Television's First Christmas

You likely aren’t thinking about it as you tune in a bowl game, or a newscast with footage from Manger Square, or a rerun of a comedy featuring—uh, oh!—a Santa mix-up.

Homes have had the TV set beaming at eyes on Present Unwrapping Day for generations. But when did it all begin? When was the first TV show on Christmas Day?

It’s a lot farther back than you think. The answer is 1928.

This wasn’t some ad-hoc, random decision. Christmas fell on a Tuesday, and so did regularly-scheduled late-night TV broadcasts on WGY, the General Electric station in Schenectady, New York. The television transmission was in the radio listings for the 25th compiled by the Associated Press but, more importantly, it was also published in the Schenectady Gazette that day. You can see the complete day’s schedule to the right. TV was the last thing the station aired.

What was broadcast? The answer may be in the Gazette of January 14, 1929.

Parents of R. D. Kelly, assistant to Dr. E. F. W. Alexanderson, consulting engineer of the General Electric Company in his work on television, had the unusual experience of seeing their son by radio, during the Christmas holidays. Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Kell live in Gary, Ind., about 900 miles from this city where their son sat before the television camera. The image was received on a set constructed by the son while on his summer vacation with his parents. So clearly was the image received that friends of Mr. and Mrs. Kell, who had seen the young man but once, immediately recognized the received picture.

It was close to the final TV broadcast on the station. The Gazette also reported on the 14th:

WGY, the Schenectady station of the General Electric Company and the first station anywhere to offer television on a regular schedule, discontinued television transmissions on January 1. However, experimenters interested in receiving television signals will continue to find them on WGY’s two short wave transmitters, W2XAF and W2XAD, operating on 31.48 meters and 19.56 meters, respectively. The present schedule calls for afternoon transmissions, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:30 to 2 o'clock and Sunday night 11:15-11:45 o'clock by W2XAD, and Tuesday night 11:30 o'clock to midnight by W2XAF.

1928 was an important time in radio as well. NBC had developed enough in two years that it had star announcers. You see them to the right: Milton Cross, John Daniel, Marley Sherris, Curt Peterson, Alwin Bach, Norman Sweetser, Ralph Wentworth, Ed Thorgersen, John Young and Tiny Ruffner in the stockings and Graham McNamee and Phillips Carlin on either side of the mike.

But a competition—later in television as well as radio—was emerging at the end of 1928. There’s no byline on this story found in a number of papers.

Columbia System and United Independent Broadcasters to Merge
New York, Dec. 29.—The opening of the world's largest regular radio network and the purchase of Station WABC of New York to be the eventual key station of the Columbia Chain were approved today at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., the company which owns and operates the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Following upon these two indications of important expansion projects the Board also passed a recommendation for the change of name of the United Independent Broadcasters, Inc., to the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., the latter corporation to take over and perform all the services formerly conducted by the two separate organizations.
The executive management of the greatly expanded Columbia System is to remain in the same hands. William S. Paley, who recently assumed the duties of president of the United Independent Broadcasters Inc., will continue in that capacity for the new Columbia Broadcasting System. Major J. Andrew White, who has successfully guided the destinies of Columbia as its president, becomes managing director. The board of directors of the new company is unchanged.
It was stated that Columbia has dispensed with the unwieldy functioning with two companies, a holding company and an operating company, so as to clear the way for an unprecedented expansion program, which has already been passed upon by the directors of the corporation.
The plan to purchase WABC from the Atlantic Broadcasting Company was approved by the board of directors, according to the statement of the president, William S. Paley, who said that final steps to acquire the station would be taken without delay. It is understood that the Atlantic Broadcasting Company will be continued as a subsidiary of the Columbia Broadcasting System.
According to plans ratified at today's meeting, steps will be taken to increase the power of WABC, and, through the presentation of exceptional programs, to raise its standard of popularity, to a point above that enjoyed by any other Metropolitan station. A new set of studios will be constructed for WABC, which are expected to surpass any in existence.
According to present arrangements Columbia will take full possession of the Atlantic Broadcasting Company and Station WABC sometime in January.
WABC will not serve as the sole key station of the Columbia Broadcasting System until after September 1929, contracts with WOR as a part time key for the Columbia Broadcasting System network being in force until that date. The Columbia Broadcasting System has been using WABC as key station on a part time basis since last September, utilizing WABC and WOR on alternate nights. The station is one of the oldest in the Metropolitan district in term of service, having operated under the call letters of WHAG for several years prior to assuming its present call letters when shifting to operation under the Atlantic Broadcasting Company.
Enlargement of the present Columbia Broadcasting System to include the world's largest regular network of broadcasting stations with the addition of 22 stations to bring the total number of broadcasters operating under the Columbia banner up to 49, was also approved by the board. The new stations are arranged in four groups covering the South, Southwest, Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast districts, and will be added to the present basic Columbia Broadcasting System with which 27 stations located in 20 population centers of the Atlantic seaboard, New England, the Middle West and Northwestern areas are already affiliated. Operation on this new monster chain will be inaugurated with a gala program on January 8th.
The growth of the Columbia Broadcasting System in the first year of its existence has been another of those miracles so common in the radio industry. Inaugurated in September last year, only fifteen stations carried the programs of the new chain for a limited period of ten hours a week. In the limited space of fifteen months, the number of stations affiliated with the Columbia System has been trebled and the amount of time devoted to their programs weekly have been more than doubled, the broadcasting schedule now being twenty one and a half hours weekly, with an announcement of expansion in this direction expected momentarily. This growth although rapid, has been perfectly natural, being stimulated solely by the popular demand for broad cast programs of this network as expressed in the form of numerous applications to associate with the chain received from independent stations, and also requests from stations already affiliated, for mora periods of broadcast entertainment sponsored by the Columbia Broadcasting System.
WOR will assume the hours vacated by Columbia next September and they are already formulating ambitious plans to keep them up to WOR standards.

Within a couple of years, CBS would be in the television business as well with experimental station W2XAB, but that is a story for another time. Kind of like a late Christmas present.

July and August 1943

Mutual was the one major radio network that decided not to get into television, but its flagship station was serious about the idea in 1943. And it teamed up with the TV company that didn’t have a radio network.

DuMont’s non-commercial station W2XWV offered time to anyone who wanted to experiment with the medium. And WOR did. The two hooked up and, as a result, W2XWV offered a third night of TV to people around the New York area. By contrast, WNBT (NBC) and WCBW (CBS) were only broadcasting four hours of films every week, though plans were afoot to bring live sports back to the small screen.

There was some expense to bear. Unionised musicians weren’t about to offer their services for nothing like the on-camera talent was. That included bandleader Vincent Lopez, morning chatterer Pegeen Fitzgerald (her husband Ed stayed away from TV) and children’s host Uncle Don. The WOR contingent took over what had been dead air on Tuesday nights. Eventually, WOR got a TV license and broadcast on Channel 9.

Here’s a look at how TV programming stood on the U.S. East Coast in mid-1943. “Billboard” magazine reviewed a number of evenings of programming, praising the slick work of host Dennis James on DuMont. It’s odd seeing the “comedian” adjective next to Charles Stark’s name; he was a network announcer on shows such as “Can You Top This?” and “Kraft Television Theatre.”

JULY

Thursday, July 1; Friday, July 2
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

Sunday, July 4
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Fourth of July salute.
8:35 Sports, Dennis James.
8:50 Film: “Men and the Sea” (OWI, 1942)
9:00 “What Do You Know?” quiz.

ALLEN B. DuMONT Laboratories Inc., Passaic, has petitioned FCC for reinstatement of their application for a license for a commercial television station in Washington, D.C. to operate on Channel 1, 50-56 mc. DuMont already operates W2XWV, New York television station, broadcasting two evenings weekly, a variety program on Sunday and an experimental series, with advertisers cooperating, on Wednesdays. A Tuesday evening series, produced by program staff at WOR, New York, will begin shortly. (Broadcasting, July 5).

Tuesday, July 6 (postponed from Monday)
WNBT—55.75 mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s course.
8:30 Film subjects.

Wednesday, July 7
W2XWV—78.84mc
George Lowther (as if he didn’t have anything else to do) will present “Café Society Television” on W2XWV a week from tonight . . . And if we didn’t mention his “guest artist” our secretary would toss a typewriter at us . . . Because the guy, a feller who looks like Raymond Massey, and who is a pianist as well as George’s press agent, happens to be Millie’s pet, Carl Post. (William Juengst, Brooklyn Eagle, June 30). [Note: The Eagle mentioned the following day that raconteur Peter Donald also appeared on the show.]

Thursday, July 8; Friday, July 9
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films

WOR will enter the television field next Tuesday at 8:30 o’clock when it begins a series of telecasts over the Du Mont station W2XWV. Weekly variety shows are planned by WOR production men, including Roger Bower, Ray Nelson and Jock McGregor. (Home News, July 9)

NEW YORK, July 10.—Following the notice sent last week by Local 802, AFM here, to the DuMont television outlet, W2XWV, that regular broadcasting scales must be paid to musicians, the union's trial board started an investigation Thursday (8) to secure back pay for men paid under scale in the past. Trial Board questioned six members who have been employed by the station, and found that salaries ranged from nothing to $5 per program. Scale which the union plans to enforce is $12 per program and $6 per -hour for rehearsal with a minimum of one hour required. It is understood that the union will summon officials of DuMont, with the possibility, that the firm will be placed on AFM's unfair list it back pay is not collected. No. 802's investigation caused the station to cancel broadcasts of the Cafe Television show for clans were used. (Billboard, July 17)

Sunday, July 11
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills from Everywhere.”
9:00 Sports, Dennis James.
9:15 Film: “Colleges at War” (OWI/Metro, 1942)
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.


Monday, July 12
WNBT—55.75 mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

LOS ANGELES SOCIETY of Magicians presented an hour and a half magic show for a television audience July 12. The program, first all-magic show sent over the sight and ether circuit, was broadcast from Don Lee's Television Station W6XAO, located on a mountain top in Hollywood. Those participating in the epocal event were Neil and Rodger Doren, Melvin Eichar, Frank Fewins, Marvin the Silk Merchant, and Gene Owen, who promoted the show. Jack Gardner was emsee. About 1,100 television receiving sets are located in Los Angeles County and it is estimated that about 20,000 see and listen to Station W6XAO programs. Bill Sachs. (Billboard, July 24)

Tuesday, July 13
W2XWV—78.84mc
Dumont-WOR Telecast.
Reviewed Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m, Style—Variety. Broadcast over W2XWV, New York.
WOR'S first crack at an actual telecast is important as a measuring stick in its trial-and-error workshop series new being conducted with the co-operation and facilities of Dumont's W2XWV. If the glaring mistakes of first take—some of them the fault of performers; others, of technicians and continuity writers—are on their way to being remedied by the end of the series, then no one need worry too much.
A bevy of WOR regulars, including Vincent Lopez, Sonny Schuyler, Gerry Larson, Maxine Keith, Pegeen Fitzgerald and Uncle Don made their television debut on this broadcast—and their nervousness was quite apparent. For the most part their sufferings stemmed from the lack of knowledge that regular mike, night club or vaude technique was n.g. for television. Technique which most closely resembles it, and with which most of these performers are totally unfamiliar, is that of motion pictures.
Consequently, when the cue came, they were left to stare self-consciously for a while, then go into their act, reminding themselves every now and then to smile and make a few stock gestures. Much of the responsibility for the failure falls upon directors Roger Bower and Sherman "Jock" MacGregor, who staged the show for the car rather than for sight. Actors must learn what to do in those split seconds after the camera is turned on and in the moment before it clicks off. About the most at-ease guy on the show was Uncle Don, which is an evil portent for television.
Acts were separate entities rather than a smooth-flowing, informal gathering of talented people. The old KMH [Kraft Music Hall, a radio show starring Bing Crosby] technique would have done much to iron out the awkwardness.
One of the chief technical bugaboos was thy lack of camera fluidity. Transitions were sudden, choppy and inadequate. When Pegeen Fitzgerald described a pair of shoes, it seemed eons before the cameras arrived at the foot-wear. Under the present WOR set-up only two shots are possible of the artist, the long-shot which is agonizingly useless in giving the audience any idea of what the performer looks like, and the close-up, which soon becomes monotonous because of the static position. Gradual panning to and from the performer would at least create an illusion of movement. Make-up and lighting are other mechanical problems. Poor Sunny Schuyler looked more like the Black Prince and the girls' make-up was in the good old Theda Bara tradition, with deep black circles under the eyes. A little soft lighting please.
One of the interesting possibilities opened up on the program was the prospect of a new type of commercial in the future the powder-one-side-of-your- face and Sudsies-has-more-suds boys can prove their claims with more than sound effects. The type of entertainer who guesses things behind a screen will also come into his own. On this show, a Dr. Victor attempted to guess people's ages by hearing them. Granted it's hard to get enthusiastic about a guy who guesses your age by listening, etc. Dr. Victor, at least, suggested video potentialities.
For the rest of the talent, Arres and Schuyler sang pleasantly in their respective fashions, but encouraged the temptation to close one's eyes and listen, which, of course, negates completely the value of the medium. Vincent Lopez's fingers, moving deftly and swiftly over the keyboard, were the something new added to his Nola, and a treat to watch. Gerry Larson was naturally vivacious and energetic so she didn't come off too badly. Miss Keith and Miss Fitzgerald, women commentators, have little to gain or lose in the new form, their effectiveness resting on how graphically, in the literal sense, they can illustrate their fashion spiels. As for Uncle Don, next time he is televised, we hope some parent hides him behind the piano.
At any rate, the thing to be remembered is that the purpose of the series is to acquaint the station's staff with the mysteries of an entertainment form of the future. Their initial offering could have been much worse.
Others in the behind-the-scenes group are Ray Nelson, director of daytime programs; Robert A. Simon, director of continuity, and Ann Honeycutt, executive producer. Theodore O. Strelbert, vice-president and general manager of WOR, spoke briefly of WOR's aims. Frank Knight announced. Shirley Frohlich. (Billboard, July 24).

Wednesday, July 14
W2XWV—78.84mc
DuMont Television.
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Style—Variety and films. Sustaining on W2WXV (New York).
Once known as Cafe Television, DuMont's weekly Wednesday show was re-named Television Roof last week. Program as caught a few weeks ago was a hodgepodge of amateurish, self-conscious attempts at entertainment, but with revamping and the addition of experienced personnel, the rough edges have disappeared almost completely. From the growing pains, show has emerged as a lusty adolescent. Dennis James, WNEW announcer, is a welcome addition as the emcee. He has an easy-to-take line of patter and presentation. Did a good job of co-ordinating the live portion of show and is obviously as much at home before a camera as a mike.
After eight minutes of a Ted Fio Rito short, Television Roof was cleverly introduced via a gadget which gives effect of film, but is actually a line drawing of the studio building, photographed in the projection room with camera panning upward to create the effect of an elevator rising to a penthouse.
Paula Laurence, recently of Something for the Boys, slapsticked through several chatter-chortle songs that might be rated terrific in an intimate club by baldies, but were definitely too risque for television. Her Marquita (ditty lauding marihuana) was just a little too rough for wide airing. She has a lot to learn about the technique, too.
In direct contrast, Vera Sarnoff, of the Imperial Theater's Rosalinda, sang innocuous classical ballads and put them over by perfectly timed and carefully restrained gestures. She photographs nicely, and trick of tossing her head back registered exceptionally well.
Three-quarter camera angles exploit her beauty, serving her much better than full front shots. She seemed to step into the roam and fill it with beauty and magnificent voice, thus proving the importance of mastering and making the most of the new technique.
Sam Taub, radio sports newscaster, did a five-minute sports resume, then 10 minutes with his guest, Jack Lavelle, former Notre Dame athletic star. Duo provided a breezy and entertaining setto that added just the right amount of Variety to the program, which would have been top-heavy with song without their punchy presentation.
A 10-minute film, Britain's Paratroops rounded out the hour—undoubtedly the best Wednesday DuMont offering to date.
Ad people who were scheduled to participate didn't show up, but are expected on forthcoming shows. Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, July 24)

Thursday, July 15; Friday, July 16
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films

Sunday, July 18
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “Ham ‘n Eggs,” farce.
9:15 Film cartoon: “The Haunted Ship,” (Van Beuren, 1930).
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
Grace Morgan, popular radio vocalist, heard daily at 9:55 p.m. over WJZ, will make her television debut over the Du Mont station, W2XWV, tonight at 8:30 o’clock. Miss Morgan will be featured in a gay sketch, “Ham ‘n’ Eggs,” produced by Jay Strong. The telecast will be supervised by Will Baltin, Sunday Times theatre editor, and program manager of the television station. (Home News, July 18)

Monday, July 19
WNBT—55.75 mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s course.
8:30 Film: “Canning the Victory Crop,” (US Ag Dept, 1943).

Tuesday, July 20
W2XWV—78.84mc

Wednesday, July 21
W2XWV—78.84mc

Thursday, July 22; Friday, July 23
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films

NEW YORK, July 24.—Despite sharp man-power pains, lack of new equipment and the absence of sponsors, television will move ahead this fall. Experiments will improve program technique, accelerate mechanical advancement and test medium's commercial possibilities. They're going to keep Video before the public and the advertiser, with the result that the industry's post-war plunge will not be too icy.
In the minority are television companies that are sitting pat and just using advertising to keep their names alive at victory time. Some have in the past carried on extensive experimentation, and because of difficulties involved are idle now. Others cannot do anything about it at the moment. For example, Farnsworth Television, which states that its "entire facilities, research, development and production are now devoted to the needs of our armed forces."
General Electric, however, despite its great wartime production has WRGB, Schenectady, adding operettas to its musical programs and continues to present string music and vocal programs. They're developing a Video-musical technique.
GE is organizing a "Little Theater" group which will, within the next few weeks, regularly give plays. Just as they were the first to present the theater on the air over WGY, they're going to pioneer the Video drama.
The GE station will conduct make-up experiments in an attempt to eradicate major bugaboo that haunts every television studio. In addition to organizing and experimenting with a variety of short commercials, they will try out methods of presenting news-analysis, spot news and map talks with topographical maps.
Video audience participation programs, quiz and game shows will be undertaken, and they plan to scan boxing, archery, rifle target shooting and gymnastics.
Philco Video Studioless

WPTZ, Philco's Philadelphia television studio, operating without a regular studio which was lost to war production when its new transmitter was set up last year, will work out program ideas just the same. At the moment it's televising motion picture films.
Naturally, Philco's entire plant is converted to war work, but WPTZ will, in the coming months, expand its program schedule and will televise the University of Pennsylvania football games. Philco sponsored the broadcast of the games for the first time last season with WPTZ televising the pigskin action. They used the regular broadcasts for voice and made no attempt to synchronize the pictures.
Philco hopes to be able to re-broadcast, as in the past, Monday evening programs from WNBT, NBC's tele station in New York. Since the new transmitter was erected WPTZ has been experimenting with re-broadcasts and has now ironed out the problem of the New York station being too close to Philco's transmitter. No relay station will be used for the re-broadcasts. The NBC program will be picked up on the one long hop of 82 miles and then fed thru the Philadelphia transmitter.
Because of the absence of a studio, live programs are out for the duration. Regardless of this, Philco hopes to give set owners better program service, and maintains a large crew of engineers for technical experimentation.
CBS Plans Nil
CBS states frankly they have no plans for programs that deviate from the set pattern of four hours of movies per week. That schedule is maintained in compliance with the Federal Communications Commission ruling in order to retain their license. They point out that their's was probably the youngest staff in the business, and their boys were taken en masse in the first draft. Present staff consists of Stage Director Worthington Minor and his secretary. Mr. Minor looks forward to making the most of color technique invented and experimented with by their engineer, Peter Goldmark.
NBC Keeps Going
Altho NBC plans no expansion in the immediate future, it keeps an administrative and program staff of four on full time and has nine men in television engineering, one day a week. At present, two of its four air hours are devoted to air raid warden lectures, which will be continued. Its film policy will be altered, however, by the dropping of a number of commercial films and the addition of strictly entertainment feature films.
Spot News Televising Expected
Radio engineers, intrigued and challenged by post-war television's potentialities, are, in many instances, experimenting on their own. Others in radio are deeply interested in the new medium. For example, Bernard Estes, WHN's special events man, believes that the televising of spot events is a logical post-war step. Mobile units, costing around $7,000, trucked to the site of action, can effectively exploit Video this way, he states.
Dumont Takes Lead
Station W2XWV, local outlet of the Allen B. Dumont Laboratories, which has taken the lead for the past year in program experimentation, has, since the first of 1943, enlarged its activities by branching out into the testing of commercial ideas. It now plans to enlarge on that phase.
Tuesday night shows are called commercial research programs and are presented in co-operation with advertising agencies that want to make use of the television facilities to experiment with the new medium.
WOR Ties In
Wednesday [sic] evenings, 8:30-10 p.m., WOR and the Dumont outlet pool talent and technical forces for the purpose of developing experienced personnel and exploring untried Video entertainment ideas.
Dumont station's regular Sunday night show will not change its format which consists of variety and films.
Radio station owners from all parts of the country have been invited to visit W2XWV to study television programs, equipment and operations. Allen B. Dumont, president of the firm, having pioneered television since the days of the mechanical scanning disc, believes that the medium will come into its own as a great entertainment, educational and commercial force shortly after peace is restored.
Wash. Station Soon?
Dumont intends to continue expanding and plans the erection and operation of a television station in Washington. His firm formerly held a license for Washington telecasting. Intention now is to obtain renewal so that equipment can be installed and broadcasting begun at the first possible moment.
Television set owners are at present faced with a very real possibility that repairs cannot be made because lack of tele-trained mechanics and engineers, as well as new parts for the sets. After the war, however, they can expect to enjoy the benefits of this trial-and-error period thru which television is now passing.
Sets will sell from $200 up, according to Radio Corporation of America which foresees a landslide of set buying as soon as they are made available to the general public. Television's fall '43 isn't the brightest in the world, but it could be a whole lot worse. (Billboard, July 31).

Sunday, July 25
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “There’s Always Tomorrow,” one-act comedy.
8:15 “Message to Malta.”
9:00 Dennis James, sports.
9:15 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 “What Do You Know?” quiz.

Monday, July 26
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s course.
8:30 Film subjects.

Tuesday, July 27
W2XWV—78.84mc

Wednesday, July 28
W2XWV—78.84mc
Dumont Television.
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety and film. Sustaining on W2XWV.
Television's roof is attracting stellar talent to its experimental airings if Wednesday's shot is a criterion. Both Natalie Bandanya, Met soprano, and Monica Moore, musical comedy thrush, were featured and turned in exceptional performances.
Benton & Bowles took over the latter part of the show and their offering proved the need for much study and experiment before commercial Video is ready for long pants.
Dennis James, who emseed the Dumont portion of the program, worked out interesting deviations from straight patter and co-ordinated the jumps from one performer to another with informality.
As James was about to introduce his first act, an attractive little girl popped into camera range wanting to sing. She was shooed away. When she came for the third time, denying that she'd been there before, she was told to go ahead and sing. She turned out to be a trio—the McAuliff Sisters, Eileen, Laverne and Charlotte.
Met luminary Natalie Bandanya's introduction and entrance were carefully planned to sustain the atmosphere of stars guesting in a night club. James lifted her to the piano and from where she Helen Morganed a medley from Oklahoma, Embraceable You and Paris in the Spring.
At the beginning, quality was lost in the extremely high registery, but the technicians quickly adjusted their equipment to catch and project everything she had. Miss Bandanya's operatic gesticulations were subdued. She was a charming picture, The McAuliff Sisters added variety with good arrangements of Maria Lopez and Hawaiian War Chant.
Comedian Charlie Stark appeared long enough to tell a moron story that didn't stack up.
Monica Moore, beauteous singing star of the Paris Follies Bergere, the London Picadilly and Trocadero, gave with Everything I've Got Belongs to You and signed off with See You Again. James, in turning the rest of the program over to Benton & Bowles's emcee, Jimmy Coy, faded out via the camera; an improvement over an entertainer's walking out of range with the audience left staring at a blank screen.
Camera work on the agency's skit, Back From North Africa, was smooth and without bad focus in transitions from two-shots to close-ups, indicating a rehearsal.
The product exploitation test was not too effective. Without introduction or fanfare, a group of General Foods cereal box fronts strung on a wire were projected. The exhibit lacked depth that could have been obtained by using the actual boxes.
While the box fronts remained suspended, a male and female voice discussed the products and urged their purchase. A 10-rninuto break in the program was filled by a travelogue film, entirely unrelated to anything which went before or after.
B & B's second skit, titled You Give What You've Got, written by Esther Hawley, and directed by Lillian Steinfeld, agency staffer, was presented. Drama was public-service type offering and urged the public to give blood to the Red Cross.
Meaty script was killed by amateurish acting and production, due, no doubt, to staff's lack of knowledge of Video technique.
Since the purpose of these Wednesday night programs is experimentation, anything goes and does. W. M. (Billboard, Aug. 7, 1943)

Thursday, July 29; Friday, July 30
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films

HOLLYWOOD, July 30—Manchester Boddy, editor and publisher of the Daily News, will appear tonight in his second “television edition” of world news commentary.
The broadcast will be at 8:30 o'clock on the facilities of station W6XYZ, Hollywood.
Through the medium of television Boddy is able to supplement his radio interpretation of important happenings abroad with maps and pictures illustrating the discussion.
W6XYZ, under direction of Klaus Landsberg, presents television programs twice a week. (Los Angeles Daily News, July 30)

AUGUST

Sunday, August 1
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:00 “A Boy and a Girl,” with Lillian MacLellan and Bobby Hastings.
9:15 O. W. I. Film: “Dover” narrated by Edward R. Murrow.
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.


Monday, August 2
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Film subjects.

Tuesday, August 3
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety

Wednesday, August 4
W2XWV—78.84mc
DuMont Television.
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety and film. Sustaining on W2XWV.
Altho no advertising agency participated in this edition of Television Roof, an innovation highlighted the evening just the same. Kerby Cushing, assistant program director of WNEW, introduced a 20-minute experiment in book exploitation. He conducted and wrote the portion of the program which combined book analysis, film pertinent to the book and an interview with a person associated with the events and country depicted in the literary composition.
Trudy Wentz, winner of the recent DuMont employee contest for an announcer, made the station announcements and introduced Dennis James. Emsee James, who's been doing a splendid job ironing out program's rough spots, continued with the iron.
A Ted Fio Rito film helped create night club atmosphere and was followed by live entertainment. First on was McAuliff trio, 14, 15 and 16-year-old sisters, who appeared last week. The talented threesome gave with Gobs of Love, turning out some good close rhythm vocalizing.
Ann Francine, sophisticated songbird of the Versailles and other New York niteries, torched This Can’t Be Love. For her benefit, and for others who will appear before television cameras. It might be well to remember to nix two-tone costumes. Miss Francine's white topped and black skirted gown cut her in half and broadened her shoulders. Her sultry swinging of I See You and I Want to Sleep So I Can Dream helped you forget the impression created by the camera distortion of her dress.
Bob Flamm accompanied all the performers at the piano and deserves kudos for backing most of the acts sans rehearsal.
Kenny John, 18-year-old drum discovery, made his big town debut on Television Roof. In appearance he's younger than his 10 years, but in action a mature musician—a Krupa carbon. His Sheik of Araby and Nobody's Sweetheart Now were solid sending of professional caliber. He has a flexible body and wrists limber as seal nippers. Camera work on close-ups of his hands was exceptionally good.
The drummer boy and McAuliff trio combined in a terrific rendition of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.
The Dumont Televised Book Forum, an innovation in experimental book plugging, was devised by Mr. Cushing. Starting out with Cushing sitting at a table discussing Resistance and Reconstruction, by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, the camera panned to a copy of the book for a close-up. Unfortunately, volume's paper cover with the Generalissiono's picture in dark tones not project. A blow-up of book might have worked better.
Camera then switched to a film composed of extracts from Western Front, United China Front's recently finished movie. For eight minutes cameras were kept busy switching from film to Cushing, who continued his talk over the picture showing. Result achieved was a comprehensive outline of the book highlighted by ideal video material. Presentation was climaxed by appearance of China's first aviatrix, Lee-ya-Ching, who was interviewed and who commented on the book. The lady who has taught most of the young Chinese fliers, spoke briefly and eloquently. She concluded with a powerful polemic for American understanding of China's fight.
Plan is to continue the Book Forum in coming weeks. Mother Russia will be next volume used if author Hindus is available for an appearance.
Credit is due the numerous members of the DuMont technical and program the staff for the steadily improving Wednesday programs. Recently added new talent has helped, including Miss Joan Dillon, assistant manager of WNEW, who acts in a co-ordinating capacity.
Chief Engineer Walter J. Swenson, inventer of many technical doodads at the station, realizes the programs aren't perfect. "They ain't neat, but they're imaginative," is his comment. Wanda Marvin (Billboard, Aug. 7, 1943).

Thursday, August 5; Friday, August 6
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

THE FIRST regularly scheduled commercial television program over WGRB, General Electric’s station, Schenectady, will be handled through Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn. Arrangements have been made for the period between 9 and 10 P.M. for two Fridays each month, following the test made for Royal Crown Cola on July 16. On August 6 the first broadcast in the series lasted a full hour. The first half of that time was devoted to a demonstration of the products of B. F. Goodrich Co., and a brief talk by John L. Collyer, its president. Twenty-five minutes in the last half were devoted to a comedy which included a dramatized commercial. The Hamilton Watch Company utilized the time break with a slide. Other clients of the agency will participate in later programs, which will last half an hour. B. B. D. & O. announces these will be arranged by its television board, in cooperation with the radio copy group. (Printer’s Ink, Aug. 13, 1943).

Sunday, August 8
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Sports, Dennis James.
8:45 O. W. I. Film: “Wing Up[s],” narrated by Capt. Clark Gable (1943).
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.


Monday, August 9
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Film subjects.

Tuesday, August 10
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
DuMont Television.
Reviewed Tuesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety. Sustaining on W2WXV (New York).
Telephones worked overtime on this WOR-DuMont offering, which used tried-and-true video introduction of a girl telling a friend what to expect next on the program. Shirley Grayson, freelance radio actress did a competent “Mazie—wait till you see this one . . .” routine to bring on each performer.
On the bill was warbler Marian Maya whose Embraceable You and Sunny Side of the Street projected better than she did. Make-up may have been responsible, but she just wasn't veddy video in this shot.
Royal Heath, master of mathematical manipulation came on to add and subtract with spectacular speed. He used a blackboard for illustration and camera followed his movements closely, permitting the audience an excellent view of board and figures.
Harold Reilly, of the Reilly Gymnasium, described reducing methods and a pretty model followed instructions. This type of thing should be a natural for future television, either as a plug for a gym or as a public service.
The workout was followed by Jean Claire, Rogers' Corner vocalist, and accordionist. She's a youngster with a surprisingly mature voice, which reproduction deepens.
The Norton Sisters, vocal trio formerly with the McFarland Twins, Carl Hoff and Tony Pastor, sang Put Your Arms Around Me, Thinking Tonight of My Blue Byes, Melancholy Baby and Tiger Rag. Their arrangements were exceptionally good; they photograph well. Their performance was a high spot on program.
Ventriloquist Jay Marshall and his dummy supplied needed comedy with the dummy singing and Marshall stooging. The versatile Marshall doubled as a magician but magic camera work was not up to snuff. Audiences naturally distrust a magician and unless they see his hands at all times feel they're being gypped. When Marshall's hands left camera range and returned with a rabbit it detracted from his act.
Greek War Relief was represented by Mrs. Barney Girden who spoke briefly, appealing for 20,000,000 used garments. A trio of Greek dancers in native costume performed two numbers and Evelyn Koutras sang a group of Greek folk songs.
Altho show was not outstanding, it ran smoothly with all involved operating on cue. It was a definite improvement over previous offerings in that there were no awkward breaks or untimely entrances and exits. The WOR staff will have to find a new means of bringing talent on. The telephone gag, if repeated, will pall. Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, Aug. 21).

Wednesday, August 11
W2XWV—78.84mc
DuMont Television.
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Style—Variety and films. Sustaining on W2WXV (New York).
DuMont's Television Roof this week introduced a slightly altered format. Instead of guest stars taking bows, the Roof now presents a floorshow of its own. Revision lends professional punch and permits emsee Dennis James more room on the range.
Show opened with a bang when singer Ginger Dulo, who is more energetic than entertaining, literally romped thru I Wanna Be a G Man and I Can't Find a Man, and did a violent take-off on Martha Raye with Solitude. She's an attractive girl, but an ill-advised choice of material and a roughhouse treatment added up to too much Ginger.
In striking contrast was the restrained, perfectly timed performance of the Golden Gate Quartet who spellbound the audience with Gospel Train, Dapper Dan and Noah's Ark. The foursome, always tops, was at the peak of its form in this tele take. Cameras enhanced the act, so that they literally seemed to sway to the swinging of their spiritual.
Television will undoubtedly be an excellent medium for the Negro. While features of white actors and singers are often distorted, colored performers, without the make-up with which their lighter brothers must plaster themselves, project to much better effect.
Vaudeville team of Lynn Russell and Mirian Fararr, just returned from a long tour for USO-Camp Shows, did an effective take-off on soap operas and closed with a comic medley of well-known Russian songs. The gals are good.
Thanks to James the videocast ended at 9 o'clock as per schedule. Since neither performers nor producers can spare time from their regular work for rehearsals, the curtain has not always dropped on the nose. Not only did the emsee get the show off on time, he kept the pot boiling for a potent entertainment brew despite the varied acts he had to work with.
Press-On Tape Company presented its product with a drama that fell short of its first effort two weeks ago. Scene opened with a spirited view of an electric iron resting on an ironing board. Off- screen voice, speaking for the iron, regretted that its days of usefulness were almost over. Most people think irons are here to stay, but script said they were not. After this uninspired shot, a dramatization was presented. Mother and daughter, played by Anna Karen and Barbara Joyce, competently introduced Press-On and demonstrated its use as a mending agent. Another stimulating view of the iron completed the experiment.
Pitch was well acted, but script was weak. Last shot of the pressing mechanism was just too much iron and too little mettle. Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, Aug. 28)

As part of its two-fold campaign to keep alive the public's interest in television and stimulate a desire for the acquisition of television sets after the war, RCA is arranging to have NBC broadcast from time to time television programs of major news and feature events connected with the war. These programs will deal with returning heros, important speeches, pickups from service hospitals and outstanding achievements on the home front.
Both NBC television portable transmitters and established coaxial cables, will be used to relay the events. Present plans call for doing at least one of these programs a month.
As time goes on, these war-associated shows may be increased to as many as four a month. It will all depend on both the newsworthiness of the event and the convenience of the relay. Understood that RCA contemplates distributing what tele sets there remain in the warehouses among the service hospitals so that the soldiers, sailors and others will find a source of diversion from such programs.
DuMont Television station W2XWV N. Y. will launch a series of dramatic television shows this fall. Will Baltin, program director for the station since 1940, said the first year's preparatory programming had been finished, and that the station now is set to start a more advanced phase.
Dramatic shows are to supplement the regular Sunday variety televised programs which have been aired by W2XWZ since it began operations in June, 1942. (Variety, Aug. 11)

Thursday, August 12; Friday, August 13
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

Sunday, August 15
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Claire Kennedy in “A Letter from Home.”
8:40 Sports, Dennis James.
8:50 Film: “Wing Up[s],” with Capt. Clark Gable.
9:10 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:20 “What Do You Know” quiz.

Monday, August 16
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Film subjects.

Tuesday, August 17
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety

Wednesday, August 18
W2XWV—78.84mc
DuMont Television.
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Style—Variety. Sustaining on W2WXV [sic] (New York).
The pie made from nine and twenty blackbirds had nothing on Television Roof. DuMont's weekly experimental show. At least that many persons of varied talent and experience have their fingers in the pie that they hope will some day be fit to set before a sponsor king.
As a result of pooling time, talent and technical skill on these programs, a satisfactory blend should evolve. Already improvements are evident and each week's previous mistake is eradicated. Not only are performers benefiting by their appearances before the cameras, but directors are being developed from the ranks to aid in the shaping of future video shows.
On past shows ad agencies have made slight contributions to a tele method of merchandise exploitation, but no group has gone into the matter as thoroly as Reiss Advertising Agency on this show. In a short dramatic skit they put across Press-On, a mending product, in a most Interesting and watchable way.
Variety acts, emseed by Dennis James, included Connie Haines, former Tommy Dorsey songstress, doing You'll Never Know and You'll Never Go to Heaven, and Larry Douglas, vocalist with Carmen Cavallaro's ork, giving with It’s Always You and Night and Day.
Miss Haines, due either to expert make-up or natural beauty, came thru beautifully. The, camera caught and projected her piquant personality, and her voice registered perfectly, Douglas, on the other hand, fared badly. His facial expression remained static thru-out, detracting from his competent song rendition.
Pianist Frankie Froeba, of WNEW and Club 18, soloed Body and Soul and a weak boogie-woogie number. Camera work on Froeba was not up to standard of rest of program. When attempting to focus on his hands and the keyboard, lens was open too wide and took in a shoulder which threw picture off balance.
Sports commentator Sam Taub conducted an interview with prize-fighter Mauriello. During this give-and-take, Nick Quaranti managed to insert a Jimmy Durante imitation. Mimicry was ably done but out of place in this spot.
Kerby Cushing analysed What Does Ghandi Want? by T. A. Raman, After revealing Cushing seated at a desk discussing and explaining the volume, camera swept to a close-up of the book and back to Cushing before shifting to a showing of excerpts from the British War Information film, The Changing Face of India. Cushing has worked out a most effective means of book selling. It stimulates interest in the literary Item without the listener's awareness of anything but informative entertainment.
Co-operative effort of Reiss ad agency and "Press-On Tape" people in a carefully planned presentation of mending tape topped all DuMont commercial experimentation to date.
Opening with a take of a lovely woman singing and accompanying herself on the piano in her living room, the little drama brought in daughter who was in tears because her party dress was badly ripped. Pretty mama comes to her rescue by the application of "Press-On Tape" to the tear. Product works, daughter is happy, mother goes back to the piano, and a lusty commercial is born.
Anna Karen and Barbara Joyce, freelance radio actresses, played mother and daughter, respectively. Both rate kudos for convincing and restrained performances. W.M. (Billboard, Aug. 28).

Thursday, August 19; Friday, August 20
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

NEW YORK, Aug. 21.—Taking cognizance of the strides being taken by the DuMont and General Electric television outlets NBC yesterday moved to protect its stake in Video by setting up a post- war television planning committee. They will survey, study and plan and be set to swing into action when the war ends.
Committee is staffed by John Royal, v. p. in charge of International, shortwave and television, as chairman; Bill Hedges, v. p. in charge of stations; O. B. Hanson, v. p. and chief engineer, and C. L. Menser, v. p. and manager of the program department. Noran Kersta, ex-manager of the television department, now in the Marine Corps, is represented by his assistant, John Williams.
Currently NBC, pioneer in television programing, is televising four hours a week. Henceforth the television staff will report to O. L. Menser. Patently NBC feels that altho they cannot continue their experimental work with live Video shows, due to lack of trained personnel, they can at least keep their minds working and be ready to pick up where they left off when the war started. (Billboard, Aug. 28)

Sunday, August 22
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “Folks Out Our Way,” one act play.
8:45 Pauline Alpert, piano.
9:00 Sports, Dennis James; Gunder Hagg, guest.
9:15 O. W. I. film: “War Town” (1943).
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.


Monday, August 23
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Film subjects.

Tuesday, August 24
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
DuMont Television. Reviewed Tuesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety and film, Sustaining on W2WXV [sic] (New York).
The WOR group who produced this week's television show (24) are trying to discover an ingredient to jell their various offerings into an acceptable mold. So far they have not succeeded, and unfortunately they are further from the formula than they were a couple of weeks ago.
Camera lenses opened on three girls lined up against a curtain backdrop. Why they were there, who they were, or what they were supposed to do remained a mystery for the first 10 minutes of the program, tho they appeared again and again in the same position, smiling self-consciously and obviously ill at ease. During each exposure of the girls a voice was heard offstage and occasionally the back of a man's head was visible—on the lower right of the screen. When it was possible to hear the man it became apparent that he was talking to the three girls, telling them what would appear next. They turned out to be Conover models being inducted into the tele swim and being told what to watch for in the new medium.
Before the models' appearances were accounted for, three acts had come and gone. Lanny and Ginger, WOR's daily 1:15 p.m. duo, sang two numbers, with Lanny at the piano. The two looked handsome and their songs registered pleasantly.
Beatrice Howell followed with a dopey ditty and impersonations of Betty Davis [sic], Barbara Stanwyck and Jimmy Durante. Your reviewer thinks an interesting switch might be one of the aped doing a take-off on Miss Howell imitating him or her. Might be a Howell.
When Lorna Byron, a tele-vision in white, appeared on the screen she would have stopped the show if the studio audience could have made their applause heard. When she sang she was the show. In addition to the popular It Can't Be Wrong she did semi-classical numbers in French and Spanish. She has a magnificent voice, photographs like a white sail against a too-blue sky and possesses exceptional charm and poise. Miss Byron is television's most valid excuse for existence to date.
The Di Marco Sisters, five youngsters with good voices, entertainingly sang to the accompaniment of a guitar bigger than the littlest girl. They are a clever quintet with a good repertoire and ability to put their songs over. Camera had difficulty keeping the group lively in frame.
Dell O'Dell, lady magician, who just finished an 18-month Park Central engagement, literally brought out her bag of tricks, accomplished her feats of fast-finger fumbling while carrying on a continuous patter set to rhyme. Cameramen were on their toes in this date, and not once did they fail to keep her in focus.
An eight-minute film corvetts, released by the British Ministry of Information, served as intermission for the acts.
The hard-working WOR crew will undoubtedly solve the problem of how to properly present and tie together the loose ends of entertainment. The obvious answer would be an emsee, but they are experimenting with gimmicks. Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, Sept. 4)

Wednesday, August 25
W2XWV—78.84mc
DuMont Television.
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Style—Variety. Sustaining on W2WXV [sic] (New York).
As usual Trudy Wentz made the opening announcements, but the usual order of the show was upset when Stan Taub, sports commentator, came on first. His guest was not a sports personality, but Chit Chilvers, circus performer. Interview became a monolog when the Chilvers' child took over and expressed her views on everything in general in a completely unrepressed fashion. Her studied naivete was a far cry from the inhibited sports personalities with whom Taub usually wrestles.
Televised Book Forum was next on the program with Kerby Cushing, its writer and producer, acting as commentator and annotator. Book chosen for exploitation was Allan Chase's Falange, and the author guested the shot. Cover of book projected splendidly, as did a series of maps and photographs used to explain sections of the book. Discussion between Chase and Cushing was lively and the program would stimulate reader and buyer interest in the published work.
Reiss advertising on Press-On Mending Tape Company again presented the mending product via drama, description and demonstration. Camera came into focus on a heap of spools of thread, needles, scissors, etc., then a voice declared them passe and a hand swept them from view. Next picture showed the tape and an off-screen voice described its usefulness, Domestic drama, involving mother (Anna Karen), daughter (Barbara Joyce) and neighbor (Lois Sheen) praising and demonstrating the product's use, was effectively presented. Miss Karen is an able and charming actress, but too much stress is placed on her spiritual singing and self-accompaniment at the piano. Miss Sheen, in her initial tele appearance, photographed exceedingly well and carried thru like a audi-video vet. Final take on the tape and the announcer's spiel were shorter than on previous shows and a decided improvement. Charles Stark manned the mike.
A criticism that must be made of this, as well as other Wednesday night airings, is the unconnected jumps from one portion of the program to another without advice to the audience. For instance, immediately after the Press-On tap show a long break filled only with music and the DuMont Television trade-mark on the screen was disconcerting. Miss Wentz might be brought on again to tell the folks there's more to come.
Variety part of the show brought Television Roof on last. The same old Ted Fio Rito film set the scene, and emsee Dennis James set the stage for the nightery offering. Russell and Ferran, femme vaude team, gave with intelligent nonsense and presented a song and patter routine entitled Making an Honest Dollar.
Sixteen-year-old Janet Medlin was built up as a film discovery, it's quite understandable why she has not yet been discovered. With an unsmiling, wooden expression she faced the camera and sang with the same lack of give. Utterly lacking poise or personality, the lady's singing of You'll Never Know, Serenade From Carmen and Zigourney registered as coldly as her deadpan expression. Kay Read accompanied all the acts and took a bow just before James announced that he could not let this be an all-femme program. He recited Over the Hill to the Poorhouse, an oldie that met with tremendous response. There seems to be a grain of corn in the craw of all of us, or maybe it's just that the fellow is good, but whatever the reason, the take was terrific. W.M. (Billboard, Sept. 4)

Thursday, August 26; Friday, August 27
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

The recent upbeat in television activity is proving a boon to play brokers. It is reported that Dumont Television and General Electric, two of the most active television outlets, have lately been swapping one-actors [sic], preferably comedies. G.E. from time to time produces full-length plays.
Operating on limited budgets, the studios nevertheless manager to put on a play a week, at a royalty cost of $25 per play per broadcast for one-acters, and $50 for the full-length production. The G.E. practice is to scout the Schenectady area for stock companies and put them on the air with whatever material the studio has at hand. On the other hand, Dumont’s W2XWV, New York, has a greater pool of talent to drawn on. (Variety, Aug. 28)

Sunday, August 29
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “Operatic Gems.”
8:50 Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:15 “Little Old Lady,” one act play.
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.


Monday, August 30
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Film subjects.

Tuesday, August 31
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
DuMont Television. Reviewed Tuesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety and film. Sustaining on W2WXV [sic] (New York).
WOR'S invasion of the DuMont studios last week featured a new and obviously unrehearsed task force. Show got off 10 minutes late, thus setting the pace for one of the clumsiest productions to date. Stan Lomax and Troman Harper, WOR sustaining program personalities, back-boned the offering with a super flashback technique. They first projected themselves into the year 1966 and then, with the help of no time machines whatever, right back into 1943. Jumps from one era to another were repeated with monotonous regularity thruout entire show, resulting in a dizzying but not entertaining round trip to nowhere.
After a lengthy discussion of the good old days of long-wave broadcasting—this from the 1966 end of the swing—Harper started the night's ethereal wanderings by popping back to 1943 to do a newscast. In shirtsleeves, loose tie and with hat perched on the back of his head, he ignored the camera in an effort to portray a present-day announcer at work with no bogey of television. What should have boon a humorous scene lost its comedy value to the important news content of the broadcast.
Returning to 1966, Harper and Lomax gossiped awhile before turning the calendar back to the next scene. They reminisced about WOR's '43 pageboy staff and the tricks the boys played on one another. So it was back to today in the WOR pageboy room, where a pretty girl gave forth with song. She turned out to be Mrs. Gene Clark, who in a pleasant little voice crooned You'll Never Know and Happy-Go-Lucky.
Cameras shifted to pageboys, who muddled thru a skit portraying a typical trick being played. Joke was to have one of the boys ordered to set up a studio for a meeting, said studio at that time being occupied by a soap opera company. Swinging to this studio, the lens picked up the soapers in the middle of a tender scene. Neatly presented, this act scored a laugh by showing the lovers as a completely misfit couple. The hero was a short elderly little fellow and the heroine a six-footer. With the actors sloppily dressed and punctuating their added dialog with yawns, plus the attraction of pageboys trotting back and forth between them and the camera, skit hit the comedy high spot of the evening.
Lomax announced the movie intermission. This is an improvement. In previous programs the shift from flesh to film has been done without explanation. Film shown was the much used (by DuMont) short, British Paratroopers.
Last half of the show featured the same flashback, but got off to a better start with an extremely interesting and informative screening put on by men from the U. S. Deep Sea Diving School. With Harper as emsee and Lieut. Wm. Mahan answering questions, Chief Petty Officer Andy Boig donned a complete diving outfit. CPO Boig, who worked on the Normandie salvage job, gave a brief description of the hazards of working under water. Lieut. Commander Chandler, head of the diving school, topped off the scene with a talk on the training set-up, its membership and responsibilities.
Lomax, who should have left his pipe at home (he looked as tho he was trying to hide behind it), brought Mrs. Clark back for two more numbers. This time, in her sugar-plum fashion, she thru Hip, Hip, Hurray and Put Your Arms Around Me.
A program break was seized upon by Henry Gladstone, who gave a short commercial for Edelbrau Beer. Despite the advantage of being able to demonstrate the product by drinking it, Gladstone's effort didn't convince.
Next scene replayed the soap opera—this time for tele 1966. Acting was adequate, but it seems that by 1966 a director would have learned that when props are mentioned the audience would expect to see them. Without such props, the actors were handicapped and their effort signified little to the wave watchers.
John D. Whitmore, WOR special events man, to whom goes credit for scripting the entire show, brought offering to an end with his introduction of five Conover models. Supposedly wearing five different types of make-up which they were to demonstrate, the girls were unrehearsed and unrelaxed before the camera, and despite a mighty effort by Whitmore, the scene was ineffectual. A more satisfactory method might have been to bring two girls on at one time, thereby permitting a visible contrast and comparison of make-up technique.
In general the program, filled with awkward breaks, did not rate too high. Camera work was consistently bad and make-up strictly markdown. It is natural that experimental work must be done and that trial and error will determine future program plans. However, with a possible tele audience of around 15,000 it is moot if the policy of presenting programs without rehearsals is sound. Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, Sept. 11)

May and June 1943

NBC and CBS were the media companies with big incomes, but it was DuMont that expanded its TV schedule in mid-1943.

It had been beaming live shows and films into homes in New York and several other states on Sundays. It decided to add a live variety show on Wednesdays. The NBC and CBS stations were content to air four hours a week of non-commercial films.

Some of the national media in the U.S. started taking TV a little more seriously. There always seemed to be stories making predictions about post-war television. Now, Billboard began to review the DuMont shows. To a lesser extent, Variety did as well. The New York Herald Tribune printed partial listings; at first, it never mentioned W2XWV was broadcasting on Wednesday nights. The venerable New York Times had no TV schedules for now.

Below, you can read about DuMont’s “Café Television” which included Jerry Lester on the first show. In the ‘50s, he was back on TV as the hyper host of “Broadway Open House,” NBC’s initial attempt at a late-night show. Also appearing were Jack Gilford, a comedian who got caught in the blacklist but surfaced on television again in the ‘60s, and Benny Rubin, a one-time vaudeville headliner who showed up on Jack Benny’s radio and TV shows as well as the voice of Joe Jitsu on the 1960s el-cheapo Dick Tracy cartoons.

Dennis James also gets mentioned—as a sportcaster! James fronted a lot of DuMont shows in the ‘40s after the war, moving to ABC in the ‘50s, and popping up as the host of various quiz/game shows, including the ‘70s night-time revival of “The Price is Right” (and pitching Kellogg’s Product 19, among many things). James’ main career at the time was as a staff announcer at WNEW.

We’ve linked to a few films, too.

MAY

Sunday, May 2
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 “Your Victory Garden.”
8:45 Film: “Food for Fighters” (OWI, 1942)
9:00 “Play Ball.”
9:15 Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 “What Do You Know?” quiz.
Advice on how to get best results in a Victory garden will be given amateur gardeners tonight by Charles H. Nissley, extension professor of vegetable gardening at the College of Agriculture of Rutgers University, in the third of a series of Victory garden programs over television station W2XWV on channel No. 4.
Professor Nissley will be seen and heard at 8:30 o’clock, his image being radiated from the DuMont transmitter atop the skyscraper at 515 Madison avenue, New York City.
During the past two weeks, Dr. Frank G. Helyar, chairman of the New Jersey State Victory Garden Committee, and Professor Lyman G. Schermerhorn of the College of Agriculture, appeared on television screens to impart advice on successful home gardening.
The series was arranged by Will Baltin, radio-theatre editor of the Sunday Times, who is program director of the DuMont station, as part of a wide variety of war activity telecasts being offered to viewers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. (Sunday Times, May 2)

Monday, May 3
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.
Los Angeles—Continuing its alternate Monday night 1 1/2 hour television broadcasts despite the curtailment of set manufacturing, a program titled "Victory on the Kitchen Front" was presented Monday night from the Don Lee System W6XAO atop Mount Lee, Hollywood, Cal. Demonstration and discussion on rationing, nutrition and the preparing of lunch boxes was produced by Norma Young, home economist of KHJ-Don Lee, and Essie Elliott, head economics director of California Fruit Growers Exchange. The television broadcasts are scheduled to continue through Dec. 27. (Radio Daily, May 5)

Wednesday, May 5 (debut program)
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. Variety.
9:30 Sam Cuff, news.
9:45 to 10 p.m. Films.
The first in a series of Dumont television programs designed to permit experimentation by production staffs of ad agencies was telecast Wednesday night from the Madison Ave. studio in New York. Representatives of leading agencies were on hand to witness the show and watch the mechanics and techniques of television production.
The initial show was staged by the Dumont staff, but hereafter on Wednesday nights the agencies will have the run of the place for experimental programs which will be blended with station items. Benny Rubin was the featured entertainer of the show, presenting stories and songs. The blackout on Wednesday night prevented several other entertainers from reaching the studio on time and their spots were filled with the showing of news and musical film shorts. (Radio Daily, May 7).

DuMont—No. 1
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety (with live talent and films). Sustaining on W2XWV (New York).
DuMont launched its new Wednesday video series, with an effort which proved that television, insofar as this set-up is concerned, is going to require plenty of work before programs projected can rate as more than novelties.
In the studio audience were ad agency execs gandering the first show before tackling the production problem themselves in succeeding weeks on the station. DuMont has offered, and many agencies have accepted, the use of studio and staff facilities to those interested in working out program ideas for eventual commercial use.
NBC and CBS spent copious sums of money on program production before the war curtailed tele activity. At the moment, DuMont's new Wednesday spot is the first attempt to bring live talent back into the medium. Thus far, all stations, at least in this part of the country, have confined themselves to the use of films and simple programs requiring no production.
Unlike NBC and CBS, which are devoting the major part of their energies to radio, DuMont, able to concentrate wholly on television, is attempting to build acceptance for its facilities and programs by turning them over to agencies and advertisers. This obviates the financial nut incurred, by doing their own productions, and gives the agencies a chance to develop their own tele savvy.
Two advertisers, Butterick Patterns and Adam. Hats, participated in the first show and neither of their bits were overly effective. The pattern people used a model wearing one of their dresses and posturing while an off-stage voice did a patter about yardage, trim, etc. This was a pure case of too much talk and not enough action. The chapeau advertiser didn't even do as well as Butterick. Jack Gilford, comic seen not too recently at Cafe Society, interrupted his routine for a moment to mention Adam Hats and jam one of their fedoras on his head, after which he continued his act. A better stunt for Adam might have been the use of a juggler who manipulates hats instead of the usual accoutrements. At least he could have run in four or elite Adam hats.
From the production it was quite obvious that there was no dress rehearsal. The cameras had difficulty following Gilford's lively antics and keeping his image clear thru fast changes from close-up to fullshot even tho he is experienced in tele acting. Background was uninteresting—apparently just a curtain drop.
An accordionist, obviously a tele tyro, was sadly in need of rehearsals, and one over-all fault was the use of gestures which brought the hands too close to the camera. At times they resembled a not too choice specimen of uncured hickory ham.
Benny Rubin's routine came over swell. His patter and facial contortions projected perfectly. This was undoubtedly due to his film experience.
Another excellent job was done by Samuel Cuff, DuMont supervisor of the series and news analyst. He's a veteran in the field, having a regular spot on the DuMont Sunday night video schedule. He did a newscast illustrated with maps.
Dottie Wootin, also experienced before the tele cameras, opened the program and introduced Jill Stevens (Lillian Zatt), who emseed the show.
Fifteen minutes of movies rounded out the program when a surprise blackout prevented several scheduled acts from arriving in the studios. W. M. (Billboard, May 22)

Thursday, May 6; Friday, May 7
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

Sunday, May 9
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:00 “Victory Garden.”
9:15 “Shades of the Gay ‘90s.”
9:30 “Sports Parade” with Dennis James.
9:45 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
Miss Marie C. Doermann, extension specialist in nutrition at the College of Agriculture of Rutgers University, will show Victory gardeners how to preserve the crops they produce in an illustrated television lecture to be given over Du Mont station W2XWV tonight at 8:30 o’clock.
Miss Doermann is the fourth and final speaker in the series, arranged by Will Baltin, radio-theatre editor of The Sunday Times, and program director of the television station, as a special war activity feature.
Others heard included Professors Frank G. Helyar, Lyman G. Schermerhorn and Charles H. Nissley. The telecast may be tuned on channel No. 4 between 78-84 megacycles. (Sunday Times, May 9)

Monday, May 10
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

Wednesday, May 12
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 “Behind the Scenes.”
9 to 10 p.m. “Café Television.”
“CAFE TELEVISION”
(Dumont Television, W2XWV—Channel 4)
Dumont's newest feature in video entertainment is "Cafe Television," an hour solid program of entertainment conducted by Jill Stephens, otherwise known to the trade as Lillian Zatt, WNEW publicity director.
The feature of Dumont Tele's Wednesday night show (8:30-10 p.m.) “Café Television” as presented by the actress-flack, is a fairly good entertaining hour, more so than most tele programs, from a standpoint of clear photography, name [guests] and carefully planned production and pacing of the program.
Stephens, "Cafe Television's" writer-producer-emcee and talent finder, proves to be a highly telegenic young lady with poise, personality and assurance before the camera, and will bear watching in the future, when television steps out of its swaddling clothes into a [ ] commercial medium.
Line-up of talent on the simulated [ ] included Jerry Lester, radio comic, who proved that laughs and [ ] can be coupled for comedic effectiveness before the tele camera (on the screen, even the belly
[ ] of the cameramen were highly [ ], Carol Dexter, night club singer, Billy Banks, Diamond Horseshoe featured singer and Joan Fields, concertmeister of Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.
Camera angles included many solos, side views and long shots of the varied performers who are put through the paces with Miss Stephens’ in ad lib interviews, followed by individual stints on the [ ] of each. Program, all things considered, had punch and audience interest, pulled together by Miss Stephens’ able handling and timing. (Radio Daily, May 17; parts are unreadable)

DuMont—No. 2
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety. Sustaining on W2XWV (New York).
DuMont's second live show (May 12) consisted of a half hour behind-scenes description of the tele studio and a full hour of Cafe Television, a variety bill against a mythical cafe setting.
The shows indicated clearly that programing of tele live talent is still experimental and still way behind that of the medium it most closely resembles, movies. Technically, the images are blurred around the edges of the small screen, the camera fails to follow the performers smoothly and permits them to get out of focus too frequently, the camera angles are too much alike (full face, head, head-and-shoulders and waist-up), and the betiding (apparently a simple backdrop with the New York skyline painted on) is dull. More imagination with the camera is sorely needed, as tele audiences will unconsciously expect this medium's screen to approximate the film screen in technical perfection, especially on clarity of the images and on smoothness and mobility of the camera.
The first part of program had Dorothy Wootin as emsee and Samuel Cuff, DuMont's supervisor of this series, as commentator who explained how the tele studio operates. Cuff has a pleasant personality. He urged listeners to write in and get on the DuMont mail list. Patricia Bright did a couple of spicy song-talks, coming over nicely.
The hour show was emseed by Jill Stevens, who has a flashy personality and good speaking voice. She brought on pretty Carol Dexter, doubling from the Casbah, who sang a couple of pop tunes nicely enough; Joan Fields, concert violinist, who fiddled a few long-hair numbers with high competence; Jerry Lester, from the Riobamba, who is always a hilariously funny guy but who obviously did not have an act prepared when he clowned with Miss Stevens; and Billy Banks, colored singer-comedian from the Diamond Horseshoe, who warbled a couple of novelty tunes in alternating sweet tenor and falsetto style, making a good impression.
The heat of the two cameras was great, apparently, as the performers perspired and Miss Fields had to bring down the violin strings after her first number. (Billboard, May 22)

‘CAFE TELEVISION'
With Jerry Lester, Carol Dexter, Billy Banks, Joan Fields, Jill Stephens
60 Mins.; Wed., 9 p.m.
Sustaining
W2XWV-DUMONT, New York
This is a feature that has promise despite a number of rough edges and flattened images. As part of the regular 'Wednesday Night Session' (8:30-10 p.m.), 'Cafe Television' teed off [sic] Wednesday (12) with a strong, “name" cast. As individual artists, Carol Dexter, Casbah vocalist; Jerry Lester, Riobamba comedian; Billy Banks, Diamond Horseshoe suiter, and Joan Fields, concertmeister For the Ballet Russe, performed, stylishly. But they performed as individuals and not as members of a show. There was little continuity which gave rise to the general impression of people aimlessly wandering on and off a stage. This was stretching informality beyond the point of good showmanship.
There was a decided luck of direction, and Jill Stephens, who makes an attractive m.c, couldn't seem to keep her performers in line. Lester ran roughshod over the set, garbling his and Miss Stephens' lines. Fortunately he's good for laughs with or without a script, so his out-of-bounds routine Wednesday registered solidly. Carol Dexter neatly socked across ‘Thou Swell’ and 'Panic in Panama.' but it was a crime the way poor lighting and camera work botched her good looks, Visualization, television's ace in the hole, proved to be a disadvantage instead of an added attraction on Wednesday's session because of these factors.
Billy Banks did a swell job with his numbers, a Gershwin medley and ‘As Time Goes By.’ The one classical touch was provided by Joan Fields, who performed, in a very proficient and melodious manner, 'Ave Marie' and the third movement of the Mendelsohn 'Violin Concerto.'
Several ad agencies are said to have an inside track on this idea of nightclubbing via television. If the idea pans out there is talk of offering it as a package to several interested sponsors who have already put in preliminary bids. However, firm direction, smoother continuity and a revamping of lighting and camera work are necessary before ‘Cafe Television' can rate as bigtime entertainment. (Variety, May 19)

Thursday, May 13; Friday, May 14
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

Sunday, May 16
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. “The Gay Mimic.”
8:45 Film: “Jungle Babies” (Columbia, 1938).
9:00 “Sports Parade.”
9:15 Film: “You, John Jones” (MGM, 1943, with Jimmy Cagney and Ann Sothern).
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.


Monday, May 17
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

A psychiatrist who interviewed Hitler three times and evidently found him nuts—since the psycho had to spend several weeks in the Dachau concentration camp-appeared on the Lee television system [W6XAO] last night and told Adolf off. Three times, Dr. Kenneth Walker said, he had the opportunity to study Herr Shrekkopf in the privacy of the retreat on Berchtesgaden. (Herr Dok, why didn't you push him off the cliff?) (Radio Daily, May 19)

Philco Corporation's Television Station WPTZ, Philadelphia, tonight resumes regular program telecasts on a limited schedule dictated by war time conditions. The station was off the air for some time while a new transmitter was being installed at Wyndmoor, Pa.
Telecasts on the company's station are scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:30 p.m., EWT. (Radio Daily, May 19).

Thursday, May 20; Friday, May 21
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

Sunday, May 23
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. Texas Jim Robertson and Jean Lewis.
8:45 Film: “Right of Way.”
9:00 “Sports Parade.”
9:15 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 “What Do You Know” quiz.

Tuesday, May 25 (postponed from Monday)
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

Wednesday, May 26
W2XWV—84mc
The Barry Sisters, singers heard daily on WHN's "Gloom Dodgers" will open at Loew's State Theater on May 27. They have a television date for May 26. [on W2XWV’s “Café Television]. (Radio Daily, May 21)

GEORGE WASHINGTON HILL: Your good looking "All Time Hit Parade" vocalist Jerry Wayne will be featured tomorrow night on a television broadcast from the DuMont Station. (Radio Daily, May 25).

Thursday, May 27; Friday, May 28
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

NEW YORK, May 29—The experimental Wednesday evening programs recently inaugurated by Television Station W2XWV have been postponed for two weeks. Lapse is due to delay in completion of technical changes as a result of injury to DuMont’s chief engineer, Walter Swenson. His injury, a twisted ligament, occurred during the installation of a new antenna. (Billboard, June 5).

Sunday, May 30
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. “Memorial Day Salute.”
8:45 Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:15 Television Auditions.
9:30 “Sports Parade.”
9:45 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
The impressive American Legion Memorial Ritual will be transmitted via television for the first time in history, with arrangements for the presentation in charge of Joyce Kilmer Post No. 25 of this city.
Televiewers in four states will see the ceremonial as it is radiated from the Du Mont station, W2XWV, in New York City. Andrew Reisfeld, past commander of the Kilmer post and now officer in charge of special events, will supervise the memorial service.
Participating in the ritual will be Lance L. Gibbs, past commander of the Kilmer post, not a member of High Park Post No. 88; County Legion Commander John J. Kennedy of the Carteret Post No. 63; Past Commander Benjamin Sunshine of the Harry Hansen Post of Fords; Michael Petran, county ritual officer of Woodbridge Post No. 87, and Michael Puskas, finance officer of Kilmer post.
All those appearing in the telecast will be garbed in Legion uniforms. The television studio will be draped with the national colors and Joyce Kilmer post flags. The ritual is expected to be seen by television set owners as far as Bridgeport, Conn., and Philadelphia, Pa.
Will Baltin, theatre-radio editor of The Daily Home News, and program director in charge of the television station, arranged the memorial service as part of the war activity series now being telecast over W2XWV. (Home News, May 29)

James Young, former reporter on the "Japan Advertiser" who once interviewed Hirohito, and who, at the outbreak of the war was placed in a Jap concentration camp, was a guest speaker on television station W6XAO, Los Angeles, Calif., last Monday [May 31]. Young, whose experiences will be the basis for a motion picture now in production at RKO, told a graphic story of his work in Japan. (Radio Daily, June 3)

JUNE

Tuesday, June 1 (postponed from Monday)
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

Thursday, June 3; Friday, June 4
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

Sunday, June 6
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. Seth Spalding, “Vocal Cut-Ups.”
8:45 Film: “Mission Accomplished” (OWI, 1942).
9:00 Pauline Alpert, piano.
9:15 Dennis James, sports.
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.


Monday, June 7
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

Thursday, June 10; Friday, June 11
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

PHILADELPHIA, June 6.—Television is spotting its cameras on the nitery floorshows. WPTZ, Philco television station, has scheduled pick-ups of the floorshows each week at DiPinto's Cafe and Lou's Moravian Bar. Television camera has also picked up the floorshows from the Swan Club and Lexington Casino. Because of their proximity to the television studios, WPTZ has been calling on the near-by nabe niteries rather than going into the downtown district. (Billboard, June 12)

Sunday, June 13
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. “A Sunday Afternoon.”
8:45 Film: “Doctors at War.”
9:00 Dennis James, sports.
9:15 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 “What Do You Know?” quiz.

Monday, June 14
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

Thursday, June 17; Friday, June 18
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

Sunday, June 20
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 p.m. Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:00 Dennis James, sports.
9:15 Film: “Bugville Romance” (1930, Van Beuren cartoon).
9:30 “Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.

Monday, June 21
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

Wednesday, June 23
W2XWV—84mc
Last Wednesday, five-year-old Bobby Hookey's television debut over Mutual facilities [W2XWV], had to be postponed when a defective tube exploded.... later that day, in trying to explain to his parents what had happened. Bobby said, "The station blew up". (Radio Daily, June 25)

Periodic spurt in television activity culminated yesterday with the announcement of a production tie-up between DuMont Television and WOR, Mutual's New York outlet. Arrangement will add another full hour of live broadcasting to the DuMont schedule which is the only one of the local broadcasters offering live studio entertainment. Station will celebrate a year of telecasting June 28 [sic], with a gala 90-minute presentation. Both the WOR series and the current Sunday and Wednesday night series are via W2XWV.
In the WOR-DuMont deal, WOR's program department will produce and present a series of experimental television shows, Tuesday evenings, about 8:30 p.m., starting July 6. Broadcasts will originate from the DuMont studios at Madison Ave. Others on WOR's staff, such as J. R. Poppele, chief engineer, technicians, announcers, artists, directors, writers, etc., will participate in the new project with WOR footing the bills. Most of those who will be affiliated with the programming will be WOR staffers, but any free-lance talent rung in will also be paid for by WOR.
Station will offer its new activity to advertisers and agencies who are now using WOR, so that they can adapt their productions for television and join in the experimentation. Commercial plugs, however, will be omitted.
Project represents the second in WOR's Post War Planning program. The first, announced in April, was a survey among agencies to ascertain post-war plans of advertisers. WOR's own application for television station has been reinstated but will remain dormant for the duration.
Seebach To Be In Charge
J. F. Seebach, v.-p. in charge of programs will head the WOR staff on this latest project. He will be assisted by Ray Nelson, director of daytime programs; Robert A. Simon, director of continuity; Ann Honeycutt, executive producer; Roger Gower and Sherman "Jock" MacGregor, staff directors. Audiences will be invited via announcements during broadcasts, to express opinions and make suggestions on the productions. To celebrate its first anniversary of studio telecasting, DuMont will offer the "Cavalcade of DuMont Stars" at 8:30 p.m., EWT, next Sunday. Among the talent participating will be Pauline Alpert, Chuck Palmer and his Royal Rangers, Arthur Boran, Jolly Bill Steinke, Texas Jim Robertson and Jean Lewis, Lillian MacLellan and Bobby Hastings, Charlie Taylor, Doug Allen, Sam Cuff, Dennis James and others. (Radio Daily, June 23)

Thursday, June 24; Friday, June 25
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.

NEW YORK, June 26.—Local 802, musicians’ union, this week advised its members that scale for the Dumont television station, W2XWV, is $12 per program and $6 per hour for rehearsal, with a minimum of one hour required.
Video outlet had been using musicians for its Wednesday evening “experimental” telecasts and paying them what 802 calls “carfare” money. Union will police further shows at this station. (Billboard, July 3).

Sunday, June 27
W2XWV—84mc
8:30 to 10 p.m. Station anniversary party with Texas Jim Robertson, Pauline Alpert, Jean Lewis, Charlie Taylor, Nick Kenny and others.

Monday, June 28
WNBT—55.75mc
4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid warden instructions.
8:30 Films.

Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, Inc., with offices, laboratories and plants in Passaic, N. J., have just filed with the FCC a request for the reinstatement of a commercial television station application for Washington, D. C. The station will operate on Channel 1 or 50,000 to 56,000 kilocycles.
Already the Du Mont organization is operating a New York television station, W2XWV, at 515 Madison Ave., on a scheduled program basis. (Radio Daily, June 29)



Want a peek at 1943 television? The Heinl Radio Business Letter of February 23, 1943 wrote of a short film available to schools, churches, service clubs and such: “The wonders of home entertainment made possible through the medium of television are presented in General Electric's new television movie, "Sightseeing at Home", which has just been released. The movie was made at General Electric's Television Studio, WRGB, at Schenectady, New York.”

Parts of this film were later used in a 1945 Army-Navy Screen magazine short on television.