After a short life in March 1947 as WWDT (mostly broadcasting test patterns), Detroit’s first station changed its name to WWJ-TV and began regular commercial programming on June 3, 1947. It was owned by The Detroit News, which sold time to an impressive number of sponsors. One of the first programmes was the broadcast of the Detroit Tigers; as WWDT, the station announced on April 24 (AP story) that it had signed a deal with the ball club.
Oddly, the trade papers had little to say. The News, of course, gave complete coverage of opening day, even as papers throughout the rest of Michigan ignored it. A wonderful person has clipped the News and has an excellent compilation of stories on this message board. We have transcribed two of them. As we don't have access to The News' archives, we can't add the station's schedule to our (increasingly long) TV listings.
We’ve talked about sponsored programmes but not spot announcements. Stations were selling them. General Foods bought 7:59-8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on WABD starting June 2, while Bulova renewed its contract to sponsor time checks on WNBT, twice daily on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays beginning June 5, while Elgin did the same on KLTA as of the 7th. Kraft Foods picked up weather reports on WNBT on weekend afternoons.
It may be disconcerting to see Bob Emery’s kids show was sponsored by a pipe cleaning company. Sponsor magazine of July 1947 assures us it was offering a pipe-cleaner toy kit for $1.00. WABD figured the ad resulted in 80 to 90 sales per weekly broadcast.
For the second month in a row, Ernie Bushmiller used a television as a punch-line in one of his comic strips. We’ve produced it below, along with reviews and schedules for the first half of June 1947. Be sure to play the “Bushmiller Drinking Game.” You have to take a drink for every head Bushmiller draws in profile or three-quarter view.
Sunday, June 1
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:50 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Bob Edge play-by-play, sponsored by Post cereals and Ford.
7:30 Film: “Last of the Mohicans,” part three of serial.
7:50 Film: “Proof of the Pudding,” health (Metropolitan Life/Paramount, 1941).
8:05 Film: “Harmony Lane.
WNBT Channel 4
1:55 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, Bob Stanton play-by-play.
8:00 “At Home With Tex and Jinx,” sponsored by Ipana/Minit-Rub.
8:20 Musical Miniatures.
8:45 “This is Your World” with Mr. and Mrs. William Winter, film of their trip to the Pacific Islands.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:30 Midget Auto Races from Soldier Field.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
2:15 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
8:00 NBC programming.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
8:00 News comment by Dr. Roland G. Usher, “New British Imperial Base in Africa.”
8:15 Film show.
8:30 Municipal Opera Preview by Frank Eschen.
8:50 Film.
9:00 St. Louis Arms Collectors Club program.
9:20 Film show.
9:30 Ted Ford, lyric tenor.
KTLA Channel 5, Los Angeles
1:30 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Seals (double header).
8:30 Cartoon comedy.
8:40 “Shopping at Home” with Keith Hetherington and Harrise Brin, presented by leading Los Angeles stores.
8:55 Latest Paramount News Highlights.
9:00 “Hits and Bits,” variety hosted by Dick Lane.
Monday, June 2
WNBT Channel 4, New York2:30 Ken Maynard Rodeo Circus (again at 8:30)
8:00 Film: “Billy the Kid Trapped” with Buster Crabbe. Music by Clarence Wheeler. (PRC, 1942).
9:00 Esso Reporter, newsreel narrated by Paul Alley.
9:10 Feature Film.
WABD Channel 5, New York
6:54 Sports News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Small Club” hosted by Bob Emery, sponsored by American Pipe Cleaner Co.
7:30 “Show Case: This is Hypnotism” with Marsh Babbitt.
8:15 Film shorts.
8:45 Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena, sponsored by Winston Television.
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:15 Sidelights on Sports.
8:30 Wrestling from Midway arena, with Russ Davis, sponsored by Keeley Beer.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 5:30 Test Chart.
8:00 Baseball: Public High Champions (Southern High) vs. Parochial High Champions (Northeast Catholic), Shibe Park.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:15 Weather forecast.
3:16 Board of Education, Arthur Leutheusser, author and illustrator.
3:35 Film, "Fiddlin' Fun" (Van Beuren, 1934).
3:45 Man on the Street.
4:00 Films, "Let's See Chicago" and "No Time to Lose."
8:00 Film, "New York Calling."
8:25 Baseball from Sportsman’s Park, St. Louis Browns vs. Philadelphia Athletics, Ellis Veach and Ray Stockton announcing, sponsored by Purity Bakery.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
6:30 Test Slides and music.
8:00 Film: "Along Came a Duck" (Van Beuren, 1934).
8:09 Film: “A Line From Yucatan” (OWI, 1942).
8:17 Film: “Summer on the Farm.”
8:30 Film: “San Fernando Valley.”
8:33 Film: “Four Point Safety Home” (Valentino, 1944)
8:53 Film: “The Desert.”
9:03 Test patterns and station identification.
9:05 S. Amer. film: "Americans All” (OWI, 1942).
9:23 Musical film: "Rumba-Matumba" (Soundies, 1945)
9:26 to 9:36 Travel film: "Life in a Punjab Village” (Nu-Art, 1946)
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
8:00 Test Slides and music.
8:30 Ice Capades of 1947.
TOMORROW—Tuesday, June 3—brings real non-experimental television to Detroit.
For the first time in the Tigers’ history, their game Tuesday—with the Yankees—will be picked up by video cameras at Briggs Stadium and transmitted to scores of receivers and hundreds of pop-eyed fans throughout the city.
WWJ-The Detroit News and Ty Tyson will add another “first” to their long list of achievements in the miracles of sound—and now of sight.
WWJ-TV — The Detroit News, after months of experimenting and study, is ready to go with the real thing—television at its best.
Previous experiments have been made with a 500-watt transmitter. Tuesday the new 5 kw transmitter, on the Penobscot Building’s forty-fifth floor, swings into action.
WWJ-TV will be dedicated officially at 2:30 p. m. Tuesday when W. E. Scripps, president of The Detroit News, and W. J. Scripps, director of radio for The News, meet in the studios for a short ceremony.
CAMERAS AT STADIUM
THE TALKS WILL be short because everybody will be eager to watch the game. With the finish of the dedicatory ceremonies, a switch will be made to Briggs Stadium.
There, two cameras — known technically as image orthicons—are stationed in a box on the second deck of the stadium, directly back of home plate.
The protective wire screen in front of the box is to be taken out, and plexi-glass, which is clearer than ordinary glass, is to be inserted so there will be nothing to obstruct the view.
Each these cameras is equipped with a swinging turret holding four lenses, each with a different focal-length. These enable the cameraman quickly to focus on closeups, middle or distance shots at will and as the play demands.
Tyson also will be seated in the box between the cameras. Beside him will be Paul Williams, who will be his assistant. Directly below Ty, and at an angle, will be a video monitor—or viewing screen just like that on a receiver—on which will be flashed the scene that is being sent out.
TY TO HAVE 2 TASKS
TY WILL WATCH both the play on the field and on the screen, and thus will be able to chat about the game with you, as you, at your own receiver, are watching. Williams will keep in close communication with director Jim Eberle, advising him or human interest happenings and other colorful incidents, and Eberle immediately will see that his cameras cover them.
If a pitcher starts to warm up in the bullpen, Williams will tell Eberle, and the camera will pan over to give you a quickie view of that pitcher. Then Ty, seeing the pitcher getting the kinks out of his arm, will call attention to him.
Thus, generally, will be the method to be followed. One camera will be used for general pan scenes. If no one is on base, the screen picture will show you pitcher, batter, catcher and umpire. With a man on first, another lens will be used to show the pitcher, batter, catcher, umpire, first baseman and shortstop. Should a play develop at third, a slight pan to the left would bring that base on the screen.
If the batter hits, the panoramic scene will be held on the screen until it is certain where the play will be. Then the other camera will get there for a close-up of the action.
BREAK ON PITCH VISIBLE
DURING THE last week “closed circuit” tests demonstrated that on the panoramic shot the ball can be seen even when it is hit to the outfield. The “break” on the pitch to the batter can be followed, since this camera is directly on a line with home plate.
The two cameras to used for the base ball games and other meats such as parades and races are of the “outdoor” type and give a clear picture even on cloudy days.
The picture of the game will “shot” electronically through the air to the transmitter in the Penobscot Building, where it will be amplified greatly, then transmitted to receivers all over the city. WWJ-TVs transmitter is as powerful as any now used in America and will give a signal to the horizon, approximately 50 or 60 miles from Downtown Detroit. To strengthen this signal, a new antenna soon will be installed just under the huge ball atop the Penobscot Building.
There you have something of the technical detail of the base ball broadcast Tuesday—a broadcast that not only will be a “first” as far as the Tigers and sports are concerned, but also will be a “first” in Detroit for commercial telecasting.
For, with this telecast, WWJ-TV does its first commercial show.
COMMERCIAL MEDIUM
More than two years ago, the first television sponsor contracted for time. Since then a dozen other progressive industrial and merchandising firms have followed suit.
WWJ-TV will sign off for the afternoon after the ball game Tuesday, but still return to the air at 7 p. m. with a test pattern.
At 7:30 there is to be film showing of “The All-American Soap Box Derby,” which, you will recall, was sponsored jointly by The Detroit News and Chevrolet. During this show, Myron Scott, the Akron, O., photographer who originated, the “Derby,” will appear in person.
At 5 p. m. Tuesday you will see and hear a variety show featuring Mimic Nip Nelson, Singer Evelyn Waters and a magic act. A film, “The Golden Jubilee Parade,” still be shown at 8:30. The signoff is at 9.
That will end the first day of real television in Detroit, but there will be many more. Interest is high, both among those willing to finance video shows and among those who want to see them and will buy receivers. And so, WWJ, the radio station that first brought regularly scheduled programs of entertainment to America and brought the first FM station to Detroit, now will bring the first television. And Tyson, who was the first to broadcast base ball and foot ball, will be the first in Detroit to use television to bring the games to you with both sound and sight. (Herschell Hart, radio Editor, The Detroit News, June 2)
Tuesday, June 3 WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:00 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
8:00 Film shorts.
8:35 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, N.Y. Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, play-by-play with Bob Stanton.
WABD Channel 5, New York City
6:54 Sports News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Movies for Small Fry” hosted by Bob Emery.
7:30 “Cash and Carry” with Dennis James.
8:00 Western Feature Film, sponsored by Chevrolet, relayed to WTTG.
9:30 “Serving Through Science,” sponsored by U.S. Rubber, relayed to WTTG.
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
7:30 “Behind the Headlines.”
7:45 Film: Short subjects.
8:00 “Remember the Days” with Dave Garroway.
8:30 Short subjects.
8:45 “Jailbait.”
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 5:30 Test Chart.
8:30 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles 9:30 Test Slides and Music.
10:00 “Queen For a Day.”
10:30 Tests.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides and music.
4:00 Film program for television dealers.
4:30 “Your Town—Los Angeles Presents.”
8:15 1947 Grand Opening Midget Auto Races at Pasadena Rose Bowl.
WWJ-TV, television station of the Detroit News, went on the air with a regular program schedule June 3. Hours of operation are Tues.-Sat., 2-5:30 p. m. and 7-9:30 p. m.
Opening day schedule included a short program featuring the publishers of the News, W. E. Scripps and W. J. Scripps, in charge of the new radio operation.
Telecasting of two Detroit Tigers baseball games each week also was launched on WWJ-TV's opening day, with Ty Tyson, veteran WWJ sportscaster doing the play-by-play of a game between the Tigers and New York Yankees. Telecasts of the games are sponsored by Goebel Brewing Co.
Opening night's schedule on WWJ-TV included programs sponsored by Chevrolet, U. S. Rubber Co., and Bulova Watch Co. A program sponsored by J. L. Hudson Co. the following night (Wednesday) marked the consummation of a television contract signed two years ago. (Broadcasting, June 9)
Baseball came to the tired businessman via television at a few of the downtown watering places yesterday [3].
To be sure, there were certain flaws in the image on the screen, but these caused only merriment in the land of chipped ice and soda water.
The broadcasts themselves were warmly welcomed. Ty Tyson received the praise of the patrons for making things clear even when the picture wasn’t. Tyson was the announcer.
William E. Scripps, William J. Scripps, Harry Bannister and Tyson all had cautioned the audience that this was a new experiment and that technical difficulties might he expected.
CLOSEUPS ARE CLEAR
In one Washington Blvd. bistro the television set was mounted on a shelf some 10 feet from the floor. It had a screen 5 ½ inches high by 8 inches wide. It was in the clear view of patrons at the bar, but even so the image was small. Throughout most of the game the field was covered with a bright light. On the long range camera this light blotted out the players. It’s a snow storm,” one patron said.
SHADOW IMPROVES
The camera that brought closeups of players always gave a clear and distinct image. It gave, for example, an unusually brilliant picture of Tommy Henrich’s spectacular catch of Pat Mullin’s long fly in the sixth inning. This probably was the most dazzling fielding play of the contest. It gave an excellent picture of Mullin being thrown out at second base, stealing in the second inning.
At the start of the game the wire screen behind home plate interrupted the view from the long range camera. This disappeared later and Improved visibility.
Sammy Soffrrin, the gentleman in charge at the Washington Blvd. place, brought out a set of field glasses and these were passed down the bar. They served to enlarge and clarify the pc1ure on the small screen, although the effect of patrons staring through binoculars at a wall 20 feet away may have been amusing to a stranger.
As the sun lowered behind the stands late in the game a shadow creeped out on the diamond. Tyson apologized for this shadow, but it actually improved visibility. It dissolved the blinding white light and made the image of the players more plain.
“Golly. I’m warm. I can actually feel that hot sun,” one young lady said.
“Television seems to make the players run faster than they really do,” said another.
“And it makes all the uniforms look the same color.”
As far as newspaper photographers are concerned, the device has its advantages and disadvantages. Jimmy Kilpatrick, the News cameraman, was clearly identifiable as he moved about the infield. This, of course, permits a photographer’s wife to check easily on the husband’s story of where he spent the afternoon. (Paul Chandler, Detroit News, June 4)
Wednesday, June 4
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:00 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
2:20 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, N.Y. Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, play-by-play with Bob Stanton.
7:30 “Kraft Television Theatre.” Drama: “The Barker,” sponsored by MacLaren’s Imperial Cheese.
8:30 “In the Kelvinator Kitchen” with Alma Kitchell. Relayed to WTTG (DuMont) Washington.
WABD Channel 5, New York
6:55 Sports News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Small Fry Club” with Bob Emery.
7:30 Film Shorts.
8:00 “Wanamaker Presents.”
8:30 Film shorts.
9:00 Boxing at Jamaica Arena, sponsored by American Stores. [Note: newspapers don’t have results of any boxing from Jamaica that day.]
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
7:30 Variety program.
7:45 Film short subjects.
8:00 “The Lights Go Out.”
8:15 Film short subjects.
8:30 Wrestling from Rainbo arena, with Russ Davis, sponsored by Keeley Beer.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 5:30 Test Chart.
2:15 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds, Claude Haring play-by-play.
8:00 Film.
8:30 NBC programming.
9:00 “The Monkey’s Paw.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
9:30 Test Patterns and music.
10:00 “Queen For a Day.”
10:30-11:00 Test Pattern.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides, Recorded Music.
4:00 Film Program for Television Dealers.
8:30 Wrestling from Olympic Auditorium.
THE LIGHTS GO OUT
With Shelby Gordon, Rose Dunn; guests Joey Adams, George Drake
Writers: Shelby Gordon, Rose Dunn
Director: Kit Carson
Sustaining
15 Mins.; Wednesday, 8:15 p.m.
WBKB, Chicago
"The Lights Go Out" was first announced as a commercial show, but bowed sans sponsor with Rose Dunn and Shelby Gordon playing the "Lights," who in this case are young couple who once a week treat themselves to a night out and do the town. On opening airer, their escapades included dining at local restaurant, "The Ranch," after which they caught Billy Burke at the Selwyn in "Accidentally Yours."
Format of program is to feature different Chi eatery each week, and interview proprietor, along with some celebrity currently in town. Each show will begin with glimpse of couple about ready to leave home and then switch to dining room scene. Other than three minute opening, entire show is adlibbed, which accounted for Gordon's continual overplaying of various words, especially, "terrific."
Show is natural for local restaurant association sponsorship, because it encourages listeners and entices them to visit spots participating in program.
During course of meal, they spotted Joey Adams sitting at another table and he joined them for chat which covered town doings and his pet subject, the Damon Runyon Cancer Fund. Adams gagged about women liking to eat out which brought about idea of contest for women exclusively on "Why Women Like to Eat Out." Writer of winning letter will be given free evening as guest of "Ranch."
Couple in show who are also the writers, have neat appearance, but would have been more convincing if they wore dressy street clothes, rather than evening dress, because representing ordinary people with middle-class budget, they naturally would not be able to afford evening dress and tuxedo for weekly outings.
Kit Carson, director, is hoping to appropriate props from various places for coming shows to make background look more authentic, without actually having to reproduce interior of restaurant. Hunt. (Variety, June 18)
Thursday, June 5
1:50 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
8:00 CBS Television News with Douglas Edwards, sponsored by Gulf.
8:15 “Quickie Quiz,” brief IQ test for viewers.
8:20 Film: “Mr. Antonio,” Leo Carillo's first talkie (Tiffany, 1930)
WNBT Channel 4, New York
1:20 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, N.Y. Giants vs. Chicago Cubs, play-by-play with Bob Stanton.
7:50 Television Newsreel.
8:00 “Juvenile Jury” with Jack Barry, sponsored by Gaines Dog Food.
8:30 “The Wife Saver” with Allen Prescott, sponsored by General Foods.
9:00 “You Are an Artist” with John Gnagy, sponsored by Gulf Oil.
WABD Channel 5, New York
6:54 Sports News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Small Fry Club” with Bob Emery, sponsored by Fisher Baking (new sponsor).
7:30 Alber-Dahlman Productions present “Birthday Party” with Uncle Bill Slater.
8:30 “Swing Into Golf” with Ernie Jones, sponsored by the Perry Blouse Company.
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 4, Chicago
7:30 “Cavalcade of Medicine.”
7:45 Film: Short subjects.
8:00 “Over Shoemaker’s Shoulder,” cartoon drawing show.
8:15 Jack Payne.
8:30 Milt Hopwood’s Sports Show.
9:00 Girls’ softball from Parichy stadium.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 2:00 Test Chart.
2:15 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
7:50 NBC program.
8:00 “Pleased to Meet You,” interviews with celebrities visiting Philadelphia; Film.
8:30 “The Coo Coo Ranch,” Western musical featuring the Coo Coo Ranch Hands: Gene Andrews, Hank Buckley, Dottie Bates and Austin Raynes.
9:00 NBC Programming.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 N.B.C. television newsreel.
3:25 Cartoons by Fitzpatrick of the Post-Dispatch.
3:40 Film.
4:00 Man on the Street.
4:30 Film.
8:00 Man on the Street.
8:20 N.B.C. television newsreel.
8:30 Sports Closeups, Harry Caray and Gabby Street, with wrestling holds demonstrated by Lou Thesz and Warren Bockwinkel, sponsored by Griesedieck Brothers Brewery.
8:50 Feature film.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
9:30 a.m. Test Patterns and music.
10:00 “Queen For a Day.”
10:30-11:00 Test Patterns and Closing Announcement.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides, Recorded Music.
4:00 Film Program for Television Dealers.
8:15 Baseball from Gilmore Field, Hollywood Stars vs. Seattle Rainiers.
Friday, June 6
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
8:15 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs, play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
1:30 Film Shorts.
2:20 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, N.Y. Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals, play-by-play with Bob Stanton.
8:00 “Campus Hoopla” with Clair Bee, coach of the Long Island U. basketball team, sponsored by U.S. Rubber Co.
8:20 Tom Scott’s American Song.
8:45 “In Town Today,” Robert Fosaurier, Mayor of Deauville, Normandy, France, Interviewed on the Third Anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
9:00 “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports”: Boxing from Madison Square Garden, Tony Janiro vs. Jake LaMotta, middleweight, ten rounds. Time Signal sponsored by Benrus.
WABD Channel 5, New York
6:55 Fishing News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Small Fry Club” with Bob Emery.
7:30 Film shorts.
8:00 “Doorway to Fame.”
8:30 Film Shorts.
8:45-11:00 Wrestling from Jamaica Arena.
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
7:30 “Telechats,” sponsored by The Fair.
7:45 Short subjects.
8:00 “Telequizzicalls,” sponsored by Commonwealth Edison.
8:40 Drama: “The Gordons.”
9:00 Boxing at Madison Athletic club, sponsored by Keeley Beer.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 5:30 Test Chart.
8:00 NBC programming.
8:20 “The Handy Man” with Jack Creamer.
9:00 NBC programming.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 N.B.C. television newsreel.
3:25 Elizabeth Lynn, bridal consultant.
3:35 Film.
3:45 Man on the Street.
4:00 Film.
8:00 Film.
8:25 Wrestling matches at the Arena; Bill Longson-Whipper Billy Watson bout, sponsored by Hyde Park beer.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
9:30 a.m. Test Patterns and music.
10:00 “Queen For a Day.”
10:30-10:45 Test Patterns and Closing Announcement.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides, Recorded Music.
4:00 Film Program for Television Dealers.
8:15 Baseball from Gilmore Field, Hollywood Stars vs. Seattle Rainiers.
DETROIT.—Commercial television operation became a fact here for the first time Tuesday [3], with WWJ-TV (formerly WWDT) taking the air following several months of experimental operation. Station is operated by The Detroit News (WWJ). Operating schedule will be 2:30 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturdays.
Major program offerings will include home games of the Detroit Tigers, horse racing at the State Fairgrounds, and prize fights from Olympia Stadium, in addition to studio shows.
WWJ-TV goes on the air with 12 commercial sponsors, including a representative cross-section of major radio time-buyer groups. Included are one public utility, Detroit Edison Company; three automotive sponsors—Chevrolet, Ford-with time bought by the Ford dealers' organization rather than the company itself; U. S. Rubber; two department stores, J. L. Hudson Company and Sam's, Inc.; three appliance organizations; Grinnell Brothers Music Company, Hot 'n' Kold Shops, and the Norge division of Borg-Warner. List includes three other firms—Harry Suffrin, clothing house; the omnipresent Bulova Watch Company, and Goebel Brewing Company.
First commercial contract for the then unnamed station was signed by the Hudson store August 7, 1945.
Sponsor Interest
Strong interest by major local time buyers in commercial field, both sponsors and agencies, was indicated in television demonstrations by WWJ-TV, which held virtual open house all week. Commercial department is following up the situation closely, with likelihood of additional contracts shortly.
Weather hurt station programing the last two days, rain causing temporary halt of a baseball game on Thursday [5], with program switching to studios. Friday [7] the station transmitter developed trouble and was off air early in afternoon. Projected man-in-street show from Sam's Department Store was canceled because ration protection for cameras was not available, and film programs were used thruout.
Program department has shown considerable versatility in switching shows and filling in when such last-minute crises forced changes, altho station went off air for a half hour early Friday afternoon in lull. Television receiver sales were reported soaring this week, with RCA claiming 500 sets already installed and 3,000 orders on hand. (Billboard, June 14)
Saturday, June 7 WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:50 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs, play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
7:30 Madison Square Boys Club Rooftop Camp in Manhattan.
8:00 CBS Television News with Tom O’Connor.
8:15 Madison Square Boys Club Rooftop Camp continued.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
2:30 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, N.Y. Giants vs. St. Louis, play-by-play with Bob Stanton.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:00 Harness racing from Maywood, sponsored by Fox Brewing.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
1:45 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
2:25 Baseball game at Sportsman’s Park, St. Louis Browns vs. New York Yankees, Ellis Veach and Ray Stockton announcing, sponsored by Purity Bakery. 8:00 Range Riders.
8:20 N.B.C. television newsreel.
8:30 Ballroom dancing.
8:50 Feature film.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00 to 4:00 National Boat Show, Bathing Beauty Contest, Nautical Fashion Show from Los Angeles Coliseum.
8:15 Baseball from Gilmore Field, Hollywood Stars vs. Seattle Rainiers.
National Boat Show
National Boat Show made ideal Saturday afternoon telefare. Well-suited to the leisurely mood of the day, KTLA gave viewers more than two hours of enjoyable looking and listening. Various types of pleasure and speed craft, mounted on trailers, rolled by the cameras. Feature of each were fully discussed by announcers Dick Lane and Dick Barth. In numerous instances, manufacturers were interviewed to tell about their boats. This gave laymen a well-grounded insight into the various technical aspects of each boat.
Latter half of seg was devoted to a bathing beauty contest and display of nautical fashions. Eye-easy girls in the latest beach wear were brought into full view. Dick Lane capably described the swim suits, supplying manufacturer's name, style, material. color as well as giving name of the wearer. Panning and dollying was carefully executed in both portions of the telecast.
Sign-off was cleverly handled, pairing the dual image of Paramount's test pattern and a shot of the lass who was crowned queen of the event. Lee Zhito. (Billboard, June 21)
Sunday, June 8
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:50 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs, Bob Edge play-by-play, sponsored by Post cereals and Ford.
7:30 Film: “Last of the Mohicans,” part four of serial.
7:50 Film: “Once Upon a Time,” safety.
8:00 Textile Show, Grand Central Palace.
8:45 Film: “Easy Money.”
WNBT Channel 4
1:55 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Bob Stanton play-by-play.
8:00 “At Home With Tex and Jinx,” sponsored by Ipana/Minit-Rub.
8:20 “Party Line” with Bert Parks, sponsored by Ipana toothpaste and Ingram’s Shaving Cream, relayed to DuMont's WTTG Washington.
8:40 “Stars in Your Eyes,” variety with Donald Richards, John Sebastian, others.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:30 Midget Auto Races from Soldier Field.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
1:15 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
8:00 NBC programming.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
8:00 News comment by Dr. Roland G. Usher, “The Income Tax Cut Bill.”
8:15 Film show.
8:30 Frank Eschen’s Municipal Opera Preview, guests new ballet mistress Virginia Johnson and Dan M. Eckley, modern dance director for the opera.
8:50 Film.
9:00 The Record Shop with Gil Newsome, featuring Jerry Murad’s Harmonicats.
9:10 Film show.
9:20 Amadee’s Cartoon Quiz.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
1:30 Baseball Double Header at Gilmore Field, Hollywood vs. Seattle.
8:30 Cartoon Comedy.
8:40 “Shopping at Home” with Keith Hetherington and Harrise Brin. Presented by leading Los Angeles Stores.
8:55 Latest Paramount News Highlights.
9:00 Hits and Bits Variety Show. MCd by Dick Lane.
Bristol-Myers' "Party Line" teed off in its new spot on WNBT (NBC, N. Y.) to good results Sunday (8) night, giving NBC's Sunday night programming a hefty shot in the arm. Originally packaged by John Reed King, the show held down a similar time spot on WCBS-TV (CBS, N. Y.) until last month, when CBS shuttered its live studio programming.
Bert Parks, who took over the emcee spot after King bowed out, handled the show capably, getting a nice assist from tap dancer Mimi Walters. Stunts pulled were as innocuous as on most audience participation shows. This one differs, though, in that the home audience does the guessing via telephone. Commercials, integrated into the script, emerged unobtrusively. (Variety, June 11)
SEBASTIAN-RICHARDS SHOW
With John Sebastian, Donald Richards, Mata & Hari, guests
Director: Fred Coe
Set: Bob Wade
10 Mins.; Sun. (8), 9:15 p.m.
Sustaining
WNBT-NBC, N. Y.
This show, appropriately titled "Stars in Your Eyes" when first presented by WNBT June 1, represents just that. It's a showcase piece starring Don Richards, current male lead in the Broadway cast of "Finian's Rainbow," and harmonica virtuoso John Sebastian, which NBC is dangling hopefully in front of sponsors.
Richards and Sebastian emerge on the video screen as a couple of personable and affable young emcees with plenty of talent for a variety show. Format gives both a chance to show off their individual artistry and also includes a different guestar each week. On the night caught (8), the duo presented Mata and Hari, dance satirists.
Richards, forced to dub his lip movements with recordings because of the AFM's "no live music" ukase for tele, demonstrated excellent film potentialities, if his appearance on a video screen is any indication of how he'll look in pictures. He did a neat job on “Old Devil Moon,” which he's recorded with Ella Logan, but the abrupt ending of the song at the point on the platter where Miss Logan comes in for her solo, evidenced the difficulties the AFM's ban evokes for tele talent.
Sebastian limited his work to backgrounding Mata and Hari in their Hindu fakir routine. Ha showed top mastery of his instrument in a difficult assignment, giving the dancers as good music as they get from a full orchestra in their nitery work. Mata and Hari, with an able assist on trick camera work from director Fred Coe, were standout. Bob Wade's simple set fit the show adequately.
In all, it's a good bet for any sponsor. Stal. (Variety, June 11)
Monday, June 9
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:00 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
8:00 Film: “Men of the Plains” with Rex Bell.
9:00 Esso Reporter, newsreel narrated by Paul Alley.
9:10 Feature Film: “A Night For Crime” with Glenda Farrell and Lyle Talbot (PRC, 1943).
WABD Channel 5, New York
6:54 Sports News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Small Fry Club” hosted by Bob Emery, sponsored by American Pipe Cleaning.
7:30 “Write You Are” (debut).
8:00 Ken Farnsworth.
8:10 Film shorts.
8:30 It Happened on Fifth Avenue, preview of Allied Artists film opening tomorrow.
8:45 Boxing at Jamaica Arena, sponsored by Winston Television. [Note: newspapers don’t have results of any boxing from Jamaica that day.]
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
8:15 Sidelights on Sports.
8:30 Wrestling from Midway arena, with Russ Davis, sponsored by Keeley Beer.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 1:00 Test Chart.
1:15 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
8:00 NBC programming.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:15 Weather forecast.
3:16 Board of Education, Arthur Leutheusser, author and illustrator.
3:35 Film, "Fiddlin' Fun" (Van Beuren, 1934).
3:45 Man on the Street.
4:00 Films, "Let's See Chicago" and "No Time to Lose."
8:00 Film, "New York Calling!" (New York Central System, 1942).
8:25 Baseball from Sportsman’s Park, St. Louis Browns vs. Philadelphia Athletics, Ellis Veach and Ray Stockton announcing, sponsored by Purity Bakery. KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 Film.
3:25 Board of Education program, physical education demonstration directed by Marie Hanss.
3:35 Film.
3:45 Man on the Street.
4:00 Film.
8:00 Film.
8:25 Baseball game at Sportsman’s Park, St. Louis Browns vs. Washington Senators, Ellis Veach and Ray Stockton announcing, sponsored by Purity Bakery. W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
6:30 Test patterns and music.
8:00 Film: “The Pup’s Picnic” (MGM/Harmon-Ising, 1936).
8:10 Film: “Dance Continental.”
8:13 Film: “Flying Feathers” (RKO-Pathe, 1938).
8:24 Film Feature.
9:30 Film: “Sweet and Lovely.”
9:33 Film: “Seward’s Folly.
9:43 Test patterns and music.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3.00 Tune-up time, slides, recorded music.
4:00 Film program television dealers.
8:30 Swim champions on parade, presented by the Pasadena Athletic club diving, lacing, water polo.
FIFTH AVENUE BALLET
With Valerie Bettis, Lucus Hoving, Betty Lind, Cherry Churchill, others Director: Paul Belanger Writers: Belanger, Jim McNaughton Sets: McNaughton
15 Mins.; Monday (9), 8:30 p.m.
ALLIED ARTISTS
WABD-DuMont, N. Y.
After months of negative programming efforts, WABD seems finally to have found a production outfit that knows how to make use of the station's spacious floor space. "Fifth Avenue Ballet," first production of the new Paul Belanger-Jim McNaughton package team that recently joined DuMont's staff after leaving CBS, was undoubtedly the most ambitious show yet staged at the station. With the exception of a few technical kinks in equipment, it was also probably the best.
Show marked the first time that a major motion picture outfit had used a live tele program ts plug a forthcoming picture, in this case Allied Artists' "It Happened on Fifth Avenue." Despite the American Federation of Musicians' ban on any musically-backgrounded film for tele, DuMont went off the deep end by using actual footage from the picture and viewers must have got a kick from seeing a modern picture with full production values, instead of the antiquated westerns usually found on tele screens. DuMont took the plunge on the assumption that it has no radio interests against which the AFM can retaliate. What the union might do with Allied Artists, however, is another question.
Show was up to the usual Belanger-McNaughton standards for ballet, comprising a skit in which the dancers lined up before a boxoffice to see "Fifth Avenue." Cameras then dissolved into the interior of the theatre, where the picture was flashed on the screen. Cameras then cut from the picture to the audience to show the latter's reactions, with the novel theme constituting a standout commercial. Featured dancers Valerie Bettis, Lucus Hoving and Betty Lind were excellent, especially with the help given them by the trick camera manipulations of Belanger.
McNaughton's two sets were tailored neatly to the script, evidencing that he's still the top designer in tele Show's chief mistake lay in the presentation of model Cherry Churchill, selected by Allied prexy Steve Broidy as "Miss Fifth Avenue," in the closing plug. Evidently nervous before the cameras, the gal almost caricatured her lines about the laughter and sparkling gaiety the picture presented. Stal. (Variety, June 11)
Swim Champions on Parade
Reviewed Monday (9), 8:30-10:30 p.m. Style—Direct remote pick-up of swimming and diving tourney. Sustaining over KTLA, Paramount), Hollywood.
In taking its cameras to Pasadena for this pre-Olympic games water test, KTLA aded [sic] another facet to its already well-rounded sports coverage. Event included fancy diving, swimming races, water polo and comedy diving.
Scanning presented its problems. Lensers had to be on their toes for split second panning to keep a diver in frame. Water, sparkling under the house lights, held another headache. Both problems were not only solved but converted into advantages. Cameramen followed the divers from board to water with clean-cut precision, never once losing their subject. Cutting down on light intensity leveled off the water's highlights but retained sufficient sparkle to give the picture a realistic quality.
Ken Barton(announcer at indie station KWKW) enhanced the seg's enjoyment by expertly calling the dives, strokes, etc., and generally explaining various elements of the water sports generally unknown to the public. Too often, sports gabbers take it for granted that their audiences are aware of technical points of a sport and thereby leave the greater majority of their listeners in the dark as to what's really going on. Barton explained the scoring system used by the judges, how water polo is played, went into detail on the five classes of swimming races, etc. In his descriptions he carefully dodged duplicating what was obvious to the viewer. Lee Zhito. (Billboard, June 21)
A NEW television division, with production already underway, was announced last week by Jerry Fairbanks, head of Jerry Fairbanks Inc., moving picture productions. Mr. Fairbanks is an Academy Award winner and producer of Paramount short subjects and commercial films.
Using his regular movie equipment and studio facilities, Mr. Fairbanks plans two regular releases, a detective-mystery series and a situation comedy series, with the first films scheduled for delivery to stations and advertisers in the fall.
Citing the CBS withdrawal from live studio production, Mr. Fairbanks had this comment: "Many station operators and television program directors are backing away from the high costs and unsatisfactory results of live dramatic shows. . . Television operators are convinced they will be serving their tele-viewers better if they invest in remote pick-ups and Hollywood-drama films produced exclusively for the new entertainment medium." (Broadcasting, July 9)
Tuesday, June 10 WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:00 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds (double-header), play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
8:00 Film shorts. 8:35 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, N.Y. Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, play-by-play with Bob Stanton.
WABD Channel 5, New York City
6:54 Sports News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Movies for Small Fry” hosted by Bob Emery.
7:30 “Cash and Carry” with Dennis James.
8:00 Western Feature Film, sponsored by Chevrolet, relayed to WTTG.
9:30 “Serving Through Science,” sponsored by U.S. Rubber, relayed to WTTG.
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
7:30 The Chicago Tribune Centennial Celebration.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 5:30 Test Chart.
8:30 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:00 Safety film, “More Dangerous Than Dynamite” with cartoon flames (Panorama, 1941).
10:10 Film, “Buffet Time.”
10:30 Test Patterns and closing.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides and music.
4:00 Film program for television dealers.
4:30 “Your Town—Los Angeles Presents.”
8:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides and music.
8:30 Boxing from the Olympic Auditorium, Tommy Garland vs. Tiger Sheppard.
Tribune Centennial Show
Reviewed Tuesday (10),7:30-10:15 p.m. Sustaining over WBKB, Chicago.
With one show, its three-hour-long coverage of 'The Chicago Tribune's Centennial Celebration, WBKB proved that it could handle jest about any type of special event, no matter how difficult, and make the overall results better than movie newsreel coverage.
The Tribune show, which drew more than 300,000 Chicagoans to the shore of Lake Michigan, was a massive spectacle with everything but a battle between Colonel McCormick and Marshall Field. There were army and navy bombers and pursuits (including jet jobs); speed boats and top outdoor aerial acts, and fireworks. Thruout most of this, WBKB cameras were able to get each point of important action, as well as sidelights that ordinarily would be edited from newsreel coverage but in this case added to the show. In the latter category were shots of a boat racer being pulled out of the water, various close-ups of crowds and the unexpected plunging into the lake of a couple of drunks.
Most remarkable was that WBKB covered this with only two cameras. shooting from the shore line across the lagoon to Northerly island, where most of the performances were located. Most of the time 24 and 17-inch lenses were used to bring in close-ups from across the wide lagoon. Remarkable, too, was the fact that image orthicons picked up pictures when the lake front was practically dark.
During the telecasting of the high acts, which included Selden, "the Stratosphere Man," P.J. Ringens, Aida, the Hollywood Sky Rockets and others, some of the few faults were noticeable. Principal fault was not presenting a picture that gave indication of height at which acts were performing. Once in a while wide angle shots that took in rigging and thus showed performers' height from the ground were used, but most were close-ups that gave a good picture of the performer but did not impart the thrill of the act.
The fireworks show spanned close to a mile along the lake front and presented a thrilling video picture. By stopping down lenses, burns of camera tubes were prevented, but still pictures of Tribune comics, famous battles and other historical scenes and personages were clearly discernable.
Live music seeped thru by accident and created a rare situation of Petrillo's ban on music for television temporarily broken. Needless to say, the addition of live music improved the show and proved that television will be a much better program medium when Petrillo relents. Cy Wagner. (Billboard, June 21)
Washington, June 10.—After a couple of false starts, NBC's Washington video station WNBW will officially take to the ether here June 27, program manager John Gaunt revealed last week.
WNBW, according to Gaunt, will be on the air four nights and two afternoons a week during the first six months of operation. A mobile television unit for remote pickups is scheduled to be in service during July, arid the film studio by August 1. Studio type productions will start around September 1.
During its initial stages. Gaunt expects to rely heavily on net shows out of NBC's WNBT, N. Y. Right now, NBC has use of the A. T. & T. cable link from N. Y. to Washington Fridays, Sundays and most Mondays . . . or enough to receive six to nine hours of programs from New York each week.
The Junior League of Washington has signed up to produce one afternoon kiddies' show a week, featuring marionette shows, handicraft work, guessing games and musical charades. WNBW will also telecast a weekly newsreel. (Variety, June 11)
Hollywood, June 10.—Tonight (10) nominations will be held for new officers of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at the Academy's regular monthly meeting. The six-month terms of incumbents are up in July so elections will probably be held July 8, date of regular monthly meeting held second Tuesday of each month. Edgar Bergen, president, has stated that he will not seek reelection.
The meeting will be addressed by Steven R. Sparks, formerly with BBC, and Charles Korn will make a report on recent audience surveys. (Variety, June 11)
Wednesday, June 11
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:50 Baseball at Ebbets Field, Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds, play-by-play with Bob Edge, sponsored by Ford and Post cereals.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
2:20 Baseball at the Polo Grounds, N.Y. Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, play-by-play with Bob Stanton.
7:30 “Kraft Television Theatre.” Drama: “There’s Always Juliet,” sponsored by MacLaren’s Imperial Cheese.
8:30 “In the Kelvinator Kitchen” with Alma Kitchell. Relayed to WTTG (DuMont) Washington.
WABD Channel 5, New York
6:55 Sports News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Small Fry Club” with Bob Emery.
7:30 Film Shorts.
8:00 “Wanamaker Presents: The London Show.”
8:30 Film shorts.
8:35 “Sports Names to Remember,” sponsored by Mouquin Wine.
8:45 Professional Boxing at Jamaica Arena, Gino Buonvino vs. George Bensik, sponsored by American Stores.
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
7:30 Frank Wood, Private Detective.
8:00 “The Lights Go Out.”
8:15 Film short subjects.
8:30 Wrestling from Rainbo arena, with Russ Davis, sponsored by Keeley Beer.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
8:30 to 2:00 Test Chart.
2:15 Baseball from Shibe Park, Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
8:00 Film.
8:30 NBC programming.
9:00 Film.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
9:30 a.m. Test Patterns and music.
10:00 “Queen For a Day.”
10:30-10:45 Test Patterns and Closing Announcement.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides and music.
4:00 Film program for television dealers.
8:30 Wrestling from the Olympic Auditorium.
Thursday, June 12
WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
8:00 CBS Television News with Douglas Edwards, with guest William G. Stratton, sponsored by Gulf.
8:15 Documentary Film: “Power and the Land,” electrification of America’s rural land in the middle west.
8:35 “Fashion Fair” at Madison Square Garden.
WNBT Channel 4, New York
7:50 Television Newsreel.
8:00 “Juvenile Jury” with Jack Barry, sponsored by Gaines Dog Food.
8:30 “The Wife Saver” with Allen Prescott, sponsored by General Foods.
9:00 “You Are an Artist” with John Gnagy, sponsored by Gulf Oil.
WABD Channel 5, New York
7:00 “Small Fry Club” with Bob Emery, sponsored by Fisher Baking.
7:30 Alber-Dahlman Productions present “Birthday Party” with Uncle Bill Slater.
8:00 “Swing Into Golf” with Ernie Jones, sponsored by the Perry Blouse Company.
8:15 Film: “Isle of Destiny” with William Gargan, June Ford (Fine Arts, 1939).
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 4, Chicago
7:30 Jack Payne.
7:45 Film: Short subjects.
8:00 “Over Shoemaker’s Shoulder,” cartoon drawing show.
8:10 Film: Short subjects.
8:30 Milt Hopwood’s Sports Show.
9:00 Girls’ softball from Parichy stadium.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 5:30 Test Chart.
7:50 NBC program.
8:00 “Pleased to Meet You,” interviews with celebrities visiting Philadelphia; Film.
8:30 “The Coo Coo Ranch,” Western musical.
9:00 NBC Programming.
2:00 47th National Open Golf Tournament from St. Louis Country Club. (Opening rounds).
8:00 Man on the Street.
8:30 NBC television newsreel.
8:40 Interviews and demonstrations, stars of National Open Golf Tournament.
9:00 Film.
9:10 "Operation Recreation," St. Louis district corps of engineers.
9:25 Film.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
9:30 a.m. Test Patterns and music.
10:00 Film.
10:22 Test Patterns and Closing Announcement.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides and music.
4:00 Film program for television dealers.
8:15 Baseball at Gilmore Field, Hollywood Stars vs. Los Angeles Angels.
Friday, June 13
WNBT Channel 4, New York
1:00 “Swift Home Service Club” with Tex McCrary and Jinx Falkenberg, with Martha Logan in the Swift Test Kitchen.
1:30 Film Shorts.
8:00 “Campus Hoopla” with Clair Bee, coach of the Long Island U. basketball team, sponsored by U.S. Rubber Co.
8:20 “The World in Your Home,” sponsored by RCA.
8:32 “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports”: Boxing from Madison Square Garden, Charley Fusari vs. Tony Pellone, middleweight, ten rounds.
Time Signal sponsored by Benrus.
WABD Channel 5, New York
6:55 Fishing News, sponsored by Keystone Plating.
7:00 “Small Fry Club” with Bob Emery.
7:30 Film shorts.
8:00 “Doorway to Fame.”
8:30 “Sports Names to Remember,” sponsored by Mouquin Wine.
8:40 Baseball at Yankee Stadium, Yankees vs. St. Louis Browns, play-by-play with Bill Slater. Pre- and Post-Game spots for Pepsi-Cola.
One-minute Weather for Sanka Coffee.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:25 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Cubs vs Philadelphia Phillies, play-by-play with Joe Wilson and Jack Brickhouse, sponsored by Commonwealth Edison and Ford; Post-Game “Scoreboard” for Kass Clothing.
7:30 “Telechats,” sponsored by The Fair.
7:45 Short subjects.
8:00 “Telequizzicalls,” sponsored by Commonwealth Edison.
8:15 Northwestern Play.
8:45 Gold with Bill Gordon.
9:00 Boxing at Madison Athletic club, Andy Balafas, vs. Joe Smith, welterweight, five rounds, sponsored by Keeley Beer.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 5:30 Test Chart.
8:00 NBC programming.
8:20 “The Handy Man” with Jack Creamer.
9:00 NBC programming.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 News and Views.
3:15 NBC Television Newsreel.
3:25 "Songs of Friendship" Children's Theater.
3:35 Film.
3:45 Man on the Street.
4:00 Film.
8:00 NBC Television Newsreel.
8:10 Baseball Closeups with Harry Caray and Gabby Street, sponsored by Griesedieck Brothers Brewery.
8:25 Baseball at Sportsman’s Park, Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, play-by-play with Ellis Veach and Ray Stockton, sponsored by Purity Bakery. W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
9:30 a.m. Test Patterns and music.
10:00 Film.
10:25 Test Patterns and Closing Announcement.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time,” Test Slides and music.
4:00 Film program for television dealers.
8:15 Baseball at Gilmore Field, Hollywood Stars vs. Los Angeles Angels.
Saturday, June 14 WCBS-TV Channel 2, New York
1:00 Dwyer Stakes from the Aqueduct Racetrack, 30th running, a mile-and-a-quarter for three-year-olds, with $50,000 added. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, caller.
8:00 CBS Television News with Tom O’Connor.
8:15 The Story of Our Flag.
8:35 Feature Film.
WABD Channel 5, New York
1:45 “Sports Names to Remember,” sponsored by Mouquin Wine.
1:50 Baseball at Yankee Stadium, Yankees vs. St. Louis Browns (double-header), play-by-play with Bill Slater.
Pre- and Post-Game spots from Pepsi-Cola.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:25 Baseball at Wrigley Field, Cubs vs Philadelphia Phillies, play-by-play with Joe Wilson and Jack Brickhouse, sponsored by Commonwealth Edison and Ford; Post-Game “Scoreboard” for Kass Clothing.
8:00 Harness racing from Maywood, sponsored by Fox Brewing.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
1:45 Baseball at Shibe Park, Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians, Claude Haring play-by-play, sponsored by ARCO and Philco.
KSD Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00 Forty-seventh National Open Golf Tournament from St. Louis Country Club. (Closing rounds.)
8:00 NBC television newsreel.
8:10 Film.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 “Tune Up Time” (test patterns and recorded music).
4:00 Film program for television dealers.
8:00 “Tune Up Time” (test patterns and recorded music).
8:15 Baseball at Gilmore Field, Hollywood Stars vs. Los Angeles Angels.
Apols if this is an odd place to note it, but I've recently been looking at some ca. 1939 New Yorker magazines, and they, too, have New York City television listings. If you have access to the magazine, you might want to have a look.
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