None of that expense was borne by TV stations broadcasting baseball at the start of the 1947 season. And it seems just about all of them were doing it.
Mind you, there were only ten commercial stations on the air at the time. All but one aired ball games; W6XAO lost out because competitor KTLA broadcast both Pacific Coast League teams in the Los Angeles area. An eleventh would join them in mid-season, having signed a sponsor before returning to the air. The games included Jackie Robinson's first major league appearance (he scored the winning run for the Brooklyn Dodgers that way).
April 1947 saw the FCC decide who would get the four available television licenses for New York City. None would be on the air before 1948. And the month also witnessed at 5 a.m. broadcast, the Easter Sunrise service in Los Angeles.
Available schedules for the first half of the month are below, along with news and reviews. Papers in Washington and Schenectady did not publish TV listings yet.
Tuesday, April 1
WNBT Channel 4, New York
8:00 Opening of the New York City Cancer Committee Drive, Hotel Astor.
WABD Channel 5, New York
7:00-8:00 “Movies for Small Fry” hosted by Bob Emery.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:30 Variety program.
7:30 Behind the Headlines.
7:45 Film: Short Subjects.
8:00 Variety program.
8:15 Film: Short Subjects.
8:30 “Jailbait.”
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 and 1:00-5:00 Test Chart.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
2:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles Angels vs. Portland Beavers, Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
8:30 Wrestling.
9:00 Western Film.
Wednesday, April 2
WABD Channel 5, New York
8:45-11:00 Boxing at Jamaica Arena, Maurice (Lefty) Lachance vs. Tony La Bua, eight rounds, Charley Titone vs. Joe Ganby, six rounds. Sponsored by American Stores.
3:00 Variety program.
8:30 Wrestling from Rainbo Arena, Russ Davis announcing.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 Test Chart.
2:00 to 3:00 Philadelphia Electric Company Presents Television Matinee. “Menu of the Day,” Florence P. Hanford, home economist; “Rhythm in the Rich Manner,” Paul Rich, harmonica; short subjects; “Guest Time: Moore Fashions,” by Miss F. Chantry Coe, Head of Fashion Design Dept., Moore Institute of Art.
3:00-5:00 and 6:30-7:30 Test Chart.
8:00 “Philadelphia Portrait” direct from Philadelphia Main Post Office.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00-4:00 Film program.
2:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles Angels vs. Portland Beavers, Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
8:30 American Bowling Congress Tournament, National Guard Armory.
The advent of April and the prospect of real spring brought an announcement of increased “live” television programming from station WBKB yesterday. Besides telecasting all the home games or the Chicago Cubs this season. WBKB will televise the pre-season games of the White Sox and Cubs April 11 and 12, Capt. William C. Eddy, manager of the station disclosed.
WBKB also will undertake to telecast several plays this spring. A full hour’s production of the Passion play has been arranged for next Sunday evening, starting at 8:30 p. m. And Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” now enjoying a Broadway revival, will be offered Sunday night, April 13.
WBKB cameramen were put to a severe test recently during the telecast of wrestling matches from the Midway arena. A grunt and groan expert by the name of Barthou hurled one Dorsetti out of the ring into the laps of the customers and then followed him out. They continued their pummeling somewhat beyond the clear reach of the lens-men. Both were disqualifted. (Chi Trib., Apr. 2)
Thursday, April 3
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
8:15 CBS Television News with Douglas Edwards, sponsored by Gulf.
8:30 “All New York Junior High School Quiz.”
9:00 “Your Song For Tonight,” Peggy Ann Ellis.
9:03 Drama: “The Case of the Frightened Operator.
9:33 Basketball at Madison Square Garden, sponsored by Ford.
Weather reports sponsored by Reid’s Ice Cream.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
7:50 NBC Television Newsreel.
8:00 “Juvenile Jury” from NBC’s Studio 8-G with Jack Barry, sponsored by Gaines Dog Food, relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
8:30 “Birdseye Open House: “Guest Book,” Harriet Van Horne, interviews, sponsored by Birdseye Frozen Foods.
8:45 “Birdseye Open House: “I Love to Eat,” James Beard, food preparation, sponsored by Birdseye Frozen Foods.
9:00 “You Are an Artist” with John Gnagy, sponsored by Gulf Oil, relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
9:11 Television Newsreel.
WABD Channel 5, New York
2:00 Bob Emery’s Camera Tests.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00 Variety program.
7:30 “Over Shoemaker’s Shoulder,” drawing show.
7:40 Film: “Jungle Menace.”
8:00 Songs by the Honey Dreamers.
8:15 Variety program.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 and 2:00-5:00 Test Chart.
7:50 NBC programs.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 Newscast and picturescast.
3:15 Film show, "Money at Work".
3.30 Interview with Dr. Roland G. Usher, the commentator.
3:43 Film, "Second Hungarian Rhapsody."
4:00 Man on the Street.
4:30 Film shows.
7:00 News forum.
7:15 Film show.
7:30 Film short, "Jan Christian Smuts."
7:30 News in Sports, sponsored by Griesedieck Brothers Brewery.
8:00 Junior Board of Review Fashion Show
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Film program for television dealers.
8:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
8:30 Short subject.
8:40 Los Angeles Presents.
9:00 Lest We Forget.
Harriet Van Horne
Reviewed Thursday (3) 8:45-9:05 p.m. Style—Interview. Sponsor—General Foods. Agency—Young & Rubicam. Station—WNBT (NBC, New York).
There's no reason why, despite an unfortunate premiere, this new General Foods video series, featuring Harriet Van Horne, radio editor of The New York World-Telegram, shouldn't eventually become a pleas- ant quarter-hour interview session. The mistakes and faults of the tee-off session were painfully obvious; yet, because they were obvious, they can be remedied easily. Format is simple, presenting Miss Van Home at her typewriter, working at interviewing her guests. Visitors on this program were Sally Victor, hat designer; Mrs. Walter Thornton, model, and Donald Bain, bird imitator. Bain and Miss Victor present a natural affinity for television, but the originally projected thought was not pursued.
Continuity Lacking
Where the show fell down was in its lack of continuity, evident from the very first moment. The opening had Miss Van Home interviewing Bain, with virtually no introduction for either, and after a quick gander at Bain's repertoire of sound effects, switched to Miss Victor and a display of her newer and seemingly more alarming and ungainly millinery creations. What bogged this feature—one of obvious interest to femmes—was a glaring lack of close-ups, plus the fact that both gals gabbed away at the same time, effectively muddling the listener -viewer. Unimaginative camera work, giving virtually no mobility or fluidity, helped make for a diffuse and jumbled program. Commercial for Birdseye frozen foods was obtrusive and overly cute. It consisted of a brief interlude in which an announcer made a hat out of a lamp shade and assorted frozen tasties. If the program sticks to using commercials keyed to guests, what will be done next week when ex-pug Mickey Walker is to be on hand? A plug for cauliflower, of course. With ham.
Rehearsals Needed
Quite obviously, Miss Van Horne's program needs more rehearsal, not only for lines—especially since it's mostly ad lib—but for camera, as well. The static nature of the first show was a distinct handicap thruout.
Roger Muir directed for NBC; Wes McKee pinch-hit as the agency producer, subbing for Dave Levy. Jerry Franken. (Billboard, Apr. 12)
Friday, April 4
WNBT Channel 48:00 “Campus Hoopla” with Clair Bee, coach of the Long Island U. basketball team, sponsored by U.S. Rubber Co., relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
8:30 Easter Choir.
8:45 “The World in Your Home,” sponsored by RCA, relayed to WRGB.
9:00 Film: “Journey Into Faith.”
Time Signal sponsored by Benrus.
WABD Channel 5, New York
8:30-11:00 Wrestling from Jamaica Arena.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00 Variety program.
7:30 “Telechats,” sponsored by The Fair.
7:45 Short subjects.
8:00 “Telequizzicalls,” sponsored by Commonwealth Edison.
8:30 Boxing from Madison Arena, seven contests.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 Test Chart.
2:00 to 3:00 Philadelphia Electric Company Presents Television Matinee. “Menu of the Day,” Florence P. Hanford, home economist; “Rhythm in the Rich Manner,” Paul Rich, harmonica; short subjects; “Guest Time: Variety Show” with the Haines Marionettes.
3:00-5:00 and 6:30-7:30 Test Chart.
8:00 NBC programs.
9:11 Sears Vizi-Quiz.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 Newscast and picturescast.
3:15 Film shows.
3:30 Roosevelt High School chorus.
4:00 Man on the Street.
4:30 Film shows.
7:20 Film short: “Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.”
7:30 Motion Picture Club.
8:00 Feature film: Tex Ritter and White Flash in “Hittin the Trail” (Grand National, 1937).
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
2:30 Test Pattern.
3:00 Story of Coffee.
3:45 Cartooon music.
4:00 16th Century Art.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
2:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. Portland Beavers, Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
8:30 Cartoon, variety.
9:00 Feature film.
Baseball
Reviewed Friday (4), 2:30 p.m. Style—Baseball remote. Sustaining over KTLA (Paramount), Hollywood.
In taking its cameras down to Wrigley Field for on-the-spot scanning of baseball games, KTLA, is giving dealers another good sales argument why it's good to own a set. What hits the screen is of sufficient merit to warrant buying a receiver, with lensers putting up a good fight to deliver enough to keep tele-viewing baseball fans wide-eyed.
KTLA is shooting the game from all angles, endeavoring to give the looker as much as possible while itself experimenting in an effort to discover the best vantage point which would give a more complete picture of what happens on the diamond. So far, it has been shooting across home plate, bringing in the pitcher and batter, and has succeeded to some extent in giving viewers a better-than-bleacher look at what transpires.
For a starter, outlet and its crew is delivering beyond expectations, but is far from having all the answers at this stage of the game. While close-ups of base men point up the superiority of the tele medium as compared to watching the game from the stands, it would help to gain a more complete understanding of what's going on if the close-ups could be preceded at times by shots of the entire diamond.
Bill Welch knows his sports and is turning in a noteworthy job in the gab department. Would help if a crowd mike could be used to relay some of the game's excitement to living room lookers. Lee Zhito, (Billboard, Apr. 12)
Saturday, April 5
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
3:30 Racing at Jamaica Track, Paumonck Handicap.
7:45 CBS Television News with Tom O’Connor; Passover film.
8:00 Variety Showcase.
8:30 Feature Film.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
3:15 Racing at Jamaica Track, Paumonck Handicap.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:30 Science Museum pickup.
8:30 Ninth Annual Chicago Invitational Professional Basketball Tournament at the Chicago Stadium. Oshkosh All-Stars (National) vs. Herkimer (N.Y. State), Anderson Packers (National) vs. Pittsburgh, Dow Chemicals (Midland) vs. Syracuse (National).
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
3:15 NBC programs.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00-5:00 Film shows.
8:30 Basketball (B.A.A.) game from the Arena: St. Louis Bombers vs. Philadelphia, sponsored by Hyde Park Beer.
KTLA Channel 5
2:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
2:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. Portland, Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
8:30 American Bowling Congress Tournament, Exposition Park Armory.
Television had its own day at the races last Saturday (5) with the opening of the Jamaica. N. Y., track and proved beyond the last shadow of a doubt that if a sports event is interesting enough in itself, it represents almost ideal tele fare.
Feature Paumonok handicap was picked up by both WCBS-TV (CBS, N. Y.) and WNBT (NBC, N. Y.), and although a comparison of the work of the two crews is in order, the almost equal deftness with which they handled the event rides out such a procedure. CBS cameramen, working under the able direction of Herbert Bayard Swope, Jr., did manage to pick up more interesting shots, including a front view of the horses pounding down the homestretch, but NBC's crew, under Burke Crotty, fared better on the extremely long shot across the track to the starting gate.
CBS is to be commended on its novel introduction of the telecast, which comprised a series of film shorts dealing with horse racing. NBC came on the air half an hour earlier to pick Up the fourth race as well as the handicap event. During the jockeys weighing-in process, both crews presented interesting trackside interviews with turf authorities, showed the parimutuel board with showed the pari-mutuel board with themselves busy.
Weather was probably the worst in track history, with a continual downpour of rain turning the turf into a minor river. Cameras, posted atop the grandstand, were forced to focus across almost a quarter-mile of sheeted rain to pick up the starting gate and the fact they were able to get any kind of a picture at all represents an achievement for the super-sensitive image orthicon tube. Picture was blurry for the most part on the far side of the track, growing steadily clearer as the horses rounded the far turn and headed into the stretch.
Of the commentators, NBC had all the better of the deal with vet narrator Clem McCarthy. The guy probably knows more horses by their first names than any other commentator extant and his clipped, staccato voice added considerably to the excitement. CBS tried the novel experiment of using the same commentator (Joe Palmer of the N. Y. Herald Tribune sports staff) for both its radio and tele pickups, but it just didn't work out. As was to be expected, Palmer kept stressing the visual details which were perfectly visible to the tele audience. At the photo finish, he was undecided about the winner, although the cameras posted almost directly across from the tape furnished better than a photograph for viewers.
All in all. though, the twin telecasts marked another step in television's forward progress, as well as a boon to the working bookie. Stal. (Variety, Apr. 9)
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
12:00 Easter Parade up 5th Avenue, Gloria Swanson commentating.
7:15 Film: “The Way of Peace” with Lew Ayres, written and directed by Frank Tashlin (Wartburg Press, 1947).
8:10 Millinery Fashion Show, 15 hat designers exhibit Easter creations.
8:30 “Party Line” with John Reed King.
Weather reports sponsored by Reid’s Ice Cream.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
12:30 Easter Parade
4:00 Church Service.
8:00 “Tele-Varities,” sponsored by Ipana Toothpaste/Minit-Rub.
8:30 NBC Television Theatre: “Variation on a Theme.
9:00 Film: “Story of the Resurrection.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:00 Film.
8:30 Passion Play.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:50 Easter Service direct from Christ Church and St. Michael’s.
12:30 NBC program.
8:00 NBC programs.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
2:00 Film show.
2:30 Pictures and a description of the Easter parade from Kingshighway and Lindell boulevard.
3:30-4:00 Film Show.
7:00 Film show.
8:00 Talk by Dr. James W. Clarke, pastor Second Presbyterian Church.
8:30 Choral Concert with C. Calvin Ringgenberg, organist.
KTLA Channel 5
5:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service.
1:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. Portland (double-header), Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
8:30 Cartoon comedy.
9:00 “Hits and Bits,” variety with Dick Lane.
Forest Lawn Easter Sunrise Service
Reviewed Sunday (6), 5-6:30 a.m. Style—Remote pick-up of Easter Service. Sustaining over KTLA (Paramount), Hollywood.
This was tele as it should be, tele at its best. During its relatively short life this outlet has delivered some noteworthy video fare, but with this pick-up of the Forest Lawn Easter Sunrise Service Paramount has outdone itself by coming thru with a scanning of rare calibre.
To its advantage, outlet had top talent for material: Lawrence Tibbett, Werner Janssen conducting the Janssen Symphony Orchestra, a 500-mixed voice."living cross" choir, op- eratic soprano Marina Koshetz, thesps William Farnum and Edward Arnold, as well as the speaker, Dr. William Pope Binns, prexy of William Jewell College. To its credit, KTLA made fullest use of the wealth of talent available and took full tele advantage of the beautiful setting.
For the first time since the Petrillo tele ban, viewers here could enjoy the sight and sound pleasures of live music. Klaus Lansberg, KTLA director, secured special permission from the American Federation of Musicians' head to pick up the Janssen ork, Petrillo nodding approval since it concerned a religious program. The telephoto eye moved in on the Janssen baton. Early-morning lookers saw the full symphony orchestra respond, felt the air swell with the richness of the Bach-Respighi Passacaglia. As the music continued, the long-shot camera cut in, shooting across the heads of the more-than-50,000 persons assembled, showing the mass of worshippers, the flag-draped orchestra shell and to the left the black-and-white gowned choristers that formed the impressive "living cross."
Telephoto lens was again brought into play for close-ups of Tibbett singing Gloria and The Lord's Prayer; Miss Koshetz as she provided vocal meaning to the Bach-Gounod Ave Maria; Edward Arnold's deep-voiced declamation of the Story of the Resurrection as told in the Gospel according to St. Matthew, and William Farnum's reading of The Master Is Coming. Close-up of the latter was especially effective, since Farnum used facial expressions to a great extent interpreting the classic.
At no time was the screen static, nor did Lansberg in the control booth resort to excessive camera switching. So flawless was the scanning, so well co-ordinated with the program was the cutting from camera to camera that the broadcast resembled a closely edited film, rather than a live pick-up. A few memorable examples of fine video technique: When Dr. Binns, during his address, dwelled upon the beauty of the near -by rolling hills, the tele eye moved away from the speaker's rostrum for a sweeping panorama view of the landscape. The image orthicon was able to pull in the mist-cloaked hills despite the dim light of early dawn, and amazingly enough, picked up the moon clearly as it hung low over the horizon. Another example of fine lensing co-ordination was evidenced during Miss Koshetz's singing of the Ave Maria. As music swelled to a climax, Lansberg ordered the camera to move across the accompanying orchestra, past the "living cross" chorus, sweeping over the shrubbery and flower banks, until it reached the Tower of Legends. As the music built toward its final crescendo, the camera panned slowly up the stately Forest Lawn landmark. When soloist, chorus and orchestra hit the final chord, camera brought into full view the great cross atop the tower to add emotional impact.
At the close of the service Dick Lane captured the prevailing Easter Sunday spirit in stirring commentary. The cameras again turned to the surrounding scenery and a few random shots of the park's near -by points of interest. To round out what was doubtless the area's best tele offering in recent years, the camera fittingly turned for the fade-out on one of the park's mammoth Bible-shaped placques bearing a quotation from the scriptures. Lee Zhito. (Billboard, Apr. 19)
WNBT Channel 4, New York
8:00 Army Day Film.
8:15 Film: “Cattle Stampede” with Buster Crabbe and Fuzzy St. John (PRC, 1943).
9:00 Esso Reporter, newsreel narrated by Paul Alley.
9:10 “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports”: Boxing at St. Nicholas Arena, Bert Lytell vs. Sam Baroudi middleweights, relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
WABD Channel 5, New York
8:00 “Around the Town.”
8:15 Film Short.
8:45 Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena, Sponsored by American Stores.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00 Variety.
8:00 Video Report to America.
8:30 Wrestling from Midway arena, Russ Davis announcing.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 Test Chart.
2:00 to 3:00 Philadelphia Electric Company Presents Television Matinee. “Menu of the Day,” Florence P. Hanford, home economist; “Rhythm in the Rich Manner,” Paul Rich, harmonica; short subjects; “Guest Time: Have Fun While You Garden” with Miss Jane King.
3:00-5:00 and 6:30-7:30 Test Chart.
7:45 “Pleased to Meet You.”
8:00 NBC programs.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 Weather forecast.
3:30 Army Day show.
3:50 Film.
4:00 Man on the Street, Frank Eschen, m.c.
4:30 Films.
7:00 Jewish Passover program, Rabbi Ferdinand M. Isserman.
7:20 Film.
7:30 Man on the Street.
8:00 Feature film.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
2:30 Test slides and Music.
6:30 Test slides and Music.
8:30 Films: “Tropical Seas.”
9:15 Live: “The Villain Still Pursued Her” by True Boardman.
10:00 Film, “Home Safe Home.”
10:10 to 10:20 Film, “Freight Train.”
The Villain Still Pursues Her
Reviewed Monday (7), 9:00-10:00 p.m, Style—Old-time melodrama. Presented sustaining over W6XAO (Don Lee) Hollywood.
With tonight's poor live show, Don Lee gave the tele clock a resounding thud in its sensitive vitals. It's programs of such mediocre caliber which makes the struggling video medium seem infantile and impotent—and adds fresh fuel to the fertile fires of criticism.
Tonight's vehicle was a tired retread of the gay '90s melodrama, complete with handlebar mustaches, olio acts; plus a stock version of the usual "give me the gal—or I'll foreclose on the old homestead" theme. Perhaps a few of the old timers might enjoy this type of corny offering, but it is doubtful if the majority of viewers who plunked down big dough for tele sets were satisfied with such skimpy fare. Moreover, stretching a mediocre skit into an hour-long "production" only made matters worse.
Writer-Producer True Boardman (who knows better) enlisted a cast from AFRA's refresher course to handle these chores. Despite Boardman's efforts, however, production generally appeared to have been tossed together with little thought of co-ordination, falling flat in an attempt to build tongue-in-cheek humor. Technically, outlet has done much better. Picture quality was poor arid inconsistent; indifferent lighting didn't help the situation. Only plus quality were adequate settings a bit on the novel side.
Were tonight's seg to be analyzed solely on its own merits, it could be written off as a show which failed. In a broader sense, however, outlet not only injures its own rep with such negative programing, but does the Coast tele industry a great disservice. With the much-heralded T-Day behind them, Don Lee should be knocking its brains out to provide top programing for prospective set owners.
If, because of physical, technical, or financial limitations, station is unable to snare top talent, writing and production at this time, then perhaps a temporary blackout of live programing is in order. Certainly, home viewers would rather see good all-film programs than to waste tubes on fourth-rate live shows. It will take Don Lee weeks of good programing to live down this turkey. Alan Fischler. (Billboard, Apr. 19)
Tuesday, April 8
WABD Channel 5, New York
7:00-8:00 “Movies for Small Fry” hosted by Bob Emery.
8:00 Variety Show.
9:30 “Serving Through Science,” sponsored by U.S. Rubber, relayed to WTTG.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:30 Variety program.
7:30 “Behind the Headlines.”
8:00 “Looking at Life.”
8:30 “The Diamond Necklace.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-11:30 and 1:00-5:00 Test Chart.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Film program for television dealers.
8:00 Tune Up Time: test slides and music.
8:30 Boxing bouts at Olympic Stadium, Fabella Chavez vs. Alfredo Escobar.
9:00 Western Feature film.
Process, which is an adaptation of a high-speed instrument developed by Kodak during the war, employs heated photographic chemicals and a special heat resistant film, the use of which is expected to greatly expand television’s ability to bring on-the-spot news coverage.
Yesterday’s [8] demonstration, which was witnessed by the press, FCC engineers and industry execs, showed the manner in which special events could be filmed at remote points and telecast within a matter of minutes after the occurrence. Observers were photographed before a United Air lines DC-3 at Southwest Airport immediately which flew to Atlantic City and returned here with films—taken en route and developed aboard—complete for telecast. Newsmen saw the films shortly after arrival at the Germantown Cricket Club as telecast from WPTZ. Entire operation, in which 200 feet of film was used, required about an hour and 40 minutes. (Radio Daily, Apr. 9)
Wednesday, April 9
WNBT Channel 4, New York
9:15-12:30 Spelling Bee, To Hall.
12:30 Spelling Bee continued.
WABD Channel 5, New York
7:59 Program notes.
8:00 Wanamaker’s Doll Theatre.
8:30 Film Shorts.
8:45-11:00 Boxing at Jamaica Arena. Sanders Cox vs. Andy Peppe, eight rounds, four six-round matches. Sponsored by American Stores.
3:00 Variety.
8:30 Wrestling from Rainbo arena, Russ Davis announcing.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 Test Chart.
2:00 to 3:00 Philadelphia Electric Company Presents Television Matinee. “Menu of the Day,” Florence P. Hanford, home economist; “Rhythm in the Rich Manner,” Paul Rich, harmonica; short subjects; “Guest Time: Table Silver as We Use It” by Lloyd Eastwood Seibold, Dept. of Decoration, J.E. Caldwell and Co.
3:00-5:00 and 6:30-7:30 Test Chart.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Film program for television dealers.
2:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. Oakland Oaks, Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune Up Time: test slides and music.
8:30 American Bowling Congress Championships, National Guard Armory.
Scheduled televising today of the opening of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Show from Madison Square Garden, New York, has been postponed until a later performance to be announced. Program which was to be sponsored by Ford Motors, and televised by WCBS-TV, was postponed due to the death of Henry Ford. (Radio Daily, Apr. 9)
Thursday, April 10
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
8:15 CBS Television News with Douglas Edwards, sponsored by Gulf.
8:30 “All New York Junior High School Quiz.”
9:00 “Your Song For Tonight,” Judy Lynn.
9:03 Drama: Noel Coward’s “Fumed Oak” with Haila Stoddard and Vaughn Taylor.
Weather reports sponsored by Reid’s Ice Cream.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
7:50 Television Newsreel.
8:00 “Juvenile Jury” from NBC’s Studio 8-G with Jack Barry, sponsored by Gaines Dog Food, relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
8:30 “Birdseye Open House: “Guest Book,” Harriet Van Horne, interviews.
8:45 “Birdseye Open House: “I Love to Eat,” James Beard, food.
9:00 “You Are an Artist” with John Gnagy, sponsored by Gulf Oil, relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
9:11 Our Submarine Service, pick-up from U.S.S. Trumpetfish as it submerges, interview with Rear Admiral James Fife, Jr.
WABD Channel 5, New York
8:00 Navy Film: “Our Silent Service.”
8:45 Basketball Association of America at Washington, D.C., Game 4 finals: Chicago Stags vs. Washington Capitols, Play-by-play with Bob Wolff, relayed from WTTG.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00 Variety program.
7:30 “Over Shoemaker’s Shoulder,” drawing show.
7:40 Film: “Jungle Menace.”
8:00 “Cavalcade of Medicine.”
8:30 Sport show.
9:45 Ninth Annual Chicago Invitational Professional Basketball Tournament finals from Chicago Stadium, Toledo Jeeps vs. Indianapolis Lautskys.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 and 2:00-5:00 Test Chart.
7:50 NBC programs.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 Interviews with Costa Rican beauty contest winners.
3:30 Senior Girl Scouts Conference program. 3:45 Film, "Atomic Energy."
4:00 Man on the Street, Frank Eschen. m.c.
4:30 Films, “Alias St. Nick” (MGM/Harman-Ising, 1934) and “Land Builders.”
7:00 St. Louis Personalities.
7:20 News film: “the Easter parade in New York.”
7:30 Dr. Roland G. Usher, commentator.
7:40 Film, "Range Riders."
8:00 News in sports, sponsored by Griesedieck Brothers Beer.
8:20 Film, "Devil Drivers."
8:30 News forum; film show.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Program for television dealers.
8:00 Tune Up Time, Test Pattern and music.
8:30 Short subject.
8:40 “Your Town: Los Angeles Presents.”
9:00 “Lest We Forget,” army show.
JUVENILE JURY
With Jack Barry, panel
Producer: Herb Leder
Director: Ed Sobol
Set: Bob Wade
30 Mins., Thurs., 8 p. m.
GENERAL FOODS
WNBT-NBC, N. Y.
(Benton & Bowles)
"Jury" stacks up as a fair firster, which could be whipped into a highly entertaining show with a little more tightening, pacing and production effort. Single mistake on the part of the NBC production staff, though, almost ruined the preem. Five precocious moppets who form the jury, working entirely ad lib under the bantering guidance of Jack Barry, are a show in themselves as far as the visual angle is concerned, with their grimaces, gestures and generally unrestrained performances. Answers and suggestions to some of the questions should draw plenty of snickers from the sophisticates, as well as the kids' parents.
Format follows almost exactly that of the radio show. Kids are seated in a jury box; with Barry in the judge's chair and a special witness box devised for visiting moppets, who present their individual problems to the jury. Barry handles the show well, although he was apparently conscious of the cameras staring him in the eye constantly during the preem show. Way he refrains from patronizing the kids evidently brings out their best answers, thereby adding plenty to the show.
WNBT stages this one in its studio 8G to take advantage of the studio audience its regular tele studio can't accommodate, which necessitates the use of image orthicon cameras. Fact that NBC director Ed Sobol had to cut down to the film projection room caused the big mistake. Sobol cued the film cut-in almost a minute too soon, with the result the film overlapped the live pickup for an unforgiveable error.
Commercials plugging Gaines' Dog Food were overlong, comprising the usual opening and closing filmed shost [sic], plus two inserts. Latter could have Been grouped into one at the halfway mark for better results. In all, though, the show gives promise of eventually being better on tele than it is on radio, and registers an okay preem performance for Herb Leder, producer for Benton & Bowles. Stal. (Variety, Apr. 9)
GUEST BOOK
With Harriet Van Horne; Sally Victor, Donald Bain, Mrs. Walter Thornton, guests
Producer: Wes McKee
Director: Roger Muir
13 Mins.; Thurs., 8:45 p. m.
GENERAL FOODS
WNBT-NBC, N. Y.
(Young & Rubicam)
Harriet Van Home, N. Y. World-Telegram's radio editor, made an inauspicious television debut in "Guest Book," third stanza of General Foods' new Thursday night session on WNBT (NBC, N. Y.). Show suffered particularly from its unoriginality and the fact that Miss Van Horne, while photogenic enough, lacked sufficient sparkle to imbue a series of dull interviews with any degree of interest.
Format is one of those tried and found wanting by tele programmers years ago, but which has stuck around to plague the industry because of its low cost and simplicity. Miss Van Home simply sits in a simulated living room and talks things over with what are supposed to be interesting personalities who drop in. For the preem show, the columnist had Donald Bain, radio sound effects man, who makes with the eerie bird calls, and hat designer Sally Victor, who brought along Mrs. Walter Thornton to model her latest Easter creations.
Things were tough enough when Bain had the floor, since the guy, though adept at his particular vocation, is not a personality in himself. When Miss Victor walked in, however, the show took on the semblance of a ladies' sewing circle, with nothing to be heard but a lot of women's gab, which could hardly have been appreciated even by the distaff viewers. Mrs. Thornton was pretty enough to attract interest, but she wasn't seen often enough.
Birdesye commercials were handled adequately and were unobtrusive, although the stunt of rigging up a "Birdseye" hat for Bain to wear must have made the viewers squirm as much as Bain did. Stal. (Variety, Apr. 9)
"I Love to Eat," 15-minute package featuring gourmet James Beard, constitutes the second stanza of General Food's new hour-long session Thursday nights on WNBT (NBC, N. Y.). Fact that the show was picked up by WNBT as a sustainer after Borden's dropped it several months ago indicates it has attracted considerable viewing interest and, with Young & Rubicam handling both Borden's and the G-F accounts, it was a natural for G-F to take over.
Beard runs the entire 15 minutes by himself, with the format unchanged since its inception. Beard, stationed in a neatly-designed modern kitchen, demonstrates the correct techniques for cooking up various dishes to suit the gourmets' palates. Although the guy stumbles rather badly at times in his lines, he's adept with the kitchen utensils and keeps the show perking. This program will really come into its own when it can be slotted into the early afternoon hours, since it's a near-perfect piece for hausfraus.
Beard integrates the Birdseye commercials into his running commentary and naturally uses the product in his food. (Variety, Apr. 9)
Viewers were let in on the actual working conditions inside a sub, getting a ringside view directly over the crew's shoulders as the craft submerged and went through a simulated torpedo attack before surfacing. With three image orthicon cameras inside the USS Trumpetfish and another on the dock beside it at Brooklyn Navy Yard. N. Y., producer Noel Jordan handled the show expertly, with interest sustained at a high pitch for the entire 90 minutes the program was on the air. Signal for the tele pictures was transmitted from the submerged sub via coaxial cable strung through the spare periscope to a mobile unit on the dock and from there by microwave transmission to the WNBT transmitter.
Show opened with Rear Adm. James Fife, Jr., whose appointment as sub commander for the Atlantic Fleet was announced during the telecast, speaking from the WNBT studio on the 47th and of the Navy's first purchase of a sub. Terming the implications of the show "tremendous." Adm. Fife declared that "visual communication between submarines in enemy harbors and bombers attacking those harbors," as well as target data transmitted from one submerged sub to another without either submerging, were demonstrated by the telecast. Jordan then cut over to the Navy Yard for the viewers' actual tour of duty inside the sub.
With NBC announcers Bob Stanton and Ray Forrest handling the interviews, the audience was introduced to crew members who told about their work and demonstrated the living and eating conditions inside the craft. As Commander Kenneth G. Schacht ordered the sub to go under, Jordan cut to a camera placed directly behind the sailor handling the air control, with all gadgets and the numerous dials perfectly visible. At 58 feet, Stanton took over to interview Commander Schacht during the simulated attack, with the only thing missing being a view through the skipper's periscope.
Despite the very close confines of the sub, the cameras presented probably as much as possible of the boat's workings. Jordan spent more than a week at the sub's home base in New London, Conn., before the show, supervising the installation of tracks throughout the corridors of the Trumpetfish on which the cameras could dolly back and forth and swing from one room to another. Informality of the affair, traceable mostly to the way Stanton and Forrest conducted the interviews, added considerably to its appeal.
Every once in a while television will come up with a show like this one to revive interest and enthusiasm in even the most jaded of video's constant viewers. It's to be hoped that more of similar calibre will follow. Stal. (Variety, Apr. 16)
Let's Face It
Reviewed Thursday (10), 3:30 to 3:50 p.m. Sustaining on WBKB, Chicago.
This show might qualify as radio material for Class B time on an independent station. But as television programing it fell far short of hitting the mark. It certainly would not be the kind of program to keep viewers tuned to WBKB if there were other stations in town offering competition.
Chief part of the show is that in which Jack Payne, program's conductor, interviews a masked personality who is supposed to be identified by listeners from the vocal hints dropped during the interview. Most of this could be done by radio. Only thing television had to offer was a view of the guest's body and part of his face. Interview conducted was not entertaining so this portion of the program was little more than a picture of two guys chatting together.
For rest of program Payne delivered tidbits of feature news, showing various props which called to mind the news incidents being dis- cussed. Here show had a little more value in that Payne's comments often had elements of humor. To make it stand up as real visual fare, however, Paynes should have utilized movie films (if they were available) or dramatizations of the incidents, and used his comment as background narration. The way news was delivered, however, made the entire program look like an attempt by WBKB to fill some time for which it was not willing to pay enough money to assure programing worth the audience's attention. Cy Wagner. (Billboard, Apr. 19)
Friday, April 11
WNBT Channel 4
8:00 “Campus Hoopla” with Clair Bee, coach of the Long Island U. basketball team, sponsored by U.S. Rubber Co., relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
8:30 “The World in Your Home,” sponsored by RCA, relayed to WRGB.
9:00 “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports”: Boxing from St. Nicholas Arena, Billy Fox vs. Georgie Kochan, light heavyweight, relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
Time Signal sponsored by Benrus.
WABD Channel 5, New York
8:00 Feature Film.
9:00-11:00 Wrestling from Jamaica Arena, sponsored by American Stores.
1:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, White Sox vs. Cubs, sponsored by Commonwealth Edison and Ford.
3:00 Variety program.
7:30 “Telechats,” sponsored by The Fair.
7:45 Short subjects.
8:00 “Telequizzicalls,” sponsored by Commonwealth Edison.
8:30 Boxing from Rainbo Arena.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 Test Chart.
2:00 to 3:00 Philadelphia Electric Company Presents Television Matinee. “Menu of the Day,” Florence P. Hanford, home economist; “Rhythm in the Rich Manner,” Paul Rich, harmonica; short subjects; “Guest Time: Variety Show” with the Haines Marionettes.
3:00-5:00 and 6:30-7:30 Test Chart.
8:00 NBC programs.
8:30 U. of P. Museum Presents: A Trip to Matto Grosso with Sasha Siemel.
9:00 NBC program.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 Film, “Lima.”
3:30 Interview on submarines, Commander Cornelius Callahan.
4:00 Man on the Street.
4:30 Films, “Candy Town” (aka Silvery Moon, Van Beuren, 1933), “High Over the Border.”8:30 Wrestling matches in the Auditorium, sponsored by Hyde Park Beer. Feature match: Wild Bill Longson vs. Bob Bulldog Wagner and Yvon Robert, one fall.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
2:30 Test Patterns and music.
3:00 Film: “Kentucky Rifles.”
3:10 Film: “General Election” (British Information). 3:30 Film: New York Calling” (Educational)
3:50 Travel Film: “Daughters of India.”
4:00-5:30 Live Drama.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Tune Up Time, test slides and music.
2:30 Baseball from Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. Oakland, Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune Up Time: test slides and music.
8:30 Cartoon Comedy.
8:40 Short Subject.
9:00 Feature Film.
Baseball returns to radio today. Baseball also will be on television this season. When the pre-season city series opens at Wrigley field this afternoon WIND and WJJD will be on hand with microphones to carry radio reports starting at 1:25. Television station WBKB will focus its cameras on the diamond at 1:30 p. m.
Bert Wilson again will he sitting in the WIND broadcasting booth covering all home games of the Cubs. Bob Elson is the man for WJJD which will follow the adventures of the White Sox when the league season opens. WBKB will telecast all the home games of the Cubs. Joe Wilson and Jack Brickhouse will be on hand today to supplement the pictures with comment. Harry Birch and Art Kambs will man the cameras. (Larry Wolters, Chi. Trib., Apr. 11)
Saturday, April 12
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
7:45 CBS Television News.
8:00 “There Ought to Be a Law,” discussion by high school students.
8:30 Feature Film.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
2:30 Baseball at the Polo Grounds: Giants vs. Cleveland Indians, Bob Stanton play-by-play.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:30 Basketball Association of America at Chicago Stadium, Game 5 final, Chicago Stags vs. Washington Capitols.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
8:00 NBC programs.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis2:10 Interviews at Sportsman's Park, sponsored by Griesedieck Brothers Brewery.
2:25 Cardinals-Browns baseball game, sponsored by Purity Bakeries.
7:00 Film, “Mr. Boggs Steps Out” with Stuart Erwin and Milburn Stone (Grand National, 1938).
8:10 Sports Closeups with Harry Caray.
8:30 Scott Field Army band concert; Lt. Col. Vernon M. Smith.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Tune Up Time, test slides and music.
2:30 Baseball from Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. Oakland, Bill Welch play-by-play.
4:30 Harness Race, Hollywood Park.
8:30 Sportsmen’s Show from Gilmore Stadium.
Harness Racing
Reviewed Saturday (12), 4:30-5 p.m. Style—Harness race remote pick-up. Sustaining over KTLA (Paramount), Hollywood.
This was one of three remote pick-ups beamed by KTLA in one day. Aside from accomplishing a rather unique technical feat of pulling in various events from three different (and distant) sectors of town, outlet made a noteworthy achievement in covering the harness race.
Set-buyers-to-be saw another facet of tele's potentialities, and racing fans should have been thoroly convinced with the advantages of following home flesh via video. Without a doubt, home lookers saw the race far better than anyone present at track-side. Camera following was so smoothly handled that the lead horses were centered on the screen at all times. Telephoto shots were used when horses reached far end of the track.
Dick Lane's commentary in describing the historic contest helped convey the atmosphere that accompanies the sport. This, coupled with the top-drawer lensing, made the seg a fitting and enjoyable piece of video fare. Lee Zhito. (Billboard, Apr. 26)
Sunday, April 13
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
7:15 Feature Film.
8:30 “Party Line” with John Reed King.
9:00 Brooklyn Dodgers Show, the ball team gets together in a studio warmup before the season’s baseball opener.
Weather reports sponsored by Reid’s Ice Cream.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
2:30 Baseball at the Polo Grounds: Giants vs. Cleveland Indians, Bob Stanton play-by-play.
8:00 “Tele-Varities,” sponsored by Ipana Toothpaste/Minit-Rub, relayed.
8:30 Film short, relayed.
8:40 “Show Business, Inc.” variety show, relayed.
9:00 Russian Easter, relayed.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:30 Baseball. White Sox vs. Cubs, sponsored by Commonwealth Edison and Ford.
8:00 Girls’ Barber Shop Quartet.
8:15 Film.
8:30 “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
8:00 NBC programs.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
2:10 Interviews at Sportsman's Park, sponsored by Griesedieck Brothers Brewery.
2:25 Cardinals-Browns baseball game, sponsored by Purity Bakeries.
7:00 Film show.
8:10 Art Museum program.
8:20 Talk by Dr. B. Frank Hall of the Central Presbyterian Church.
8:30 Choral Concert, C. Calvin Ringgenberg, organist.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
1:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. Oakland (double-header), Bill Welch play-by-play.
8:00 Tune up time, test slides, recorded music.
8:30 Cartoon comedy.
8:40 “Shopping at Home.”
8:55 Latest Paramount news highlights.
9:00 “Hits and Bits,” variety show, Mc’d by Dick Lane.
Television station KTLA’s “Shopping at Home” feature which Keith Hetherington and a young lady act out and announce without benefit of script provided us with a chuckle last Sunday nite [13]. The pair were demonstrating a hammock which they told the television audience was on sale at Sears-Roebuck. The girl, a curvaceous and beautiful character whose name escapes us for the moment, reclined prettily in the hammock so that viewers could see how comfortable and roomy it was. After some chatter back and forth Keith suggested she climb out of the hammock. “Oh, no,” she ad libbed prettily, “it’s so comfortable, I’ll just stay in it and be sold with the merchandise in the morning!” One can easily imagine a shortage of hammocks at Sears Roebuck if this type of thing keeps up! (Allen Rich, Valley Times, Apr. 16)
WNBT Channel 4, New York
8:00 Film: “Western Cyclone” with Buster Crabbe and Fuzzy St. John (PRC, 1943).
9:00 Esso Reporter, newsreel narrated by Paul Alley.
9:10 “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports”: Boxing at St. Nicholas Arena, Sandy Sadler vs. Charley Lewis, relayed to WRGB and WPTZ.
WABD Channel 5, New York
1:50 Yankees vs. Senators at Washington, Bob Wolff play-by-play, relayed from WTTG.
8:00 Films.
8:45 Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena, Sponsored by American Stores.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:30 Wrestling from Midway Arena, Russ Davis announcing.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 Test Chart.
2:00 to 3:00 Philadelphia Electric Company Presents Television Matinee. “Menu of the Day,” Florence P. Hanford, home economist; “Rhythm in the Rich Manner,” Paul Rich, harmonica; short subjects; “Guest Time: A Day With a Sub-Deb” by Mrs. Ella Waters, Strawbridge and Clothier. (last show of series).
3:00-5:00 and 6:30-7:30 Test Chart.
7:45 “Pleased to Meet You.”
8:00 NBC programs.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 Film shows.
4:00 Man on the Street.
4:30 Films.
7:00 Barbershop Quartet.
7:30 Man on the Street.
8:00 Fashion Review.
8:30 Film.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
2:30 Test patterns and music.
3:15 U.S. educational historical (film).
4:00-4:30 Live drama.
6:30 Test patterns and music.
8:30 Film: "Kangaroo Rat.
8:40 Film: "Wheels Across India (travel).
9:40-10:15 Film: “13 Golden Cities.”
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 Film program for television dealers.
8:00 Tune-up time. Test slides, recorded music.
8:30 p.m. Clyde Beatty Circus, direct from the big tent.
Clyde Beatty Circus
Reviewed Monday (14), 8:30-11 p.m. Style—Circus remote pick-up. Sustaining over KTLA (Paramount), Hollywood.
Giving Coast viewers their initial tele glimpse of a circus, Paramount came thru with another humdinger in its remote pick-up of the Clyde Beatty Circus. It was intelligent shooting from start to finish.
Stress was laid on atmosphere and color, with lensers, under the direction of KTLA Pilot Klaus Landsberg, turning upon the audience during a momentary lag in the show or whenever a breather seemed appropriate. This technique served to point up one well-known but too often overlooked factor: An audience can be at times funnier or more interesting than the event it is attending.
KTLA gave its eye-followers the complete show, from the grand entry to the Wild West show. Dick Lane's commentary gave stay-at-homes a convincing verbal picture of the ticket buyers climbing into the seats, the candy -popcorn pitch and finally the opening of the show. After explaining that regulations prohibit live music, the outlet wisely dubbed in plattered circus music by the famed Ringling Bros.' circus band for the background. While viewers missed ut on special music designed for this particular show, it gave the tele audience music superior in quality to what could have been picked up from the show's band. Between numbers Dick Lane filled in with the necessary gab.
Viewers were kept on the edge of their sofas with close-up shots of Beatty putting the cats thru their paces, trapeze artists, high-wire acts, clowns, etc. Lensers were at their usual level in framing the fast-moving subjects. Particularly outstanding was close-up lensing of trapeze work. An example of brainy video was double image scanning of a high perch act showing a lass atop the high pole superimposed on a shot of her partner on the ground holding the pole. Lee Zhito. (Billboard, Apr. 26)
T-Day is actually being expanded into an entire T-week with more than 30 hours of television programming—a new high for the capital—skedded on Dumont's WTTG. Dumont, with help of NBC network shows out of New York and plenty of talent contributed by the Evening Star station WMAL, also a tele permittee here, will program from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in addition to its regular evening schedules. (NBC hopes to be on the air with video next month »nd WMAL. is planning a fall debut.
T-Week got its program start with telecast of the opening ball game yesterday between the Washington Senators and the New York Yankees. Game, called early by rain, was sponsored on WTTG by RCA-Victor. The Evening Stars drama critic Jay Carmody and cartoonist Dick Mansfield are also skedded on other afternoon shows this week. (Variety, Apr. 16) WITH dual motive of giving increased daytime entertainment to the Philadelphia video public and of providing retailers of television receivers with first rate programs for their demonstrations to prospects, WPTZ Philadelphia has inaugurated a policy of celebrity matinees, scheduled as frequently as top talent is available but not less than once a week. (Broadcasting, April 14)
Tuesday, April 15
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
WABD Channel 5, New York
1:50 Baseball at Yankee Stadium, Yankees vs Philadelphia A’s, Bill Slater play-by-play.
6:59 Town Crier.
7:00 “Movies for Small Fry” hosted by Bob Emery.
7:59 Program notes.
8:00 Western Feature Film, sponsored by Chevrolet, relayed to WTTG.
9:30 “Serving Through Science,” sponsored by U.S. Rubber, relayed to WTTG.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:00 Test Pattern.
1:15 Paul Battenfield, cartoonist.
1:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Joe Wilson and Jack Brickhouse announcing, sponsored by Commonwealth Edison and Ford.
7:30 “Behind the Headlines.”
7:45 “Man of God,” a dramatic story.
8:00 Songs of the Dreamcasters.
8:15 Short subjects.
8:30 “Jailbait,” the story of Mary.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
10:00-12:00 Test Chart.
2:15 Baseball at Shibe Park: New York Giants vs. Phillies.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
2:25 Pre-Game Interviews, sponsored by Griesedieck Brothers Brewery.
2:40 Baseball from Sportsman’s Park: Browns vs. Detroit Tigers, play-by-play with J. Roy Stockton and Ellis Veech, sponsored by Purity Bakeries.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00-4:00 Film program for Television Dealers.
8:00 “Tune Up Time”: Test Slides, Recorded Music.
8:30 Baseball Direct from Gilmore Field, Hollywood Stars vs. San Diego Padres.
Washington. April 15.—New York became the first city in the country to have all seven available television channels filled today (Tuesday) when the FCC handed out the remaining four grants. Lucky winners were ABC awarded Channel 7; Bamberger Broadcasting with Channel 9; Bremer Broadcasting of Newark, N.J., Channel 13, and the News Syndicate Co., Channel 11, with the bid from the Debs Memorial Radio Fund turned down NBC, CBS and DuMont have been programming in N. Y. since before the war.
In announcing the grants, which have been hanging fire almost since the war's end, the FCC declared the four winners apparently have resources that "better enable them to establish a prompt, satisfactory television service for the entire N.Y. metropolitan area." Majority of the Commission voted to strike from the record the testimony offered against the News Syndicate, owners of the N.Y. Daily News, by the American Jewish Congress and to deny the AJC petition to have its testimony at the recent FM hearings incorporated into the tele record.
Only dissenter was Commissioner Clifford J. Durr, who voted for the grant to Debs instead of the Daily News. In its decision, the FCC pointed out that each of the proposed stations would serve approximately 11,000,000 people, although Bremer, which operates radio station WAAT in Newark, will program primarily for a 3,000,000 audience in New Jersey. FCC declared that all but Debs would serve the needs of the entire population, but that Debs had sought to devote one-third of its time to foreign-language programming for two minority groups.
Both Bamberger and ABC are expected to get on the air as soon as they can complete construction of their stations. Bamberger announced yesterday it would build its transmitter at 444 Madison avenue, N.Y., at a cost of $650,000. ABC, which had programmed over five other tele outlets between N. Y. and Chicago while waiting for its N. Y. grant, recently went off the air to save money for construction and, according to prexy Mark Woods, is now set to establish its tele network in N. Y., Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
While keeping definite plans for its N. Y. transmitter site under wraps pending actual announcing of its grant, ABC television's national director Paul B. Mowrey recently announced the web's N.Y. station could be on the air within four-six months after the construction permit came through. Present plans call for N.Y. station to be finished first. (Variety, Apr. 16)
