and John Swallow explain Hollywood Artists Service, who never his recent appendectomy that he’s de- “policies” to Arch Oboler. cided to grow a mustache . . . Ned Royal Visit Tollinger, director, recently transfer- red down from San Francisco, has a John Swallow’s office was the focal swell bungalow in the Hollywood hills point of much activity recently. Vice a few blocks from the studios . . . President John Royal’s visit kept the Bob Lamb, Maintenance, reports that Program director busy bringing him his little girl won a dancing scholar- up to date on Western Division doings, ship at the recent Better Babies Con- which included the exchange of pro- tests . . . Wynn Rocamora, assistant gram ideas, visiting all the broadcasts manager. Artists Service, in New York and their stars, and contacting every- . . . Bob Schuetz also in Gotham for body in local agencies. a week . . . Sydney Dixon, V estern Royal, in the company of Vice Division sales manager, to Seattle and President Don Gilman, Swallow and Portland on business . . . Bill Andres, Earl Anthony and Harrison Hollo- C. manager. Guest Relations, had his car way, owner and manager of KFI and stolen from the parking lot . . . Here visited the affidiated stations’ KECA, are the results on another Brentwood proposed television transmitter site. golf match. Lew Frost, 91; Frank Royal was greatly interested in Direc- Dellett, 95; William Andrews, 99 and tor Ted Sherdeman’s experimental Norman Noyes, 89. (Par 72). Scores broadcast, “S4-K1”, and pronounced submitted by Noyes . . . Matt Barr and departure in radio it an absolute new Mel Traxell compare photographic technique. Sherdeman and Joe Kaye, World Wide Photos, Los Angeles records on their babies. studio engineer, succeeded in convey- George Brent declines via Ted Hediger’s ing the effect of depth of sound to W6QED. radio listeners. More than 150 sound effects were used in the broadcast, and drove a car until a couple of months Harry Saz and his hoys even brought ago, had his first encounter with traf- an automobile into Studio A. fic officers last week. Driving down Hollywood Boulevard, Robb suddenly During his stay. Royal found time decided to make a left turn at West- to put in a couple of rounds of golf ern. There was a sign there that read at Lakeside in the company of Messrs. Robb thought Gilman, Swallow and Bob Hope. That “No Left Turns”, but they were only fooling. The five particular January day, the weather- motor-cops who were waiting for him man recorded 80 degrees for Holly- right around the corner weren’t fool- wood while the rest of the country ing though when they handed him a was freezing. tag. John Hall Radio-Movies Frances Scully, fashion editor, Joe Four years ago, Harry Alber took over his little girl’s stamp collection. Now it’s Soon after Ted Sherdeman got his Parker, director, and “Buddy” Twiss, worth $8,000. s

MARCH, 1940 15 NBC SAN FRANCI SCO by Kay Barr

it in the Transmitter. So this is just an indirect way of putting the posie on the right lapel, for it was Nelson who brought radio and the newspapers together and who engineered both the Sing and the Jubilee.

Jubilee

It would take thousands of words to tell the complete story of the KCO- KPO Chronicle Jubilee, staged in the Civie Auditorium, San Francisco, January 26 last. An index of the suc- cess is found in the fact that between 35,000 and 40,000 tickets were re- quested. The house was exhausted 11 days before the show. For eight weeks dramatizations of the history of “The City of St. Franeis,” had led up to the climax. Advance build-up in The Chronicle was terrific with daily page- Ira “Very” Blue. Milt Samuel, Jack Bennett and Gene Clark. one breaks. The Diamond Jubilee angle came because the big show cele- promotion committee of the Exposi- Seal of Approval brated Chronicle’ 75th birthday. To tion organization gave KCO and The Shades of Mark Twain and Bret relieve the disappointment of the News a vote of thanks for their co- Harte are still floating around the thousands who could not get in to operative efforts in behalf of the Fair. news rooms of San Francisco news- see the show, the entire two and one- papers. Keeping that precious tradi- half hour entertainment was repeated Personalities tion alive, editors encourage distinct broadcast from records the fol- as a Ned Tollinger, of the KPO-KCO personalities among their writers. One lowing night on both stations. The Production staff, has been transferred of these colorful veterans of the old dramatizations were continued and to Hollywood, replacing Joe Parker school who has been neither mechan- the Jubilee was repeated in the show who went to New York. by news syndicate 28. ized nor eliminated Auditorium February Jennings Pierce, educational direc- methods is Percy Montgomery of the tor for NBC stations KCO and KPO, Francisco Chronicle, as fine a Fair News San was the chief instigator of the KCO- gentleman as you’ll meet ’twixt here KCO has launched an ambitious KPO Snow party to Lake Norvell Timbuktu. and program for promoting the Forty Fair February 17. Some fun. Well, Percv made a special visit to in cooperation with The San Fran- Another wedding at KCO-KPO. KGO and KPO the other day to pay cisco News. Dates for the 1940 Colden Producer Wally Buggies and Bunny the NBC stations a sincere compli- Cate Exposition are May 25—Septem- Paulsen walked down the middle aisle ment. For some years he had observed ber 29. Each Eriday evening Bill of the Trinity Episcopal church Febru- a lack of the old spirit of San Fran- Monahan, general manager of the ary 23. cisco, the fighting-back nerve and Eair, gives a weekly report of plans Blue Ira courage that put the Phenix in the and progress direet from his private So The City’s official seal. When he observed office on Treasure Island. Each Thurs- Ira Blue handles daily Let’s Listen the reaction to the Christmas Sing, day evening a 30-minute broadeast. broadcasts for KPO. He also does staged Christmas Eve by KCO-KPO Treasure Island Varieties, presents en- various interview programs, sports and The San Francisco News, Mont- tertaining talent and such celebrities eomment things, ete. etc. Werry wersa- gomery caught a glimmer of that old as are available. Ben C. Bubb, a com- tile. But he admits he’s slipping. Says eourage and determination. When he mereial artist on The Netvs staff, who he had more sense when he was 10 attended the KCO-KPO Chronicle used to play trombone in a high years old than he has now, 20 years Jubilee January 26, and heard the sehool band years ago, wrote a song. later. How come? Well, at that time National Anthem sweep up from more Take Me Back to Treasure Isle, and he was editor-in-chief of a school than 12,000 throats, he knew he was submitted it in a contest for a Fair paper and he hasn’t had such a right. The old never-say-die spirit was Theme Song being conducted by Vin- hifalutin’ title since. He had forgotten still in San Francisco hearts. And it cent Lopez at the Palace Hotel. Ben’s all about it until a few days ago when had been revived by the united efforts song won and was made the official a listener sent him a page out of the of two broadeasting stations and two musical symbol for the Forty Fair. old Normal News. There, big as life, newspapers. Lopez introduced it on the Varieties at the head of the editorial page, was

Manager A1 Nelson won’t know of program and it became the theme of “Editor-in-Chief, Ira Blue.” And it was Montgomery’s comment until he sees that weekly show. Members of the dated November 16, 1920. ———————— ! — —

16 NBC TRANS^IITTER ROVING REPORTER

ROVING MANAGER

Mr. Harold Bisson, as we should all know, is our Ad- vertising Production Manager in the Radio City offices. e

should all know it not only because he is an A Number 1 fellow, but also because he has been in nearly every room' in the building, carrying on the good work. This situation finally caused Archie Brayden, who is always trying to see Mr. Bisson, to vent his feelings in a fine burst of poetic frenzy. As Mr. Morgan wrote to Mr. Gilcher, "‘This heart- rending appeal, by a paper salesman, touches me deeply.”

So we present it herewith, that you, too, may feel something of the pathos of metropolitan life.

THE LITTLE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE

By Archie Brayden

No radio job stumps NBC But one thing has ’em up a tree

1 sure wish they’d agree upon Locating half-pint Harold Bisson.

Try calling on him any day. BONANZA “He’s somewhere on the 5th,” they’ll say. A factual account of skirmish Z97 in the war between Just where he’s at, the gods won’t know^ men and women. Janet Ross, star of KDKA’s Shopping You’ll find he’s moved two floors below. Circle, some time ago conducted an investigation among the male members of the KDKA staff to find out whether men I caught a glimpse of him one noon or women carry the most miscellaneous array of “things”. It was breathing spell for soon — An inventory of Announcer Ed Schaugency revealed (get This migratory little chap your adding machine) : pair of scissors, box of pills, ciga- Skipped off upon another lap. rettes and coupon, four packs of matches, pieces of link bracelet, two packs of gum, grocery list, bunch of keys, sev- It seems like yesterday that I eral rubber bands, paekage of Life Savers, handkerchiefs, My peripatetic pal did spy bottle of nose drops, theatre stubs, prize fight stubs, pen- Ensconced for keeps in Three-One-Seven knife, watch, movie pass, wallet (contained driver’s card, He’s somewhere else; but it ain’t Heaven. etc.), program from one of his shows, screw and nut, check hook, comb, nailfile, snapshots, box of negatives, odd key He looked all set in Four-Sixteen. unknown origin and use, styptic pencil, piece of chalk, paper \^Tien next I called place emptied clean — clips. Rotary Club luncheon door check, pay check, two For he had left for Three-Oh-Oh additional folding check books, office memo, cigar, foun- The guy is always on the go! tain pen and three pencils.

If they keep shifting Harold around SOUND EFFECTS VERSUS MECHANICS We’ll have to write to Lost & Found.

His trek will reach by 1950 Sound Effects has its own endless problems. It isn’t Thru every office in Radio City. enough to create any given sound. They must go on to ex- plain how the sound is produced and, all too frequently, I huff and puff from floor to floor. why. The latest was when a mechanic, applying for a job, I stagger on from door to door and being pretty alert, wrote, “I have noticed that the gears A Traveling Salesman that am I, in the transmissions of all your cars are worn and are ex- All on account of one short guy. ceptionally noisy in first and second gears.” Sound Effects explained that in radio Avithout the noise of gears no car Please, Mr. Sarnoff, man to man. could start. Nail down this Bisson if you can. Give him a permanent room and chair 5 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH This little man who’s never there. The Reception Staff Review did not appear but

I beg. Clay Morgan, speak the word A baseball game was arranged Avith Sing Sing. We Avon.

That cages this itinerant bird. The Magazine Avas happily ensconced in its original No more to vanish in thin air office. Room 284, Avhere DorothA^ McBride noAV holds the Henceforth—the man who’s always there! fort of Script. We are noAV soberly settled in 465. So long. NBC TRANSMITTER VOL. 6 JULY, 1940

Lenox R. Lohr (at right)

NILES TRAMMELL SUCCEEDS LENOX R. LOHR AS PRESIDENT

Niles Trammell, our executive vice-president, was elected The Transmitter has learned with regret of Major President last Friday, July 12. He succeeds Lenox R. Lohr. Lenox R. Lohr’s resignation from the Presidency. Follow- The great pleasure we all take in Mr. Trammell’s promotion ing the closing of the Chicago Exposition he was elected is tempered oidy by our regret at the resignation of so able President of the NBC in December, 1935. a man as Major Lohr. Recently Mr. Lohr informed the Directors that he had received an invitation from the Chicago Museum of Science The announcement, made by David Sarnoff, Chairman of and Industry to become the President of that organization, the Board of the National Broadcasting Company, stated: and that he desired to accept the position. “The National Broadcasting Company at its regular meet- At the regular meeting of the NBC Board held July 12, ing of directors accepted the resignation of Lenox R. Lohr Major Lohr’s resignation was accepted. During his five as President, tendered on June 7th. years of Presidency the National Broadcasting Company “The Board unanimously expressed its appreciation for has expanded in all directions under his excellent leader- Mr. Lohr’s devotion and service to the Compaii) and its ship. good wishes for his continued success in the new work he On the evening of Thursday, July 11th, a farewell dinner has chosen. was given Major Lohr by the executives of RCA and NBC “Niles Trammell, who for the past 18 months has been in the Iridium Room of the Hotel St. Regis in New Aork executive vice-president of the NBC, was then elected by City. Among those present were David Sarnoff, Chairman the Board as the new President of the National Broadcasting of the NBC Board and President of the Radio Corporation Company. of America, and Frank Mullen, vice-president of RCA. Following the dinner a special record made in the March “In electing Mr. Trammell, the Board has promoted to of Time manner dramatized the events in Major Lohr’s the Presidency a man who has risen from the ranks of the career. Speeches were made by David Sarnoff, by Mr. Lohr Company. He began his career with the in and RCA 1923, and Mr. Trammell. joined the National Broadcasting Company in 1928, where The resigning President was presented with a very fine he has achieved outstanding success as a broadcasting double-barreled English shotgun of 12 inch gauge, the type executive both in Chicago and in New York. He now used for duck hunting. There yvas a present also for Mrs. brings to the position of President, 17 years of experience Lohr and the Major received a parchment scroll yvith the in communications, merchandising and broadcasting. signatures of all present. “Mr. Trammell is 46 years of age. It is a distinction to For many y'ears Major Lohr has held an annual picnic a young industry that it has produced from its ranks a at his Tarrytown estate for the employes of the NBC. This young executive of his type. Mr. Trammell’s successive has been traditionally on the 4th of July. This year yve advances in positions of responsibility with the NBC have like to think that it yvas his fareyvell party to all of us. been made as the broadcasting industry grew from small Despite the early morning gloom a large group of NBC heginnings to a nation-wide service of entertainment, in- personnel promptly arrived and spread themselves over the formation and education, and as a vital service to commerce beautiful grounds. It yvas an all day affair yvith syvimming. and industry. boyvling and poyver boating among the day’s activities. “His intimate knowledge of broadcasting, his popularity The big event of the ey^ening yvas a display of fireyvorks and wide acquaintanceship in all segments of the industry with rockets and aerial displays and fountains of fire on are important assets of the Companv he now heads.” the lake. 9 NBC TRANSMITTER MEGACYCLES

FM ON SCHEDULE marks the entry of radio’s newest F medium into politics. The event is Frequency Modulation is a current comparable to the historical good problem for many of us who do not showmanship of Samuel F. B. Morse have a working knowledge of electri- who first demonstrated his electrical cal engineering. It is interesting, how- telegraph by carrying the news of ever, to know a few of the non-techni- Clay’s nomination at the Whig Na- cal facts. RCA, in keei)ing with its tional Convention at Baltimore by to pioneer all radio develojj- policy wire from Annapolis to Washington. ments, has always worked with the Television will, in the same way, be- modulation idea. Actually, frequency come identified with the Republican our first experiments in this field were Convention which, falling at a time conducted at NBC during the years like this, is bound to be remembered. 1934 1935. Now, since there are and NBC’s Orthicon field camera will be receiving sets on the market to pick up the main instrument to pick up the type of broadcast — thereby sup- this colorful activities from the floor of public demand the National plying a — Convention Hall. On the third floor has begun to Broadcasting Company of the building in a special television operate an FM Transmitter. studio, another camera is located to this station are The call letters for pick up interviews with party person- The equipment in use was W2XWG. alities and political experts. A third installed in the Empire State Builditig working position is NBC Television Transmitter at the Curie Avenue Transmitter Room, in the 85th Floor entrance to Convention Hall, where originally for experimental compari- cycle range but rather in a different arrivals of the party officials are tele- as against amplitude part of the radio sons of frequency spectrum, conse- vised giving brief and informal inter- modulation is quently it modulation. Amplitude cannot interfere with FM views. The schedule calls for about used for regular broad- reception. the method Secondly, the reception is thirty hours of pickup, television’s programs has casts. Today a choice of clearer because with frequency modu- largest coverage of any event any- for transmission been made available lation transmission the effect of a where in the world. from the W2XWG antenna— it is phenomenon engineers call “man-made The event also marks the longest working on a schedule of about nine noise” is reduced. This noise is a line relay of programs from field sta- hours a day for a five day week, usu- disturbance caused by ignition systems tion to transmitter in the history of ally taking the air about two o’clock and similar bits of equipment, which, television. The cameras are separated in the afternoon. It is impossible to in effect, are spark gap transmitters by 108 miles of cable from the tele- say how many FM sets are in private sending out intermittent disturbances. casting station of NBC in midtown use. However, a significant fact is that Credit is to be given to frequency Manhattan. The program is carried by FM reception is being incor])orated modulation for this noise reduction. In equalized telephone wire to the Phila- into a new line of sets being manufac- the case of the atmospheric disturb- delphia end of the coaxial cable, then tured for the market which in the fu- ances, however, it is not the principle by the cable to the terminal end in ture will provide a large audience. of FM but rather it is the fact that the down-town New York. Several indications have been given transmitting is done in the ultra high The program next goes by equalized as to the advantages of frequency frequency range that FM transmission lines to the NBC control room and modulation. The widely publicized remains undisturbed by natural phe- then by the regular coaxial transmitter “better service” or higher fidelity is nomena. FM occupies a wider band line to the Empire State antenna. In the result of several different factors. than is necessary for amplitude modu- addition to the 4,000 receiving sets at In one sense it refers to a greater fre- lation, a band with a width of 200 large around New York City, many quency range which can be handled in kilocycles for each channel. The Fed- others have been placed in public this system. An example would he the eral Communications Commission has places, bars, hotels, etc., where unus- case of an orchestra whose instruments assigned a total hand of 8 megacycles ually large groups may look in. On cover a great variety of different for FM broadcasting which includes the basis of this we may assume that ])itches. With the FM method of broad- 1 me (space for 5 FM channels) for 15 to 20 thousand people will be able casting, both the extremely low and non-commercial educational broadcast to watch the proceedings. extremely high sounds of the orchestra stations and 7 me (35 channels) for Avoidd come through in good tone, pro- commercial FM broadcast stations. In Philadelphia, at the Convention vided a correspondingly accurate Hall, special viewing facilities have COP Convent-ion Televised speaker was used for re|)roduction. In been set up. An RCA large screen tele- another sense, the “I)etter service” At the time this copy was written the vision system, and sixty other standard refers to the fact that with FM the tone Republican National Convention at type RCA 120 sets, will be available for the public. sets will be is clearer. This is due first of all to Philadelphia was being broadcast over Other located in strategic points throughout the fact that FM is transmitted in the W2XBS, our television transmitter. ultra-high frequency range. Static due Radio has always been a significant the city. The total audience figure to atmospheric conditions, for exam])le force in political events. This tele- could be placed somewhere around lightning, does not exist in the mega- vision coverage at Convention Hall (Continued on page 1) JULY, 1940 3 NBC EMPLOYE TRAINING

At this time we may look hack upon of hroadc'asting was to lie the result. ments and divisions. Since June, 1937, a year of the most comprehensive It was felt that in this time if any nearly every male member wbo has training ever given to junior employes definite radio ability was shown by tbe entered General Service has takeji this of the National Broadcasting Com- emjjloye he would have had an oppor- Orientation course. pany. The training plan, under the tunity to secure a permanent position It is interesting to note here that personal supervision of Ashton Dunn inside the Company. It was from the as a follow-up of the Orientation of Personnel, is an activity of the members of this training school that course, employes come to the Person- General Service Department under the vacancies as they occurred were to be nel Office and, in a series of interviews, direction of Vincent J. Gilcher. It was filled. possible avenues of advancement are designed for the junior employes of The advantages of the training plan discussed and records made of their various subdivisions of General Ser- are numerous and the benefit is en- interests and abilities. Employes are vice, namely. Guest Relations, Central joyed by both the Company and the encouraged to make known their de- Files, the Mail and Messenger staff, trainees. The plan works for greater sires and are welcome whenever they

Duplicating and Stenographic, and is efficiency among the employes and it may wish to discuss their ambitions open to employes of other departments gives them a sense of security to feel and jrroblems. upon application. The execution of that the Company is interested in them In order to give employes of longer this training plan is a job especially and in their future welfare. From a standing a better idea of the Company delegated to Dwight Wallace’s Per- public relations point of view our as a whole and to afford them a greater sonnel Division of General Service and training plan contributes to the im- knowledge of each of the different this past year it has expanded greatly pression that NBC is a forward look- divisions, the Discussion Group was to include different types of courses ing concern. The effect that a policy formed. It was the outcome of a series from the elementary orientation to of this kind has upon our affiliated sta- of informal meetings held unofficially specialized training in a great many tions is also beneficial to the Company. by a group of employes who wished fields of the broadcasting industry. The Further, the training j)lan enables the to learn for theirrselves more about different courses have taken form over Personnel Division to spot the better the Company for which they worked. a period of several years but this past material among the employes and thus The Personnel Office during the winter season the training plan reached an in- the department is put in a position to of 1938 enlarged this group and de- teresting stage of development. promote or transfer those best suited vised a plan for study whereby the

Nor has it ceased to expand. As re- for a job. members would meet twice a week and gards the future, according to Mr. The oldest of all the training courses read reports written about their own Dunn, there are still plans on the fire now in operation is Pat Kelly’s An- departments. These meetings were also which may be realized during the com- nouncers Class, originally organized addressed at different times by eight all a greater for the or ten executives of the ing year, aiming toward some five or six ) ears ago pur- Company who understanding of the Company and its pose of filling from the Company’s reviewed the operations of their own individual functions by the younger ranks, vacancies on the Announcers offices. There were about thirty mem- employes. Because of the success to staff. Since the beginning of this year, bers enrolled that year; however, so date of the NBC training plan and the two men from the class have become many employes asked to be admitted approval shown by the NBC execu- junior announcers in our NBC New that this past year the enrollment was tives, it is hoped that the schedule will York line up. To be heard on either increased to seventy-two, including he enlarged and improved and courses network now we have Caspar Kuhn thirteen women. Today half the group covering other phases of the industry and John Simpson who were trained is composed of General Service em- will be added. in Pat Kelly’s headquarters with ployes and half are from other de- It is the policy of the Company so Dan Russell as the professor of inflec- partments of the Company. far as is possible to fill vacancies in tion, diction and interpretation. Re- There were thirty-one meetings of the personnel by promoting from with- cently managers of outside stations the Discussion Groiq) this year and in. Sometimes this cannot be done be- have requested that auditions be given an average of forty-seven members cause of the highly specialized nature to members of the group for the pur- attended each lecture, a figure which is of radio operations. The training re- pose of selecting announcers for their high considering the fact that many ceived under Mr. Dunn’s supervision own stations. During the past year and men from Guest Relations were com- helps to qualify younger men in the a half about fifteen men from the pelled to be absent because of Guide Company for possible promotions and various General Service staffs have and Page duties. The meetings were is thereby a valuable aid to this policy, secured positions in outside stations as held every Wednesday evening last one we would all like to see carried a result of contacts made through these winter in the Sixth Floor Board Room out to its fullest extent. auditions. for about a two-hour session. The The junior employes in the General Next in the line of tradition is the series was opened by Dr. Angell, Edu- Service Department are regarded as Orientation Class. It was begun in the cational Counsel for the National potential executive material. In March, fall of 1937. Today it is offered to all Broadcasting Company. 1939, President Lohr announced the new members of the Company shortly Reports upon assigned subjects were beginning of our present two year after employment. A series of one-hour requested of members from General plan. Junior employes were to be hired classes given over a period of two Service and all members of the Dis- for a two year period, during which weeks is designed to acquaint the cussion Group were permitted to at- various types of training were to be newer personnel with the historical tend the Commercial and Sustaining given and a better working knowledge background of RCA and NBC depart- (Continued on page 14J ;

4 NBC TRANS^ITTTER

NBC H O L LYWO O D by Noel Corbett

Miss Brainard and Messrs. Frost, Swallow and Gilman. At the Brown Derby, Lillian Cornell and Artists Service.

Maybe the Transmitter has been Western Division Press Department re- palatial home at Ocean Park, Moore taking time off, hut that hasn’t been ceived the annual Billboard award for Manners. Bock claimed he found the the case in the Hollywood office. Lots the most outstanding radio exploita- route to he a no-service station, no- of events have occurred in the past tion and promotion during 1939. human being, full of chuck-holes and few months, including many prominent Walter Davison, who started his rocks road, and is still suffering a backache from the trip. Char- visitors; installation of television on career with NBC in New York is now bumpy lie Sales Promotion Manager, the tours; awards; marriages; promo- in Sales and David Lasley, formerly Brown, tions, et cetera. of Maintenance, has taken his spot in goes to Tahoe, and his assistant, Dave Here are a few of the easterners who Sales Promotion. Here’s a couple of Lasley, goes to Laguna Beach. Henry Sales Traffic, visited honored us by their presence lately couples who hopped over the line and Maas, Manager folks in Napa. Gil- John Royal, Roy Witmer, Mark Wood, got married. Bill Nugent, Sound, mar- Alameda and Don will not take time out for a vaca- Bertha Brainard, Keith Kiggins, Dan ried Shirley Munkelwitz in Yuma, man tion, other than a few days at the Bo- Tuthill, O. B. Hanson, Judith Waller, Arizona, and Alberta Thompson left hemian Grove encampment. However, Franklin Dunham, Margaret Cnthhert, the Payroll Department for a week to his summer will have a full traveling B. F. McClancy and Bill Clark. run over to Las Vegas and marry John schedule and will include visiting Van- Vice President Don E. Gilman Sanders. couver for the PACA Convention and termed himself “honorary grand- Good things came to George Volger Del Monte for the Four A Convention, father” of One Mans Family when he in abundance. He married his child- and San Francisco for the NAB. accepted an award by the Women’s hood sweetheart and became a full- Sydney Dixon, Western Division Press Club of New York for the pro- fledged announcer all in one week. An- Sales Manager, will also take in the gram last May. Hal Bock and his other lad raised to the announcing Bohemian Grove encampment the last staff from Maintenance is George Mc- of July. Frank Dellett will vacation Menamin—Pardon us, it’s George amongst the tall timbers in southern Emmet now. And only one T please. Oregon. No matter what reaction the regular Television is now part of the Delletts have from hotel managers en tours, and according to Bill Andrews, route, Michael, their rangy Kerry Blue Norman Manager Guest Relations, and Terrier goes too. Walter Davison drove of Promotion, Noyes, in charge Tour hack to New York to visit the folks. the installation has caused a boom in Caroline Gay and Betty Frazer Studio business. We have three new visited Radio City, New York. They equip- Engineers-Video to handle the saw old friends there, including Caro- B. and ment, C. W. Turner, R. Graham line’s former boss, L. H. Titterton, D. R. Scheuch. Manager, Script Division, and Joe Everybody likes a vacation, and here Thompson, erstwhile Hollywood di- are some jilans—past, present and rector. future. That weekend of fishing on the Kern Despite the whispering, direct mail River was just enough to send Sybil and display campaign that Hal Bock and Hal Bock back again for their two launched against Tracy Moore’s no- weeks. Iraffic, no-cops, no-trucks, route to Charlie Smith, Artists Service, goes

Portland, after giving it one try last to W yoming with Don WTlson when summer, Tracy swears he’ll go that the latter goes on location there in his They Give You Hollywood; Frances Scully, ])icture. Oscar Otis, Clinton Twiss. way when he travels North to open his new jUL^’. 1940 5

RADIO CITY - NEW YORK

Blue and Red dent and as Manager of the Washing- George Z. Medal ie, former Solicitor Walls have been torn down, I’erson- ton Bureau of Central News. The General Jhomas I). Thatcher, Samuel nel has whisked around the corner and Washington ofiice of NBC signed him Seabury, and Edwin M. Otterbourg, to down the hall, and while the dust was up for their News and Special Events aid the goveniment’s National Defense high, the NBC Blue Network marched Department. Now Mr. Henderson is Program. serving in a similar capacity here in in and settled in all its glory in room Margaret N. Stone, Secretary -.Stenog- 308. Edgar Kobak, long prominent in our Radio City offices. rapher to A. L. Ashby, has tendered her resignation, effective June 30th, in radio advertising, has become Vice Leaving NBC President in charge of the Blue Net- order to become the Research Secre- Mr. Wailes, former Manager of the work. Keith Kiggins is the Blue Net- tary of a well-known author in the M & 0 Stations, has left NBC to be- work Sales Manager, and Robert field of psychoanalysis. Success to you. come Manager of Broadcasting for Saudek is assistant to both. Seven Peg! The vacancy is being filled by Westinghouse, Inc. He is replaced by salesmen are assigned to sell the Blue Miss Jessie W. Stewart. S. D. &egory from KDKA. exclusively. These men, formerly han- The Legal Department wishes to an- KDKA, WBZ, WBZA and KYW, dling both Red and Blue accounts, are nounce the engagement of Miss Agnes NBC managed and operated stations Duncan R. Buckham, Dudley Rollin- L. Locherer, Secretary to Mr. R. D. since 1932, are being taken back by son, John G. Hoagland, George M. Swezey, to M. Edward de Champion, Westinghouse in view of Westing- Benson, Charles E. Phelps, Paul M. of 16 Park Avenue. house’s desire to resume active work in Massman and Fred Thrower. Assistant C. P. M. the radio broadcasting field. It will be A quick checkup of the Red Network remembered that these stations were Miss Brainard’s office has gained im- reveals Roy C. Witmer as the Vice among the first five radio stations in measurably in the recent appointment President in charge, Edward Hitz as the United States. The change is being of Robert Easton Button as Assistant assistant to Mr. Witmer, I. E. Shower- made with the mutual accord of NBC Local Commercial Program Manager. man as Eastern Sales Manager, and and Westinghouse. The other Westing- You may have heard Bob’s original George Frey as Service Manager. Of house owned stations are WOWO, music for Cordon Webber’s Radio the original group of salesmen, John 10,000 watts, and WGL, 250 watts, in Guild script “Crazy Heart Blues.” He McNeil, Walter Myers, R. R. Kraft, Fort Wayne, Indiana. participated in the Bermuda Cruise and James Martin may still be found demonstration of Television, both on Legally Speaking bringing in the accounts. Gordon Mills shipboard and on the island itself. from Spot and Local is now on the A. L. Ashby, Vice President and Gen- Bob holds an AB from Dartmouth sales staff. regular Red Three others eral Counsel, has been appointed by the and an LL.B from St. Lawrence. Dur- have joined this group from other New York County Lawyers’ Associa- ing summer vacations from college, he fields. William L. Kost comes from the tion, one of a committee of five, which would take orchestras on ships bound publishing business, Eugene A. Krae- includes former Lhiited States Attorney for Europe or South America, playing mer served as Advertising Manager the piano, composing and doing or- for Chaney’s Scientific American, and Frederick Hunchback on Summer Film chestrations. There is every indication formerly Series—Call 220 or Write Room 465. Horton was with Alco- that this is oidy a brilliant start to a Gravure. The two networks have been promising career. separated as completely as possible. Lasf Month Was June Anita Barnard replaces Leonard W. Wedding bells are in season, as Braddock, who resigned to become when are they not, so we find that assistant to the president of Mayfair, Florence Schwarzer of Press took ad- Inc., one of the most prominent of in- vantage of Memorial Day weekend and terior decorating companies in the became Mrs. Karl Plock. state. Miss Barnard is well fitted for Ruth Gould, assistant to Alice Mas- the position of Manager of the Infor- lin, on the Woman of Tomorrow mation Division. She has been with program, has become Mrs. Frank R. the Company for eight years, including Scoppa. It’s another Rockefeller Cen- assignments in the President’s office, as ter romance, for Mr. Scoppa is with Assistant Editor of Continuity Accep- the Arthur Kudner Agency in the In- tance, and with Judge Ashby in the ternational Building. preparation, and later the analysis, of V e have a wedding to look forward the recent testimony for the FCC. to, as Lucille Lizotte, secretary to Vin-

Robert W. Friedheim, in reward of cent J. Gilcher, Director of General his excellent services, has been made Service, has announced her engage- Sales Manager of the Eastern Radio ment to Eric Hartley-V aters. Mr. Recording. Willis B. Parsons becomes Hartley -V aters is an international the Assistant Manager. patent law attorney. Down in Washington, Robert E. Ary B. Moll announced his engage- Henderson has acquired valuable ex- ment to Miss Hilda Sama, of Puerto perience as White House correspon- ( Continued on page 6) :

I b N ’.C TRANSM I TTER

NBC TRANSMITTER MINSTRELS STACECRAFTERS Published for and by the employes of the National Broadcasting Com- pany from coast to coast. The five units of the NBC Page and Just before we went to press, the Guide Television Players, dramatic, or- Stagecrafters held an election and Kirk VOL. 6 .ILLY, 1940 No. 4 chestral, choral, novelty act, and comic Quinn, in a just reward for his long opera groups are fast acquiring a pro- EDITORIAL BOARD and faithful service, emerged with the fessional polish during rehearsals for J.\MEs Beardsley Editor presidential plum. George M. Nelson, their next presentation early in July, Charles Turner Assistant Editor who has encouraged the group from its according to Bill Garden, president of Charles Van Bergen Photographs inception, was elected vice president. the organization. ASSOCIATES Mr. Warren Wade, Television Direc- Virginia Black is executive secretary, Thomas DeHuff Guest Relations tor and Supervisor of the Page and while Adelaide Piana assumes the Ja.mes McConnochie Guest Relations Guide Television Players, has been re- treasurer’s duties. Martin Hoade be- .Stanley Miller Guest Relations hearsing the various units. comes press representative; Ray O’Con- Joseph .Seiferth Guest Relations The dramatic unit is headed by nell, business manager; and Barbara Joseph M. Seiferth, Jr., formerly with Kirk, chairman of the play-reading ,\(ldress all correspondence to: NBC Trans- the station WDSU, and director of the mitter. National Broadcasting Company. committee. Room 465, RCA Building, New York, N. Y. Tulane Radio Players and University The Transmitter at once inter- Telephone; Circle 7-8300. Extension 220. Dramatic Guild in New (3rleans. viewed the president to Forty members of the Page and new get the very latest word for its readers, and John Kelly, former editor of the Guide staff have joined the television briefly the word is this: It is quite pos- Tr.\nsmitter. is now in the Informa- dramatists; they write their own sible that the group will do a summer tion and Publicity offices of the Radio scripts, work out the continuity of ac- show. If so, it Mull be a light and Corporation of America. Mr. Kelly tion, and act in the monologues and frothy comedy. Or, and this is just an anatomizes and indexes the reports of playlets. idea at the moment, an original revue the Federal Communications Commis- Richard Dinsmore, graduate of the with all the sketches, music and lyrics sion. Eastman School of Music at Rochester, written by of the Y., and ardent saxophonist, has members Company. His editorship set a high standard, N. There are no definite plans, so if you at the of the orches- the maintenance of which will require been placed head hand-picked musi- have any ideas for any phase of the the wholehearted effort of those who tral group. Nine production they will be most welcome. follow. cians, all of whom have had experience There will be a general meeting soon, in bands throughout the country, in- possibly the middle of July, open to clude the following Pages and Guides: anyone interested. Watch for a notice RADIO CITY—NEW YORK Sam Lake, violist; A1 Bengston and to be issued shortly. Finally, the ( Continued from page 5) Stanley Miller, pianists; Joseph Jen- Stagecrafters are very pleased with the kins, Robert Raleigh, guitar- Rico at the AA Dance; they were mar- drummer; reception given their most recent pro- trombonist; Bill ried June 16th at the Church of Notre ist; Harold Bass, duction, Kind Lady. Dame, New York. Hoffman, saxophonist; and Addison Amor, trumpeter. Robert Button has Kind Lady, needless to say, was Dot and Dash charge of both the Choral and Satirical not for the nervous. The mere sight of John S. LaTouch, until recently Opera groups. One of the originators the lovely Chris Leahy (Production) supervisor of the NBC Telegraph of the Page and Guide Minstrel shows. being pushed about and generally mis- Office, was called back to the Naval Button has contributed original ar- treated by Roy Pascal (GRi and May service and is now Chief Radio Opera- rangements and compositions to the Day (Station Relations) was enough to tor on the U. S. S. Cowell in the Navy various performances. His piano solos send chills up and down the back of Yard at Philadelphia. have also added considerably to the the hardest of heart. Norman Cash, George Olenslager, in charge of high standing of the group. momentarily laying aside his flannels guide training, has discovered that the Roy Pascal heads the new Novelty and citation cord, supplied the romance best things come in small packages. Act group. At present he is doing sotne and proved that chivalry was not dead. It’s a girl, Karen Lee by name, and television work at the RCA exhibit at Kirk Quinn clinched the president's already she instinctively reaches for the World’s Fair. chair with his performance, while Vir- a microphone. Bill Garden’s statement can well be ginia Kelly, Agnes Lockerer and Cor- When you hear a particularly com- applied to the entire organization nelia Horn were further evidence that pelling voice sign off a program with “We have taken great care, great pride, a play is not made by its stars alone. Billhart “your announcer is Richard Dudley.” and great enjoyment in the prepara- Stuart made such a convinc- ing doctor that he had to off sev- then you know that Casper Kuhn is tion of and participation in the past ward extending his delivery from a circle of efforts of the Page and Guide Tele- eral nice old ladies after each per- Fitz- intimates to a nation-wide hookup. It vision shows. Our reward has been the formance. Edmee Logan and Ed was Mr. Kuhn who bowled over the realization that we are contributing patrick made marriage convincing, and television audience in the minstrel something worthwhile today in the en- Dorothy Callahan and Roy Girard shows, and held the locker room in tertainment field. With these facts in gave more than creditable perform- rapt attention with his reading of mind of our brief, but colorful history, ances. Winnie the Pooh. Maxwell Russell and with the unexcelled cooperative To those behind the saw and brush, went from Guest Relations to Studio spirit of hard-working, talented men to an especially lush orchid, while four .Set Up; the summer period now finds inspire proceedings in the future, we stars are due Barbara Kirk’s excellent him in the Sound Set Up office. should be very optimistic.” make-up job on the entire cast. —

JULY, 1940 7 NBC SCHENECTADY EXCHANGE CORNER

This classified ad section is available free of charffe to all NIKi employees. Rales: Organization of an Athletic Associa- Albert Knaj)j), of Engineering, Forty-five word limit ; no reftular business tion, to include women as well as men bought a half acre of land out of Chet or professional service may be advertised. on the staff of WGY, is under way. Vedder’s vineyard in the town of Nis- Address ads to NBt; Tkansmittkii, Room Announcer Howard Tupper and En- kayuna, on the outskirts of Schenec- 465, RC.4 Ruilding, Radio City, New York. the tady and is building a home. land gineer A1 Knapp are heading up The FOR KENT- -\ cry small iwo-rooiii furnished committee and they are receiving great has been in the Vedder hands since its cottage for week-ends only. Four miles support from their fellow workers as purchase from the Indians hack in from New (.'anaan, Connecticut. SlOO for season. Call NBC Extension 433. there is strong sentiment in favor of 1685. * * * the Association. FOR .SALE— Federal radio recorder, cabinet To make sure that everything is quite W. J. Purcell, whose hobbies hereto- model, 78 rpm only. Immediate playback, practically Tkansmittkii. regular and orderly, a committee on fore have been fishing, photography, new. Call constitution and by-laws has been ap- skiing and hunting, has gone overboard FOR SALE—National IIRO Senior, (jrey pointed with Horton Mosher, engineer, on this game of golf. He has worked finish table model, ten months old, com- plete with four roils, built power pack. as chairman. With Mosher are Gert- his handicap down to sixteen, has read home Itrush headphones, S135 Cash. 1. C. (iraho, rude Bevan, Veronica Layden, Donald all the literature on the subject and N. Y. Field. MacElwain, Phil Brook, Jack Keane can quote all the authorities on every FOR RENT--.Sid)let, three-room apt. 353 and Virgil Hasche. shot in the game. But he still finds it’s East 56th St. Sf5 monthly till October. Softball and bowling are the chief difficult to coordinate mind and muscle Call NBC Extension 213. sports advocated by the organization, on a particular shot at a particular but staff members are demanding other time. * * * MEGACYCLES activities, and arrangements are under way to organize the golfers, tennis Five of the WGY staff are members (Continued from page 2) players, chess and bridge addicts, all of General Electric’s golf organization 50,000, reaching from remote parts of Pentisylvania to some parts of Massa- to operate under the promotional guid- —the Edison Club. They are W. J. ance of the Athletic Association. Purcell, Alan Taylor, Bernard Cruger, chusetts. The tnajority of ihe receivers WGY’s bowling league is three years W. T. Meenam and Betty Donahue. however, are located withiti a raditis ^ ^ old, and this year the women of the of about 70 miles of the New York staff organized a league and carried Harold Paul Kent, until recently an Transmitter. through to the end of the season. Soft- announcer on WNBF, Binghamton, is Since the establishment, on .Ajtril ball contests have been held occasion- serving as vacation relief on WGY’s 30, 1939, of the NBC RCA television ally but only at station outings. With announcer staff. Kent, formerly em- service, the first in the .\mericas, the an Athletic Association it is proposed ployed as a technician with the Agfa- coverage of the Convention marks the to get more men out for the game and Ansco Corporation at Binghamton, has first occasion on which it has televised develop four to six teams for league been warmly welcomed by the photog- an event in one city for broadcast in activities. raphy fans of the staff, Howard Wheel- another. er, Ray Strong, Horton Mosher and Many outdoor activities have been scheduled for broadcast by the Tele- Charles King is wearing the uniform Alex MacDonald. * * * vision for the of “Guest Relations,” succeeding Rob- Department summer season. ert Warner, who has been promoted to Just when Alan Taylor was getting “Press.” to sock a golf ball far and straight he » » * slipped, fell and strained a ligament The triplet progeny of Ray Strong Secretaries Caroline Osan and Gert- in his right arm. A1 had expected to Joan, Jean and junior—graduated en rude Peeples attended the state conven- pitch for the WGY team in the inter- masse this month from the first grade. tion of the Business and Professional city softball contest but that ambition * # * Women’s Club held in Buffalo. Miss has been wrecked. * * « John Campbell of Accounting is Peeples is a native of Buffalo. sporting a new Ford of a type known * * * Pete Narkon. Ray Strong and Vic as “Convertible Club.” Campbell produced a total catch of Manager Kolin Hager recently ad- * * * four lake trout on their excursion to dressed the Schenectady Parent Teach- Piseco Lake. The score was Narkon 2, Bettv Donahue and husband Lloyd ers Council and a joint meeting of the Campbell 2, and Strong 0. It was passed a recent week-end somewhere on Rotary and Kiwanis clubs of Amster- Campbell’s first fishing trip. He the Jersey shore. dam. * * * brought back a very painful sunburn. * * * * *' * Chester Rudowski passed the Memo- It was a postman’s vacation for Vic- Jeanette Swart, secretary of A. 0. rial Day week-end in New \ ork. tor Campbell. Vic’s rest idea of a and Coggeshall, attended graduation exer- * * * change was a visit to Radio City where, cises at Green Mountain Junior Col- for several days, he sat in on produc- visited lege, Poultney, Vermont. John Howe and family tion of network shows. * * * friends in Buffalo over the long May * * * The Phil Brook family now numbers 30th week-end. * ^ * Wilbur Morrison of Press is spend- four. Peter Edward recently entered ing his vacation in New York and the Brook household, joining David Alex MacDonald of Promotion has Plattsburg. Sanborn. become a home owner. 8 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC AA OUTING 1940 HELD AT SEAWANE

A record attendance of about 2b5 people contributed toward making the NBC Athletic Association Outing a brilliant success. It was held out on Long Island at the Seawane Club ol Hewlett Harbor. Chick Showerinan, President of the AA, in reference to the occasion, was heard to remark, ‘’Ca va sans dire,” which means “wow” or “sensational,” “unprecedented,” all expressions of undampened enthusi- asm. Records of every sort were broken. Even before 9 a.m. there were several golf fans well up on the first One for the outfield—Al Protzman. Martha McGrew and Priscilla Lohr. “eighteen.” Frank Jones, chairman of the golf committee, says there were 130 golfers teed off during the day, a figure exceeding the highest of any previous Outing hy about fifty. Herewith we print a camera cross- section of the day for which we are in- debted to Charlie Van Bergen of Press. All pictures are the property of the AA and are not to be used for blackmail. Golf led the field in popularity and

it was a well-rewarded day's work for those who won the prizes. George Ere) of Sales drove the top golf prize home after winning the Low Gross Men's rournament with the amazingly low total of 151 strokes for the 36 holes. In the afternoon round, he played a par game which for the Seawane course

is 72 strokes. Nineteen points away and second prize winner was Albert Frey with a total of 170. During the morning, the qualifying round of tlie Championship Handicap event was played. In the afternoon play-off, Hugo Seiler of the Mail Room came in with a gross score of 95, handicap Pearl Watts and Phil Hartnett (Continued on page \G)

The riding group starts on a cross-country Jaunt. lULY, 1940 9

On the courts with E. B. Lyford and Sam Ross. Battledore and Shuttlecock.

Commuting— Bermuda - style. Dorothy Anne Healey and Adam Gayeck.

Dinner and dancing at Seawane. Frank Jones scores the golf match. 10 XnC TRANSMITTER

KOA DENVER WA S H I N C T O N by Marion P. Gale On their recent visit to Denver, the For the past several months since President Roosevelt’s press confer- Freddy Martin Orchestra challenged the European war broke out in earnest, ences, Secretary of State Hull’s confer- the NBC Denver radio boys to a game of baseball at Morrison, Colorado. The our news department has simultaneous- ences and the First Lady’s, as well as challenge was accepted, hut, unfortu- ly become a beehive of activity, attract- important debates and committee meet- nately, the game ended in a 12-12 tie ing the attention of everyone. Custo- ings in the Senate and House. at the end of the 6th inning when it marily bare walls have been bespat- Earl Godwin, NBC Red Network was called off due to rain. tered witb maps. Between White House W^ashington commentator, serves full- -s » «- press conferences, defense legislation time at the White House, while Bauk- KOA's famous “Men of the West,” up on the hill and general increase in hage, NBC Blue Network Washington while singing at the Ship’s Tavern of the number of local news broadcasts, commentator, concentrates on the the Brown Palace Hotel, were request- tbe news staff has grown rapidly along State, War and Navy departments as ed by an airline oflicial to sing a num- witb the developments. In fact extra well as the foreign missions. Both are ber for him. This aviation man liked enij)loyes came in so fast that at least assigned to presidential press confer- them so well that he called his presi- on one occasion a receptionist stopped ences and major congressional stories. dent by long distance telephone in New a harried newsman as he attempted The entire program and engineering York and he held the line for 15 min- to reach his office . . . the receptionist staff, working under General Manager utes while the “Men of the West” sang thinking that the new employe was at- K. H. Berkeley and Chief Engineer various selections for his enjoyment tempting to “crash the gate.” Commen- A. E. Johnson, are on 24-hour call for and the acclamation of the listening tators Baukhage and Godwin, and the duration. guests in the Ship’s Tavern. chief news editor McAndrew' were * * * all the either constantly in the office or only With long hours and work Announcer Tor Torland, KOA’s Ace telephone distance away. Tom Knode, going on there still has been time for social gatherings. The White House Newscaster, suffered an eye injury re- day news editor, arrived at work one for press radio folks cently, necessitating the taking of four morning to discover that the daily new’s annual dance and 21st. attend- stitches. Everyone is glad to see that schedule had been increased so that was held on Ma) NBCites ing were: Vice President Frank Rus- the injured eye is now’ free from ban- he had to prepare a broadcast every sell, Assistant Managers Carleton dages and usable again. hour as well as supervise one to two * * * Night Super- network pickups in Washington, be- Smith and Fred Shawn, visor Barry, Bill Andrews, Milton Shrednik, one of KOA’s or- ginning at 6:30 a.m., and running Bud Me Commentators Baukhage and Earl chestra directors, led the house orches- through to 1 1 :00 a.m. Godwin, Frank Goodwin and Ed Haa- tra in its appearance at the Brown Pal- Ed Haaker, night news editor, saw the re- ker. Members of the fourth and fifth ace Hotel recently at opening the beginning of most of the action. estate danced to a swing orchestra ception of the National Hotel Greeters The invasions of Norway, Holland and holding forth in the East Room and Convention. Belgium all occurred on his trick. It * * * rambled around the White House was his job to rout out the news staff General Manager Lloyd E. grounds for a breath of air and to KOA and set up preliminary coverage at the returned have refreshments during the inter- Voder and Mrs. Yoder have White House and State Department. the to Denver from the West Coast where missions. Later in week, members To reduce the amount of confusion Mr. Yoder took part in the Naval Re- of the Radio Correspondents Associa- kibitzing present at and unimportant tion of Washington gave a banquet at serve activities. were working and * * * times while the boys the Mayflower Hotel in honor of their the commentators were preparing their KOA engineer Glen Glasscock, who newly elected officers. A large number finally last-minute broadcasts, it was and their guests is an officer in the American Radio of members from NBC necessary to tack up signs and release Relay League, has returned to Denver heard Postmaster General James A. a memorandum for the rest of us to of from a trip through the East during Farley, and several members Con- the effect that the news room was to which he attended a convention of the gress praise ibe work of the Radio Cor- except for conducting be kept cleared its ex- ARRL in Hartford, Connecticut, the respondents during first year of the necessary business. were last of May. istence. Among those on hand « ^ « Among the new men employed to Frank Mullen. Vice President of RCA; cover the extra news work: Frank Niles A recent addition to the KOA News Executive Vice President of NBC Goodwin, formerly with Central News Trammell. Vice President Frank M.. Staff is Don Martin, whose father is and Washington papers, Managing Editor of the Denver Post, of America Russell, Kenneth H. Berkeley, General added to the staff on a full-time s the leading newspaper of the Rocky was Manager of W RC and W'MAL; New Falvey, Gerald Gor- Mountain West. basis, while Ralph Editor W illiam McAndrew, who is the * * * don and Ralph Peterson were started new vice president of the Association; part-time basis. Verne Andres has taken his place in on a Thomas Knode, Frank Goodwin and of the News Department; the KOA Control Room, following re- To increase NBC coverage of W ash- Ed Haaker Carleton Smith turn from his honeymoon. ington, the news desk in the capital is Assistant Managers * * * connected by private telephone with and Fred Shawn; Mary Mason, our Director of W omen’s Programs; John It is reported that Tor Torland has the press rooms at the W hite House, - Commercial purchased a motorcycle. It’s a high- State Department and the Senate and Dodge, W RC W MAL and several others. jiowered affair with a tandem seat. House. NBC representatives cover all Manager, 1940

SUPPOSE NOBODY CARED’ INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING Last April tlu! Greater New ^ Ork Fund started its third drive to helj) the two million New \Ork needy— two The listening habit is one which must million who make uj) one-seventh of be cultivated and NBC through the the metropolitan New Y’ork |>opula- many letters sent in res|)onse to broad- tion. 1 he proceeds from this drive sujj- lasts has been able to determine sec- port the voluntary social welfare and tional tastes and listetiing j)eculiarities. health agencies here in the city. A number of European governments Miss Joyce Harris of Personnel use international broadcasting as a directed the solicitation of NBC em- tool at the cost of many hundreds of ployes. Her final statement, just re- thousands of dollars to themselves. lea.sed, is that we have contributed Here in America, this imbiasc'd service S3,3l9.54 to the Greater New YOrk is rapidly becoming self-sustaining Fund. This is about fourteen hundred and is a true credit to the radio in- dollars more than the amount turned dustry. in last )'ear. $274..50 of the total figure Rigid standards have been set for was earned by the Guides and Pages the re|)iesent on the air. men who us Minstrel Show given for the Fund at Some forty foreign language announ- the Ritz Theatre, May 1 6th. which was cers, script writers, and editors, both attended by various members of nearly men and women, must have intimate all the departments of the National knowledge of the language in which Broadcasting Company, whose enthu- they work so that they may l)e accepted siasm helped to enlarge our contribu- Lunsford Yandell as one of the listener’s own friends. tion to the Greater New York Fund. They are heard over the twin stations One of NBC’s most significant ac- WRCA and WNBI of 25,000 watts Hats. And the RCA Manufacturing is the recently commercialized tivities each. The strength of these short-wave Company puts on a series of com- International Broadcasting. This divi- stations is now being raised to 50,000 mercial programs each week. sion takes on heightened respect in the watts each. The beams may be directed NBC permits Latin-American sta- light of social and political re- new like search lights, and working as they tions to make \oluntarv rebroadcasts lationships. A friendly gesture, it is in angles, do on narrow they compare of its shows. There is an average of position to service a much greater area most favorably with European stations twenty-five local Latin-American sta- than is possible for a station located of much higher wattage. tions using NBC programs, with the the southern continent itself. on During the morning and until four result that our material covers most It is indeed fortunate that so wide- in the afternoon, the stations broad- of Latin-America from Ylexico to Cape spread and important a service is in cast in six different languages to Horn. the hands of a man well suited to the Europe. The Latin-American broad- It is estimated that over 2.0U().0()I) task. Lunsford P. Yandell was per- casts begin at four and continue for sets in South America are capable of suaded to leave his duties at RCA to nine hours. This latter schedule is receiving our short-wave programs. assume the responsibility of this work divided into six hours of Spanish, two Ninety-five percent of the sets sold by in which all of us have a vital interest. of Portuguese, and one of English. The RCA south of the border during the Mr. Yandell upon graduation from -10,000 letters received last year con- last four years have been all-wave sets. Princeton worked for the Central Han- firm the wisdom of this apportioning. These sets are scattered over a great over Trust Company. Then for seven Now that NBC has established an expanse of land, for even if one were years he was president of his own min- audience and demonstrated that inter- to consider Brazil alone, the area ing corporation “The Mohawk Mining national broadcasting is more than would be greater than that of the Company”, producing ingot copper. ready to make its own way, and now LTnited States. As for distribution by Th is was followed by two years of that commercial licenses have been country, the sets run approximately executive work with the Todd Robert- granted, some interesting sj)onsors are 900,000 for Argentina, 360.000 for son Todd Engineering Corporation taking advantage of this service. The Brazil, 225.000 for Ylexico and 175.- which built Radio City for Mr. Rocke- United Fruit company with shipping 000 in Cuba. There are many short- feller. Five years were devoted to RCA interests along the South American wave receiving sets along the west on the Executive Board of RKO. Mr. coasts became a sponsor to promote coast of South America because terri- Yandell was also in charge of the good will. On February 9. a ringside torial conditions such as mountains execution of the Recapitalization Plan broadcast in Spanish of the Godoy- make other types of reception inijirac- devised by Joseph P. Kennedy and ap- Louis fight was presented by the tical. proved by RCA’s stockholders in 1936. Standard Oil Company of New Jersey. The American people and their He was loaned to NBC last November The Waldorf-Astoria, headquarters for government watch with increasing in- and on May first of this year became many prominent South Americans terest this valuahle service cementing officially the Director of International when they come to New York, features through friendship the interest and Commercial Broadcasting. Xavier Cugat in a regular series. The destinies of the western hemisphere, Actual international short-wave Hotel Astor features Tommy Dorsey’s appreciating the fact that ex]ierienced broadcasting started in July of 1937, orchestra in the Carnival de Broadivay broadcasters will produce the greatest and through regular schedules pre- from the Astor Roof. All of the Mike good because their audience is the sented by experienced radio program- Jacobs and Madison Square Garden largest. Listening there as well as here mers a large audience has been built. fights are now presented by Adam is a voluntary action. 12 NBC TRANSMITTER

NBC CHICAGO RCA PALACE by Bob McCoy

The Exhibit at the Announcer's School Progresses team’s leading hitter. The team sports RCA New York World’s Fair for 1940 has been con- The Central Division’s Announcer’s natty jerseys with blue bodies and red siderably enlarged School, under the direction of Lynn sleeves and are picturesque—even in and revamped to Brandt, once again has a capable group defeat. make it one of the most interesting of young neophytes ready to go out in- AA Like Topsy—Just Crowed and impressive exhibits in the com- to the radio world and look for place- The biggest development around mercial section. The great variety of ment as “spielers.” At the start of the Chicago in recent months has been the material covered and the manner of school semester, Brandt’s problems steady growth of the NBCAA into an presentation give the radio-receptive were many, as he had just had in the organization of nearly 300 members. visitor a scientific thrill. Here in this neighborhood of a dozen of his star The AA is carrying on a full schedule building you will find all sorts of in- pupils placed at various stations and of activities and the varied interests of teresting developments, the latest, from had only a group of willing but un- the members must find an outlet for all the subsidiaries of the world’s trained students to work with. But expression somewhere. The AA has largest radio and television organiza- “Old Teach,” as the boys call their created a large recreation room equip- popular instructor, had a few aces left ped with three ping pong tables, two tion. his sleeve up and turned out some golf driving ranges and a “shinny” Don’t expect to see the same things smooth performers. Latest to leave the game, which is the noisiest and dust- that were there last year. Because of Guest Relations staff to take up an- producingest game known to man at the lightning progress of this busi- nouncing duties are Jackson Tisch, now the present time. Archie Scott of Pro- ness we’re in, the scientific panorama at WKZO in Kalamazoo, Michigan, duction is the chairman of the mem- has completely changed since last sea- and Jules Hack, who has gone to KSO bership committee and was the leading son. Here, better than anywhere else, in Des Moines, Iowa. force in the membership drive. As a you will be able to realize all the Writers School for means of providing refreshments for changes. As a matter of fact, Employes Introduced all and sundry, and incidentally to add we dis- that the An innovation in the opportunities to their growing treasury, the AA has covered only item in the the offered the younger employes of the installed Canteen Vendors on both building that has remained the same floors can Central Division is a Continuity Chief. office and studio and you now in this changing world of radio is the The members of the class are writing purchase anything from coke to pea- Kidnap Alarm, a perfectly innocent nuts if you have the necessary where- their own material and having it pro- looking baby carriage fitted out with duced staff actors their withal!. Treasurer Lincoln Douglass by at class an electric alarm system to ring if meetings. They also have lectures by of Traffic reported operations were touched—perfectly innocent in itself leading writers in Chicago on the vari- profitable at a recent meeting. —but a monument because it alone has ous phases of radio writing. First of Outing Looked Forward To remained unchanged over the winter. the problems studied in the class was The AA’s event of the year is of the daily fifteen-minute serial for wo- course the Annual Outing which this The name of the exhibit, given by its men listeners. The boys first submitted year was scheduled for June 19th at the publicity directors — Palace of Radio a synopsis of the action for two weeks Lincolnshire Country Club. As that Magic—is really applicable since the and then wrote the dialogue for a series date was just after we went to press, fittings are palatial and at the same of fifteen-minute episodes. Other types we had to forego a description of the time in a modern industrial theme. For of story to be studied included men’s edition. However, frolic until the next those of you who have not been able fifteen-minute, five-a-week, half-hour we promise verbal and pictorial evi- to penetrate the inner circle of Studio complete dramatization, and a half- dence as to the fun everybody had. 3H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, there has hour show with a carry-over. Inciden- Ping Pong Winners been created a complete television tally, Lagen, formerly of Guest John Central Division has crowned a The studio showing through glass the most Relations, has rejoined the Company series of ping pong cham- whole new modern equipment and methods of in Continuity, after having served on the result of a month-long pions as production, giving a cross section of the writing staff of KSO. double elimination tournament con- how television studios will look and ducted on the aforementioned AA NBC Slips After Fast Start how the directors and technical staff tables. In the men’s singles, Ken Chris- in Softball League will produce future television enter- of The opening of the softball season tiansen, the left-handed larruper tainment. found the NBCAA team off to a fast the Mail Room, took the chanipionshi|) Familiar faces you saw on the start in the Merchandise Mart League gonfalon after a hitter battle with Guides and Pages Minstrel Show dur- and the Red and Blue of NBC was car- Johnnie Wehrheim, the placement shot ing the winter season are to be found ried to victory in the first two games of expert from the General Office. Chris- entertaining the summer visitors over the season. Overconfidence, or in- tiansen also shared in the doubles their favorite medium. Among them is creased ability on the part of the oppo- crown, teaming with “Steady Eddie” Earl W’rightson, television’s favorite sition was evident in the next two strug- Nickey, also from the Mail Room, to baritone. Other young men from NBC gles, however, and the hoys dropped to heat Ed Bailey and Tom Bashaw, the whom you have seen before, are help- a .500 rating. George Bolas of Sales pride of the Sound Department. Ba- ing with the production and engineer- Promotion is manager of the squad. shaw, who was the defending cham- ing work. So this is television’s sum- George is a playing manager, holding pion in the singles, was eliminated in down the shortstop berth and being the the semi-final round of the singles. (Continiied on page 14J JULY, 1940 13 WTAM CLEVELAND by Bob Dailey

self in the basement of his home. And on his vacation this summer, Francis and his wife plan a cruise down the Ohio river. The other boat skijiper among the engineers is Hank Cowing, who recently jiurchased a 4()-foot cruiser for use on Lake Erie.

-X- * *

A May bride was May Draxell, Stenographic Supervisor and a member of the WTAM staff for the past five years. In private life, she is now Mrs.

Personnel increased: Helen Forsythe, E. D. Radu. The couple spent their May Draxell, bride. Editors Orrick and Dailey. honeymoon in the Smoky mountains. Jane WTAM has a poetic engineer! To Previous to the w^edding, Office Man- Weaver, director of women’s activities, and her most of us, an engineer is a technician, ager and Auditor Pearl Hummell gave husband, have a man who grinds gain, monitors lines a luncheon shower for Miss Draxell, broken ground for a new home to he built in Shaker and performs all those other important with all of the feminine staff members Heights. and highly technical duties around a attending. * * * radio station. And it’s not very often * * * Dramatic production director Waldo we find one with snatches of original Program Director Hal Metzger again Pooler is walking around these days poetry running through his mind. this year places three canvases in the with his head just a little higher in the That’s why we take considerable plea- May show of the Cleveland Art Mu- air. Reason is that Pooler has just be- sure in introducing C. to Bert Pruitt seum. Metzger’s principal is hobby come a grandfather. every one in the NBC circle. painting with oil. * * * Several days ago we learned that -» -» * Pruitt has sold several poems to the Kathryn O’Connell, of the Mail De- Manager Vernon H. Pribble also has Ohio Fanner, one of the nation’s fore- partment, has been playing bingo regu- a good reason to be proud. Betty Prib- most rural magazines. Talking with larly for the past two years. Finally, ble, one of his two pretty daughters, the modest engineer, it was learned she has crashed into the win column brought her father home a report card further that he had started putting his with .$50 in cash. from the seventh grade with eight thoughts on paper only four months -» * * straight “A’s.” previous. We asked Pruitt to write The 1070 Club, an organization some verse for the Transmitter, and •» » » composed of male staff members, held here is the result. Incidentally, he its first annual dinner for club mem- The coming of summer has changed dashed it out in less than an hour. bers and their wives Saturday, July the recreational habits of Salesman THE TRANSMITTER 13th. The evening party came as a Russell Carter and Harold Gallagher. The news we hear of major stress climax to the monthly social meet- Carter has switched from a fast game So often causes sadness; ings which have been held for the past of ping pong to just a fair game of A world of grief devoid of fun ten months. golf, while Gallagher deserted the With faces minus gladness. Arrangements for the party were bowling alleys, where he is an embryo A world of gloom is sad indeed. handled by the following committee: champ, to the fairways where he is jnst Encouraging evil graces; Lee Gordon, Hal Metzger, Harry Cas- another golfer. Other consistent golfers And then we note the happy smiles key, Tom Manning, Russell Carter, around the station include Manager Replace the weary faces. S. E. Leonard, Bob Dailey, Wade Bar- Pribble, Sports Announcer Tom Man- What mystic hand has caused this nes, Tom Carter, Bnrt Pruitt and Fred ning, Music Librarian Bob Oatley, En- change? Wilson. tertainer Claude Moye, News An- What caused the gloom to flitter? nouncer John Murphy and Engineer Alvin Could it by any chance have been McMahon. But Pribble and The NBC Transmitter? Manning usually lead the field in the * * * carding of low scores. ^ Two of WTAM’s engineers will spend Mildred Funnel!, their free hours this secretary to the summer riding the manager, has been waves of Lake Erie supplementing ber and the nearby office duties with streams. Jesse Eran- regular appearances cis has a 30-foot on Jane Weaver’s cabin cruiser which Women’s Club of Dorothy Morris, Fred Lloyd, John Murphy he constructed him- Lois Faulhaber. the Air. Wade Barnes 14 NBC TRANSMITTER

WORLD’S FAIR TRAININC PLAN Whitfield and had a regular attendance (Continued from page \) (Continued from page 3) of about forty members. iner quarters. Special programs orig- Program Board, the Program-Press and In conjunction it is interesting to inating in these Flushing studios will Night Program meetings to get an idea know that the Stations Relations De- he relayed to the NBC television trans- of the occult art of programming. partment has become very much inter- mitter atop the Empire State Building An important advance in the NBC ested in the type of employe turned in New York City where they will he training plan made specifically this out b) the NBC training plan and has retransmitted into home receivers. year was the inauguration of a series written to all our affiliated stations ad- Miss Television is a feature of the of study groups for the purpose of vising them to notify us in case of exhibit, three of her in fact, working training men for specialized work in vacancies. In many cases we have been in shifts. A complete show is given various fields. The Announcers Class able to refer our employes and they each fifteen minutes with comedy, sing- discussed above is of course one of have been accepted. ing, keyboards, pupjjets and a news these. An entirely new idea w'as the The following figures obtained from commentator. The latter shows that Artist Management Group under the the Personnel Office give evidence that news service will he very effective in direction of Mr. George Engles, Vice- advancement is made from the General the future over the television systems President and Managing Director of Service ranks. During 1939 there were by using the simple expedient of a the NBC Artists Service. Thirteen em- 120 men engaged for training posi- map on which the commentator may ployes of the Company were given an tions in the General Service Depart- follow movements through cities, opportunity to learn how to handle ment, 38 of these were transferred to rivers or sections of the country which radio, concert and theatre talent. A fea- other departments and 8 men were otherwise would be conveyed just as ture of the class was a series of lectures placed in other radio stations. This unfamiliar names. given by noted talent managers, artists, makes 38 percent of the number hired" Visitors to the RCA Exhibit are and executives of the Company. One either advanced within our own depart- ushered into a Television Suite where or two nights a week were spent at the ments or to positions in some other leceivers are set in typical American opera, at the concert hall or in the radio company. For the first five interiors helping to impress the public night clubs, even at motion pictures months of 1940, the General Service with the nearness of the art. Imme- suggested by Mr. Engles, for the pur- Department hired 80 men and has diately preceding this, they have been pose of meeting and observing the transferred 19 into other parts of the shown a moving picture taking them artists. Afterwards reports of each Company. 12 have gone to other sta- behind the scenes in a television studio ])erformance were written. tions. This means that 39 percent of illustrating how programs are made During December of this year, Hugh the number hired from January and explaining the television tech- Beville, Director of Research, by a through May, 1940, have been placed niques thus far devised. process of elimination selected ten em- in positions of greater importance In one of the recording studios ployes from General Service for a either in NBC or in some other radio where the public can record its voice, course in statistics which dealt with company. either in a patter or an aria with the the problems of radio research. The And so with the end of this year, studio piano, the prize question of the course lasted for about twelve weeks the NBC training plan has acquired a week was asked, “Will it record a for- and such things as station coverage, certain amount of dignity and prestige. eign language?” program surveys, agency expenditures, Not only the Company but also the When you wish a change from the etc., were discussed. Three of these men outside world is beginning to take carnivalesque air of the Elushing ex- to date are doing laboratory work in notice. There is an evident enthu- position, you may retire into the RCA statistics in Mr. Beville’s division. They siastic response from manv executives Alusic Lounge where, in a quiet at- are Howard Gardner, Percival Black throughout the Company who feel that mosphere, the RCA Victor recordings and Bob McFadyen. a great need is being filled by such are played in an all-request program In April an Outside Stations course courses as those outlined above, and for the public. was launched. It was designed to ac- others which can in the near future be A small edition of the Camden as- quaint NBC employes interested in organized. Applications from a type of sembly line is to be seen in one corner being transferred to or in gaining em- person who would otherwise not have of the building. Every four minutes a ployment at affiliated or independent sought employment at NBC have al- complete RCA “Little Nipper” is stations with the management and ready been received as a result of pub- turned out and you can not only watch problems of those stations. The course licity given our training. Several news- it being made but you can buy it. was conducted by Willard Delano papers and magazines have written Radio facsimile apparatus is on dis- articles regarding our training activi- play and can be seen producing a ties. special newspaper of the air, issued gram material can be developed and It is the hope of the Personnel Divi- several times a day. This machine tested. Radio designers are able to sion that the general studv groups be demonstrates how journalism of the study public reactions toward new continued and expanded and that future may operate. equipment, style and quality of recep- courses giving a more specific type of There are other fascinating items on tion. Because millions of people visit training will be organized. So once display here, developed by the many the Fair, our exhibit is proving that again, if vour office in New York or branches of RCA. In all, the exhibit television is really not in the same elsewhere is looking for a aualified re- is a very inq)ortant factor to our future category with Aladdin’s Lamp, nor is cruit. don’t forget that the NBC Train- welfare. It is making definite contri- it even an experiment— it is an actual- ing School hands out a well earned butions to the radio and television in- ity. Miracles of radio research have sheepskin to a very select group of dustries by ])ioviding a testing ground been made intelligible in the jjresenta- young men with ambition and abilitv for new etjuipment and a workshop tion at the Palace of Radio Alagic, ap])licable to this business of broad- where new studio techniques and pro- Flushing Meadows, New York. casting. JUL^^ 1940 15 NBC SAN FRANCISCO by Kay Barr

Plans for New Home a difficult and conq)licated assignment. yVpplying the electrical c(piipmcnt that During the past few weeks an im- would animate the dilferent figures pressive list of NBC executives from presented unusual technical ])i()hlems. New York visited San Francisco in connection with the proposed new Located in the Electricity and Com- million-dollar home for K(iO and munications Building, the exhibit occu- KPO. This new NBC l)uilding has l)een pies 2392 scpiare feet of door space. under consideration for 10 years. In addition to the spectacidar "Per- When A1 Nelson was made general sonality (dock.” the disj)la\ contain^ manager of the San Francisco Division scores of huge photographs of San last October, it was one of his specific Francisco radio artists, dramatic casts assignments to work on a plan for and other activities connected with new quarters. It has just been decreed broadcasting. that the building will stand on the cor- Thousands of spectators are fasci- ner of Taylor and Farrell Streets. nated as they watch the little copies of Vice President William S. Hedges their favorite radio stars go through visited the Coast in November and saw their j)aces and the exhil)it is winning the start of the negotiations. After the many favorable comments from the first of the year things began to take self-apjjointed critics who go around definite shape. Bertha Brainard, Com- estimating the dilferent displays. mercial Program Manager, dropped in February 27. Special Award Cassidy Junior, Technician Mark Woods, Vice President and Billboard made a special award Treasurer, arrived March 16 for con- co-operation with the architects. Keith which brought outstanding honors and ferences regarding the building. B. F. Kiggins, Director of the Blue Network, recognition to the San Francisco Divi- McClancy, Traffic Manager, came in and Easton Woolley, Service Manager sion. In connection with its annual March 18 and sat in several sessions. of Station Relations, made approvals awards. Billboard singled out KGO- William A. Clarke, Technical Facilities unanimous May 15. KPO and A1 Nelson, general manager, Manager, reached the Coast April 3, for “the one outstanding exploitation and spent five weeks working with At the Fair endeavor by a radio statioti during architects and engineers on the plans. 1939.” All the imagination, the creative in- In the of the .Awards Judith Waller, Educational Director genuity and skill of artists, artisans, opinion Com- for the Central Divisio!i, NBC, with mechanics and electrical engineers mittee, Nelson, manager of NBC’s San offices in Chicago, made a visit April were employed in conceiving, planning Francisco stations KPO and KCO. is 8, and gave the building plans her ap- and building the huge clock-like de- uncpiestionahly entitled to this Special proving inspection. for his in breaking down vice which is the feature of the NBC- Award work Roy C. Witmer, Vice President in KGO-KPO exhibit at the Forty Fair on newspaper op|)osition in his cit\. Charge of Sales came in April 9 to add Treasure Island, San Francisco. KPO also received second place in his emphatic approval. 0. B. Hanson, Building the 12-foot dial was one the clear channel station division for Vice President and Chief Engineer, ar- thing. Creating the 18-inch figures of exploitation which included “a thor- rived for a week of intensive study a dozen outstanding local radio stars ough campaign at the Golden (fate In- April 19. Thomas H. Phelan, Audio required another type of genius. Cut- ternational Ex])osition and good mer- Facilities Engineer, followed April 22 ting a record that would present the chandising exploitation throughout and remained for several weeks of actual voices of all these people proved ih? city.”

Radio folks and a birthday cake. KGO-KPO Personality Clock—Forty Fair. —

16 NBC TRANSMITTER

{ Continued from ment; E. C. An- page 8) derson, Manager 25 and a 70 net, of License Divi- thereby winning sion, Patent De- the first prize. partment; Chas. B. Jolliffe, Engi- Runner - up was Howard C a n n neer in charge of also of the Mail the Frequency Chick Showerman Mary Coyne Room who play- Bureau; L. B. Morris, Vice-President and General Counsel ed a 90 gross 22 handicap and 74 net. A Member’s Con- at Camden; Ralph Beal, solation Handicap was played and won by Bill Roux of Research Director of RCA, and Horton Heath. Vlanager Spot and Local Sales who drove a good bargain to 102 of Department of Information. gross, 32 handicap and 70 net. The Guest Handicap was Major Lohr was represented by Miss Martha McGrew and won by Jack Warwick of the Warwick and Legler Agency, Priscilla Lohr. Niles Trammell was there in person as was with 104 gross, 73 net and 31 handicap. Judge Ashby, Vice-President and General Counsel; Clay Tying for the honor of second place were two visitors, Morgan, Assistant to the President; Mark Woods, Vice- Herbert Rice of the Travelers Insurance Co., and E. C. An- President and Treasurer; 0. B. Hanson, Vice-President and derson of RCA. Because of darkness the match was not Chief Engineer; William S. Hedges, Vice-President in played off on the course but Mr. Anderson finally won out charge of Stations, and Alfred H. Morton, Vice-President with a lucky roll. A novel event, Ball Nearest the Pin, in charge of Television. gave a prize to William McCaffrey who drove to within The close of the day was marked by a superlative filet 14 feet, 4 inches of the 135 yard mignon dinner and afterwards the hole. In the ladies competition, Mrs. prize presentations. The door prizes Mark Woods stepped forth for the you all hoped to win went to Miss first prize with an enviable low gross Mae Frohman of the Hurok offices, of 98 for 18 holes—gentlemen please to Bill Kostka of Press, and, happily take notice. Mrs. Marks Levine won enough, a member of the WGY base- the Ladies Handicap tournament with ball team drew a lucky number. All a 73 net. Bringing up the rear was three prizes were donated by RCA. Burke Crotty who during the day A handsome table-model radio went Steere Mathew Henry Hayes all of it —earned the distinction of to each winner. With the dining and “Participant taking the longest walk,” indicating that he the prizes over, the dancing began to the tunes of Irving won what is sometimes known as the “Booby Prize.” Burke Miller and his NBC orchestra. Expert dancing to the Conga is at home in Television Production where his friends are was a feature of the evening, which, by the way, lasted w^ell congratulating him on his 170 strokes. into the morning. There was much activity in the other fields. Mr. D. B. Credit for the day’s success goes to Mary Coyne, chairman Van Houten, chairman of the equestrians, presented an un- of the Outing, to Mr. Jones for his golf tournaments, to usuallv interesting riding program with the promised three Marion Ayre who managed the sale of tickets and to the two-hour rides and a pair of novelty events. The Potato Race ticket representatives in the individual departments of the was first and the prize went to Jack Yandell who played Company. Credit goes to each of the activity chairmen and potato-in-the-bucket faster than anyone. Next, Mat Boylan also to all you guys and gals who made up the record break- learned the front and back of the Nightshirt Race with ing 285 AA members who attended the Annual Outing. great ease, netting him a handsome prize. Indicating the Outing’s tremendous success, w'e noted that Many a muscle was developed on the beautiful open the first giant bus scheduled to leave lor New' York at 10:30 little tennis courts. Keith Gunther found rest from his duties p.m., was still half empty when it finally left at 1 :20 a.m. of arranging matches as the courts were filled from dawn till dusk. Softball highlight of the afternoon was the scheduled struggle between WGY Schenectady and NBC New York. Genial Kolin Hager, manager of WGY and his teammates fought the home team, captained by Adam Gayeck, to a standstill for thirteen innings and then lost the game by a one-run margin. It seems, though, that the Schenectady team won a moral victory as they are said to have been the most jmpular element at the Outing. Bridge, ping pong, badminton, and swimming captivated a nundjer of varietv seekers. When all was totaled up, the bicycle medium had soared to unsuspected heights of popu- larity. It proved to be practical as well as pleasurable, manv using the bikes as a means of transportation to the beach, a half-mile distant. Among the distinguished guests of the NBC AA Outing was Frank Mullen, Vice President in charge of Advertising and Publicity for the Radio Corporation of America, and Col. Manton Davis, Vice-President and General Counsel for RCA. Others from the parent organization were 0. S. Bill Roux. Bill Webb, Howard Stillman, Bill Kostka, Schairer, Vice-President in charge of the Patent Depart- Earl Mullen. Henry Hayes. NBC TRANSMITTER VOL. 6 OCTOBER, 1940 No. 5

WEAF MOVES TO PORT WASHINGTON

Afler itiirleeii years of broacIcasUiig fiOiH'the historic transmitter at Bell- York’s pioneering .50,000 ^ watt station, WEAF will, within a few ^ weeks, take possession of its nerv and up to date equipment which is now under completion at Port Washington, Long Island. JNever in the history of radio have such difficulties been encountered in the selection of a site for a transmitter nor has such a price been paid for the essential twenty or so acres needed for the buildings, towers, and burying of ground wires. However, Mr. Raymond Guy, of the Radio Facilities Division of NBC, seems to have borne the brunt of these difficulties with sly good humor. When WE.Af'’s transmitter was built in Bellmore in 1929, it provided a hitherto unattained standard of recep- tion throughout the New York metro- politan area. However, standards of broadcasting have changed in the past 13 years, and all stations built since have profited by WEAF’s experience. Early investigations were begun many months ago to establish what location would provide the best possible facili- ties for placing the old champ back into its former outstanding position. These investigations pointed to a sec- tion of Long Island around Port Wash- ington as being most desirable, after which, the search narrowed down to a plot by plot investigation by engineers turned real estate hounds. The prob- lems, far too numerous to be detailed here, include the subdivision of the land under consideration, the zoning laws, the regulations of the Civil Aero- nautics Committee of the Department of Commerce concerning tall towers in locations endangering air travel, the irreducible utility requirements such as power and water connections and, finally, adequate roads. It was found that the roadway lead- ing up to the proposed site was all public except for a small stretch one foot wide which was held by some party apparently for the express pur- pose of barring the extension of the road. NBC entered negotiations to

acquire some land by which it might l)\-pass this legal red herring, but the (Continued on page 10^* 2 NBC TRANSMITTER MEGACYCLES

TELEVISION NEWS 85th FLOOR, TELEVISION studios in the RCA Building is con- trolled, and any loss in signal strength by Noran Kersfa Ever since it was completed, the Em- is regained. Oil July 31 the NBC completed 15 pire State Building has housed at its A door leads out of the office into a months ol regularly scheduled public topmost reaches a small group of NBC long corridor-like equipment room television broadcasting in the New and RCA engineers who have con- with the right wall taken up by the York City area. During this period ducted research in short and ultra- familiar black instrument panel of the approximately 1300 individual pro- short wave transmission. Early in transmitter racks. It is here on the grams, comprising over 800 hours, 1939, W2XBS, America’s first sched- left that two, large, grey enclosed trans- were broadcast on a schedule of be- uled television transmitter, began its mitter racks house the new revolution- tween 10 and 15 hours per week. Some service. This was not interrupted until ary FM transmitter, now in operation weeks considerably more hours were the recent Federal Communications every Monday through Friday broad- transmitted such as the week when Commission order which assigned the casting pick-ups of the highest fidelity over 33 hours of the Republican Na- station to a new frequency and caused programs of both the Red and Blue tional Convention was coaxial-cabled it to go off the air about August 1. In Networks of NBC. from Philadelphia to the New York the interlude, however, the 85th floor Though little publicized, this new City area for broadcasting. transmitting room has been equipped activity promises to loom ever larger

Since August 1, NBC has discon- with the first frequency modulation in the future development of the Com- tinued television pany and it is for- broadcasts. The shut- tunate that, with the down was necessitated Empire State Build- by a revision of the ing. we take advan- television regulations tage of the outstand- by the FCC. Under ing transmitter loca- these new regulations tion, both for high the NBC was required fidelity radio and for to shift its operating television programs channel from 44-50 sent into the homes to 50-56 MC. To do of nearly ten million this required consid- people, in the New erable alterations in York area. the Empire State Just across the transmitting equip- aisle is the audio ment. At present modulator of the tele- these changes are well vision transmitter, along, and upon com- and not only has it pletion, test broad- been retuned in con- casts will be made to formance to the FCC’s facilitate final adjust- latest edict, hut cer- ments before the re- tain modifications sumption of regular have also been State Transmitters 85th Floor service. Empire — brought to it which a Other than the year and a half’s con- changes in FCC regulations requiring transmitter to he put in regular opera- stant use has shown to he desirable. a shift in transmitting frequency, the tion h\ the National -Broadcasting Thus, within a few feet of one another, question of all television transmission Company. Further studies have been here on the top of the world’s tallest standards is being further analyzed made of the relative advantages of dif- building, stand two of the most ad- and surveyed by a newly formed group ferent systems and equipment for the vanced and most perfect radio broad- called the National Television Systems new field of ultra-high frequency casting stations in the world. Committee, which is working with the broadcasting. The remainder of the room contains sanction of the FCC. The Committee Mr. Buzalski and his five assistants the various stages of the audio and share a hare-walled rather video equipment of which, is composed of representatives of all and crowded W2XBS. manufacturers who have expressed in- office on the top floor of the building. since last Fall, has been the only tentions of participating in television Desks ])iled high with charts, blue scheduled television transmitter in the manufacturing. It has been stated he prints, slide rules and other engineer- world. Each stage of this equipment, ing inqiedimenta accentuate the aus- on its individual chassis, has under- the FCC that it will he guided in its final action by the decisions of this tere junqjosefulness of the place. Bril- gone complete overhauling, modifica- standards committee. liant light admitted by^ a window seems tion and retuning. Overhead, through A recent statement of the National reflected from the haze that rovers the all the length and breadth of this Television Systems Committee held city below. Another window opens room, hang large groups of assorted of that the tentative goal of January 1. onto the monitoring desk of the tele- copper pipes that seem to be part 1941, has been set for the completion vision transmitter where the incoming some vast organ. Mr. Buzalski, who {Continued on pn^e 61 signal sent from the NBC television {Continued on page 6) OCTOBER, 1940 3 EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS

ORRIN DUNLAP JOINS RCA

Orrin E. Dunlap, Jr., has joined the executive staff of the Radio (Corpora- tion of America as Manager of the

Department of Information, it was announced last week by David Sarnoff. President. In this position he succeeds Horton H. Heath, who has been appointed RCA Director of .Advertising and Pub- licitv. For the past eighteen years Mr. Dunlap has been radio editor of the New York Times. He is the author of seven books, including the biography, “Marconi: the Man and His Wireless,” and “The Outlook for Television.” As- sociated with wireless since 1912, when he built an amateur station, he served as chief operator in the United States Navy, graduating from the U. S. Naval Radio School at Harvard as one of the three honor men in the class. Mr. Dunlap was graduated from Colgate Frank E. Mullen Lloyd Egner University in 1920, after which he at- C. tended the Harvard Graduate School Recently elected into the position of of Business, specializing in advertising Niles Trammell announced last Vice-President and General Manager and marketing. After a year with the month that C. Lloyd Egner was elected of the National Broadcasting Company Hanff-Metzger Advertising Agency he a Vice-President of NBC by the board is Frank Ernest Mullen, until August joined the staff of the New York Times of directors at its regularly montbly 12, Vice-President of the Radio Cor- as radio editor. Also for several years meeting. Egner’s elevation to the Vice- poration of America. In his new he was corresponding editor in charge Presidency marks the growing im- capacity, Mr. Mullen becomes right- of radio for the Scientific American portance of the NBC Radio Record- hand to man President Trammell. and Boy’s Life. As a pioneer in ama- ing Division. “For seventeen years Mr. Mullen has teur wireless. Mr. Dunlap was an early Egner was manager of record and had an outstanding career in radio,” member of the American Radio Relav recording sales for the RCA Manufac- Mr. Trammell said in making the an- League, and has been a member of the turing Company in Camden l)efore nouncement. “He has been identified Veteran Wireless Operators’ Associa- joining NBC. He has made NBC’s with Inoadcasting, and particularh tion and the Institute of Radio Engi- Radio Recording Division one of the with network operation, practically neers. world’s largest transcription services. since its inception. He has been close- Under Egner’s management NBC’s ly associated with every phase of the market reports on grains, poultry pro- transcription service has grown until conception and progress of broadcast- duce, citrus fruits and livestock, as today the Radio-Recording Division’s ing as a national public service.” well as weather reports for all sections Thesaurus, a library service of record- Big, broad-shouldered, good-natured of the country. ed music, is used by more than 225 Mr. Mullen has long been known for When, in 1926, the National Broad- stations in the United States, Canada his agricultural tie-up with radio. One casting Company was formed. Frank and countries throughout the world. year out of college he was conducting Mullen became Director of Agricul- Egner, born in Philadelphia in 1895, a farm news page on the Sioux City. ture. He was sent to KFKK in Hast- started his career in the record busi- Iowa, Journal. In 1023 he was offered ings. Nebraska, to make a survey of ness in 1917 as a salesman with the a newly conceived and undefined job the possibility of originating a farm Victor Talking Machine Company. as radio editor of the Stockman and program from that point, the geo- After a year in the army he returned Farmer, a well-known agricultural graphical center of the LMited States. to Victor in 1918 as assistant manager weekly published in Pittsburgh. In- A quick appraisal convinced Mr. Mul- of salesmen, becoming manager in stinctively radio-wise Mr. Mullen sensed len that the idea was not a sound one. 1923, and district sales manager in the significance of the new art as a He was ordered to Chicago to open Chicago in 192.5. From 1927 to 1929 public service. The new radio editor and operate offices for NBC in that he served as assistant general sales of the Stockman and Farmer, among city. Mullen was the first to establish manager. After two years as president other things, produced a radio pro- relations with the advertising agencies of the Chicago Talking Machine Com- gram dedicated to the farmer over the and clients in Chicago in developing pany, from 1929 to 1931, he became infant KDK.4 which had made radio NBC’s business in the Middle West. manager of record and recording sales broadcast number one just a year and VTiile in Chicago he established the for RCA Manufacturing Company, the a half before. His program included (Continued on Page 81 position he held before joining NBC. 4 XBC TRANSMITTER NBC SAN FRANCISCO by Kay Barr

Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. MuPen, Niles Trammell and KGO-KPO goes to the convention. Manager Al Nelson

NBC plaved such a prominent part Governor Culbert Olson designated King Harris is a new member of the in the NAB Convention, August 4-7. Saturday, September 7, as Radio Day KGO-KPO sales staff. * * * that San Francisco newspapers and at the California State Fair. KGO and even Daily Variety carried headlines KPO were represented by a bus-load Proctor Arnold “Bud” Sugg, plant calling it the “NBC Convention.” of staff people and artists. supervisor of KGO and KPO. was * * * elected president of the Athletic Niles Trammel was easily the most- NBC Association. Joan Peterson of Auditing photographed man at the conclave. Three times daily KGO-KPO per- was elected secretary and Stan Smith Frank E. Mullen dished out some of sonalities have been appearing at the exhibit of those stations at the World’s of Guest Relations, treasurer. the hest interview copv. 0. B. Hanson * * * was besieged hy folks who wanted to Fair on Treasure Island. Floyd Wright, outstanding organist see and hear his trickv new portable This routine hit a climax Sunday, of the Pacific Coast, has joined the receiver. September 15, which was “KGO-KPO staff at KGO and KPO. But the home-guard had a hand. too. Day” at the Exposition. Erom 1 ;30 to * * * Through the personal efforts of Al 10:00 p.m. there was continuous en- June wasn’t long enough for all the Nelson, General Manager of KGO and tertainment. Four regular broadcasts weddings at KGO and KPO so they KPO, the Chronicle and Nens covered were staged from the exhibit. Other spread over into other summer months. the convention so completely that the periods were filled with interviews, Wanda Woodward, supervisor of other San Francisco newspapers were sound effects demonstrations, special Audience Mail, celebrated 12 years forced to assign reporters and photog- shows, etc. with NBC by marrying Jack Watson. raphers to the job. Milt Samuel, press chief, engineered Robert Edmund Dwan, producer, crew been the traffic-blocking stunt. Nelson and his had mak- married Lois Smith August 7, climax- * * * ing hotel reservations for visitors since ing a Stanford University friendship. earlv last Mav. Every one of the “visit- Carrying out the division of Red and Frances Wiener, violinist on Staff ing firemen” was met at train or plane. Blue sales departments, Gene Grant Orchestra, married Lew Shoor. cellist, Specially printed Information Folders has been placed as head man on the formerly with NBC. awaited them in their rooms. KGO- Blue side and Harry Bucknell on the Ruth Peterson, dramatic actress, KPO men were on dutv at the con- Red for the stations in San Fran- NBC married Charles Patrick Breen of the vention hotel 24 hours a day to render cisco. ^ ^ ^ Recreation Commission. July 3. any and all ]mssihle service to the Florence Larsen, mimeograph de- guests. Duncan McCall of Sales. Den- KOA jiartment. married George Alfred ver, visited Al Nelson. San Francisco. On the social side, the outstanding Siren. June 29. Doris Mathisen of the July Fourth. item was the .'12 course Armenian din- Promotion Department was brides- * ^ * ner at Omar Khayyam’s Sunday eve- maid. ning, .August 4. Mary Kenney, secretary to the pro- Judv Deane, whose theme song for President Trammell spoke briefly to gram manager at KDKA. Pittsburgh. years has been “.A Good Man Js Hard thank Nelson and the KGO-KPO crowd s])ent the last two weeks of August to Find.” found him. His name is for staging such a remarkable party. with the Kav Barrs in San Francisco. Cordav Gather. oCnmiiR, 1940 5 NBC GENERAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT

It may seem strange that the largest reports, auditions, and logs. Ihe most department in the largest broadcasting inq)ortant records in these files are plant in the world, the General Service what is known as the Master Books Department, is composed of 330 em- which comprise the official record of ployees whose voices are unknown to every program that has gone out of the air waves. But this is not so much lh(> New York Studios since the incep- of a paradox as it might seem to the tion of WEAF and WJZ. Lucille Claus, average radio listener, for behind the supervisor of this section, is in charge turning of a dial or the casual press- ol a staff of nine file clerks, whose ing of a button on a receiver is an duty it is to file all material received enormous amount of silent efficiency. j)romplly and accurately so that any NBC produces 55 hours per day in paper sent to Central Files can be pro- unduplicated network programs; esprit duced at a moment’s notice. de corps and cooperation are a vital Duplicating Section necessity in order to maintain continu- The Duplicating Section under the ously a schedule of this kind. supervision of Alfred Patkocy is a The concept of a General Service harbor of amazing facts. All the mime- Department grew with the needs of the ograph paper used in Duplicating over Company. As its title implies, it serves the period of a year would stretch the needs of all departments. The 1,786 miles which is quite a stretch. activities of General Service are co- — In this section there are a number of ordinated by Vincent J. Gilcher who different kinds of duplicating machines has been with the Company since operated by a staff of nineteen people. 1927. Mr. Gilcher came to NBC as an Vincent J. Gilcher Some of the machines include mimeo- engineer and in 1930 was made Plant graph, hectograph, addressing equip- Engineer, concerned and designed with posed of people from out of town, ment, and Hooven Automatic Type- the Company’s technical apparatus. constant contact is maintained with writers. The Hooven machines have a Four years later he succeeded to the travel agencies, hotels and transporta- capacity of 400 individually typed cir- managership of Technical Services in tion companies. The Television Tour cular letters a day. This section prints, the Engineering Department, and was is by far the younger of the two at- among other things, nearly two mil- his appointed to present position as tractions; it began September 1, 1938. lion broadcast tickets annually besides manager of General Service in August, The annual attendance of guests at mimeographing and binding scripts, 1938, succeeding Walter G. Preston, broadcasts in our Radio City Studios recordings reports, program schedules Jr. The General Service Department and outside theatres totals one and studio asignments—to mention just a has four divisions with a manager in one-half million people. Guest Rela- few. Last year the Duplicating Section charge of each. One of the principal tions is the headquarters for the dis- ran off about 20 million mimeograph characteristics that impresses a visitor tribution of broadcast tickets. Last year copies, most of which w'as script. Mail- on a tour of General Service is the approximately 50,000 letters were re- ing lists totaling 60,000 names are flexibility of all operations. ceived asking for these tickets. The maintained. Guest Relations requests varied in size from one person The largest division in General to an occasional request for groups as Central Stenographic Service is Guest Relations, under the large as 500. The Division is proud of Working hand in hand with Dupli- managership of W. G. Martin. Besides the fact that it has been able to fill cating is the Central Stenographic Sec- the administrative staff there are about 50% of these requests. All these func- tion usually employing about fifty 140 men employed as Pages, Guides, tions place Guest Relations in continu- people. This section is in operation Set-up Men and Studio Patrolmen. ous and amiable contact with the from eight o’clock in the morning until Over half a million visitors annually general public. midnight. In the neighborhood of 430 take the NBC tours and in a single Office Services miles of continuity are typed each day over 8,000 visitors have been on month in Central Stenographic or D. B. Van Houten, wbo has been tour. On this past Labor Day week-end about 200,000 lines per week. The with NBC for eleven years, is Manager there were more than 17,000 people Section is divided into four groups. of Office Services. This Division is who came to NBC to have radio and There is the Secretarial Group of girls comprised of five specialized service television explained to them. The available for loans to various execu- sections. Studio Tour has been in operation ever tives whose secretaries might be ill or since the opening of the NBC Studios Central Files on vacation and who also assist during in 1933. It began as a result of the In Central Files a written record is fluctuations of work volume in other many requests made for a tour of the kept of all programs and correspon- ilepartments. \ acancies in stenographic Broadcasting Building. Ever since the dence used in connection with broad- and secretarial positions throughout inauguration of this system the upper- casting. The general correspondence the Company are filled by transfer- most thought has been the efficient and filed there amounts to about 38,000 ring experienced employes from this courteous treatment of the guests. Since letters a month although this does not group where new stenographers are the majority of our tour traffic is com- include such special items as scripts, (Continued on page 14^ 6 NBC transmitter

NBC TRANSMITTER tra]) door above our heads, we emerged NBC DISCUSSION CROUP 103 stories above New York City Published for and by the employes on a BEGINS of the National Broadcasting Com- platform twelve feet in diameter. is pany from coast to coast. Above us the long, chrome plated 1 he Discussion Group, part of the cone with a small circular sound trans- \BC Employes’ Training Plan under

VOL. 6 OCTOBER. 1940 No. .5 mitting antenna at the top and lower the direction of Ashton Dunn of Per- down four olive shaped projections to sonnel. this month begins its third EDITORIAL BOARD transmit the video signal. These point consecutive year of operation. Beardsley in the four cardinal directions Jame.s Editor making Mark Woods, Vice President and CfiARLEs Tur.yer Assistant Editor strong patterns in the sky. .\11 this, too, Treasurer of NBC, w ill open the series. had to be dismantled and readjusted ASSOCIATES Other speakers for October will be to the new wave length; neat welding Thomas DeHuff Guest Relations Wilfred S. Roberts, Production Mana- Alexander Leh.mann Guest Relations .scars show where the job has been ger; Ray Kelly, Manager of Sound Ef- Troup Mathews Guest Relations done. Damage to the radiator, caused fects, Developments James McConnochie Guest Relations and Maintenance, by the accumulation of hundreds of Stanley Miller Guest Relations and Ernest LaPrade. Director of Mu- jiounds of ice on the structure during sic Research. Other speakers will be a north-western sleet storm last Feb- announced soon. .\ddress all correspondence to: NBC Trans ruary, has also been repaired. M iTTER, National Broadcasting Company, Because of the popularity of the RC.A Building, York, Y. Today the Empire State Transmit- Room 465, New N. Discussion Groups over the past two Telephone: Circle 7-8300. Extension 220. ting System stands ready to radiate to years, it will be necessar} to hold the every New' York home the pictures of meetings in one of the larger NBC the National Broadcasting Cornpanv’s Studios. Previously the) had been 85th FLOOR, TELEVISION television service. held in the sixth floor Board Room. (Continued from page 2) The FM transmitter has not yet re- If you are interested in this year’s ceived its definitive aerial. At present very kindly showed us around, seemed series and have not yet indicated the it operates from rod aerials installed a liit put out by our question when we same, stop in and see Ash Dunn, at the lower transmitter lever. inquired about these pipes; he hesi- Room 321. tated, then advanced the tentative in- iormation that some people called the whole thing a “residual band filter.” TELEVISION NEWS RCA DRAWING POWER Having looked up the word residual (Continued from page 2) in a dictionary, however, he said he The enlarged RCA exhibit at the (piestioned whether this cognomen cov- of its recommendations for the FCC. It New York World’s Fair has been a de- ered the object. With several small is believed this report and agreement cided hit. It works nearer to capacity diagrams, he explained the function of of the majority of television manufac- at all times than any other exhibit at ihe object and advanced another, more turers in the United States will be the ihe Fair. It has also the second larg- industrial precise if less literary, designation. last remaining step to settle the trans- est attendance among the This whole matter having been referred mission standards problem. There are buildings. Considering that the exhibit of to our standing committee on titles and further indications that should the FCC represents all the various divisions take designations, we need only add that accept the standards as set forth by the the large RCA Family we should record. It is this “filter” is a part of the antenna NTSC, full commercialization of tele- notice of its excellent lead that has had to be retuned along vision broadcasting will be authorized evidence of radio’s rapidly expanding with the rest of the equipment. Each by the FCC in the near future. With horizons and a credit to each and of the pipes has been shortened and the standards problem settled and with every employe of RCA and the Sub- been letuned, while at the same time, several the possibility of commercialization sidiaries. In case you haven’t basic improvements have been incor- we look forward to a busy future. there yet, closing day is Oct. 27th. porated into its design. Above the transmitting room, an elevator ascends the few remaining stories of the tower and opens out on TWO GREAT FILMS .an observation platform just below the metal cone-like roofing. From there ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT on, up a narrow ladder through the crown of the building, it is every man with Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim for himself. The ladder stops half way up and we must follow Mr. Buzalski ONE NIGHT very carefully as, climbing over and IT HAPPENED under girders, we skirt the high voltage with Clark Cable, Claudette Colbert equipment with all its “danger” signs, dhis dimly lit tangle of girders and FALL SERIES of the equipment seems like the setting for a IN A SPECIAL Frankenstein horror picture, while the NBC FILM SOCIETY memory of King Kong’s last stand atop this very building, gives an added feel- CHARLES L. TURNER ROOM 465 ing of unreality to the scene. This was dispelled, however, when opening a OCTORPtR, 1940 /

RADIO CITY - NEW YORK

her by radio j)eoj>le (all kinds) from also well represented in the party that all over the world. saw them oil as they sailed for a (Carib- In 193.5, she ])acked uj) her type- bean honeymoon. writer again, and the midget zoo, and

came to the execuli\e ollices of RCA, Warren R. Williams has jcjined the still with Mr. Mullen. While there she .MIC Press Dejtartmcnl handling rose from being secretary to the mana- mostly the publicity for special events. ger of the Information Department to He is a .Sigma Nu and (Colgate was being secretary to a vice-|)resident, all the university. He worked on the without leaving her old boss. Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Record Seriously, we suggest you run up lor several years, and followed ihi.s to the floor sixth and say hello and with Associated Press assignments in we’re sure you'll enjoy it as much as New York, Indianajjolis, (Chicago, and we did. Philadelphia. His hobby is Wire Hair- ed rerriers. As for sports—the custom- Alice Martens is the latest arrival to ary ones. the Red Sales Office. She is employed The Photographic Section is under as receptionist therein. At present. the capable management of Tommy Miss Martens is living in Matdiattan Weber. He studied at (Columbia Uni- after moving from Lalayelte, Indiana, versity. Ten years of service are where she attended Purdue University. W. G. Martin chalked up with the Hearst organiza- tion, then he Corinne Dobson has tendered her spent a year and a hall VVilliain (jerald l)een Marlin has as head of Standard Newspicture Ser- resignation as file clerk in our Legal appointed to llie position of Manager vice. He is married and has two boys, Department in order to spend this com- of the Guest Relations Division of who have a swell set up because iheii ing year with her parents in South (General Service succeeding Charles H. dad’s hobbies are Carolina. Connie has done excellent photography and rhurinan who resigned Friday, Sep airplanes. work with our legal files, and we send teinher 6th. Frank Barber comes her our “bon voyage” and best wishes from New \ ork Mr. Martin joined the Coinpaii) in State, Westport to be for the future! Beulah M. Scott will exact. He’s October, 1935 and now moves up from dommy W^eber's right succeed her on September 11th. hand man and the position of Executive Assistant has an enviable record for laboralorv Manager. work. Richard Porter Leach brought NBC He was with Edwin Lavick foi eighteen years. Following Old friends, people who are already considerable publicity recently when this he went with Standard Newspicture new friends, welcome Miss Evelyn Hale pictures and stories of his wedding to Serv ice. He spent two seasons at the hack to the National Broadcasting Katherine Sands Thatcher were fea- .New York World’s Fair before Company. She returns trailing clouds tured by the New' \ ork press. Dick’s coming to .NBC. He and of glory as the secretary of Mr. Frank residence in the Script Department has Tommy make a perfect team for turning out top notch Mullen, whom you have met on page been a productive one, and he brought pictures. 3. if you didn’t know him before. She to his work a rich background gained has been with him since the pioneer at Dartmouth and the Sorbonne in Measuring from his first day at days in Pittsburgh where Mr. Mullen Paris. It Happened One Afternoon in NBC Tom Pedler would be only a originated farm service programs. She the chapel of St. Bartholomew’s month or so old, about the age of his picked up her typewriter and went Church. baby girl; actually, however, he is with him to Chicago in 1926, when he Almost at the same time Mr. McEl- (Continued on page 16^ ojjened NBC’s new studios. It was rath’s office lost there that Mr. Mullen put on the first part of Edgar production of the famous Farm and Kahn’s allegi- Home hour. In fact, you might say ance to Frances that that Hour was Mr. Mullen and Klim of the Ben- M iss Hale. Somewhat like Atlas’s old dix Aircraft Com- job, she supported it on her capable pany. That makes shoulders all during its early years. it another RCA She picked the talent, scheduled the Building r o - show, checked scripts, for a while even mance. A great wrote the scripts. At that it was onlv many of Ed’s an incident in the work that made NBC friends gave Chicago a keypoint on the networks. him a bachelor One testimonial to her ubiquity and dinner which was l)opularity is her collection of minia- not only a great ture animals (all kinds) which she success, but a made while in Chicago. She has more complete sur- than three hundred of them given to prise. NBC was 8 NBC TRANSMITTER FRANK MULLEN {Continued from page 3) WA S H I N C T O N National Farm and Home Hour which by Marion P, Gale has been on the air continuously since

it began. staff is Donald Fischer of Quincy, Illi- Mr. Mullen was born in the little nois. For the past two years be has town of Clifton, Kansas, on August been Assistant Manager of WTAD, 10, 1896, attended grammar school from and announcer there. At one time he a homestead home in the broad farm worked on Capitol Hill as secretary belt of South Dakota, where his father to former Congressman Adair of Illi- was a lawyer and a county judge. nois. Henry A. Wallace originated the More Time plan of settling husking arguments by Beginning September 30 Mary Ma- actual competition in the game field son, Director of Womens Programs during an allotted space of time, and here and also Mistress of Ceremonies it was about then that Mr. Mullen of the WRC Home Forum, will be on started the idea of husking contests the air six days per week. Heretofore over the air. In 1928, the first husking her program has been heard Mondays broadcast from Missouri proved so through Fridays. Beginning Saturday, entertaining that the Cornbelt Derbys October 5, and each Saturday there- have been continued each year. after, Mary will also be beard at 9:15 In Mr. Mullen’s collection, there is a.m. a gold key emblem of honorary mem- bership in the select group of Ameri- Golf Tournament © Underwood & Underwood can Farmers, highest distinction of the John Marshall Dinwiddle Gordon Hittenmark, early morning Future Farmers of America organiza- mikester on WRC is holding his third tion. Mr. Mullen is a national director Here’s the latest at WRC and annual radio golf tournament for the of the Izaak Walton League, nationally WMAL. General Manager Berkeley golden putter award at Kenwood Golf famous because of its work in foster- announced the appointment of John and Country Club, September 17. The ing the development of natural re- Marshall Dinwiddie as Merchandising tournament will be open to men and sources and the protection of wild life and Sales Promotion Manager of the women amateur players. Besides the of the nation. two stations effective September 1. Mr. first prize for the best score there will It is interesting to know that while Dinwiddie was formerly a member of be more than one hundred other prizes. in Chicago Mr. Mullen composed a the executive council and advertising It’s good to see News Editor Bill song dedicated to the Izaak Walton jnanager of Macy’s store in Atlanta. In McAndrew back at his desk after League and suggested as a theme for 1929 he was advertising and merchan- several weeks absence. McAndrew con- Uncle Sam’s Forest Rangers, then part dising counselor of the Washington tracted typhoid fever sometime during of the National Farm and Home Hour. Evening Star, and later was roto- the political conventions this summer The song, an Indian ballad, was known gravure editor of the paper. He started and has been ill ever since. as “Trail’s End.” his career in 1923 in Washington as assistant advertising manager of the A MEMORABLE MOMENT Hecht Company, and since then has from ‘‘It Happened One Night” NBC Film Series. done special promotional work for many of the nation’s leading organiza- tions. He was associated with Alco- Gravure, a division of Publication Cor- poration in New York and Baltimore. Mr. Dinwiddie also has taught adver- tising in the University of Pittsburgh’s famed Research Bureau of Retail Training. Until recently he was special assistant to the Director of Public Re- lations of the Federal Housing Admin- istration. PI ans for a farewell party are tak- ing shape for Mrs. Helen K. Mobber- ley of the Sales Department. She has been with the Company since 1933 and is leaving to accept a position of Sales Manager of Washington’s newest radio station, WINX, effective September 15. Martha Cosgriff of Sales is scheduled to take Mrs. Mobberley’s place as sec- retary to Commercial Manager John Dodge.

The new addition to the announcing ocronKR, 1940 9 ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES

Riding Croup highly successful June outing at which most popular, at this lime of year as An interview with Mr. Van Houten NBC New’ York demonstrated the high judged by the number of participants, of General Service revealed many in- caliber of its team, defeating Schenec- is bowling. Twelve different depart- teresting things about saddle activities tady 1-0. Mr. Mathew is working on ments contribute approximately 120 for the Fall and Winter. Although league games with the larger corpora- men to the activity. There is, wherever there was riding done by individual tions about town. possible, one team for each depart- ment. And, in case you think it’s an members of the NBC AA, there was no Skating organized riding during the Summer entirely long pants affair, let me in- Mary Zostant, Research, was busily months of July and August, vacations form you that there is a ladies team planning roller skating parties for and other Summer activities too much which asks for no quarter and various days of September. Come disorganizing the group. Ah, but the gives none. October, the rollers are being doffed in evening ride and corn roast held at There is a league of twelve teams, favor of slithering slips of steel; sur- 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, riie w'inning team in last year’s league face, of course: ice. If you find you when some twenty persons set out from series was General Service 1, captained are not a graceful, gyrating grimfus the Oliver Stables in New Jersey. It by Dwight Wallace. Frank Heitmann, when you begin the exercise you’ll find was quite a party, lasting into the wee, of Building Maintenance, walked off yourself sort of like that before too small hours of the morning. It was a with the prize given for the best aver- many spills are past. If interested, grand evening. Ask the man who went. age of the season. His average was ( heck with Miss Zostant, ext. 698. The enthusiasm displayed by the mem- 173.74, a scant half point ahead of bers is without doubt its most distin- Tennis Nikol who maintained an average of 1 73.24. guishing feature, and if you don’t think Racquet swingers extraordinary be- The prize offered for the best three consecutive frames in one eve- they have fun, I suggest you take a ride gan their matches, the first of August, sometime. to determine the recipients of the win- ning was won by George Fry with a total of 660. As for the Fall and Winter activities ner and runner-up tennis trophies. there will be groups every Saturday The favored finalists are Merkle of The balls thunder dowji the Radio City alleys regularly every afternoon in New Jersey, and two Set Up, last years winner, and Paul Thursday night things that you can count on are the Rittenhouse, last year’s runner-up to from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. pro- pelled the moonlight ride in October, jumping Merkle. The only person to reach the by NBC artists. Each eve- ning is league competition, teams and riding classes indoors at the Ards- semi-finals so far this year is yours howl three games apiece. ley Aeademy here in New York. It truly, Jim McConnochie, who gained all adds up to good exercise, good his position by default over Kel Keach, There were no outside meets last mounts, good instruction, inexpensive Announcers, but only after splitting year, but the future looks bright for riding, as well as fun and the best of two hard fought sets, and by winning a meeting with the best bowlers of companionship. over Norman Cash in straight sets 6-3, RCA Manufacturing in Camden. If you are interested and would like 6-3. McConnochie meets the winner of Baseball to learn anything more about the the Rittenhouse-Mayer match. Keith NBC baseball is captained by Jack group, just pick up the phone and Gunther failed to supply the expected Wahlstrom and plays in the Motion dial for Mr. Van Houten. opposition to Rittenhouse, and Mayer advanced with a win over Jim Sawyer. Picture League which it led a year ago. Dancing In the upper half of the draw, Merkle New additions to this years team Mary Coyne, chairman of the NBC has yet to play his second round include a Villanova College battery, Knickolas and Flood, and a AA Dancing Group, announces that match, having drawn a bye in the first Manhattan plans are under way for a renewal of round. College infielder. Bill Little. As last year, NBC scheduled two last year’s highly successful step-and- Unless there are unforseen defaults slide activities. revierv for the games this year with RCA Victor in A old by Messrs. Rittenhouse and Merkle, it Camden, New Jersey. Out to seek re- members of the Tango, Rhumba, Fox looks to the writer as though the two venge on the two defeats suffered last Trot, Conga, and Waltz is the first finalists of last year should meet again. item on the schedule. year, NBC’s team won the first game Bowling Last year’s group comprised fifteen with Camden, played on George W’ash- couples, which my lightning calculator Of all the NBC AA activities, the ington Field, with a score of 5-4. Sep- tells me makes thirty people. All new' tember 14 is the date of the second (you really ought to he a couple) and game, and at this date of writing it has old members are welcome for the sum not been played. The games with the of five dollars for the ten very profit- IF you haven't re- smart playing Camden outfit are al- able supervised shindigs, which are ways closely contested. held on prearranged nights at Arthur ceived your NBC AA League games are played during the week and on Saturdav afternoons, Murray’s. Madame LaZonga is out of Membership Card business because she could not meet from 6:00 to twilight. The two games the prices or the competition. yet, call A1 Protzman played at the Polo Grounds were close ones but the .American Legion team, Softball NOW — Ext. 286. which subsequently lost some of its Steere Mathew, Traffic, explains that players to the Yankee farm system, there has been no softball since the won 2-1 and 5-4. 10 XBC transmitter WEAF TRANSMITTER WTAM CLEVELAND [Continued from page 1) search for the owners of the necessary by Bob Dailey land lost itself in the Italian east side of New York into which the deed holders had vanished without a trace. Reluctantly returning to the owners of the small strip, NBC was fortunate in finding them most obliging and willing to part with the small plot in question. Had they balked, however, some fifteen or twenty thousand dollars would have had to be spent in building a new' ap- proach road leading up to our new transmitting station. Except for a large sign reading: “The National Broadcasting Co.. WEAF,” there is little at Port Wash- ington yet that the layman could con- ceive of as able to send the NBC Sym- phony, Information Please, the Cham- ber Music Society, and other famous programs w inging through the air. The building housing the transmitter looks at present like your house or mine just after the plastering has been done. Vast tangles of wires, gauges and frighteningly lethal looking switches Ranee Valentine—“Do You Remember?" have no effect on the serenity of the engineers and construction men, who, Nofes About WTAM People and preparing for the hunting season we were told, would have the w'hole in Michigan. Jane Weaver, director of (Continued on page 14^ A1 Orrick, of the News Department, women’s activities, having her vacation has just returned from a vacation dur- interrupted by a severe throat infec- ing which he took his newly-won wife tion. .Salesman Russell Carter also and present. And I especially congrat- to visit friends in New York and his came in for a bit of the same kind of ulate each and every one of the 32, family in Washington, D. C. The bride lough luck on his vacation. ten-year members of the NBC Family.” is the former Helen Forsythe, who for Organist Dorothy Crandall flying to Ten-Year Employes five years was a staff member at Named New York with her husband to see WTAM, first in the Stenography De- Here are the names of the veterans, their daughter married. The wife of partment and later in the News Office. many of whom came with WTAM even Engineer Henry Gowing also made the Orrick was just transferred to Cleve- before the station became a part of trip, and for the same reason ... to see land from the New York News Depart- NBC in 1930: the wedding. ment last January. Mildred Funnel, Secretary to Mr. Ten bright candles shine over the Pribble; Hal Metzger. Manager Pribhle took his wife and Program Direc- lieads of 32 members of the WTAM tor; Thomas Manning, Director of two daughters on a vacation trip staff this month. For it was just ten through Yellowstone National Park Special Events; Chester Zohn, Night years ago, on October 16, that one' of Program Manager; George Hartwick, and the western states after attending the midwest’s most important radio Singer and Announcer; Harold L. Gal- the NAB convention at Los Angeles. stations became a part of the National lagher, Salesman; Donald G. Stratton, Other vacation trips took Program Broadcasting Company. And 32 men National Sales Representative. Director Metzger through the New and women who formed a vital part Many Engineers included S. E. England states with his wife; Edith of the staff in 1930 are still proud to Leonard, Engineer in Charge, and John Wheeler, Program Traffic Manager, to be working for WTAM and NBC in D. Disbrow. Alvin M. McMahon, Jesse New York City; Musical Director Lee 1940. These 32 veterans comprise more J. Francis. Harry B. Caskey, Thomas (iordon and his family to Detroit; An- than a third of the station’s present C. Cox, Bert Pruitt, W. C. Pruitt, Clay- nouncer George Hartrick to northern staff. And six others who were at ton Russell, Arthur H. Butler, JJarold Michigan; and Switchboard Operator WTAM in 1930 are now’ employed by Brandt John A. Cheeks, Chester D. Lois Faulhaher to Canada. NBC at other key points. Pav. Albert B. Stewart, Hugh A. Sports Announcer Tom Manning Manager Vernon H. Pribble, him- Walker. Manager Pribhle spending a week- and self a veteran of six years with WTAM Robert Oatley, Music librarian, and Grotto on end with Cleveland members and NBC, announced the names of the the following Staff Musicians: Dorothv a lake cruise. l('u year staff members in a message of Crandall, Charles Avellone, George Announcer Wade Barnes dividing congratulation. “WTAM has become a Scholle, Erwin Goetsch. Earl Rohlf, his vacation time between a cottage on broadcasting institution,” he declared, Sam Willis. Ben Silverberg. Ted Lake Erie and New York City. An- “largely through the loyal and in- Rautenberg, Arthur Stefano. Robert nouncer Harry Burge oiling his guns spired efforts of its staff members, past Morris. OCTOBER, 1940 11 NBC HOLLYWOOD by Noel Corbett

1

It's in the bag for Messrs. Dowson, Dellett, Baker and Boone. Hollywood Brown Derby— Lew Frost, Lloyd Yoder and William Andrews.

Following jNBC's Sales policy of eight hours lor lodgings, finally chug- Rights, spent eight )ears iti the broad- separating the Red and Blue, Sydney ging out of Reno at dawn. Tracy says casting business in New Zealand, w here Dixon was recently made head of the he saw' nothing but “No Vacancies” she worked in a Wellington station. Coast Red and Tracy Moore, of the signs for the next two hundred miles. Hollywood Radio City’s one-man Coast Blue. Dixon was formerly West- Finally Tracy parked his car on the ]>olice force is again in action, now ern Division Sales Manager, and side of the highway, and all went to that Officer Jim Cannon has had his Moore was a member of the Sales De- sleep. vacation. Jim spent his time in New partment. Both men came from the York visiting.

Pacific northwest. Dixon started his When the NAB closed in San Fran- Here’s some more stuff from the radio career in Seattle, and Moore cisco, many of the broadcasting indus- Pacific Northwest: Dav^ MacPhail. came from KGW, Portland. try’s headmen paid Hollywood a visit. Yuditing. vacationed there, and Hal After Edgar Kobak installed Moore Frank E. Mullen, in compaii) of Don Bock dragged a 30-pound salmon out in his new position, Tracy celebrated E. Gilman, spent several davs looking of Puget Sound when he went fishing by vacationing for a few days at his over the studios. A. A. Schechter was with Bob Nichols, former producer of home at Ocean Park, Washington. On here, as were Sidney Strotz. Llovd the WMA in San Francisco. Jack his way home he bumped into Division Egner and Lloyd Yoder. Parker of Artist’s Service sailed the Press head. Hal Bock, at Portland. Columbia River. Bock has always insisted that Moore’s Parker says he returned via San Wedding bells. Joe Alvin of Press famous inland route. Highway 395, to Francisco where he visited the Fair. and Judy Brown, who met on a bridle the northern states, is a fizzle. In short The first person he spotted sitting in trail at Griffith Park a few months a roadway reminiscent of the one tra- the front row of the Aquacade was back, took the vows at Nogales, Ari- versed by Father Junipero Serra, back Ylurdo MacKenzie—with a beard. We zona, the end of August. in the days of the Spanish Padres. thought maybe Mac bad grown that Frank Pittman, Moore claims the highway is one of Sounds, and Helen things to enhance his chances of under- glass, but Bock says its only connec- Germaine Lewis were married in studying one of the principals of the Beverly Hills the first of tion with glass is of the broken variety. August. Pilgrimage Play. But Murdo says he

.So when the twm met in Portland, and Myron Dutton, Director, and Claudia did it just for fun. Wonder what the the discussion was renewed, Tracy told Pierce were also married in August. Aquahelles thought of the zitz. Hal to travel any w'ay he pleased, but Later, honeymooning at Dutton’s ranch that he had his carburator adjusted for at San Luis Obispo. Here’s a story that would make the mountain air along 395, the highway More vital statistics: Ralph G. average Eagle Scout roll over and sav that knew no traffic and where hospi- “Denny” Denechaud, passed the “uncle”. A baby sparrow did a nose tality grew along the wayside in abun- smokes July 30. Edward Barton is the dive out of that “read your contract” dance. laddie. Mrs. Deneshaud was formerlv sign on the parking lot, and landed in That night Moore and family arrived secretarv to Harrison Holliwav at KFI- Paul Crawley’s car. When Paul ar- in Reno, Nevada (Labor Day Eve). KECA. rived. Mama Sparrow really read the The natives and folks in from the hills That terrible strep throat which kept riot aet. Paul peeked in the rumble were working up for the next dav’s Frank Dellett’s Michael at the vet’s for seat, and sure enough, there was Jun- festivities, which was to consist of four so long has finally cleared up. So ior. smiling up like one of those Dis- rodeos, a horse show, three conven- Mike, a rangy Kerry Blue, goes on ney creations. So Paul risked life and tions, the boss races and a champion- vacation with the Delletts. limb, and shinned the pole and tucked ship prize fight. The Moores looked Dorothy Hayden, new to Music babv back in nestie. 12 NBC transmitter

WG Y SCHENECTADY by W, T. Meenam

John Howe, general chair- panied by his mother on a man of bowling through motor jaunt through New three seasons’ activities, is England. Caroline Osan, enrolling old and new mem- secretary to Manager Hager, bers and this year expects to passed her vacation at the expand the league from six Thousand Islands and in to eight teams. Alley space Chicago, the farthest west has been contracted for at a she has traveled since she new 32-alley bowling casino visited Niagara Falls. Her and the boys who have ali- one ambition was to visit a bied misses and splits on Don McNeil broadcast, but faulty boards, will have to the convention she attended find another explanation for with her husband kept her their sins of execution. The too busy. A1 Zink, who season is tentatively sched- helped handle NBC’s Sara- uled to begin October 15. toga race commentaries, is There have been two mar- vacationing with Mrs. Zink riages on the WGY staff dur- at Buffalo. Ed Bryant, form- ing recent weeks. First was Caroline Osan, Veronica Layden and Betty Donahue erly of WFBL, performed as that of Robert Warner of vacation replacement on the Press to Evelyn Jane Kline, daughter the Endries Grove Diamond, Friday, announcing staff. Harold Kent, who of Mrs. Marion B. Kline of Glovers- September 13. Practically the entire broke into radio at WNBE, Bingham- ville, New York. The gift of the staff male contingent of the staff—excepting ton, replaced Philip Brook on the An- to Bob and wife was a well-filled ESSO those necessary for operation of the nouncer staff. Phil is now at WTAG, coin bank. station—participated in the first Fall Worcester, Mass. Gertrude Peeples The second wedding was that of outing. A second outing, which will passed her vacation at Buffalo, the old Yeronica Layden, one of WGY’s re- include the girls of the staff and the home town. Virgil Hasche, accom- ceptionists, to Gene Darlington, until wives of staff members, is planned for panied by the entire family, traveled recently engineer in charge of General a later date. by car to the home of his parents in Electric’s short wave stations. Chester D. Vedder, senior announcer Inwood, Iowa. Dorothy Rice, daughter Mayor Mills Teneyck of Schenec- of WGY, celebrated eleven years ser- of Edward A. Rice, who conducts the tady has named Manager Kolin on the vice with the station September 3. Just Red Network Sunday Silver Strings City’s National Defense Committee. at present Chet, who operates a large Show, succeeds Veronica Layden Darl- Extra-curricular activities of the Boss farm on the outskirts of Schenectady, ington on the reception staff. Kolin during recent weeks was the chairman- is harvesting a bumper crop of free- Hager is boasting a 92 in a recent golf ship of an American Red Cross golf stone peaches. match, which isn’t bad for one who exhibition which netted the Schenec- A. 0. Coggeshall, accompanied by hits from the port side. W. J. Purcell, tady County Chapter a substantial wife and son, Robert, passed his vaca- another golf enthusiast, carries an 88 amount. tion bathing and fishing in the Atlantic for Winter days’ reverie, but still isn’t On a recent remote job, when time off the New Jersey and Maine coast. satisfied. Bill recently scored 390 out of was a factor, Victor Campbell under- While driving on a Maine highway, he a possible 400 in a rifle match at Pittsfield, took to tote some of the heavier so- overtook Chet Vedder, who was accom- Massachusetts. Betty Dona- called portable equipment. hue, of Sales, passed her When he attempted to lean vacation camping and at Detroit, over to set it down he Michigan. Mrs. Betty couldn’t bend, nor could he Foy, formerly secretary to straighten up. A chiroprac- A. 0. Coggeshall, Program tor wrestled with him for a Manager, is the mother of few minutes and got him a son, Robert. Howard bending forward but he Wheeler, of Engineering, car- couldn’t stand straight. It ried camera and fishing gear was a case of a misplaced to Moosehead Lake, Me., and vertebrae. Vic’s O.K. ncjw reports some fine pictures. and, for one of his avoirdu- Bernard Cruger continued pois, can bend quite well in construction of his Summer any direction. camp on Wappingers Creek, outside In the first soft ball since Poughkeepsie. It Mas the I to 0 thirteen-inning Ogunquit. Maine, that defeat by the New York j)iofited by the vision of NBC Athletic Association Chester RudoM’ski in his team, the WGY players went .‘Summer uardrobe of many at it hammer and tongs on WGY poses for a picture. colors. OCTOBER, 1940 13 KOA DENVER by Evadna B. Hammersley

from the deep South. Paul Bartlett has joined the KOA KOA Continuity Editor Bill Rati- announcing staff, coming from New gan, did a magnificent job of pinch- York NBC headquarters where he did hitting during the vacation of the News some work following his graduation Editor, Jack Fern. Emergency illness from Harvard University in June. of Assistant News Editor Don Martin, KOA’s Production Manager Jack

called for emergency treatment and Lyman (a former aviator I recorded Bill Ratigan stepped into the breach. some sort of a “first” in the broadcast- Helen Oldheim, Metropcilitan Opera ing of the Denver Air Show this Sum- star; Madam Rosina Lhevinne, the mer, resulting in one of the most world famous pianist; and Mrs. Lloyd unique collections of aviation sound E. Yoder, concert violinist, wife of the effects ever broadcast. In order to KOA General Manager, gave an out- bring KOA listeners the maximum Virginia Anderson and Mountain Stream door concert in the famous Red Rocks thrills, entertainment and information natural theater on which the City of from the first annual Denver Air Show, into H. V. Kalteiiborn’s entrance Denver has expended large sums of Jack Lyman conceived the idea of humorous even to Denver recently was money to develop a “Hollywood recording the hiehlishts of the show in dramatic as well. In him, and a hit Bowl” in Denver. The concert was for three to five minute spots for airing time to order to make Denver in the benefit of the Central City Play later in the day. These short spots broadcast Friday handle his network f estival Opera Stars cast. were recorded in such a manner that it necessary to charter morning, was Lloyd G. (Bucky) Harris, Assistant they were played hack on the air as a plane at Sterling, Colorado. A sus- Production Manager of the Central a full half hour of continuous, rapid for an picious constable mistook him Division in Chicago, while vacationing fire descriptive commentary. With this After confirma- escaped bank robber. in Colorado this Summer was made a unique handling, KOA gave full cover- Gen- tion of his KOA appearance by Laramie County, Wyoming, deputy £ige of the entire show'. Know'ing the permitted eral Manager Yoder, he was sheriff. dangers of attempting a scheduled to proceed on his flight to Denver. The wife of T. Ellsw'orth Stepp, broadcast from the scene of action, Manager of Local Sales A. W. Crap- KOA Program Department, presented because of stalling while the ships are president of sey was recently elected him with a fine baby daughter on the maneuvered into place. Mr. Lyman the Denver Ad Club. morning of July 26. was thus able to record only the events vertical The 475-foot KOA antenna Wendell Willkie, Republican Presi- of primary interest and direct action. struck by lightning. tower recently was dential candidate, made two unique KOA staff members met in the Gen- bolt the The same lightning damaged broadcasts over KOA. One of these eral Office of the station recently to land lines from the studios but Russ broadcasts was from the balcony of form an employes’ recreation group duty, resumed Thompson, engineer on ihe famous Central City Opera House and elect officers. New'scaster Torland transcrip- broadcasting by electrical in the old mountain mining community w'as made president. Transmitter Engi- been re- tion until the land lines had where Mr. Willkie attended “The Bar- neer Russ Thompson was elected vice paired. experi- His shortwave “ham” tered Bride.” Then again from a president, Edward Sproul became sec- ence came in mighty handy when it luncheon in the Denver Stockyards retary-treasurer, and Mary Mortimore start libbing at was necessary to ad Stadium, KOA broadcast remarks hv chairman of Women’s Activities. Plans once. Mr. Willkie addressed to the stockmen are under way for some real fun this “National spot and local business and cattle growers of the West. Winter. on KOA for July this year,” reports General Manager Lloyd E. Yoder, “shows the largest July volume in the station’s history. It is 12.4% ahead of July, 1939, and 89.7% over July five years ago.” Art Kassell, famous dance band con- ductor of “Castles in the Air,” called on an old friend, James MacPherson. at KOA on arrival in Denver for a week’s engagement at Lakeside Amuse- ment Park where he followed Ted Weems’ “Beat the Band” orchestra. Miss Marv Keller of Chicago has joined the staff of KOA, Denver, in a - r ' ^ secretarial capacity to fill the position IM' 1 vacated by the transfer of Miss Thelma Erickson to the Receptionist’s post. The ranks of the Guest Relations Staff have yielded a new singer in the person of Andy Gainey, who hails Mrs. McPherson and family on the Denver farm. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER

GENERAL SERVICE Supply Room under the supervision of WEAF TRANSMITTER Walter Hawes. For regular consump- (Continued from page 5J (Continued from page 10^ tion, 1200 different items are carried given training in prepara- thing untangled, set in place con- engaged and in stock. A less routine operation of and transfer to other positions. nected in two weeks. the ninth of tion for the Central Supply Room is the care On types The Dictaphone Group inaiidy and feeding of numerous specimens of September, when we called on Mr. and machine-dictated correspondence domestic flora and fauna such as water- Looney and his five colleagues who are programs such in of the construction in- recordings of different melons, chickens, fish, rabbits, gee.se charge and foreign broad- still as news comments or and the like sent to NBC executives stallation, we found the ground also has electric- casts. Stenographic and artists by their vacationing or opened up with a long herringbone recording machines that record broad- practical joking friends. pattern of grounding cable ditches. cast talks which are later transcribed The two 370 foot towers are completed Building Maintenance so that a complete copy of a talk can and the two coaxial antenna lines in be available almost immediately after The Building Maintenance Division place but not yet covered. Beneath the completion of a broadcast. under- the managership of Edward each tower a copper sheathed tuning Lowell has to maintain in good repair house was a busy hive of activity. Four Mail-Messenger Service nearly 400,000 square feet of space or or five men were trying very hard to Another section of unusual facts and about nine acres in Radio City alone, put some smooth bends into a small figures is the Mail-Messenger Service in addition to space at 711 Fifth piece of thin walled copper pipe and with Thomas Tart as supervisor. Our Avenue and the Empire State Building. others were putting up a safety fence Mail Room is as large and handles as A large staff of carpenters, painters around the base of each tower. much mail under normal conditions and electricians is needed to make re- When the final landscaping touches as a post oHice in a tovcn of 20,000 jiairs. Indeed, there is one man whose are done on WEAF's new home, and people. During the busy seasons, the time is completely taken in replacing grass will have grown over the scarred amount of mail handled is comparable electric light bulbs—2.000 every fields, the small, trim building with its in a town with the volume distributed month. We discovered, too. that 15 cooling basin before it playing a con- of 50,000 population. \s much as ten tons of waste paper are discarded each tinuous and rather solitary little foun- million pieces of mail have gone month. The Building Maintenance tain, will present a pleasant picture. through the Mail Room in a single Office is open and operating 24 hours We hope our readers within range will year. Mr. Tart and his thirty-two asso- a day every day in the year. The be tuned in on 660 kilocycles the day ciates have to be experts on postal curiosity shop in this division includes of our inaugural program some weeks requirements as well as calligraphers a duplicate key to fit every lock in the hence, and will listen in on the old of no mean ability in order to decipher offices and studios. Felix Ghir- .MBC ( hamp as he fills his assigned fre- some of the handwriting on the en- lando is custodian of the keys. (|uencv band with a new, reinvigorated errands pet- velopes. Up to 8,000 On several occasions Building \ oice. month have been run by the Mail- Maintenance has been called to trans- Messenger Serviee and it has been cal- form offices almost overnight. Between are frequently called upon in emer- culated that NBC Messengers travel 5:00 at night and 9:00 in the morning gencies to handle unexpected floods of nearly 1 1 6,000 miles a year or more walls or partitions have been torn times the calls are than four and one-half times around down, old communications ripped out, phone calls. Some the result of catastrophies and on other- the earth. Besides sorting and deliver- new systems installed, and offices occasions of less disastrous occureirces. ing incoming and sending out-going created where none existed before. example, the cancellation of the Company mail, this section receives for PBX Jenkins-Arnrstrong prize fight, or an and sorts all audience mail including The Telephone Section, more fa- offer over the air encouraging listeners responses to offers and contests. The miliarly known as the PBX (Private to call NBC for a chat with Charlie Mail Room is open from 7:30 in the Branch Exchange), under the super- McCarthy. morning until 1 1 :00 at night every day vision of Margaret Maloney, is also a except Sunday. During working hours Personnel Division part of Building Maintenance and a the visitor might be amazed to see a very important one. The telephone NBC’s consultation agency is the machine three-folding as many as four switchboard operates continuously day l’(‘rs()unel Division where records of hundred and fifty sheets a minute or and night. Every time an employe llie 1300 ('inployees are kept. D. B. another machine sealing, stamping and picks up a telephone in the New York Van Houten is Acting Personnel Man- counting letters faster than the com- Offices to place either an inside or out- ager. This division is equipped to bined speed of four men or a letter going call, automatic equipment is set service all offices and departments of opener clipping off the ends of .500 in motion. The work of dozens of (he Company. letters a minute. Perhaps the most un- operators is thus obviated by this sys- It is one of tire aims of the Per- usual machine of all is the one on There are two groups of telephone sonnel Office to build good will for which wrapped ))ackages are placed tem. lines, one for the out-going and in- ihe Company through the thousands ready to be tied. The operator presses coming toll calls routed by the opera- of applicants who apply for posi- a foot pedal and instantlv the package tors and another for the calls that go tions. is bound in cord, tied and knotted verv through the mechanical switchboard. Regardirrg once more the General neatly. Miss Maloney, who has been with the Service Department as a whole, we of Supply and Receiving Section Company for eight years, says that it find it is an outstanding example efficient administration of the en- To insure the quick filling of all is impossible to predict when the the tire Company, proving that there is requests for stationary and office sup- board will suddenly get busy. All the themselves in readiness more to broadcasting than meets the lilies (and for receiving and shipping). operators hold General Service maintains a Central at all hours of the day or night and ear. -

OCTOBER, 1940 15 NBC CHICAGO by Bob McCoy

Dear Editor: Emmons Carlson of Sales Promo- Alex Robb, West Coast Artists .Service lion and Bill Ray of Press are the Chief, old friend of Pop Rouse, thrill- And looking over that salutation I chief guiding spirits behind the con- ed Carole by presenting her with her wouldn’t be surprised if you expected test. They’ve tied in drug-stores, 5 if first orchid and taking her to dinner this to be signed “Indignant” or “Irate 10 cent stores and even newsstands. at the Cocoanut Grove. To add to the Taxpayer”. But you needn’t worry, it’s Those are the places the kids buy their trip’s experiences, Carole was selected just the quarterly report on doings Hi-Li paddles (. . . be sure it has OE- as mascot of the Union Pacific’s Los in the Chicago area. So . . . let’s EICIAL stamped on it). They get Angeles Limited. And Eather Rouse have to it. their entry blanks at B. & K. theatres just sits back with a grin, getting a At the convention we spotted Harold —along with a double feature—then vicarious thrill from Daughter Carole’s Royston and Toni Cootie extremely proceed to a city jilayground and get triumphs. busy with the pack transmitter. An- in some hot licks with the Hi-Li pad- We’ve had a separation nouncer Durward Kirby was dashing here since dles. We’ve been helping the cause \ou last heard from us, but a verv about with a portable, while Engineer along with Hi-Li plugs during the day amicable one. Jim Thornbury sported earphones. Effective July 1, the and night and booking pickups at the Network Sales Department Dan Thompson of the Press Depart- was quite elimination contests held at the thea- definitely divided. Harry Kopf is Cen- ment was in even more places at one tres. In his professional zeal, Emmons tral Division Sales Manager of the time. Just as if you and the rest of the Carlson has even gone so far as to Red, and his assistant and world didn’t already know', Chicago Sales Traf- hire a skywriter who neatly plasters fic Manager is Jimmy Neale. was host to the Democratic National Over on “\^TNR HI-LI” across the blue Chi- the Blue side of the office, (ionvention in July. The Convention Paul .Mc- cago sky. Even goes in for art work Cluer is Sales Manager, took over Chicago and in the process aided and and loops around gracefully making a abetted by Floyd just about completel) absorbed our Van Etten. reasonably accurate facsimile of a Hi- Engineering Eield Department. En- Boss, here’s the picture of one of Li paddle and ball. Neat trick, if you gineers Rife, Lanterman. Moore, Lim- our stations you requested me to send can do it —and he can. berg, Harold Royston. Cummings, along to you. As is pretty obvious, So, boss, you can see that WENR Sturgis and Gootee were some of the it s the WENR - WLS transmitter, publicity is covering the city like a boys into whose gain-grinding fingers brand new', located at Tinley Park and Idanket of blue. If you want to take fell the task of bringing the nation pretty darn fancy looking if you ask that to mean a blanket of Blue net- every delicate nuance and tone of the any of us. Go ahead, just ask us. work, why, go ahead. Though I can’t five-day session. you what Architects And know imagine how you could. might call it functional a job it is to get a nuance to come out design, but to the boys in Gene Rouse w’ho is Night Super- the back pear-shaped. room it’s “a visor of Announcers has been indulg- pretty smooth layout”. WYll, Ed, that’s the At this writing we’re in the midst of ing himself in a burst of paternal quarterly report from Chicago. Of course, it W'ENR promotional activiti. In con- pride. And w’ell he might. His daugh- doesn’t touch everything that’s happened. junction with the Balaban and Katz ter Carole Lee, is one of the group Let’s keep some things sacred theatres. WENR is sponsoring a cit\ selected by Merriel Abbott to dance from the pub- lic prints. All this wide Hi-Li contest. You know Hi-Li. in the forthcoming Benny-Alien pic- should fill up the three columns you boss. You hit the ball with the paddle ture “Lo\e Thy Neighbor” (adv.-free). promised us. and Mr. Editor, and it’s supposed to come back here, The lithe and light-footed Miss Rouse if we don’t get them the next dispatch probablv iciU so \ou can hit it again. But it goes has been in Hollywood for about three be signed INDIGNANT, or there, instead. Very baffling to any- weeks now and celebrated her six- IRATE TAXPAYER Iiody over years 12 of age. teenth birthdav on the Paramount lot. Signed.

WENR-WLS Transmitter, Tinley Park. "Hi-Li" Ennis and Messrs. Ray, Carlson, Sirotz and Boyd. —— —

16 NBC TRANSMITTER

RADIO CITY General Service were unanimous in taken the services of Francisco Lara. judging him one of the more brain- Carlos Lee was the third addition {Continued from page 7) some people in this vicinity. All in to the Spanish Section, coming with built on a scale designed to keep peo- all it’s a record not to be sneezed at; NBC in May, 1940. Traveling exten- ])le from engaging with him in serious nope, no one said gesundheit. sively in South America and educated combat, that is, without giving the Mr. Morris Wetzel is a radio record- in Chile, Mr. Lee also studied in matter serious thought first. His ex- ing sales promoter from NBC in Chi- Georgetown University at Washington, perience in general elective sales pro- cago, who has just had his pay roll D. C. He is a lawyer by profession and motion has been gained from radio switched from the windy city to this was appointed by Honduras to settle representatives Howard H. Wilson Co., one. However, he only blows into the a hundred-year-old boundary dispute and if there is a suspicious scent office every two weeks, types furiously between Guatemala and Honduras. about bim as he hurries past you into for a few minutes with both fingers, Raymond Girard, former Guest Re- Radio Recording it’s only because his and rushes out again to Montana or lations Staff member, and now in the pockets are abulge (no, not gum, Mr. some such distant clime to spread the Traffic Section of International will Stack) but with sample vials of per- recorded work through the wilds for leave NBC and take up his new duties fume, the free distribution of which NBC. He ought to be back soon, as assistant to the purchasing agent at has already endeared Mr. Perler to the though, and maybe we can catch up his Alma Mater, Rutgers University. hearts of the secretaries in the office. on him then. Mr. Girard will also be working to- He is scrupulous about his little per- Joe Jenkins was just a name back in wards his Master Degree in French. sonal expenses, and keeps the office in Penn State, until his sweet tenor voice He is a member of the Stagecrafters, suspense as he tries to balance his trice landed him the lead in the Mask having appeared in their last produc- budget at the end of the day. He is and Wigger’s annual musical comedy tion, “Kind Lady”. from New York, and Yale, two places bust-out that tours around the country Dan Cupid has also been working that one hears about from time to time, at Christmas. Starting with NBC last in the International Division. Thomas and he’s married, having two boys, and year in Guest Relations, Joe figured in F’. Carey said those “two words” to that baby girl we mentioned before. the Pages’ and Guides’ television shows Miss Irene Whitla on June 22nd at Mr. Pedler says that, after NBC, he as a drummer and singer, a job he Ridgewood, New Jersey. likes swimming and long week-ends knew well from the days when he Alan Newham was another victim of and we still won’t quarrel with him. toured road houses in Pennsylvania Cupid’s arrows when he married the with a pro band. Joe worked at the former Miss Betty Edwards at East Promotions RCA exhibit this summer, doing an- Orange, N. J. Mr. Newham is employ- work, but ed in the James Stack started his career in nouncing and production German Section. he’s wearing is good old On May 8th, Mr. Stork left Frank radio way back in 1929 in the early that tan “tele” days when he produced physical cul- Flushing Sol, not indelible Nesbitt. Assistant News Editor, a with General Service, bouncing son who has been named ture programs for Bernarr McFadden make-up. Now functions as the guy you blame William Burgess Nesbitt. of True Story and the American Joe recalcitrant butt and coke juke On visiting the International Divi- Weekly. He worked for Ruthrauft and for boxes. When your nickel brings vou sion we made the acquaintance of Ary Ryan in 1934, selling and producing coke with no cup around it, R. Moll, Production Manager. Mr. True Detective, and Billy and Betty. a gush of matter betwixt you and Mr. Moll was one of ihe three members of Having arrived at NBC on July 15th, it’s a little Jenkins. By the way, there is a feel- the Guest Relations Staff to found the new-comer Stack is husy selling re- in the office that Joe is engaged NBC Transmitter. ... By the bye, he cordings, His office companions de- ing

it’s a look in his eye. . . . spent his honeymoon this past July at scribe him as a whirlwind who is well “Openacres”, located at Mount Wash- nigh impossible to catch for a minute, ington, Mass. as we who have chased him, note book I ntra- International know. Like it or not. in hand, well Division Happenings Mr. Stack has all Radio Recording The Transmitter received the fol- chewing gum, since his pockets are The International Division has had lowing communication from “some- always abulge with free samples which quite a number of changes and event- where in the Research Division”: he distributes copiously. Cornell’s red ful happenings during the past few NEW YORK, N. Y. . . . “H.M.S. and black are ever rampant on the weeks. GOTTHARDr’ CRIPPLED IN NA- person of otherwise conservative Mr. Claude Barrere was added to the VAL ENCOUNTER. A usually reli- Stack, and we’re told that during busi- French Section less than three months able source reports that the 180-pound ness lulls he can even be heard avidly ago after spending some fifteen years cruiser “Gotthardt” has been laid up defending the Syracuse country-side in the travel business here and abroad. in drydock for repairs after a disas- his as though either needed it. Mr. Barrere learned French from trous running fight with a raider, be- Henry Hayes conies to Radio Re- parents and speaks it fluently. He had lieved to have been the SS. Ulcer. cording after three years in General considerable radio experience before Reports of the battle indicate that .Service, where Joe Jenkins holds down joining NBC International. the “Gotthardt” was struck squarely his old job. He now does order work Kenneth Smith, after having exten- amidships, in the vicinity of the boiler- for Radio Recording and reports to sive experience on staffs of leading room and was towed to port bv the Mr. Friedman of Sales. He took his Mexican and American radio stations, light-cruiser “McFadyen”. last vacation to Havana via Florida has come to International’s Spanish roseate II in a sea plane. Back here he relaxes Section. He has been a scientific com- That aura of good wi to from the rigors of NBC by bowling, mentator for General Motors, lectur- be noted in Electrical Maintenance these days may be attributed to the that is, when he doesn’t go straight ing in Cuba and throughout the United recent fatherhood Walter home to his wife. His old friends in States. The Spanish Section has also of O’Meara. NBC TRANSMITTER

^ CHRISTMAS 1940 l/' - 2 NBC TRANSMITTER

Christmas, a time when we all pause to take note of the worth of our

fellow men, has, I believe, a special

meaning for all of us here at NBC this year.

The highly successful year we have enjoyed has been due largely to

the ability of all of you to cooperate and to impart to your endeavors a measure of honest enthusiasm for the business which forms a mutual enterprise for

us all.

It is with warm appreciation of

all your efforts during the year that I ex- tend, through the Transmitter, my sincere

wish that all of you have a joyful, satis- fying Christmas and, God willing, that we

all shall enjoy a peaceful, prosperous

New Yea r. DECEMBER, 1940 3 EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS

at Radio City

SIDNEY STROTZ HEADS NBC JOHN ROYAL; IN CHARGE OF NEW PROGRAM DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES, DEVELOPMENTS

Sidney N. Strotz has succeeded John F. John F. Royal, heretofore in charge of pro- Royal as vice president in charge of the Pro- grams for NBC has advanced to fill the newly gram Department. Mr. Strotz came to Radio created position of Vice President in charge City from Chicago where he played a consider- of New Activities and Developments in Broad- able role in building prominent network casting. Mr. Royal will be concerned with all shows. promotional, programming, and commercial Mr. Strotz joined NBC in 1933 as Manager problems arising therefrom. This new position of the Program and Artists Service depart- combines under one direction necessary de- ments of the Central Division. He became velopmental work in programming and general manager of the division in January, 1939, suc- public service in the fields of Television, Fre- ceeding Niles Trammell, whose brilliant ad- quency Modulation, Facsimile, and Short ministration of the Chicago offices resulted in Wave broadcasting. It was to assure such ad- his appointment as Executive Vice President vance planning and co-ordination in new radio of the company and more recently to the office broadcasting services as will facilitate their of President. commercial introduction or development that He was born in Chicago, with primary edu- the new executive post was created. cation there, later pursuing advanced studies In the appointment, Mr. Trammell stated; at St. John’s Military Academy and Cornell “John F. Royal has been largely responsible University. He left col lege to serve in the 326th for a ten year development of NBC’s program Battalion Tank Corps, during the World War. activities, with the creation of many of radio’s Following the war he joined the Automobile outstanding public service features and a long Supply Company and later became a vice list of commercial successes. He is, therefore, president. After serving as vice president of ideally fitted for the wider responsibilities the Wrap-Rite Corporation, Mr. Strotz in which he will now undertake. 1928 organized the Chicago Stadium Corpora- “Mr. Royal has already prepared for the ex- tion, which built and operated the largest in- tension of our international services having door sports arena in the country. He became just returned from a tour of South America president of the company in 1 930. and a brief business trip to Europe.’’ 4 NBC TRANSMITTER RADIO CITY

New York

Esme O’Brien has joined NBC as tention of emptying his whole receptionist in the executive of- quiver of arrows. Adelaide Buchei- fices, and we strongly recommend ster, secretary to George Engles, a visit there sometime because started the parade when she be- Esme is a very grand person to came Mrs. Howard Orr on June know. We promise that you’ll be 29th. Frank Murtha, sustaining greeted with a warm smile and a booker, kept the ball rolling when certain something in the eye that he decided Miss Emma Neuga- can be traced back to the Emerald bauer had been Miss long enough Isle. Perhaps her ease and friend- and made her Mrs. Murtha on Sep- liness are partly due to the con- tember 28th. This was an NBC siderable travelling which she has wedding with John Collins and Don done, for she seemed to handle Meissner, both of Artists Service, with confidence all of a variety of helping as usher and singer respec- situations with which she was tively. faced in the course of our visit. We Alice Stauffacher had a real ad- needn't bother to list here the ex- vertising wedding when she and tensive schooling which she has Proctor Mellquist, Jr., Sterling Cet- had or the popularity with which chell copywriter, were made one she was received when she re- on October 4th. It is rumored this turned to this country—you al- was a whirlwind courtship, the ready know these things. What we groom popping the question after do want to say is that she’s a swell knowing Alice only 6 weeks. It is guy, and that’s our highest com- rumored that Charlie Facer, one of pliment. ESME O’BRIEN Artists Service’s most eligible Noel Jordan whom you have fre- bachelors will jump off the deep quently seen in Television Studio staff. There is also a completely end very soon. His engagement to in 3H is now to be found in the per- new face C. R., that of Miss Miss Margaret Woodworth of sonnel office where he is in charge Julia Dougherty, who is secretary Electrical Transcription has been to Mr. of employe training. Alexander and Mr. Rich- announced and the wedding is ards. James Beardsley, former editor Ray O’Connell leaves his po- planned for the spring. Charlie is of the Transmitter has joined a sta- sition on the control desk to suc- the Artists Service contact for the tion on Cape Cod in Massachu- ceed George Olenslager as guide NBC Electrical Transcription de- trainer, setts. He is handling news and an- so if you should be accom- partment and surely made a con- nouncing assignments. We wish panied on a tour by a purposeful tact this time. figure armed with a note him every success in his new posi- book and The moral is—come to Artists pad, tion. the chances are it’s Ray Service if you’re single and want to With its able helmsman Mr. checking up. be double. Jerry Martin, assisted by Mr. Alex- George Olenslager, who used to Now that the Selective Service ander and Mr. Richards, the Guest provide his guide training courses Act is an outstanding subject of Relations Division is functioning with a staggering amount of gen- conversation, we investigated the with a number of new faces on eral information, and all with the results in Radio City. Evan Wylie, deck. Paul Rittenhouse is assistant suavity and persuasiveness of a while on duty in the News Room, to the manager in charge of tour Patrick Henry, can now be found saw his number come out first, promotion, having relinquished his in the information division, as as- 158! Quite a few have decided to position as tour supervisor to Bir- sistant to the manager. throw their Homburgs in the ring ger Hagerth, and Earl Harder Winthrop Orr has come to Radio right off in exchange for army or becomes ticket distribution super- City as a senior production man. navy headgear. Among these were visor. Also in the ticket distribu- He won his spurs at NBC Chicago Doug Ballin, Al Bengtson and Stan tion office now is Jack Williams, and brings wide experience to his Craw, who took the cruise to Pan- which sends Walter Weibel up to work here. ama on the battleship New York. the traffic department. Tom Prout, Edward Pola, who has been It was an enviable experience, as left his post as assistant mezzanine working in the radio agency field they report it, what with movies supervisor to join the traffic de- in England, has returned to Ameri- on deck under the stars, and plen- partment, too. Filling in the con- ca to join the NBC Production Di- ty of free time in Panama, etc., trol desk vacancies of C. R. you vision. He numbers among his tal- and the boys certainly look healthy. may be confused occasionally to ents song writing, and you’ve been Craw goes on to Northwestern find Norman Cash and George whistling some of his tunes re- University shortly to complete his Wallace, confused only because cently. four months of training. they look somewhat alike. They Cupid must have dropped into Bill McClintock, and Bob Hoff- were recruited from the guide NBC Artists Service with the in- (CONTINUED ON SIX) DECEMBER, 1940 5 THE METROPOLITAN OPERA PROGRAMS

The Texas Com- authority and critic pany, in sponsoring of the New York the broadcasts in Herald Tribune. Dr. this country and Otto C. Luening, South America of head of the music Saturday matinee department of Ben- performances by nington College, the Metropolitan prepared the script Opera Company for the opening during the 1940-41 broadcast of Thurs- season, is continu- day, Dec. 5, which ing a great Ameri- featured highlights can tradition, in the from Mozart’s opinion of Niles opera, “The Mar- T rammell. riage of Figaro”. “Industry has Marita Farell, often played the distinguished young role of patron of soprano of the arts in America,” Metropolitan Opera Trammell stated, Company, collabo- “but the decision rated with Dr. Lu- of Texas Com- Ezio Pinza (left) great basso of the Metropolitan, as Figaro, and Elisabeth ening for the open- The , pany to present the Rethberg, soprano, as Countess Almaviva, head a distinguished cast for ing Guild opera- Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” the finale of which is pictured above. The Metropolitan Opera logue. The story of famous opera, opened the season’s Metropolitan broadcasts sponsored by broadcasts is, in my The Texas Company. Mozart’s opera was opinion, one of the discussed by Dr. more outstanding examples of such cess of any business enterprise can Luening, and Miss Farell sang ex- public service by a commercial be measured by its contribution to cerpts from the Mozart score. organization. a better life for all the people. Future broadcasts of the Guild “Many of our great schools, col- “Grand Opera is no longer the operalogues will present as soloists leges, libraries, museums, fellow- privilege of a few. Through radio outstanding artists of the Metro- ships, and foundations in this the American people have been en- politan Opera Company, as well as country have their existence abled to make it their own. Finan- distinguished authorities in the through the sponsorship of public- cial contributions to the opera’s world of music. minded individuals and organiza- support last year came from music As for the broadcasts them- tions. Now, W. S. S. Rodgers, lovers all over the country and in selves, there are many special fea- president of The Texas Company, every walk of life, tures of interest. announces that his company con- “Today the Metropolitan has The broadcasting booth, a per- tinues this American tradition by become in the truest sense ‘the manent soundproofed structure making available to millions of people’s opera.’ The Texas Com- located in the center of the former listeners each week the world’s pany, in sponsoring these Saturday Grand Tier, takes the place of the

greatest music. I believe the cul- matinees is, we feel, giving the famous Box 44 from which NBC tural bases of our democracy are people what they want—a high broadcast the operas for nearly a immeasurably widened and form of musical entertainment decade. The new booth, the list- strengthened by such a union be- covering the widest range of musi- eners’ “boxseat”, affords an un- tween art and industry. cal tastes.” obstructed view of the stage, and Texas Company is to be for first time engineers will “The “OPERALOCUES” TO the be warmly congratulated for its pub- able to turn on a loud-speaker, lic-spirited action. Opera lovers INTRODUCE OPERA thus approximating listening con- everywhere will be continually Under the direction of the ditions in the home. grateful for the rich musical ex- Metropolitan Opera Guild, a series The new control booth will perience now afforded them every of “operalogues” will be broadcast house Milton Cross, announcer; week.” each Thursday evening during the Charles Grey, engineer; Herbert Mr. Rodgers, speaking for his opera season to introduce the na- Liversidge in charge of broadcast- own company said, “There is noth- tionwide radio audience to the ing the musical portions of this ing new about the principle on opera. program; Howard Nussbaum in which we acted in merging oil and The Guild series, to be heard charge of entr’acte speeches and opera. American business has long weekly at 7 ;45 p m., EST, over the commentary; and Llopis de Oliva- acted on the principles of success NBC-Blue Network, will be pre- res, of the NBC International Divi- through service to the greatest pared with the assistance of Robert sion, who will read the Spanish number. In the long run, the suc- Lawrence, noted lecturer, music announcements for Latin America. 6 NBC TRANSMITTER

EXGHANCE GORNER THE NBC TRANSMITTER FOR SALE— 1937 Ford Business of, for and by NBC personnel from coast to coast Goupe, $199. In excellent con- SIX. dition. For further information VOLUME NUMBER SIX see Maxwell Russell, Guest Re- DECEMBER, 1940 lations. ATTRAGTIVE APARTMENT to EDITOR Charles L. Turner share at 25 West 51st Street. Gall Franklin Owens in Sales Re- ASSISTANT EDITOR Stanley Miller search. CIRCULATION MANAGER Thomas De Huff ASSOCIATES Alexander Lehmann school, whose keys sounded tobac- John Neher co stained, and whose voice was whisky, an adjective meaning Edward Roff spirited. It is to be hoped that Dr. Address all correspondence to NBC Transmitter, National Broadcasting Company, Knight, who learned it all down Room 465, RCA Building, Radio City, New York, Circle 7-8300, Extension 22o! in Florida, will be back on the program again. No television tour leaves the RADIO CITY CONTINUED nose is back where it was and in mezzanine without doing homage man, also of Guest Relations, have good working order. to Merwin the ‘video effect’ frog already joined the army, and will Al Henderson, formerly of the who talks, croaks, winks and every- probably turn up soon in some ro- Mail Room, is now with the Engi- thing but eat peas with a knife. reel. togravure or news neering Department. Now Merwin’s thunder is stolen Dick Rider, a former guide and E. S. Golling has been trans- by the presence in the adjoining actor on Amanda of Honeymoon ferred from RGA to the NBG Press glass case of a miniature model of Hill, and David Harum, is now out Department. our television studio 3H. Glaude at Camp Upton, Yaphank, check- Gene Plumstead won an audi- Traverse of the guide staff made ing over the 450 draftees that pour tion for an announcer’s job with it, and it’s complete to lights, in daily. Station WGOV, Montgomery, Ala- mike, cameras, scenery, control Sam Sloan, formerly assistant bama, where his sturdy stage and room, and actors and technicians Mezzanine supervisor, and now of radio experience will be put to the no bigger than a postage stamp the National Guard has done some test. made of wax and all dressed in slick recruiting for the old 7th Jim Sawyer’s constant practice tiny but stylish clothes. Regiment, having to his credit at reading commercials out loud in By the way, the fellows who Stockly Plummer of the Mail Mes- the locker room has brought him work over at the Vanderbilt Thea- senger staff. Bob Baldwin of Inter- an announcing job in Orlando, ter now rate very impressive top national Promotion office, and Jim Florida. coats what with zero weather MacConnachie and Don McDonald Sunday, Nov. 24, was a happy howling down 48th street. They both of Guest Relations. Jim Nix, day for Bill Huck, the only mem- look a little like cossacks, and will page supervisor, and Dick De Rais- ber of Pat Kelly’s announcing class give crashers a long moment’s mes of the Script Department were to have his audition broadcast pause before they attempt to sneak members of the 7th already. They coast to coast, came through the into the Waring show. are all inducted on January 3rd, ordeal with flying colors. The oc- Last minute news—Tom Gamp- and leave shortly after for Hines- casion was a demonstration for bell is now assistant to Otto ville, Georgia, which is just outside the Behind the Mike listeners. Brandt. Bill Davidson takes over of Savannah. Graham McNamee, who intro- Tom’s spot and Willard Whitfield Lars Scattebol’s apprenticeship duced Bill, says he’s glad no such enters Station Relations from CR. in News and Special Events has gruelling test existed for announ- gained him a permanent position cers in the early days of radio when Mr. Harry MacFayden’s many in that department. Lars has com- he started. Incidentally, on the friends were deeply grieved to pleted a play which is making the strength of his showing on the learn of his death on November rounds of the producers, and he Behind the Mike program. Bill has 13th. He had served the com- says he’s busy on another. accepted an announcing job with pany for many years as produc- Walter Royall, formerly of C. R. Station WCAG at Augusta, Geor- tion director. In earlier years he is now associated with Radio gia. worked in the theatre with David House, a newly formed company Paul Knight, formerly a guide Belasco, and he also had been which makes transcription of pro- and now in the Music Division associated with motion pictures. gram ideas. says it’s doing well, an appearance with the He made We are certain that his wife, and Walt certainly looks dapper Ghamber Music Society of Lower Mrs. Teris MacFayden under- and prosperous, in spite of the fact Basin Street, on Nov. 25th, on stands that all who have known that he ac- which a few weeks ago was occasion he was heard him feel his loss as a very per- costed on his way home, robbed knocking out some hot Ghopin, on sonal one. and knocked out. His displaced a honky-tonk pianner of the old DECEMBER, 1940 7 NEW SAN FRANCISCO STUDIOS

Vesuvius couldn’t produce even lease of their news reel. Hundreds people, depending on the size of a reasonable facsimile of the erup- of congratulatory messages, let- the broadcast. Others will seat tion President Niles Trammell’s ters and telegrams flooded Nelson’s from 150 to 200 and the smaller telegram caused at KCO and KPO office. studios will be designed for tran- at 12:28 p.m., PST, November 8. The new building will be one of scription work, speakers and forums “I am delighted to inform you that the most popular show places in a and other shows of all sorts and the Board of Directors of the Na- city full of interesting things to sizes. tional Broadcasting Company on see. Albert F. Roller is the archi- Each of the public lobbies will my recommendation today ap- tect and Barrett and Hilp the con- feature display windows illustrat- proved the plan for new studios to tractors. ing the story of programs and be erected at Taylor and O’Farrell During the past months many broadcasting. Some of the most streets,” it said, ’’and I am hereby NBC executives have been west in interesting operations, such as the authorizing you to proceed at once connection with the plans and the news room, the master control to consummate the final arrange- proposition has won their unani- room, traffic boards, etc., will be ments.” Al Nelson, NBC assistant mous approval. visible through large windows vice-president and general manager Among those visiting have been opening on the lobbies. Seven of of KCO and KPO, lost no time in David Sarnoff, President of RCA, the studios will be located on the spreading the news and getting NBC President Niles Trammell, second floor. Program and produc- into action. By night, plans had Vice-Presidents Frank Mullen, tion, library, traffic, engineering been completed for an unusual Mark Woods, William S. Hedges, and operating ground breaking ceremony, for the departments will be O. B. Hanson, Roy C. Witmer, all on the second organization of the San Francisco and third floors while of New York; Frank Russell of Chapter of the Sidewalk Superin- the administrative offices will be Washington, and Don E. Gilman of on the fourth. Air-conditioning tendents’ Club and for an intensive Los Angeles. publicity and promotion campaign and other special equipment will Others were Keith Kiggins, Eas- leading up to that public ceremony be housed on the top floor. ton Woolley, William A. Clarke, during the noon lunch hour, This “studio Thomas H. Phelan, Bertha Brain- and office building November 14. for KCO and KPO ” will be of rein- ard, and B. F. McClancy, of New Instead of having some distin- York, and Judith Waller, of Chi- forced concrete, of modified guished individual turn the first cago. streamline design, modern but spade, the entire KCO- KPO per- Except for a public garage in the neither faddish nor freakish. Glass sonnel joined their manager in the basement and first floor, the five- brick sections will admit daylight ceremony. story building will be devoted ex- and when illuminated from within

Mayor Angelo j. Rossi of San clusively to broadcasting. It will be at night will make a spectacular Francisco headed a list of digni- air-conditioned throughout, win- trim for the structure. The outer taries who made short talks. There dowless, and will contain 10 stu- walls will be topped by huge flower were several entertainment num- dios. The largest of these will boxes and dramatic 80-foot facade bers. The Sidewalk Superinten- accommodate audiences up to 500 will rise above the main entrance. dents’ Club was organized with George Mardikian of Omar Khay- yams as President as the assembled thousands joined him in taking building ’’The Kibitzer’s Obligation.” Knbc^ ^ NEW MILLION DOLLAR HOME.. Twelve pretty girls of the or- ganization were garbed in tricky red and white striped overalls and designated as the ’’Dainty Dozen.” KGOICPO They gave color to the scene and were kept busy constantly for the amusement of the scores of ama- teur and professional photogra- phers. There has been talk of new quarters in San Francisco for more than 10 years, so when the Tram- mell telegram set off all the en- thusiasm, it was truly a great eruption. AP, UP and INS carried stories on both the day and night wires. Pathe made a national re- 8 NBC TRANSMITTER ELECTION

One of radio’s most signifi- cant and historically important shows was the minute by minute coverage of the 1940 presidential election returns from the stage of famous 8H. The News and Special Events department was moved bodily from its accustomed quarters into the studio for the night, and on the stage where Maestro Toscanini has conducted many an NBC symphony, the four thousand guests who attended the party saw a huge tally chart, con- trol desk, tabulators, news tickers and teletype machines. As reports of the balloting poured in they were posted by members of Guest Relations on the election chart mounted in back of the stage. The chart indicated the progress of the voting in the Presidential and secondary races in each of the 48 states from the time the polls closed until the issue had been decided. The teletype machines placed below the chart turned out a constant flow of election news gathered by all the major press services — Associated Press, United Press, and International News Service. The nerve center of the election set-up, the control desk, was placed directly in front of the teletype battery. All the copy passed through the hands of A. A. Schechter, NBC’s News Director who as general election editor was seated at the control desk surrounded by engineers, traffic men, and rewriters. Bulle- tins were delivered to the various

r ^ 5 V 1 Looking down the photo mon- tage you will find Abe Schechter in the midst of the most special of Special Events; Eddie Cantor, apparently engrossed in the latest reports; John B. Kennedy being photographed for the newsreels; H. V. Kaltenborn, George Hicks, and Baukhage sending the news out to millions of eager listeners all over the country; David Sar- noff, Cano Dunn and Niles Tram- mell meet in the midst of the re- ception; Howard (Father) Lind- say and Dorothy (Mother) Stick- ney came over just as soon as the curtain lowered on the final act of “Life With Father’’; and Her- minio Traviesas with Ary Moll for International. DECEMBER. 1940 9 PARTY commentators and announcers seated in the two specially con- structed studios on the stage, one tor the Red and one for the Blue Network. The latest returns were flashed from coast to coast by Ray- mond Clapper, John B. Ken- nedy, and George Hicks for the Blue Network listeners while Earl Godwin, H. V. Kaltenborn, and Graham McNamee covered the Red Network with a running com- mentary of the election returns. With an expert staff of more than fifty, the whole exciting story of the 1940 presidential election was unfolded to listening millions by more than 200 sta- tions of NBC with the two short wave stations, WRCA and WNBI. Four studios filled with every im- aginable delicacy cheered the palates of those whose political hopes might be uncertain and helped the winners to celebrate. Upstairs on the ninth floor out- side the balcony, where there was not one seat available and very little standing room, a large number of the guests crowded around the eight or ten television receivers placed informally in the corridor. All the excitement and drama of the election was cov- ered by the television camera as well as the radio mike. The fa- mous commentators and news an- alysts all contributed a few re- marks at least to the first election ever to be televised.

Again looking from top to bot- tom — over the shoulders of Frank Mullin and Roy Durstine we can see the newsreel cameras getting long shots from the bal- cony of 8H ; Graham McNamee and Raymond Clapper joined many other famous radio voices in presenting the trend of votes; Earl Godwin and Leo Rosenberg, the first radio announcer, as they appeared on Television screens; guests enjoying the tempting va- rieties of one of the buffet-stu- dios; Dr. Black, Dr. Morton, and Mrs. Black look up to see the newest entry on the huge returns chart; and finally Mr. Almonte smiles a gracious greeting to the festivities. —

10 NBC TRANSMITTER CHICAGO Dan Thompson

A number of changes have taken cashier’s office. Before that she place in the NBC Central Division had worked with a direct mail since Sidney N. Strotz, vice presi- house service for three and a half dent in charge of the Division, was years. Mr. Neubauer’s transfer called to the New York office to paralleled that of Carl P. McAssey take over the position of vice presi- from the Spot Sales Department to dent and program manager of the the NBC-Blue network sales staff. National Broadcasting Company. Bill Lawrence has replaced Fred Harry C. Kopf, former Central Schweikher as senior production Division sales manager of the NBC- director in the Transcription and Red Network, became general record section and Maurice S. manager of the Division, with Paul Wetzel has been transferred from McCluer stepping into his post and the program department to the production with E. R. Borroff being promoted department. And Roger to the post of NBC Central Divi- T. Price, formerly associated with sion Blue Network sales manager. Station KTMR in Los Angeles, has McCluer and Borroff both came replaced Merrill Myers in the con- to NBC when Station WENR was tinuity department. Helen E. Carey acquired by the network in March, has been transferred from Central 1931. Borroff had been sales man- Steno to Artists Service, replacing for and Martha Reinecker who joined the ager of WENR two years HARRY C. KOPF McCluer had been assistant to the network sales traffic secretarial manager. Prior to joining WENR for Mr. Neale in his new post at force. in 1928, McCluer had been a B-S-H; Isabelle Cooney left her just as we turn to other thoughts speech instructor at the University post as secretary to Jules Her- we learn that George W. Diefen- of Illinois—which accounts for the buveaux, program manager, to as- derfer, who has been with the Paul fact that Manager Kopf threatens sume a similar position in the H. Raymer Company, Chicago radio to make him the “official speech- office of Manager Kopf; Dorothea station representatives, joined the maker’’ of the division. Borroff, a O’Heron replaced Miss Cooney as NBC-Red Network sales staff under real radio began his career Herbuveaux’s amanuensis; Laura S. Paul McCluer on December 1 that veteran, ; at KYW in 1923. Satterwhite, former secretary to Raymond K. Burnet has replaced Among other changes effective Wynn Wright, manager of the pro- Cordon F. Loff of the Guest Rela-

November 1 was the advancement duction department, was transfer- tions staff; that Kenneth Ceske of John F. Whalley, auditor and red to the program department has been employed as a messenger; office manager of the Division replacing Helen Shervey who, with that Alice E. Anderson, former since 1931, to the post of business Helen O’Connor, followed Mr. bursar at DePaul University, has manager of the Division. A gradu- Strotz to New York; Helene Heinz been added to the production de- ate of Northwestern University, shifted from Night Manager Ed partment as a clerk and that Esther Whalley served as traveling auditor Cunningham’s office to become Ludwig, continuity department for the General Electric Company Mr. Wright’s secretary; Laura E. secretary, has married Bob Mac- before joining NBC as auditor in Skidmore, secretary to R. S. Peter- Donald, well-known golf pro, and 1930. son, assistant auditor, replaced has been succeeded by Marion There followed the announce- Miss Heinz while Emmazelle Pat- Cooper, erstwhile assistant super- visor in ment that J. j. Neale, sales traffic terson moved into General Office Central Steno. manager for the NBC-Red in the to replace Miss Skidmore. When the young men of the Division, had resigned to accept Nor is that all. Rudi Neubauer, country were “requested” to regis- the post of radio director for popular cashier of the NBC Central ter for service six NBC Chicago Blackett-Sample & Hummert Ad- Division for many years, was trans- executives found themselves with- vertising Agency, and that Floyd C. ferred to the Spot Sales Depart- in the conscription age bracket. Van Etten, became sales traffic ment under Manager M. M. Boyd They immediately started a cam- manager of all Red and Blue net- and Irene Shields, Rudi’s assistant paign to unearth vital statistics on work, Spot and Local commercial for five and a half years, was the balance of their colleagues and traffic for the Division. E. A. selected to succeed him. In addi- discovered that the NBC Central Stockmar and R. M. Neihengen, tion to having been cashier, Rudi Division has one of the youngest the latter transferred from NBC is president of the NBC Athletic if not the youngest — network Artists Service, were named as Van Association. He has been with staffs in the nation.

for 1 years. Etten’s assistants. NBC 1 Miss Shields That NBC Chicago A. A. H ar- Secretarial changes were in- came to NBC in October 1931 and vest Dance was a fitting finale of volved in these extensive promo- worked in continuity under George the summer and fall activities of tions also. Loretta Dwyer resigned Redmand and Beverly Latham be- that organization is generally from NBC to continue as secretary fore being transferred to the (CONTINUED ON ELEVEN) DECEMBER, 1940 1 1 DENVER

Evadna B. Hammersley

Events in addition to his duties as CHICAGO CONTINUED Production Manager. agreed by all those who attended KOA had the distinction of pre- and saw the excellent results of senting the noted screen actor careful Chairman Lynn Brandt s Charles Laughton in an exclusive planning. Attendance was especi- Denver radio interview appearance, ally good because of Brandt’s Monday, October 28. drumming Hollywood method of Transmitter Caretaker, E. L. up trade—and we do mean “drum- Raeke, has been hospitalized for ming up”. With the aid of Roy an operation which has kept him Shield and other musician members cut of circulation for over a month. he actually march- of the NBCAA, A. W. Crapsey, Manager of a band through the offices ed Local Sales has been married since followed by other AA’ers with the last issue of the TRANSMIT- placards urging attendance. Next- TER went to press. The lovely bride activity of the season was to-last was Miss Eddye Duvall. Mr. Crap- the Hayride Party arranged by sey has returned to his duties at Dorothy Masters of the Horseback KOA after a honeymoon in Old Committee. This, too, was a rous- Mexico. Upon his return he was ing success. greeted by a special celebration at As in the past, Judith Waller, the Denver Advertising Club of educational director of the NBC JACK LYMAN which he is president. Central Division, will serve as KOA Guest Relations Staff chairman for the NBC Christmas David Vaile, former Chief An- Member Andy Gainey has achieved Party to be held in Studio “A” on nouncer at KYA in San Francisco his goal of promotion to the net- Christmas Eve for the benefit of and recently Production Manager work artist’s division by winning an all NBC Chicago employes and and Chief Announcer of KROD in audition for selection as the sing- their families. Entertainment and El Paso, Texas, joins the staff of ing lead on the 37-station Red gifts for each child who attends KOA as an announcer, replacing Network program “Serenade to will be provided. Bob Young who has been called Loveliness” sponsored by the Marge Niess, audience mail into military service. Chamberlain Laboratories which supervisor, has been named chair- Former World Champion Prize originates at KOA. The orchestra man of the NBCAA Christmas Fighter, Jack Dempsey, appeared is directed by Milton committee by President Rudi Ne- Shrednik, recently before the microphone of KOA Musical Director. Jack Ly- bauer, and will thus have the pleas- KOA in a sort of “homecoming” man, KOA’s versatile Production ant task of collecting free offerings broadcast, while visiting in Denver. Manager has been designated by for the poor family which the Jack’s first broadcast occurred on the agency to do the part of John NBCAA decides to cheer up at KOA sixteen years ago. KOA Stanton, fashion commentator in Yuletide. Sportscaster Joe Myers, formerly this program each Sunday evening. Engineer Bob Jensen and An- advance man and publicity director nouncer Fort Pearson are among Another visitor at KOA this for Dempsey, appeared on the pro- boasting of sons, while quarter was Mr. M. M. Boyd of those new gram with him. Jack Ryan of Press will probably NBC Chicago, who visited with A recent visitor at KOA was be a papa for the second time by General Manager Lloyd E. Yoder West Coast Traffic Supervisor Paul and Manager of National Spot the time this is printed . . . Johnny Gale, who visited General Erp of the news and special events Man- Sales James MacPherson. ager Yoder in connection with staff is due back on December 2 Walt Morrissey, KOA Control establishing network switching after a serious stomach operation Supervisor, has won his wings and facilities in the KOA Control Room. . . Clinton of now sails in . J. Youle the same around up the blue department is worrying about what Al Orrick, formerly of WTAM, with as much ease as he drives to give his bride of the coming Cleveland, arrived in Denver to his convertible coupe. take over his duties as KOA News spring for Christmas—she’s pretty Jim Campbell has left the KOA Editor, replacing Jack Fern who has Jeanne Eadie of Glen Ellyn . . . staff to accept an announcing posi- reported Kurt Pierce, field engineer, married at WTAM in similar tion with NBC Chicago. capacity. Catherine Warren on October 26 Robert H. Owen, KOA Assistant

. . . Louise Benbow of Sales and General Manager Lloyd E. Yoder Manager and Chief Engineer, and Lincoln Douglas, night traffic has announced the appointment of Glenn Glasscock, KOA Control En- supervisor, vied with each other in Don Martin as Assistant News gineer, are both actively engaged keeping their weddings secret . . . Editor and Director of Publicity: in their spare time with duties in Neither breathed a word for sev- also the appointment of Jack Ly- connection with Naval Reserve eral months. man as Director of Special KOA work. .,

12 NBC TRANSMITTER HOLLYWOOD

Noel Corbett

NBC really took over the pa- Don Wilson astride his Palomino Because we have no time to rade which marked the opening of pulling the car. write letters, we’re utilizing this Hollywood’s famous Santa Claus In the huge float at the end of spot to say “hello” to a couple of NBCers in York Taylor Lane this year. the parade were Dorothy Lamour New — and Rudy Vallee, and in the next Craves of Sound Effects, and joe Every year a star has been the seat, sitting next to Santa Claus, Thompson of Program. The latter feature of the parade. This year was none other than John Barry- is the young man who owns the the matter came up, Joe Al- when more, the Great Profile himself. greatest selection of Victor Record- vin, who usually does a job when Someone pointed out that there ing we’ve ever heard about. he sets his cap to put over a pub- were two or three other Hollywood QUICK PIX . . . Myron A. Elges, licity stunt, decided not to stop at stars who were missing in the pa- new Blue Sales Rep., and E. L. having one NBC star in the parade, rade, but joe said he wasn’t inter- (Ed) Barker in same capacity on but to turn out everybody on the ested because they had no connec- Coast Red . . . Bob McAndres, new two networks. Here’s the gang he tion with NBC. Sales Prom. Manager, transferred had lined up on the parking lot the The social event of the pre- from San Francisco when Charlie night the Lane was thrown open; Christmas season was Edgar Ber- Brown went east . . . Director Mar- Irene Rich, who broke the tape and gen’s party. By way of a fancy vin Young was just made a Major threw the switch which flooded dress ball, everybody came cos- in the U. S. Army . . . Ted Sher- the Lane with light, and then led tumed in accordance with their deman. Director, on month’s leave the procession astride a white childhood ambitions. All the Hol- to write a play . . . Don Gilman was horse. Bob Hope and jerry Colonna, lywood celebs were there, and a principal speaker at recent Wo- with their two glamour gals, Bren- representative group from NBC. men’s Radio Conference in Holly- da and Cobina, in the back seat of Don E. Gilman, Vice President, wood . . . Lew Frost, Mr. Gilman’s a car driven by none other than came as a highway patrolman. Assistant, talked at the Santa Bar-

Yehoodi. Basil Rathbone and Nigel The breeches, incidentally, were bara Ad Club . . . Andy Love told Bruce as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. the same ones he wore years ago the ladies all about radio at the Watson. Fanny Brice, Hanley Staf- in the Army. Mrs. Gilman was Hollywood Women’s Press Club ford, Mary Martin and Meredith dressed as a Brown Derby waitress, . . . Alec Petry of the Music Divi- Willson in a Maxwell House float. the outfit being complete with the sion and Mary Hunter will be

Fibber McGee and Molly and a high balloon skirt customarily worn married in January . . . Les Culley

Wistful Villa float. Bob Burns in a by the young ladies in Bob Cobb’s now Recording Sup . . . Move wagon drawn by eight horses and famous restaurant. makes C. E. Pickett Control Sup, driven by little Connie Boswell. John Swallow, Program Director, and j. H. Brown, Control Relief En-

George Burns and Grade Allen, was a doctor; Mrs. Swallow a for- gineer . . . A. R. Brearley and j. C. with all of Grade’s screwy rela- tune teller; Mrs. Hal Bock was Riekeberg new Studio Engineers . . tives following. Charles McCarthy outfitted as a cowgirl, and the Fred Bryant, Auditing, passed the and his boss, Edgar Bergen. One Press Director himself, showed up smokes October 1 9. A boy . . . Man’s Family, jack Benny in a in the full regalia of a knight of Charlie Smith, Artists Service, and Maxwell driven by Rochester, with the road. joe Parker, Director, had appendix

yanked . . . Charlie lost fifty pounds and is doing everything he

can to keep them lost . . . New members of Press are Ben Byers, formerly of Radio Guide, and Phyl-

lis Murphy from Typing . . . After seeing NBC Hollywood’s beach party pictures, the Trans- mitter staff at Radio City decided to petition Mr. Rockefeller to in- stall some sand and a palm or two in the sunken plaza.

Swallow and his boys scooping rival coast networks on local and regional returns. Left to right, Jim and Marian Jordan (Fibber McGee

and Molly) , Swallow (sitting) with Hal (jibney at mike. In shirt- sleeves, “Buddy” Twiss, talking to Ted Hediger, with Walter Bunker looking on. DECEMBER, 1940 13 CLEVELAND

Bob Dailey

Staff members of WTAM gave The first auditions for the TELEVISION their sixth anniversary party for Metropolitan Opera Auditions of Manager Pribble on December 20. Youth’s industry, television, has the Air ever held outside New York More than 80 men and women goaded the interest of young candi- City were heard at WTAM in gathered in a private dining room November. Program Director Hal dates for technical, production, at the Allerton Hotel for a dinner Metzger and Production Director entertainment success. RCA, cog- and an evening of entertainment. Fred Wilson both got a strenuous nizant of the fact, pulled no Jack Fern has joined the news workout handling the 108 contest- punches, hired 24 youths to form staff at WTAM, and Al Orrick has ants. its World’s Fair exhibit staff, gone to the news room at KOA, The fame of Engineer Burt Pruitt rounded out its crew with a baker’s Denver, as the result of a transfer. as a poet is growing. The latest dozen engineers from Camden. Fern had served six months as publications to print his efforts are Neophytes nor impressarios these, news editor in Denver, but pre- the Cleveland Press and Hunting 12 of the 24 had previous tele- viously spent two years in the NBC and Fishing magazine. vision experience, 9 were snatched special events depart- news and Staff Pianist Dorothy Crandall from under NBC’s wing. Vastly at Chicago. Another new ment organized a benefit show for the improved over 1939, RCA’s 1940 of the news staff member WTAM Rainbow Girls at Burton, Ohio, re- television exhibit offered ample is Emily Brickson, a stenographer. cently. WTAM artists who ap- opportunity to originate, experi- Edith Wheeler, popular traffic peared on the program included ment, develop. Enterprising engi- secretary in the program depart- Tenor Chester Zohn, Announcer neers modified picture-switching, ment, resigned December 1 5 to George Hartrick, Actor Waldo developed the ‘slow fader’. In the become a housewife, a job she says Pooler and Ben Silverberg’s orches- use of two cameras the fader en- which is not as nerve-wrecking as tra. into million and one de- abled fading one picture an- handling the Engineer Henry Cowing has variety to previous tails in the program office. The other, gave the taken a leave of absence and gone proud young husband is Announcer quick switch and complete fade- to Florida for his health. Cowing John Hicks, who joined the WTAM out. Lighting effects, always a expects to be back in three canker, were hypothesized, leading staff a year ago. Miss Wheeler had months. been with NBC for eight years, to the testing, with striking re- New members of the steno- starting as a switchboard operator sults, of indirect lighting, vertical graphic department include Lois and then being made secretary to overhead lighting. Both theories Fish and Lee Sattler. the program director. improved contrast lines, obviated shadow. May Radu, head of the steno- graphic department, stepped up The veteran WTAM enter- In line with the Forty Fair’s into the program department to tainers, Pie Plant Pete, left, and hello-Joe-what-do-you-know con- take Miss Wheeler’s place, and Bashful Harmonica Joe, received duct, neighboring exhibits put on Marian Hersik, was made super- this unusual remembrance from a a weekly series of guest television visor in stenographic. listener the other day. shows, publicized their exhibit features. Experimentation with original programs, visual commer- cial, afforded chances to combine education with entertainment for the first time in efforts to produce interesting material. Most pliable program—Sealtest exhibit, featur- ing tasty dishes, informal chats with employees. Most interest-pro- voking show— International Busi- ness Machine demonstration of its ‘feather-touch’ machine, close-up shots of flying fingers. Nothing new was audience re- sponse to television’s informality, broad humor, novel pictures. Chef d’oeuvre of the season was the hour-and-a-half air show, origi- nated, executed entirely by the boys. Their six-month record: 12,000 shows, 1,400,000 visitors. 14 NBC TRANSMITTER SAN FRANCISCO

Kay Barr

teered for service in the U. S. Navy. “Tad” Fullaway, engineer, also went Navy and three other mem- bers of the technical staff are on the naval communications reserve officers list. They are Chief Engi- neer Curtis Peck, Edward C. Calla- han and James W. Summers. There was a buffet supper party and dance for the KCO-KPO outfit, at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel,

October 1 8. Pretty, too. Center- piece of the festive board was a huge ice vase, “jo” Elletson and Lois Reedy, had a lot of fun plac- ing the posies in this rigid, frigid receptacle. Phil Hanna of the Three Cheers singing trio, passed the cigars Sep- tember 18 to celebrate the arrival of little Miss Lynne Hanna. It was almost an NBC wedding Salesman Ed Barker has been Jennings Pierce, director of edu- when George Fuerst, traffic chief, transferred from KCO- KPO to cational and agricultural programs married Mary Ellen Coody. The Hollywood. for the western division, was mas- party picture shows, from the left. Stan Smith, head of the page ter of ceremonies at the Los Engineer Dan Williams, usher; staff at KCO and KPO, leaves that Angeles County Fair in Pomona, McCarthy; Fuerst; the Nancy job December 1 to join an auditing September 1 3-29. bride; Producer Bob Dwan, usher; concern. He has been with NBC Engineer Frank Barron and Mal- Sales Promotion Chief Bob Mc- four years. colm Johnson, were boyhood Andrews, was best man; who Seven San Francisco stations, in- friends in Vicksburg, Michigan. Eileen Connolly; and Engineer cluding KCO and KPO joined in a World War No. 1 separated them. usher. Proctor “Buddy” Sugg, Community Chest broadcast No- Malcolm now Dr. Malcolm John- was in St. Paul’s Church, Wedding vember 10. The benefit originated son, oculist, saw Barron’s picture October 19. in KCO-KPO studios and was piped in a KCO-KPO display window, For nine hours Election after- to KSFO, KFRC, KYA, KjBS and looked up his old friend and the noon and night, KCO and KPO KSAN. reunion has developed into a pro- were on the air from the news room Jim Pool, publicity, has written tracted meeting. They had been of the San Francisco Chronicle. within four blocks of each a song. Not his first but it’s the working Orchestra entertainers, engi- it. and maiden effort to receive public other for years and never knew and newsmen neers, announcers performance. Paul Martin and His Press Department of KCO and moved in to handle the bulletin Music program presented it on two KPO worked out a novel but effi- business until there was no longer network broadcasts November 27 cient plan for handling all the tele- any doubt of the results. NBC and December 1. Title: “Blue Sea, phone calls about political broad- Chef George Mardikian, of Omar Blue Sky,” and Jim says it’s a little casts during the national campaign. Khayyams, served a buffet supper bluer than blue. Songbusters sang These were listed on a large black- with roast turkeys as the main it and it clicked. board, visible from the entire de- dish. “The Loud Speaker,” KCO-KPO partment. Answers were easy and Public address systems at two house organ, formerly put out by Jim Pool, left, and Edward important downtown points and Sales Promotion, has been turned Pickett, saw to it that the listings sound trucks at other locations over to the Mail and Guest Rela- were accurate and up to date all helped spread the returns and en- tions staff, jack McDermott was the time. tertainment. Tremendous success, named editor-in-chief. His staff in- Cleone Pottenger has resigned as of course. cludes jack Ulrich, Neil Shaver, Bill secretary to Alex Haas, head of Bob McAndrews, head of sales Emery, joe West, Bob Cray and artist service at KCO and KPO, to promotion, has been transferred to Harry Mayhorn. It comes out semi- take a position with S. Hurok, Hollywood to replace Charley monthly. booking agency in New York. Ethel Brown who went to New York on Production Chief Bob Seal has Campbell transferred from auditing a similar promotion. Gene Clark, been elected president of the NBC to fill Cleone’s place. Betty Milli- of production, stepped over into Athletic Association, vice Super- gan went from typing to auditing McAndrews’ empty shoes. visor “Buddy” Sugg, has volun- (CONTINUED ON FIFTEEN) DECEMBER, 1940 15 WASHINGTON

William R. McAndrew

Niles Trammell, Frank Mullen and Alfred H. Morton recently made a special trip to Washington to look over the television situation in that city. The problem confront- ing NBC was the acquisition of suitable property to be used for Television studios. After a care- ful survey of all available loca- tions had been presented to them, with the Wardman Park Hotel Theatre recommended as the one most suited to the needs of Television, the Radio City Execu- tive Party arrived in the nation’s capital to complete official ar- rangements. Contracts for the Theatre and other hotel space to be used for Television purposes were signed by Mr. Trammell for the National Broadcasting Com- pany and John Carson, President of Washington Properties. Upon the geographical position makes it an miles with him, rarely stopping completion of business matters the important adjunct to any type of for more than a one night stand. visitors from New York were en- Television network. No key link Returning to Washington long tertained at a reception given by would be possible if Washington enough to say “Hello,” Barry left the Washington staff. were excluded. As a potential again on a two months’ trip or- Washington will play a vital part source of programs Washington af- ganizing the “Mile of Dimes” cam- in the future of Television for its fords a notable variety, particu- paign for the President’s Birthday larly adapted to the Television Ball. SAN FRANCISCO CONTINUED camera. The city, rich in historical Another traveler is Carleton and Beth Gardner rejoined the and architectural points of inter- Smith, assistant manager and presi- staff for the typing spot. est is capable of providing a num- dential announcer, who has been KCO-KPO accepted the open ber of unusual programs which will commuting between the capital and house invitation to visit and tour bring the wonders of our capital Hyde Park as well as way points. the plant of the San Francisco within the reach of everyone. A number of changes have Chronicle during National News- A real NBG wedding took place marked WRC-WMAL operation paper Week. Manager Al Nelson in September, two prominent em- since the last issue of the Trans- headed a delegation of 35 for the ployes in Washington being the mitter. Bill McAndrew, news edi- trip. principals. Miss Phebe Gale be- tor, has resigned to accept a posi- Following the general NBC came the bride of Vice-President tion as news editor of a popular policy of separating Red and Blue Frank M. Russell. The ceremony radio trade paper. Tom Knode, Sales, Frisco has turned local sales was performed in the New York who has been with the NBC for KCO, the Blue station, over to home of President Niles Trammell. newsroom in Washington for three Ray Rhoades and King Harris, sales- Upon the return of Mr. and Mrs. years, takes over McAndrews’ job men, Ann Holden of the Home Russell to Washington the staff of which recently was combined with Forum, and Secretary Florence WRG-WMAL gave them a recep- publicity. Martha Cosgriff has Larsen. tion at the Carlton Hotel. Repre- become secretary to commercial Glenn Ticer, salesman, Gladys senting Radio City at the reception manager John H. Dodge and Miss Cronkhiteof International Kitchen, were President Trammell, execu- Margaret O’Neil, formerly with and Secretary Lois Reedy, are on tive Vice-President Frank Mullen the Federal Bureau of Investiga- the Red group. Gene Grant is head and Vice-President Alfred Morton. tion, takes over Miss Cosgriff’s of Blue network sales and Harry A sterling silver service was pre- duties. Fritz Balzer, who has Bucknell has the corresponding sented to the newlyweds by the headed the music library, will add position for the Red. All of which Washington staff. to his other duties the position was worked out by General Man- Charles “Bud” Barry, night su- of music rights supervisor. To help ager Al Nelson and Sales Manager pervisor in Washington, has been a him in this work he will have Jim Bill Ryan. very busy man recently. During the Seiler, who also handles sound ef- King Harris, of KGO-KPO sales, election campaign he was assigned fects. Bill McCall has been pro- and Betsy Lambie were married to Republican presidential candi- moted from the page staff to the November 2. date Willkie and travelled 7,000 music department. !

16 NBC TRANSMITTER ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

AA DANCE AT White Way just two weeks ago. Milne, of Engineering, who pos- WALDORF-ASTORIA It seems that Mr. Robert “Bob” sesses the bird with a score of 21 3. The Dancing Committee headed Jones of Research didn’t grasp Steere Mathew won the bird for the instructions quite well Traffic, by Mary Coyne certainly stole the as with a score of 212. as he should have because he and thunder from all the other AA Miss Zostant the floor TENNIS FINALS activities this past month by stag- met with such verve that Wind-up of the NBC tennis ing the most spectacular dance they both had to be carried from the rink. might tournament found the trophies, for that has been seen in some years. We add this puny bit of advice that the second consecutive time, in the We don’t know if it was the lush “practice hands of Joe Merkle, winner, and setting of the Starlight Roof at the makes perfect” and best wishes for lesser and lighter Paul Rittenhouse, runner-up. Waldorf Astoria; or the grand mu- tum- bles. Plans are now being organ- Jim McConnochie, who ad- sic and entertainment provided by ized for another meeting, vanced steadily in the early stages Dinah Shore, Dixie Mason, Jack (without the falls) of the Roller with- of the matches, was defeated by McCarthy, Ed Herlihy, Paul Laval, Club in the next few weeks. Notices of Rittenhouse, leaving the two final- Henry Levine, and all the boys; or this coming event will be sent to ists of last year free to face each that everyone was in a Beat-me- all other again in a finish fight. daddy-eight-to-the-bar mood, but employes . . . Let’s go roller skating! In a hard fought, no quarter we can say that we haven’t seen match, the smashing attack of so much real fun and enjoyment BOWLING Merkle proved too much for Rit- crammed into such a seemingly tenhouse and the former again short space of time since our first Early winter winds curtailing the emerged victor. party in long pants. continuation of most outdoor AA From more stately rhythms to activities, focus the spotlight on BASEBALL bowling, throughout the long win- the vigorously executed Conga, it The NBC baseball team recent- ter months. The bowling group was well demonstrated that when ly completed a closely contested under the direction of George it comes to matters Terpsichorean. season by winning a post-season, Milne, Engineering, consists of NBCites can really put feet and three game, series with the Yon- eleven male teams and one hard beat together. kers “Ramblers”, local city cham- fighting ladies’ team. A smoothie of a Chamber Music pions. The Yonkers nine had pre- Society of Lower Basin perform- With about one-third of season viously boasted a twenty-one con- ance was presented complete with gone the Auditing team remains in secutive game win streak, but the eighteenth century powdered wigs. the lead, having won seventeen fast ball hurling of Connie Nicho- To the complete delight of a out of twenty-one matches, giving las, left handed mound star beat throng representing every office them an average of 815. Engineer- them twice, 4 to 2 and 8 to 6. and division of the company, jack ing 2, in second place has also won George Flood, Nicholas’ battery McCarthy donned one of the seventeen out of twenty-one mate during the regular college mentioned wigs and presented Di- matches, with the slightly lower season led the hitters with a 400- nah, Dixie and the gang in some average of 796. In eighth place are foot drive, the longest ball hit all truly solid sending. This, needless the ladies with an average of 609. season. to say, only spurred the dancers on The individual averages show In a recapitulation of the regular to higher achievement when the Nicol, of Auditing, last year’s run- season, the Radio City club fin- floor show was completed. ner-up. in the lead with an average ished a close second in the first To say that the dance was suc- of 177 for twenty-one games half of the New York Film League, cessful is a gross understatement. played. His nearest contender is and fourth in the second half. As the evening wore on and things Rubin, of Auditing, who has main- However, a 5 to 4 victory over our got well under way, it was literally tained an average of 173 for eight- brothers from RCA, Camden, the SRO. As for the girls, well they een games played. The winner of first in the series for NBC, and two look lovely around the office it’s last year’s individual competition, close games with the American true, but when you saw so many Frank Heitmann, is still in the run- Legion nine, champions of New in such a gay profusion of evening ning, holding down fifth place with York played in the Polo Grounds, gowns and the latest Network Red an average of 1 68 for twenty-one compensated for the disappointing nail polish—the word isn’t to be games played. showing in league competition. found in Webster and we’re at a Each year the Radio City Alleys The consistent hitting of Bill loss to create one. donate a turkey to each team at Little, Manhattan College in- Thanksgiving time, to be bowled fielder, who led the team in bat- SKATING for on “Turkey Night.” High score ting, very closely followed by Jack Miss Mary Zostant of Research man on each team for the evening Wahlstrom and Dorm Albert indi- Division heads the NBC Roller can forget his dinner problem for cates the possibility of a champion Skating Club which held a skating Thanksgiving Day, secure in the nine next season. Like the Brook- party at the club’s official rink, possession of a hefty gobbler. High, lyn “Dodgers” fans we are content namely, Cay Blades on the Great score of the evening was George to “wait ’til next year.” » f

LIBRARY of the

NATIONAL BROADCASTING CO., Inc. RCA BUILDING 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA NEW YORK, N. Y.

LIBRARY BUREAU CAT. NO. 1169.6