January-March 1941

Television began 1941 still in the experimental stage, but the FCC continued to study whether it should lift its ban on commercials. The TV industry got together and made 22 recommendations to the Commission involving transmission of pictures and sound, and on what frequencies.

Commercialization had been postponed indefinitely in 1940 because the FCC wasn’t happy with an RCA power play, advertising new sets which meant RCA was setting the standard for transmissions. When the FCC held hearings in March 1941, RCA pulled another power play. It wanted commercialization delayed because DuMont came up with a system the commissioners liked, and RCA wasn’t ready to change and put it in place.

Great gobs of industry print space was devoted to this, but you’ll read only some basic stories below. CBS, by the way, was continuing to push its colour system. RCA counter-moved by saying, uh, we have a system, too, yeah, that’s it. But we can’t tell you about it or demonstrate it (as CBS had done before the Commissioners).

As March 1941 closed, the Commissioners went away to ponder what to do. (As Variety pointed out on April 2, there were factions on the FCC, too. Such is the nature of politics).

Meanwhile, on the air, in New York, NBC’s W2XBS continued irregular broadcasts, either sports events live from Madison Square Garden or films (most of them starring Sally Blane). CBS’ W2XAB continued testing. DuMont's W2XWV wasn’t ready to go on the air.

Here are some listings for W2XBS. If there’s reference to a test pattern, the copy comes from the New York Herald Tribune. Otherwise, the schedule is from the Daily News.

Wednesday, January 1, 1941
For the first time in its long and colorful history, the Mummers’ Parade was televised yesterday [1], and broadcast over a 50-mile area [on W3XE]. A large wooden platform was built out from a window of Council’s chamber on the fourth floor of City Hall, facing N. Broad st., for the television camera. Transmitting apparatus all but filled the big room. The parade pictures were relayed to the Philco plant from a special sending station in City Hall tower. Three screens were set u in the Council chamber. (Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan. 2)

Saturday, January 4, 1941
W2XBS, New York (video, 51.25 mcs.; audio, 55.75 mcs.)
8:15—Collegiate Basketball—Fordham-North Carolina; LIU-Michigan State.

Sunday, January 5, 1941
8:30—Film—“The Quitter” (1929) with Ben Lyon.

Wednesday, January 8, 1941
8:15—Collegiate Basketball—CCNY-St. John’s; NYU-Manhattan.

Thursday, January 9, 1941
Color television of living objects in a direct pickup was demonstrated publicly yesterday [9] for the first time by the Columbia Broadcasting System. The pictures, in bright, natural hues, were picked up by a television camera in the C. B. S. laboratories on the fifth floor of 485 Madison Avenue, transmitted by coaxial cable under Fifty-second Street and reproduced In a studio of the new C. B. S. building at 49 East Fifty Second Street.
The demonstration followed by four months a C. B. S. showing of color television in which the objects were televised by scanning a motion-picture film. In yesterday’s direct pickup of original objects a vari-colored globe was set spinning without any “break-up” of the colors. Confetti appeared on the screen, with the various hues distinct and vivid. A girl was pictured. Seen afterward her complexion and the color of her hair were the same as appeared on the screen.
A black-and-white television set showed the same program, but the objects appeared dull and gray in comparison with the color screen. Dr. Peter C. Goldmark, chief television engineer at C. B. S., said that today color television “is in the laboratory, but with the co—operation of the industry, I do not think it will be there long.” The first demonstration yesterday was for the press. Other demonstrations were given for members of the Institute of Radio Engineers, which is holding its sixteenth annual convention at the Hotel Pennsylvania. (NY Herald Tribune, Jan. 10)

Friday, January 10, 1941
8:30—Film—“City Park” (1934) with Sally Blane.

Television over an all-wire circuit had a long-distance public demonstration yesterday [10] when a program taken from motion picture films was transmitted 190 miles over coaxial telephone cable of the Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. The demonstration was for members of the Institute of Radio Engineers. The program originated in the Bell Laboratories at 180 Varick Street. In the long-distance test the scenes were reproduced clearly at the Hotel Pennsylvania, after having been translated over the coaxial cable to Philadelphia and back. The cable formed a loop and there was no break in transmission at Philadelphia. For comparison, some of the scenes, in black and white, also were transmitted directly from the laboratories to the hotel. These appeared only slightly more distinct than did the scenes transmitted 190 miles. A few feet from the screen the difference was hardly perceptible. About every five miles along the line, engineers said, a three-stage vacuum tube amplifier in each coaxial kept the signals stepped up to proper strength. The engineers explained that direct pick-up of original programs instead of scenes from fìlms also could be used. As long ago as 1927, the engineers said, the Bell Laboratories demonstrated long-distance television in a program from Washington to New York, a distance of 225 miles, but reception then was not so good. (NY Herald Tribune, Jan. 11)

Sunday, January 12, 1941
7:10—Test Pattern.
8:30—Hockey—N.Y. Rangers vs. N.Y. Americans.

Tuesday, January 14, 1941
PRESERVING the status quo of three television projects in Los Angeles, the FCC on Jan. 14 granted motions to dismiss proceedings instituted by CBS against FCC authorization of visual broadcast facilities for Earle C. Anthony Inc. and Hughes Productions Division of Hughes Tool Co. The Jan. 14 action leaves all three parties with facilities previously authorized.
By its action the FCC granted a motion to dismiss petitions for re-hearing filed Dec. 6, 1940, by CBS and directed against the FCC action of Nov. 15, 1940, granting the application of Earle C. Anthony Inc. for a construction permit for a television station in Los Angeles to operate on television channel No. 6, and making final its conditional grant of June 18, 1940, to Hughes Productions Division of Hughes Tool Co. for a television construction permit in Los Angeles to operate on Channel No. 2 instead of Channel No. 3, as had been requested. The FCC also granted withdrawal of a request by CBS for hearing on its own application for a television construction permit in Los Angeles on Channel No. 3 instead of Channel No. 8, as granted Nov. 15, 1940. (Broadcasting, Jan. 20, 1941)

Wednesday, January 15, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Film—“Happiness C.O.D.” (1935) with Donald Meek.

Friday, January 17, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Wrestling from Jamaica Arena.

Sunday, January 19, 1941
7:40—Test Pattern.
8:40—Hockey—N.Y. Americans vs. Toronto.

Monday, January 20, 1941
HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 20. (UP)—Erection of the nation’s highest television antenna began today on a 1700-foot mountain top overlooking Hollywood.
The antenna, 300 foot steel tower, will rise atop Mt. Lee and furnish a vertical clearance of nearly half a mile for transmission of synchronized images and sound from the new 100,000 studio of television Station W6XAO. Programs are expected to reach approximately 500 home tele-receivers.
A 4,000,000 candlepower beacon at the point of the tower will guide airplanes to nearby landing fields.
Thomas S. Lee, radio chain operator, is building the television establishment.

Tuesday, January 21, 1941
FARNSWORTH Television & Radio Corp., Fort Wayne, Ind., on Jan. 21 was granted a construction permit for a new research and experimental television station to operate on Channel No. 3 (66-72 mc). This station will use 1,000 watts oral and visual power. (Broadcasting, Jan. 27)

Wednesday, January 22, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Film—“The Marines Are Here” (1938) with June Travis.

Friday, January 24, 1941
11:00—Test Pattern.
Noon—Variety Program.
An exhibition of theatre screen television, another RCA development, at the New Yorker Theatre, revealed that scenes could be expanded to fifteen by twenty-foot dimensions and still retain quality comparable with that of a home receiver. A steel-barreled projector over the edge of the balcony casts the images on the stage screen sixty feet away.
An hour program patterned after a vaudeville bill was scheduled to illustrate the apparatus. Marie-Jeanne, ballerina; Jean Dickinson, soprano, and Al Trahan, comedian, performed their turns before the electric cameras in what turned out to be a first-class show. (NY Times, Feb. 2)

CAMP UPTON, YAPHANK, L. I., Jan. 21 (Special)—Several units of the 198th Coast Artillery, Delaware National Guard, will participate in a 15-minute television broadcast program from Camp Upton on Friday [24]. First Lieut. William F. James, public relations officer at the Camp, said the broadcast has been described as “vital” by National Broadcasting Company officials, as it is the first television broadcast of a distance of more than 26 miles.
Officials of the Federal Communications Commission will attend the broadcast from the studios of N. B. C. at Radio City, New York.
Col. George J. Schulz, regimental commander of the 198th, will command the units of the regiment. The subject of the broadcast will be the picturization of activities at the defense training center.
The 15-minute broadcast from Camp Upton will be a part of a two-hour program.
Col. C. W. Baird, commanding officer, Camp Upton, and Lieut.-Col. H. C. Brentzer, commanding officer, 122nd Reception Center, will take part.
Actual scenes of army life, including arrival of selectees, recruit drill instruction, and action of a trained gun crew will be presented. (Wilmington Journal, Jan. 21)

In an effort to convince the Federal Communications Commission that television is sufficiently advanced to merit commercialization, the leading organizations fostering the art staged demonstrations here yesterday [24] of its latest developments for members of the commission. The National Television System Committee, formed by the Radio Manufacture Association to pave the way for the entrance of the advertiser into television, also saw the demonstrations.
Television successfully met the test of inclement weather and unstable light conditions when scenes from Camp Upton at Yaphank, L. I., sixty-eight miles distant, were flashed to Radio City over an automatic radio relay as part of the Radio Corporation of America demonstration. The pictures were picked up at the camp by a mobile unit, which routed them to the automatic relay system, consisting of unattended stations that “bounce” television images across the countryside without the use of wire connections. Observers agreed that little definition or brilliance was lost in the reproduced scenes, despite the distance.
National Network Is Aim
The FCC members, who came to the showings as a preliminary to receiving a progress report from the manufacturers’ committee Monday in Washington, were told that the relay towers, as designed for future use, are expected to dot the landscape to make possible inter-city television and eventually a network on a national scale.
Theatre screen television also received major attention during the RCA portion of the tour and 15 by 20 foot pictures were shown at the New Yorker Theatre, in West Fifty-fourth Street. The scenes were comparable in quality with those shown on a home receiver.
At the theatre, Camp Upton again was picked up, and while the scenes were not as strict in detail as those viewed previously on a small screen, the enlarged pictures were applauded by the engineers. In addition, the announcer’s image was projected on the screen with clarity after having been transmitted over a 102-mile relay. The picture was picked up at Radio City and flashed to the relay system’s amplifying unit at Hauppauge, fifty-one miles distant, and returned to New York.
A new multisonic sound system developed for use with the large television screen was employed. It permits movement of sound with action on the screen, rotation of sound around the walls of the auditorium and emanation of sound from any one desired point in the theatre. A play “K-7,” which contained bombing scenes, was used to illustrate the system.
New Receiver Used
The R. C. A. demonstration at Radio City was picked up on a new design of home-television receiver utilizing a 13 1/2 by 18 inch picture, which was introduced publicly for the first time. Women’s hair, wallpaper designs and other similar details were brought out in striking clarity.
A demonstration over coaxial cable, or television “pipe,” was given by the Bell Telephone Laboratories at 463 West Street. It consisted of test patterns and some movie shorts that were transmitted from an adjoining studio, and also over a line to Philadelphia. While the Images had only to travel about fifty feet from the local studio, they had to pass through 200-odd miles of cable when they were transmitted to Philadelphia and back to the local screen.
At the New York headquarters of the Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc., at 515 Madison Avenue, television was demonstrated with 625-line definition. The present standard is 441 lines. The object was to prove that the Du Mont system precludes obsolescence of television receivers, no matter at which standard images are telecast.
The FCC members will continue their tour today by visiting the Columbia Broadcasting System at 485 Madison Avenue, where they will inspect television in colors before returning to Washington. (NY Times, Jan. 25)

Saturday, January 25, 1941

Members of the Federal Communications Commission and the National Television Systems Committee ended yesterday [25] a two-day inspection tour of leading television laboratories and studios here, during which the latest devices and methods of the new art were demonstrated.
Television in color, based on the developments made by Dr. Peter C. Goldmark, Columbia Broadcasting System chief television engineer, and his staff, was viewed at 485 Madison Avenue. Programs were televised both from films and “live” studio shows.
Dr. Goldmark also demonstrated a new system of studio lighting—from fluorescent bulbs—which is said greatly to reduce the heat television actors normally are subjected to with other types of illumination. After the color test the FCC members returned to Washington, where tomorrow television hearings are scheduled to begin, looking to the commercialization of television. (NY Times, Jan. 26)

Monday, January 27, 1941
Washington.—The National Television Systems Committee yesterday [27] presented to the FCC 22 standards forming a basis for co-ordinated television. Chairman W. R. G. Baker, of the NTSC. stated that the committee believes that these standards provide for a nationally co-ordinated television service.
Color television, the report says, is not ready for commercialization, but the importance of color to art makes continued tests advisable. The commission will hold hearings later of detailed inquiry on the question of adopting the committees recommendations. (Hollywood Reporter, Jan. 28)

Tuesday, January 28, 1941
The Federal Communications Commission yesterday [28] scheduled a hearing on March 20 to consider engineering standards proposed for television and to determine whether visual broadcasting should be placed on a commercial basis.
The hearing was announced following receipt of a report of engineers representing the radio manufacturing industry as to television standards. This report adheres rather closely to the previous recommendations of the Radio Manufacturers Association, which was rejected by the FCC more than a year ago.
The National Television System Committeee’s report stated that the adoption of the standards it proposed would “make possible the creation, in the public interest, of a nationally coordinated television service and at the same time will insure continued development of the art.”
All of the major experimenters in the visual broadcasting field except the Allen B. Du.Mont Laboratories, Inc., are understood to be willing to adopt these standards. (Washington Post, Jan. 29)

Wednesday, January 29, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:10—Test Pattern.
8:10—Collegiate Basketball—LIU-Butler; St. Francis-Rhode Island State.
Actions of the Federal Radio Commission, Jan. 29
TELEVISION RENEWALS—W2XAB, New York; W2XBT. W2XBU, W2XBS, New York; W6XBU, Los Angeles; W2XVT, Passaic, N.J.; W9XZV, Chicago. Licenses extended to 3-1-41 pending action on renewals—W3XE, W3XP, Philadelphia; W2XI, New Scotland, N.Y.; W3XAD, W3XEP, Camden, N.J. Licenses extended to 3-1-41 pending receipt of renewal applications—W2XB, W2XH, Schenectady; W9UI, Iowa City.
NEW, May Department Stores Co., Los Angeles, granted extension time to supply experimental television program to W6XMC (CP only) for 60 days from 1-14-41. (Broadcasting, Feb. 3)

Friday, January 31, 1941
8:30—Wrestling Matches.

Saturday, February 1, 1941
Those exciting Millrose Games, which officially opened this season’s track meets, were both seen and heard over the air last [Saturday] night. WINS, which had received special permission from the FCC to operate after its allotted time, picked up most of the event, beginning at 9. WHN opened its mike at Madison Square Garden at 9:30 and WMCA at 10. NBC’s television station W2XBS began telecasting from there at 8:30, giving set owners box seats at one of the most thrilling sports items of the year. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Feb. 2).

Tuesday, February 4, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:40—Test Pattern.
8:10—Hockey—N.Y. Americans vs. New York Rangers.
If you like sports in the loudspeaker, Bert Lee’s account of the Americans-Rangers hockey clash should have been interesting (WHN-9:30). And if you happen to own a television set, you might have caught it via NBC’s televised relay. Hockey stubbornly stays the toughest of all sports to be compressed into camera limits. However, the man at the camera controls did a swell job of following the puck. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Feb. 5)

Wednesday, February 5, 1941
Actions of the Federal Communications Commission, Feb. 5
NEW, LeRoy’s Jewelers, Los Angeles; FCC on own motion modified conditional grant for television station to substitute Channel No. 13 for No. 10; CBS, Los Angeles, granted extention to 5-1-41 for filing program of research for television station. (Broadcasting, Feb. 10)

Friday, February 7, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Wrestling Matches at Jamaica Arena.

Actions of the Federal Communications Commission, Feb. 7
NEW, R. B. Eaton, granted continuance hearing television application. (Broadcasting, Feb. 10)

Saturday, February 8, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:10—Test Pattern.
8:10—Collegiate Basketball—LIU-Duquesne; CCNY-Fordham.

Wednesday, February 12, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Film—“Numbered Women” (1938) with Sally Blane, Lloyd Hughes.

Friday, February 14, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:10—Test Pattern.
8:10—Collegiate Basketball—NYU-Notre Dame; Manhattan-St. Francis.

Saturday, February 15, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—N.Y. Athletic Club Track Meet.

Wednesday, February 19, 1941

INVOLVING television operations of General Electric Co. in Schenectady, the FCC sitting en banc on Feb. 19 designated for hearing the renewal applications for GE's experimental television station, W2XB, and its television relay station, W2XI, along with the license application for another relay station, W2XD, for which GE holds a construction permit. According to the issues outlined by the FCC, the hearing will be held to determine whether the licensee has operated the stations in accordance with FCC rules and regulations, particularly Sections 4.72 and 4.74, and if not, whether public interest, convenience and necessity would be served by granting the applications. No date has been set for the hearing.(Broadcasting, Feb. 24)

Friday, February 21, 1941
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Wrestling from Jamaica Arena.

Saturday, February 22, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Track Meet at Madison Square Garden.
Both radio and television picked up the National A.A.U. track meet at Madison Square Garden. WINS (9), WHN (9:15), WABC (9:45) and WHN (10) carried vivid verbal descriptions . . . but W2XBS beat them all with its clear pictures (8:30), reflected on the screens of the city’s television sets. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Feb. 23)

Monday, February 24, 1941
CHICAGO, March 1.—Balaban & Katz began construction on its television antennae last Monday (24). It will be on top of the State-Lake Theater Building, on whose top floor the B & K transmitter is located. (Billboard, Mar. 8)

Tuesday, February 25, 1941
A franchise has been granted for the operation of a television and frequency modulation station under the name of Metropolitan Television, Inc., to be owned by Bloomingdale Bros. and Abraham & Strauss, Inc., Brooklyn, it was made known today by Ira A. Hischmann, vice-president of Bloomingdale’s.
Mr. Hirschmann further made known that the Washington Institute of Technology has been retained as engineers in the construction of the station, which is planned at the Hotel Pierre. Dr. Frank G. Kear is the engineer representing the institute.
A program formula has already been worked out, Mr. Hirschmann added, calling for public activities, public information, merchandise presentation and demonstrations of the application of education. Experimental broadcasts are planned for within the next few months, but this depends upon the ability, because of the defense program, of the company to obtain necessary equipment. Mr. Hirschmann stated that it his belief that television is the future means of presenting a message on goods effectively. How soon, he said, he could not at this time fortell. (Women’s Wear Daily, Feb. 25)

Thursday, February 27, 1941
Washington.—The FCC yesterday [27] issued a detailed list of the proposed standards for commercialized television, in preparedness for the hearing to be held March 20 which will be open for suggestions and criticisms. Those proposing to testify must notify the FCC by March 15.
One proposed rule provides that all motion picture films employed in telecasts must be described at such for the start of the program. Other rules state that no person may own more than one television station that would serve the same area, that licenses be issued for one year, and that stations must maintain a regular program for five hours a day except on Sunday. (Hollywood Reporter, Feb. 28)

Actions of the Federal Radio Commission, Feb. 27
W6XHH, W6XHT, Los Angeles—Modification CP new television stations to extend commencement date. (Broadcasting, Mar. 3)

Friday, February 28, 1941
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Wrestling from Jamaica Arena.

Saturday, March 1, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Track Meet at Madison Square Garden.
INTERCOLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Madison Square Garden
Saturday (1), 8 p.m.
W2XBS-NBC, New York
Telecasting is still on the quietus, experimental activity by NBC practically standing by and only occasionally warming up the equipment with films. For the past three Saturday evenings, however, track events at Madison Square Garden have been televised. Last Saturday (1) the indoor Intercollegiate Championships were covered by NBC’s mobile unit, proving satisfactory diversion to track fans who operated receiving sets instead of being at the Garden.
Officials of the meet held to schedule with the result that the program was run off promptly. Men at the television microphones spotted the standout contestants, the camera closely following the leaders around the track. Comment of the announcers made the program exciting. The scoring of points was frequently tabulated and towards the finish there was no doubt but that Fordham would win the meet. Pole vaulter and broadjumpers had an edge because directly in front of the camera.

During the past weekend CBS through its television station W2XAB gave a demonstration of color telecasting, but there was no attempt to place it upon a reception channel. The program was sent from the laboratory to a studio across the street by coaxial cable and was shown to a conference of South American educators in New York on a mission. Program consisted of film and direct pick-up.
NBC unit had Jack Fraser on descriptive comment, with Ray Forrest doing the regular announcing. Burke Crotty in charge of producing and Hal See, engineer. Monday (3) same unit televised the Golden Gloves boxing finals, also at the Garden. Ibee. (Variety, Mar. 5)

Columbus’ history-making voyage to America will be depicted in full color television at the CBS building today at 1 P. M. for the benefit of representatives of foreign countries attending the conference of The School of the Air of the Americas. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Mar. 1)

Monday, March 3, 1941
8:00—Finals of N.Y. Golden Gloves.

ALLEN B. DU MONT Television Laboratories is demonstrating television with 625 lines, 15 frames, each Wednesday and Friday afternoon through March 20 in the company’s studios at 515 Madison Ave., New York. (Broadcasting, Mar. 3)

Saturday, March 8, 1941
2:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Knights of Columbus Track Meet at Madison Square Garden.
Those who have television receivers didn’t have to walk or drive through the snow to Madison Square Garden to see the classic annual Knights of Columbia Track Meet. All they had to do was to twirl a few dials, glance at the mirror and presto! there they were in a ringside seat. W2XBS’ telecast of the proceedings (8:30) gave them a first class close-up of every event. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Mar. 9)

Wednesday, March 12, 1941
7:00—Test Pattern.
8:00—Boxing—Eastern Golden Gloves Finals from Madison Square Garden.
Thousands of broadcasting fans in the New York area not only heard but saw The News’ Eastern Golden Glove Finals at Madison Square Garden last night. For W2XBS, NBC's television station, telecast the event beginning at 8, with the dynamic Sam Taub at the mike. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Mar. 13)

Television has finally come up with a big screen and you can look for televised sports events as a big money-maker in the pretty near future. The other night [12] at the New Yorker Theater all the high muck-a-mucks of Madison Square Garden deserted the actual Golden Gloves finals to watch the fights on the screen. The new screen is as large as that used in the “movies” and its invention and perfection cost a mere $9,000,000. Col. Kilpatrick and Mike Jacobs were so enthused they counted screens instead of sheep trying to get to sleep. (Caswell Adams, NY Herald Tribune, Mar. 14)

Plans for the establishment of frequency modulation and television broadcasting facilities by the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., atop the 50 story One La Salle Street building, 1 North La Salle street, were disclosed yesterday [12]. The broadcasting company has entered into an option agreement with the One La Salle Street Company, owner of the building, giving it the right to negotiate a 10 year lease of the roof of the structure. It is planned to build a 100 foot tower on the top of the building which now rises 529 feet above the sidewalk. (Chi Trib, Mar. 13)

Friday, March 14, 1941
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Wrestling at Jamaica Arena.

Actions of the Federal Communications Commission, March 14
W9XBK, Chicago—Granted temporary authority operate two transmitter units for television. (Broadcasting, Mar. 17)

Sunday, March 16, 1941
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Film— “The Numbered Woman” (1938) with Sally Blane.

Monday, March 17, 1941
NBC HAS CONFIRMED a report that it recently broadcast a television program in color, using live talent for the program, but the network's television executives refused to disclose any details of the experimental telecast. CBS last year broadcast a film program in full color and has more recently demonstrated color pickups of live talent with the pictures fed from the cameras to the receivers by cable, as the CBS video transmitter is out of service while being re-equipped for broadcasting on its new channel. (Broadcasting, Mar. 17)

Tuesday, March 18, 1941
Hollywood, March 18. Lewis Allen Weiss shoved off for Washington to grab a commercial television license for the Don Lee network’s W6XAO. He’s on the books for the first handout.
Understood that engineers working on a set of standards for the past two years will stand pat on 441 lines and 30 frames per second in their report to the Federal Communications Commission at the hearing Thursday in Washington. (Variety, Mar. 19)

Wednesday, March 19, 1941
7:10—Test pattern.
8:10—Basketball—R. I. State vs. Seton Hall; L. I. University vs. Westminster.

Thursday, March 20, 1941
WAShINGTON, March 20—Hearings were begun by the Federal Communications Commission today on proposed standards in television and a possible date for commercial operation.
Reporting for the National Television System Committee, of which he is chairman, Dr. W. R. G. Baker of the General Electric Company said that in the light of new information revisions of the recommendations made in a committee report submitted in January had been agreed upon.
The committee now recommends that when tests have proved one system superior, the commission’s standards be narrowed to require the commercial use of that system, that all eighteen instead of seven channels, previously recommended, be set aside for television, and that in scanning, the standard number of lines should be 525, interlaced two to one, instead of 441, as recommended in the January report, and that the standard frame frequency should be 30 a second.
Other witnesses heard today were Paul Porter, Adrian Murphy and Dr. Peter Goldmark of the Columbia Broadcasting System, David B. Smith of the Philco Radio Corporation, Donald J. Fink, editor of Electronic Magazine, and Allen B. Dumont of the Dumont Laboratories. (NY Times, Mar. 20)

Washington.—Speaking yesterday [20] at the FCC hearing on standards and commercialization of television, Adrian Murphy, director of that branch for CBS, declared that he hoped that there will be some film companies which will take pictures exclusively for television use. He had seen few movies that would be suitable, he said, and, although so far, the telecasting companies have been able to get films for small fees, it is impossible to say what the price will be when the art becomes more popular and in more general use. He added that there had been some reluctance on the part of the picture business to supply films.
Murphy advocated that sets be made to receive both color and black and white. Otherwise, he said, color will be at a great disadvantage even though it has greater appeal to the public. He opposed the regulation requiring television licensees to put on programs five hours a day and recommended that no specific number of hours be set. Five hours a day would surpassed he said when television is further developed, but it is impossible now. “There is no chance for broadcasters to get any appreciable amount of income for some time,” he asserted, “even if the television rates are five times as high as regular radio rates. Broadcasters will be able to spend only about $100 an hour for television programs now, and I couldn’t produce an interesting program for that.”
The question of color television may delay its commercialization, it was hinted yesterday. Representatives of the industry said that the color angle is not ready and some felt that this might case the FCC to hold up the approval of commercialization. (Hollywood Reporter, Mar. 21)

Friday, March 21, 1941
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Wrestling at Jamaica Arena.

WASHINGTON, March 22 (AP)—Immediate commercialization of television was asked yesterday [21] by witnesses appearing before the Federal Communications Commission.
The Commission is conducting hearings on engineering standards for television with a view to fixing a date for the start of commercial operations.
Allen B. Du Mont, head of Du Mont Laboratories, said he thought the industry had had enough experience to warrant immediate commercialization.
Another witness, Edward M. Martin, counsel for Farnsworth Television and Radio Corporation, Fort Wayne, Ind., expressed similar views.
A. N. Morton, Vice-President of the National Broadcasting Company, opposed a proposal to require 30 hours television broadcasting weekly. This, he send, would impose a heavy burden on radiocasters in the beginning. He suggested a minimum of 10 hours a week, to be increased as circumstances permit.

Members of the Federal Communications Commission were startled late yesterday [21] to hear officials of the Radio Corporation of America testify that R. C. A.-N. B. C. is not as well prepared for commercial television now as it was a year ago.
Dr. C. B. Jolliffe, chief engineer of R. C. A., suggested that the FCC adopt television standards recommended by the National Television System Committee, a group representing the industry, but that it delay commercialization. Chairman James L. Fly expressed astonishment at what he termed a change in attitude of R. C. A., but other members of the FCC interpreted Dr. Jolliffe’s testimony as meaning that R. C. A. was not prepared to market television receivers as it was a year ago. At that time the FCC stepped in to rescind a previous order.
Plant Doing Defense Work
R. C. A. is no longer manufacturing or marketing television sets. Jolliffe said, and its Camden plant is engaged to a limited degree in defense work.
N. B. C. television transmissions have been reduced from 10 to 12 hours a week to 6 to 8 hours, he said.
Moreover, he testified, the industry does not know what effect the national defense program and priorities may have on the manufacture of visual broadcasting transmitters and receivers.
Chairman Fly questioned A. H. Morton, N. B. C. vice president in charge of television, as to why nine months have elapsed since N. B. C. was given a permit to erect a Washington television transmitter and nothing had been done.
Dismantling Tower
Morton said a tower had been obtained only recently and was being dismantled to bring to the National Capital.
Spokesmen for the Columbia Broadcasting System said the network was willing for the FCC to adopt standards and set a date for commercialization of television, but contended the industry would have to develop gradually and that the public should not be led to expect too much at the outset.
Other industry representatives urged the commission to permit television to go on a commercial basis at once, although the Allen B. DuMont Laboratories continued to Insist that its more flexible standards are preferable to those recommended by the committee representing the majority of manufacturers.
Edward M. Martin, Washington attorney, representing the Farnsworth Television Corporation, told the commission that television should be of military value now and should aid in the economic rehabilitation of the country when peace comes.
The commission recessed the hearing until 10 o’clock Monday. (James D. Secrest, Washington Post, Mar. 22)

Monday, March 24, 1941
8:00—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.

WASHINGTON, March 24—Immediate standardization and authorization of television broadcasting was urged by all the witnesses at today’s final hearing before the Federal Communications Commission.
The radio industry is ready to go ahead, its representatives assured the commission, but before anything can be done, it must have definite standards and authority to proceed, and a known date on which television broadcasting is to be placed on a commercial basis.
An interval between authorization and effective operation is essential if commercial broadcasting is to “get off to a good start,” the witnesses told the commission.
Previously the date had been fixed as last Sept. 1, but the date was later withdrawn.
The refusal of any witness to name a date, or to assert his willingness to begin commercialized broadcasting without any delay, was characterized as illogical by James Lawrence Fly, chairman of the commission, in view of their protests at the cancellation of its “green light” order last year.
Taking issue especially with the attitude of the National Broadcasting Company, as stated by its representatives, Mr. Fly demanded “why not now.” and was told in reply by A. H. Morton and Dr. C. B. Jolliffe that NBC “would like to go ahead, and would go ahead, when others do.”
Without fixing any date, NBC’s representatives recommended that commercialized television broadcasting begin “as soon as the demand for commercial television stations exceeds the capacity of channels one through seven.” Edward M. Martin, attorney for the Farnsworth Radio and Television Company of Indiana, told the commission that Farnsworth expects to design and produce television sets in accord with approved standards and have them ready within 120 days from authorization of such standards by the commission.
The standards recommended in the revised report to the commission of the National Television System Committee were accepted, with a few suggested amendments. (New York Times, Mar. 25)

Tuesday, March 25, 1941
BALABAN & KATZ Corp., big motion picture theatre operators and licensee of W91BK and W9XBT, television stations in Chicago, was granted a construction permit March 25 for a new experimental television station in Chicago to operate with 10 watts fulltime on 384,000-396,000 kc. or Group channel, A5 emission. (Broadcasting, Mar. 31)

Wednesday, March 26, 1941
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Films—“Background of News in Greece” and “Feud of the West” (1936) with Hoot Gibson.

Friday, March 28, 1941
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:30—Wrestling at Jamaica Arena.

Monday, March 31, 1941
9:00—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.

February 1933

A television tombstone went up at 485 Madison Avenue in February 1932.

Without warning, CBS shut off its transmitters and gave up on television until tests resumed at the end of the decade.

The company claimed it had experimented as much as it could. In a way, it was true. W2XAB was still spinning a wheel to send a signal, but the mechanical era of television was about dead. But it was also pumping all kinds of money into programming while not being allowed to advertise. Financially, that was deadly during the Depression.

Elsewhere in New York, the John Hogan station, W2XR, cut its broadcasting hours. Eventually, Hogan gave up television for FM radio. NBC’s W2XBS was still without sound and its experiments would soon be few and far between until the 1939 World’s Fair, when the cathode ray tube would bring television back to life in the city.

During February 1933, the most ambitious station was W9XAL in Kansas City, which broadcast live programming for a number of hours six days a week. A story in one local paper said it had signed on October 10, 1932. And Don Lee’s operations in Los Angeles continued to beam something to the handful of sets in the area.

After this post, we’ll conclude our attempt at providing regular schedules for television in the 1930s and jump to 1941, when NBC and the rest of the industry pushed to allow their stations to air commercials.

The New York Sun published schedules with hours of operation only, but the Kansas City Journal-Post gave a full run down of programming on W9XAL on most days. It appears viewers tuned in an hour of the Purdue University station, then watched CBS on the same frequency for another two hours. There is little about Chicago or the experimental station at the University of Kansas. The Sun printed an article on the station in Montreal, which we include, along with Billboard’s TV columns.

Wednesday, February 1, 1933

Several times during the last year I have had occasion to interview stage and screen stars over the radio, and each time that I have had some particularly charming actress in front of the microphone I have wished for television so our listeners could see the beauty of the person being interviewed. Now I get my wish. At 3:45 o’clock Wednesday afternoon [1] I’m going to interview Lita Grey Chaplin over KMBC and the television station W9XAL. Miss Chaplin, headlining the vaudeville show at the Main-street theater this week, will make a lovely subject for a television broadcast. She has promised to sing during the program. Radio listeners will have a pleasant fifteen minutes by tuning in on KMBC at 3:45 and persons owning television sets may see the “charming chanteuse” of the stage at the same time.
And at 4 o’clock Thursday afternoon [2] Art Jarrett, noted radio crooner now appearing at the Plantation Grill of the Hotel Muehlebach, will be interviewed over KMBC and Kansas City’s television station. Since he is recognized as the “handsomest man in radio,” I have been selected to do the interviewing just for the sake of contrast. (Lowell Lawrance, KC Journal-Post, Feb. 1)

Thursday, February 2, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
4:00—Art Jarrett, popular tenor, will appear in an interview with Lowell Lawrance, dramatic critic of the Journal Post. Jarrett will sing several popular hits. This program is to be presented over W9XAL and KMBC.

LAFAYETTE, Ind., Feb. 2.—After four years of experimentation and research, the first home demonstration of a new type of portable television receiving set developed at Purdue university under the direction of R. H. George, research associate of the Purdue engineering experiment station, was presented last night at the home of Prof. C. F. Harding, head of the Purdue school of electrical engineering.
The demonstration, attended by faculty members and business men, was a preview of a showing to be conducted tomorrow afternoon for engineers of the Radio Corporation of America, who are making a trip from the East especially to inspect the new development.
Tuned to Purdue Station.
The new receiver, which is reported to be a marked improvement over the types now on the market, was demonstrated by tuning in on the regular broadcast of motion pictures by the Purdue experimental television station, W9XG, at 9 o'clock last night [2]. Preceding the demonstration the set's operation and construction was explained by Prof. Handing and Mr. George.
Pictures materialized as the receiver was tuned in on the Purdue station, and the momentary ghostlike effect of the images was removed almost instantly by the sharpness and contrast of the pictures that moved across the "window" of the receiving set.
Price Range Low, Reports.
The new receiving set has reached the stage in its development where it is ready for commercial production at a price that will be within the range of the ordinary radio fan, its developers claim. Installation is as simple as hooking up a new radio set. The set is light and small enough to be conveniently portable, and all that is necessary is to plug the connection into a light socket and attach the ground wire. The set also can be operated successfully without use of an aerial, although an aerial is preferable, as it is on the ordinary radio set.
The development results from co-operative television experimental work carried on by Purdue and the Grigsby-Grunow Company of Chicago, which has included the construction of the television station W9XG. The station has been broadcasting regular biweekly programs since last March 29 and has numerous reports of successful reception within a radius of 800 miles. During the time the research work has been conducted, the Grigsby-Grunow Company has expended more than in financing the project.
Cathode Ray Employed.
The receiving set, which has been worked out by Mr. George, assisted by H. J. Heim, research assistant of the engineering experiment station, is different from other types. Instead of presenting the pictures in a red and black combination, as does the neon lamp type, the Purdue receiving set uses a cathode ray vacuum type of receiver that presents the picture in black and white like the ordinary halftone, making it possible, the engineers say, to obtain much sharper contrasts.
The set is adaptable to any residence and is not a laboratory instrument, for it can easily be installed and operated in any home.
Mr. George, who has directed the experimental and research work that has led to the development of the new receiver, was graduated from the Purdue school of engineering in 1922 and received his M. S. degree in 1927 after he had developed a cathode ray oscillograph that is now used widely in scientific laboratories in photographing lightning and high voltage. His development of the cathode ray led to the establishment of the television research in co-operation with the Grigsby-Grunow Company. (Indianapolis Star, Feb. 3)

Friday, February 3, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
6:30—Ed Cochrane’s Sports Chat, KMBC.

Saturday, February 4, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00 a.m.—Sight Only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, sound KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30—Tex Owens, sound KMBC.
4:00—Sight Only.
4:30 to 4:45—Between the Bookends, Sound WLBF.
6:30—Sight Only.
8:00—Television Jubilee, Sound WLBF.

Progress is now being made toward the commercialization of television in Canada. The French newspaper La Presse in Montreal, which operates CKAC, has installed television apparatus with call letters VE9EC.
Sight and sound programs are being transmitted daily for lookers-in, and also for the purpose of determining the requirements for adapting the existing sound program to television presentations.
Demonstrations which have been held for the general public have proven that television in its present stage of development has a real, definite value as an entertainment medium for the home. This is the opinion of William Clavell, president of Canadian Television, Ltd., who contends that the demonstrations have shown that pictures of good detail can be received in the home under normal conditions, and that engineers have brought the art to a stage of development which will permit commercialization.
Study Program Technic.
It now remains, he believes, for the studio directors to present programs which are adapted to television and help to improve on sound technic. Our experience, he says, has shown that properly directed programs unquestionably possess entertainment value. As a matter of fact, there are many radio programs being presented today which can be greatly enhanced in entertainment value by television. On a number of occasions programs have been received with accompanying sound before audiences of a dozen or more persons. After allowing the program to be continued long enough to catch the interest of the audience the picture was purposely cut off the air while the sound was allowed to continue. Invariably the consensus of opinion was that the program became "flat" and lost a considerable part of its entertainment value.
The televisor used during the demonstration was similar to the one shown on this page. It employs a 60-hole lens disk with a movable screen. It will be observed that the external design differs radically from any other type of scanner known. The apparatus has been concentrated into a small space so that it can be placed alongside the sound receiver.
Technical Advances Slow.
"It is not to be assumed," warns Mr. Clavell, "that there are no further technical advances to be made in television development. There are many of those yet to come. Present indications are that these technical advances will be slow and that, tot some time at least they will take the form of improvements and refinements in the present equipment.
"It must be remembered that no Invention, no matter how revolutionary it may be, was commercialized in a perfected state. Even as simple a device as a bicycle was first sold in a very crude form. Today these early models look ridiculous, but at the time of their introduction they were a commercial article. When radio was first made available to the commercial market it had by no means reached its present stage of perfection.
"Television is now much further along the road to perfection than radio was in the days of the crystal wts, and we are confident that television in its present stage of development will be commercialized." (New York Sun, Feb. 4)

Gets W2XAB Good.
PHILIP JORDAN, Flushing, L. I.—During the last month I have been looking in on W2XAB’s programs as well as the films being broadcast by W2XR in New York. It was only during the middle of last December that I finished my six-tube receiver. My scanner is the peep-hole type. The disk has sixty holes. The motor is a universal type with an adjustable rheostat. For the last year I have always wanted to see what some of the artists looked like, and may I say that I was the most surprised person in the world after looking in for the first time. W2XR comes in well, but of late I have not seen him on the air. Evidently he has changed his hours of operation.
What Has Happened to W2XR?
L. MORKLAN, Woodhaven, L. I.—Of late I fail to see W2XR on the air. Have they shifted their wave or have they a new time schedule?
Reply—W2XR has cut down its time schedule and now is on the air daily except Sundays from 5 to 6 P. M. According to information from its engineers, the station may go on the air outside of its regular schedule period, but no set of fixed hours could be obtained. (New York Sun, Feb. 4)

Television
By Benn Hall
Let’s Add
Buffalo’s WBEN at Hotel Statler has applied for license for television experiments. Another one soon, I hope, to the flock.
Ray-O-Television Manufacturing Company plans to make 1,000 sets a day. Company is an outgrowth of the Ray-O-Vision Corporation of America. Plant is to be in Long Island City, N. Y., and employ about loo people. And there’s a report that laboratory, valued at $250,000, will be moved from Hollywood to Long Island.
Television Criticisms?

One of these nights, very soon, we are going to drop in at W2XAB unexpectedly and watch the entire two-hour program. I will review the show for the following week’s column — and judge it with television’s drawbacks and severe handicaps in mind, but just the same the review will be a criticism—somewhat similar to our regular radio, vaude, burly or legit criticisms. Should the feature prove successful, as well as practical, it may become a “regular.”
Suggestion for Backdrops
Recently we unexpectedly ran into one of New York’s most enthusiastic experimenters and he made a suggestion that sounds practical. The bashful being, he’s not an act, asked us to refrain from giving his name, but he’s a close follower of television. And he is particularly interested in the improvement of entertainment.
Suggested that backdrops contrast with performers. He thinks that blondes with a skyline background and brunets with a light background would furnish sharp contrast and lend greater interest to pictures.
Roses and Lemons Revue
The hand-picked rose of the month goes to W2XAB for its inauguration of improvements. With limited resources, at present, this station is doing all it can to develop real entertainment. Keep up the good work! And the hand-squeezed lemon goes to Mike Porter for that line of liii in a recent “Radio Guide.” Predicted that 1933 will see a “dumping of television on the market, whether it becomes practicable or not.” Porter is wrong. Television must grow slowly and trudgingly just as radio did. Crystal sets were not very “practicable” when we compare them with modern sets, Porter may mean that he is opposed to misleading representation in the sale of sets, but he states his case weakly.
Cats and Mice
Manufacturers are watching each other like cats and mice—not ready to scram or pounce on each other—but watching to see who will move first. And all are peeking out of the corners of their eyes at RCA. All waiting to see who will definitely announce a popular price set for general sale: one with some semblance of practicability.
Telling Visions
Clem Wade and Arthur Haugh, of Western Television, were in New York for extremely short stay. . . . More about their visit next week. . . . W8XP. . . . Goodwill Station, Inc., Pontiac, Mich., applies for extensions of time. . . . L. B. (Cold Light) Myers doing much experimenting in a field akin and directly related to television. . . . Light Beam. . . . The wedding bells should be pealing soon for a television set. . . . Eugene Marck and Lillie Mae West of W2XAB . . . the first (or is it the second?) television act I know of to be married . . . why not christen ‘em Mr. and Mrs. Television ??? And have a television celebration and I hear there’s to be a television wedding for them ??? And here’s luck to you!!! Baby Ruth Parkin . . . “Youngest and Oldest In Television” . . . one of the very youngest artists . . . formerly at Jenkins Station W2XCR. . . just a tot . . . but a veteran performer . . . member of Cheer Givers Club. furnishing entertainment at hospitals, etc. . . . G. H. Hanson, up in Maine, writes a letter of applause for W2XAB acts. . . . and now there’s a report that major film companies are inserting “television clauses.” . . . Lee Tracy’s contract specifies that he “will render services as actor in television either in connection with or independent of Photoplays.” . . . Another indication of the nearness of television. (Billboard, Feb. 4)

Sunday, February 5, 1933
Several regular KMBC features are being added to the television broadcasts, synchronized with experimental television station W9XAL. Tex Owens, popular cowboy yodeler, is to appear before the photo cells and the microphone each week day noon at 12:15 o’clock, immediately following John Cameron Swayze’s Journal-Post News Flashes which take the air by sight and sound at 12 noon. Uncle Ezra’s Ramblings will be synchronized with W9XAL at 10 o’clock Thursday mornings [9]. Beginning at 3 o’clock Monday [6], KMBC’s “First Timers” are to be given their auditions, to be seen as well as heard over the air for the first time, throughout the following week only.
These programs are presented in the studios of First National Television atop the Kansas City Power and Light building. (Kansas City Journal-Post, Feb. 5)

Week of Monday, February 6, 1933
W2XBS [NBC, New York], 2100 k. c. (143m.) transmits images only, from 2 to 5 P. M., Tues., Thurs. and Sat.; and from 7 to 9 P. M. Mon., Wed. and Fri.
W2XAB [CBS, New York], 2800 k. c. (107m.) transmits images with sound on same wave from 8 to 10 P. M. daily, except Sat. and Sun.
W2XR [Hogan/Radio Pictures, Long Island City], 1670 k. c. (179m.) transmits images only, from 5 to 6 P. M. daily, except Sun. and holidays.
W1XAV [Shortwave & Television Laboratories, Boston, 1640 k. c. (181m.) transmits images only, from 7 to 10 P. M. daily, except Sun. and holidays. Sound irregularly from W1XAU, on 1580 k. c.

Monday, February 6, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10 a.m.—Sight only.
12 p.m.—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
3 p.m.—First Timers, KMBC.
4 p.m.—Howard Neumiller, pianist, KMBC.
4:15 p.m.—Sight Only.
4:30—Between the Bookends, Ted Malone, KMBC.
6:30—Tap Dancing to Earl Hoffman’s Orchestra, KMBC.
6:45—Between the Bookends, Ted Malone, CBS.
8—Television Jubilee with Art Jarrett, WLBF.

Tuesday, February 7, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00 a.m.—Sight Only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30—Tex Owens, KMBC.
4:00—Sight Only.
4:30 to 4:45—Between the Bookends, KMBC.
6:30—Sight Only.
6:45 to 7:00—Between the Bookends, CBS.
8:00—Television Jubilee, WLBF.
9:00—Those McCarty Girls, CBS.

Wednesday, February 8, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00 a.m.—Sight Only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00—First Timers.
4:00—Howard Neumiller, KMBC.
4:15—Sight Only.
4:30 to 4:45—Between the Bookends, KMBC.
6:30—Juvenile Artists, KMBC.
6:45 to 7:00—Between the Bookends, CBS.
8:00—Television Jubilee, WLBF.

Thursday, February 9, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00—Uncle Ezra’s Ramblings, KMBC.
10:15—Sight Only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:15—First Timers.
4:00—Sight Only.
4:30 to 4:45—Between the Bookends, KMBC.
6:30—Boxing Exhibition.
6:45 to 7:00—Between the Bookends, CBS.
8:00—Television Jubilee, WLBF.

Friday, February 10, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00—Sight Only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:15—First Timers, KMBC.
4:00—Howard Neumiller, KMBC.
4:15—Sight Only.
4:30 to 4:45—Between the Bookends, KMBC.
6:30—Sight Only.
6:45 to 7:00—Between the Bookends, CBS.
8:00—Television Jubilee, WLBF.
9:00—Ed Cochrane's Sport Chat.

Saturday, February 11, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00—Sight Only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:15—First Timers, KMBC.
4:00—Sight Only.
4:30 to 4:45—Between the Bookends, KMBC.
6:30—Dancing to Meyer Davis’ orchestra, KMBC.
6:45—Sight Only.
8:00—Television Jubilee, WLBF.

Television station W9XG at Lafayette, Ind., is employing an improved method of modulation, which is said to maintain uniform signal intensity of the transmitted picture detail.
Transmission is carried out on 2,800 kilocycles or 107 meters from 7 to 8 P. M. and from 10 to 11 P. M. daily except Saturdays and holidays. Scanning is done at 60 lines 20 frames per second.
Experimenters are invited to tune in on the broadcasts and send in reports of reception. Signals from the station may be picked up with a cathode ray receiver arranged for automatic synchronization or a receiver of the scanning disk type using a 60-hold single spiral disk running at 1,200 r. p. m. (New York Sun, Feb. 11)

BUDDY JOHNSON, Brooklyn, N. Y.—I am the owner of a six tube receiver designed expressly for television. It employs two stages of tuned screen grid amplification using -35 type tubes together with a resistance coupled amplifier having a 250 in a single power stage. My screener is a 60 hole disc. At my location I get W2XR, W[2]XAB, W2XBD and at times W9XG.
Gets W2XAB Good.
ROCCO SCALLETTI, New Haven, Conn—After looking in for about one year I find my best stations are W2XBS, W2XAB and W1XAV. W2XR comes in fair.
My set consists of two stages of tunes r. f. amplification , power detector and two stages of resistance audio with two -45 power tubes in parallel. My lens disc is twenty-two inches in diameter and gives me fine pictures 24 inches by 24 inches. (NY Sun, Feb. 11)

Television
By Benn Hall
British Visitor
The faithful, welcome English Television. Once a month we look for it on the desk and it always means a newsy hour or so of good reading of European activities.
Highlights are: A questionnaire which should furnish some surprising answers. The replies, if properly compiled, should give a good statistical view of the television scene in Great Britain and will be of help to Americans. Should aid not only engineers but also program directors. Questions that will tell of fans’ likes and no-likees include: “How many people in your household look in?,” “How often?,” “What scenes come thru most successfully?” (Head and shoulders, semi-extended or full-length) and “What appeals to you most in the programs?”
Britain is becoming more critical as to type of artist selected. Television reports that the best talent of stage, radio and music hall may be picked.
Large black diamonds painted on artist’s fingers were seen better than actual rings.
War Office gave its okeh for Scots Guardsmen to appear and indicated that it would co-operate with television experimenters.
W9XAL Using “Flesh”
W9XAL, of Kansas City, Mo., is an up-and-coming televiz station. Now using “flesh” acts. Equipment furnished by the Western Television Corporation, of Chicago. Local dealers are featuring Western’s television receiving set, which retails at about $80.
More Improvements

Those engineering changes being made at W2XAB, New York, which I wrote of a few weeks ago, are still progressing.
Engineer Harry Spears has somewhat changed the present scanner to lessen the loss of light. A new “Super-Cinephor” lens takes the place of the old Cinephon lens. An elliptical reflector is being used instead of the old parabolic reflector. A much sharper picture in both the monitor and studio receiving set is the result. The sharp contrast of black and white is truly effective.
Kansas Active
Kansas State College at Manhattan, Kan., is going to experiment with flesh and blood performers. R. G. Kloeffler is gathering together much material on this phase of television and is particularly interested in the use of television makeup.
More Roxy
In the February issue of Hearst’s Cosmopolitan there is a symposium. Ten prominent people discuss “Will It Be All the Same 100 Years From Now?” H. G. Wells, Lincoln Steffens. Amelia Earhart, Alfred Adler, Stuart Chase, Bertrand Russell, Julian Huxley, Clabrielle Chanel, Frank Lloyd Wright and Roxy are the contributors. A historian, a modern educator, an economist, an architect and - a showman are among those who give their views of life on this particular planet a century hence.
But a century is too far away for Roxy. He lets it go at the three-quarters mark. Roxy visualizes a futuristic picture of the amusement world. He aces complete entertainment in the home, as well as athletic events of all kinds and flash news events, all thru the magic medium of television. But man is a gregarious creature, maintains Roxy, and so he will continue to go to the theater, but will take himself to a “modern” theater. That is, a “Roxy” theater. In his own modest terms,” . . . and it will make It possible to whisk the theatergoer away from the metropolitan areas to pointe where space will permit the erection of theaters with auditoriums of tremendous capacity.” Possibly a Soldiers’ Field, Yankee Stadium or Yale Bowl might do as an annex for some Of these playhouses. Piece, of course, was written before the Radio City theaters opened with their shows, and hence the obvious plug for Radio City. But let’s hope that Roxy’s really intelligent words about television’s future are of more earthly foundation than is visualization of the future cow pasture intimate theaters. And it such large houses should be built provisions might be made to change them overnight into dance halls, garages, bus terminals, car barns or warehouses for empty toothpaste cartons. (Billboard, Feb. 11)

Week of Monday, February 13, 1933
W2XR [Hogan/Radio Pictures, Long Island City], 1670 k. c. (179m.) transmits images only, from 4 to 6 P. M. daily, except Sun. and holidays. Sound from W2XAR on 1550 k. c. from 5 to 6 P. M.
W2XAB [CBS, New York], 2800 k. c. (107m.) transmits images with sound on same wave from 8 to 10 P. M. daily, except Sat. and holidays.
W2XBS [NBC, New York], 2100 k. c. (143m.) transmits images only, from 2 to 5 P. M., Tues., Thurs. and Sat.; and from 7 to 9 P. M. Mon., Wed. and Fri.
W1XAV [Shortwave & Television Laboratories, Boston, 1640 k. c. (181m.) transmits images only, from 7 to 10 P. M. daily, except Sun. and holidays. Sound irregularly from W1XAU, on 1580 k. c.
W2XAX [CBS, New York], 44 megacycles (6.9m.), transmits images only from 4 to 4:45 P. M. daily, except Saturday and holidays.
W9XG [Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.], 2800 k. c. (107m.), transmits images from 7 to 8 P. M, and from 10 to 11 P. M. daily, except Saturday and holidays.

Monday, February 13, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:15—First Timers, KMBC.
4:15—Sight Only.
4:30 to 4:45—Between the Bookends with Ted Malone, KMBC.
6:30—Earl Hoffman’s orchestra, KMBC.
6:45 to 7:00—Between the Bookends with Ted Malone, CBS.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette and Judy Conrad, pianist, WLBF.

Tuesday, February 14, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00—Sight only.
11:00—Sight only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
1:00—Sight only.
2:00—Sight only.
3:00—First Timers, KMBC.
4:00—Sight only.
4:30—Between the Bookends, Ted Malone, KMBC.
6:30—Sight only.
8:00—Television Jubilee. WLBF.

Wednesday, February 15, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00—Sight only.
11:00—Sight only.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
1:00—Sight only.
2:00—Sight only.
3:00—First Timers, KMBC.
4:00—June Rea of Red Nichols’ orchestra, KMBC.
4:15—Sight only.
4:30—Between the Bookends, Ted Malone, KMBC.
6:30—Sight only.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette and Judy Conrad, WLBF.

Talkies of the Air
Reviewed Wednesday, February 15, 8-10 p.m. Station—W2XAB, 60 lines, 20 frames (Jenkins receiving set used).
A bill of six acts, five flesh and one an emergency bit of fan mail-reading end Columbia’s moving sign announcement make up a typical experimental program. No acts are paid; all work gratis for experience, publicity, if and when, and “contacts.” Two paid people are Bill Schudt, regular television production director, and his engineer, Harry Spears. Program is a hybrid of radio and vaude with performers attempting to develop a technic suitable for television in its present condition. Dramatic, musical and fashion display constitute he bulk of the eve’s entertainment.
In opening spot for a 15-minute “hour” is George Kelting. He dues a number billed as the “Television Ghost.”
Attired with a small white towel, wrapped shroudlike around his head, and a creamed face, he gives a near-ghastly appearance. Material is slim, of the usual ghost and spook theme, but effective enough because of the gruesome make-up effects.
Grace Voss billed to hold down deuce spot did not appear. Ill.
In emergencies such as these Schudt often substitutes a moving sign, giving the station’s call letters and address, or a clock, or uses stills. Tonight he spent about four minutes reading fan mail, a stimulator for more similar epistles, and then filled in remainder of the time with the revolving ribbon.
Third comes Gladys Kahn In a “Millinery Fashion Review.” Miss Kahn has a happy television and radio personality and her brief, chatty description of fem fedora fashions Is a newsy bit. A real foretaste of what television will offer in the future, with latest fashion news coming right into the home.
Next, fourth, for a 45-minute marathon run cornea Senator Numb’s Television Variety Show. Here is a combo of vaude and radio material that carries much zest. Till several weeks ago George Haller produced a dramatic number weekly that lacked punch, fan interest, and was generally boring. His “comeback” with this revue is actually a pleasant event. Six people, three men and. Besides Halley, Prank Casson, Gertrude Boyen, Betty Granata, Rita Harrington and Joe Andrus. Combination gag patter and pop melody numbers. Material mediocre, but delivery good, with music decidedly surpassing chatter, Miss Rarrington’s Play, Fiddle, Play, and Joe Andrus’ vocalizations were the high spots of the number. Originally scheduled for a semi-hour spot, the act jumped to 45 minutes, replacing one on the “sick list.” On short notice, act did well. With a tightening up and brightening up of patter and new jokes the act will be better.
John Martel, billed for next place, did not appear. Ill.
Bert Millard doing Dramatic Moments next. In costume. Boy goes in for heavy dramatic stuff, works hard, but his obvious and annoying reading of script kills act. Only when televiz performers realize television differs from radio and lines should not be read should they attempt material of this sort.
Closing was the Three Musical Pastels, Martha Kovacs, Esther Jaffe and Gertrude Bartel. Miss Jaffe at cello and Miss Bartel at the ivories. A duet tonight instead of usual trio, Pleasing rendering of semi-classical and class numbers.
A fair bill, of the standard most easily comparable to the smaller radio stations. (Benn Hinn Billboard, Feb. 28)

FORREST DAVIS, veteran correspondent, reporter and feature writer, who has recently completed a comprehensive series of articles on Technocracy, will acquaint listeners-in with his views on the subject when he appears as guest speaker on “Bill Schudt’s Going to Press” program to be broadcast simultaneously over the WABC-Columbia network and television staton W2XAB on Wednesday [15] from 4:45 to 5 p.m. (Springfield News-Sun)

Demonstrating the advances being made in television reception, Barker Brothers are receiving television images three times a week from W6XS, the Don Lee television station. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 until 11 a.m. W6XS is on the air with a television program. These programs are received at Barker Brothers by means of the newest type of television set and the public is invited to keep in touch with this modern miracle of science by attending the broadcast at Barker Brothers. (Los Angeles Times, Feb. 15)

THE SERVICE of W6XAO, Don Lee System television station, Los Angeles, has been expanded to embrace three different wave lengths. The channels of 49.300 and 66.750 kc. have been added to the 44,500 kc. frequency. (Broadcasting, Feb. 15)

Saturday, February 18, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, KMBC.
12:15 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00—First Timers, KMBC.
6:40—Dorothy Lang, tap dancing.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette and Judy Conrad; Bill and Mary; Gaylord Bentley, WLBF.

Reception Improving
FRANCIS S. AUGENTI, Long Island City—Both sight and sound signala from W2XAB are being received in my location. The pictures as seen on a 10 by 10 inch screen are as good as any one would desire, due, perhaps, to my receiver and location.
Two separate sets are employed, one an eight-tube set with a 250 output for vision and the other a six tube set with a shingle 45 output for sound. Both sets are connected to the same aerial, the tuning of one set acting as a good station selector for the other set, thus obtaining ideal results.
Although W2XAB is using the same wave channel for both sight and sound, tuning is very simple. The picture signals are tuned in like that of any local broadcast station, but the sound needs careful manipulation of the dial, similar to that of tuning in a DX station, but minus the annoying static.
To those who have been satisfied with mere picture reception, allow me to state that they are missing the best part of the program by not endeavoring to get the sound. There would be more of a thrill if W9XG in Indiana would add sound to its picture program so that the movies sent from that station could talk.
Interested in Vision.
FRANK PHILLIPS, Hartford, Conn.—I have been reading the articles on television published on Saturdays in your radio section and have become interested. In last week’s section mention was made of two new television broadcasters, one in Kansas City and the other in Montreal, Canada. As I understand it, both of these stations are equipped with a system developed by engineers of the Western Television Corporation. Can an explanation be given of the difference between the system as used in these stations and that used by W2XAB and W2XBS?
Reply — Both stations mentioned above employ different systems, yet both use the disk for scanning. The station in Montreal employs a system similar to that used by W2XBS and W2XAB. The scanner consists of a single spiral disk having sixty holes, driven at a speed of 1,200 r. p. m., or twenty frames per second. With the Western Television system a disk with three spirals is used, containing fifteen holes in each spiral, making a total of forty-five holes. The disk is driven at 900 r. p. m., or fifteen frames per second. (New York Sun, Feb. 18)

A new television receiver for the reception of television images as broadcast by television stations employing 45-line scanners and one which incorporates a number of unique features was shown recently by officials of the Western Television Corporation of Chicago, Ill.
One striking feature of the scanner is the method of driving and synchronizing the speed of the scanning disk. The synchronous drive, which consists of a novel arrangement of the armature and coils, are all assembled on a shaft. The shaft is made long enough so it protrudes through to the front of the panel. Turning the shaft to the left frames the picture horizontally and by turning the shaft to the right frames the picture vertically.
The motor has no other rheostats or speed controls and is designed for operation on 110 colts 60 cycles. It turns up 900 r. p. m. A simple switch turns it on or off.
The eight-inch disk is of the triple spiral type, having fifteen holes in each spiral, making forty-five holes in the complete disk. It can only be using for operation with transmitters employing forty-five line scanning. The receiver is an eight tube superheterodyne designed expressly for the reception of television images, and employs the latest type tubes. (NY Sun, Feb. 18)

Television
By Benn Hall
Clem Wade In New York
From out of the West came two television men. Clem Wade and Arthur Haugh. Wade is president of the Western Television Corporation, of Chicago, and Haugh is one of his associates. Company has furnished many stations thruout the West and Middle West and one each in Canada and Mexico with broadcasting apparatus.
Their latest receiving set, the Echo-phone, sells for about $80. I saw the set when Wade and Haugh were in New York a short while ago, but unfortunately I could not see it in operation as it is a 45-line set, and broadcasting stations in the New York vicinity are operating on 60 lines. Western Television has much territory sewed up on the 45-line Idea, but in the East 60 lines and more are in favor.
“Flesh” Popular
Both Wade and Haugh have interesting ideas on television—particularly the entertainment angles. At their Chicago station both “flesh” and picture acts are used. Pix are stills of movie “names.” Wade believes that “flesh” will be a dominating factor, for the nest few years at least, in television entertainment. As readers may know by this time, it is my personal opinion that eventually films will be the mainstay of televiz, because of lower costs, mechanical practicability and ease of duplication. Tins of reels can be easily shipped, just as films are shipped to exhibitors and e. t.’s are delivered to radio stations today.
Wade, however, is a full-fledged “flesh” booster and believes that the legit stage and vaude are almost on the crest of an incoming wave and will soon be back in popular favor.
He also thinks that television will transmit many “in-the-flesh” performances. Radio stars, Wade says, will be popular as television players. He feels that the radio fan is anxious to actually see the entertainers of the ether world—he cites flaring b.-o. figures when radio “names” make personal appearances—as concrete proof of his contention.
At Western’s own Chicago television station Wade told me that performers work without makeup. Approximately one-third of Western’s programs are closeups, with the remaining two-thirds full pictures.
Western’s new receiving set, the Echophone, as remarked before, is a 45-line set and gives a picture about four inches square. The set can be adjusted to project a larger picture on a wall. Wade’s company seems to have great faith in the 45-line system, and there is a possibility that an Eastern station may change from a higher number of lines to 45 lines.
Both Wade and Haugh are tremendously optimistic concerning television’s future and feel sure that acts such as the Echophone will attract many mechanically minded folks to television and will foster an awakening interest in this new entertainment. Sale of sets is reported as satisfactory. A practical tie-up with local retail dealers may help sales. In Kansas City, Mo., where W9XAL, a Western-equipped station, operates, many local dealers are featuring the Echophone and local newspaper publicity is making the natives “television-conscious.”
Canada Active
Canada, which has been comparatively inactive in television, now has another station. The French newspaper, La Presse, which operates CKAC, now has a television station, VE9EC, Canadian Television, Ltd., has a 60-line set on the market. William Clavell, the company prez, looks for an early commercialization of television.
From Maine to West Coast
G. H. Hanson, the Maine experimenter, tells me a bit of exciting news. Reports that on February 5 he picked up W6XS, the Don Lee station in California. As he says, “ . . . quite a long haul . . . successfully received announcements. testing tone and close-up images.”
Telling Visions
Marion Harwick, who dances over W2XAB, is showing steady improvement . . . and in spite of handicaps . . . produces an entertaining dance act. . . Harrietta Downs, “The Girl With the Musical Teeth,” does a novelty bit that’s getting much favorable attention . . . imitates a violin end other stringed instruments with her throat . . . a hotcha damsel with something to offer who sells the goods s expected that Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith, ex-vice-prez of RCA, who resigned to head his own consulting bureau, is plenty concerned with television. . . . Jenkins in receivership . . . William S. Bergland, of Wilmington, and Leslie S. Gordon, of Ridgewood, N. J., were appointed receivers of Jenkins Television Corporation, a Delaware concern. . . . John F. Krieger, of New York . . a creditor for $7,899.08 . . . filed bill asking for appointment. . . . His bill stated assets of company, almost entirely patent rights, are estimated at $300,000 . . . and outstanding debts total more than $380,000. . . . Company later filed answer admitting all points. . . . Abraham & Strans, Brooklyn department store, had recent radio show. . . . One sole televiz set . . . by ita lonesome . . . offered a picture which a shy clerk said “. . . was about an inch square . . .” . . . Fair radio show but poor on television. . . . W2XAB inaugurated early bird teats Sunday . . . at 6 in the morning . . . for benefit of West Coast fans. (Billboard, Feb. 18)

Week of Monday, February 20, 1933
W2XR [Hogan/Radio Pictures, Long Island City], 1670 k. c. (179m.) transmits images only, from 4 to 6 P. M. daily, except Sun. and holidays. Sound from W2XAR on 1550 k. c. from 5 to 6 P. M.
W2XAB [CBS, New York], 2800 k. c. (107m.) transmits images with sound on same wave from 8 to 10 P. M. daily, except Sat. and holidays.
W2XBS [NBC, New York], 2100 k. c. (143m.) transmits images only, from 2 to 5 P. M., Tues., Thurs. and Sat.; and from 7 to 9 P. M. Mon., Wed. and Fri.
W1XAV [Shortwave & Television Laboratories, Boston, 1640 k. c. (181m.) transmits images only, from 7 to 10 P. M. daily, except Sun. and holidays. Sound irregularly from W1XAU, on 1580 k. c.
W2XAX [CBS, New York], 44 megacycles (6.9m.), transmits images only from 4 to 4:45 P. M. daily, except Saturday and holidays.
W9XG [Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.], 2800 k. c. (107m.), transmits images from 7 to 8 P. M, and from 10 to 11 P. M. daily, except Saturday and holidays.

Monday, February 20, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12 p.m.—Journal-Post News Flashes with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3 p.m.—First Timers, KMBC.
3:30 p.m.—Buddy Rogers interviewed by Lowell Lawrence, dramatic critic of the Journal-Post, KMBC.
4:30—Between the Bookends, Ted Malone, KMBC.
8—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, Judy Conrad, WLBF.

Los Angeles, Feb 20. Changing the home radio set into a television receiver now costs only $20 here. A couple of radio supply stores are in the business of making scanning discs.
Scanners, dependent on the material, range from $5 to $10. Plus $4 for a plate light and around $10 to $20 for a synchronous motor, one can get the sight and hear stuff for as low as two sawbucks.
Scanning discs are made to catch the Don Lee daily television broadcasts, which are the only see and hear broadcasts currently on the coast (Variety, Feb. 21)

Tuesday, February 21, 1933
BAD NEWS! That’s what struck Columbia yesterday [21] . . . with the final abandonment of its television department and a clean out in its artists’, announcers’, technical and office staffs. It was estimated that between eleven and twenty hands fell on the depression block.
Among the mike personalities who departed are Announcers John Mayo, Mark Cassidy and Carlyle Stevens . . . Singer Ben Alley and Helen Nugent.
Bill Schudt, Jr., who was director of television, has been transferred to Charlotte, N.C C., to take charge of the CBS WBT station down there. There’ll be no more sight-sound broadcasts sent from Madison Avenue. “Commercial unfeasible,” is the explanation. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Feb. 22)

Tuesday, February 21, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00—First Timers, KMBC.
4:30—Between the Bookends, with Ted Malone, KMBC.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, Doris Bicknell and Kitty Evers, WLBF.
9:15—First television wedding, the Rev. Earl Blackman officiating, KMBC.

The first television wedding in the world was broadcast to Kansas City at 9:30 Tuesday night when Miss Effie Tait, of Waldron, Ark., and O. E. Little, radio operator at Leavenworth, Kas., were married in the studios of W9XAL, First National Television, Inc., in the Kansas City Power and Light building. The Rev. Earl A. Blackman, director of the Kansas City Youth Forum, officiated.
Before the wedding Miss Ruth Armstrong, 1708 Kensington avenue, contralto, accompanied by Judy Conrad, pianist, and Emil Chaquotte, violinist, both of Sni-a-Bar Gardens, sang, “Oh, Promise Me.”
As the soloist stepped from the microphone, the bride and groom walked onto the stage in the studios of W9XAL, while almost a mile away in the studios of KMBC in the Pickwick hotel, the “Wedding March” from Lohengrin was played The television picture was broadcast from W9XAL.
Miss Taft wore a gown of black lace and carried a bouquet of tea roses. Both she and Mr. Little wore the black and red makeup required for the picture.
Outside the studio a crowd watched the wedding from the reception room, where a combination, television and radio set was located. The bride and groom, with Mr. Blackman and the ring bearer, Miss Betty Brooke, 4312 Madison Street, could be seen on the picture, although at times it was necessary to shift the apparatus slightly to include the entire group. (KC Journal-Post, Feb. 22)

Wednesday, February 22, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00—First Timers, KMBC.
4:30—Between the Bookends, with Ted Malone, KMBC.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, Judy Conrad and Ruth Armstrong, WLBF.

Thursday, February 23, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
10:00—Uncle Ezra’s Ramblings, KMBC.
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00—First Timers, KMBC.
4:30—Between the Bookends, with Ted Malone, KMBC.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, Larry Gore and the Rhythm Sweeties, WLBF.

SUSPENSION of television activities of CBS, and appointment of William A. Schudt, Jr. as manager of WBT, Charlotte, N. C., key of the Dixie Network, were announced Feb. 23 from CBS headquarters in New York. Mr. Schudt has been television program director of CBS since its experimental station, W2XAB, was established a year and a half ago. Plans of Earl J. Gluck, former manager of WBT, were not made known. Mr. Schudt's "Going to Press" period will hereafter be conducted by J. G. Gude of the press relations department.
Edwin K. Cohan, CBS technical director, declared that operation under present facilities offers little opportunity to further contribution to television, but added that the suspension is temporary. "It is our intention," he said, "to resume our experimental transmissions as soon as we are sufficiently satisfied that advanced equipment of broadcaster scope can be installed." (Broadcasting, Mar. 1)

Saturday, February 25, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:30 p.m.—First Timers, KMBC.
6:30 to 6:35 p.m.—Kansas City Bar Association presenting Floyd E. Jacobs, speaker, KMBC.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, Judy Conrad, Mickey and Margie, WLBF.

NEW YORK, Feb. 25.—Retrenchment policy, presumably to guard against a possible lean summer, was put into effect this week by orders of William S. Paley, president of the Columbia Broadcasting System. More than $1,000 weekly will be saved the company on the proposition that the artists that are being let out would probably not be sold for a commercial and the potential profits in commissions and sale of time would not materialize. First to feel the ax, however, was the CBS television station W2XAB, from which plant television and broadcasting was temporarily suspended after a year and a half of experimentation. The station, under the guidance of Bill Schudt, program director, had operated more than 2,500 hours since it was auspiciously opened, and in the opinion of Edwin K. Cohan, CBS technical director, the disbanded station offers little opportunity now for further contribution to television.
Station was originally established so that CBS could experience the practical methods in the event television “arrived.” After a good many hours of experimentation, CBS now feels that it has a fairly good idea of whist it is all about and will consequently be prepared for its “arrival.” Bill Schudt, the former program director who doubled in brass as a regular radio announcer and as a member of the publicity department, was transferred to Station WBT, Charlotte, N. C., key outlet to the CBS Dixie network, of which he has been appointed manager.
Sustaining program artists whose contracts were canceled by CBS taking advantage of the six-week cancellation clause in favor of the broadcaster are Vaughn De Leath; the Funnyboners, singing and comedy trio; Helen Nugent, Ben Alley, Artels Dixon and William Hall. First and last mentioned artists are already off the network by a special arrangement. In the meantime the CBS artists’ bureau is endeavoring to sell the canceled artists before they leave if it is at all possible to grab a commercial for them. Most of the cancellations will become effective April 1. Others considered of minor importance were also let out, particularly the Misses Singleton and Blauman, the former having to do with sustaining programs and the latter of the music department. Other departments were also hit.
Usual minimum guarantee of salary for CBS sustaining artists is $100 weekly, unless sold for a commercial for a sum exceeding this amount, when the artist then pays the artists’ bureau a commission agreed upon, usually 15 per cent. Thus $600 weekly is saved by letting out the six sustaining acts, while the television outfit also saves about three salaries and a considerable bill for electricity.
The way is now clear for suitable artists who want a hearing on the air to get it quickly provided they wish to do it for nothing. It is understood that the CBS sustaining policy in many cases will now be in the form of offering “Opportunity” to newcomers and others who have possibilities. None of the high sustainings were let out, the contracts being different for one thing and another excellent reason is that the artists’ bureau must have some good talent around when seeded.
For the average artist seeking to make his or her way on the air even when of proven ability, the way now seems to have really gotten tougher than any of them ever dreamed. (Billboard, Mar. 4)

Peculiarities of television that have led to extensive changes in broadcasting schedules were revealed today Harry R. Lubcke, television engineer for the Don Lee system.
Lubcke said that a recent 25-hour continuous broadcast, in which receiving stations submitted reports to station W6XS here on the best periods of reception, showed that generally the most satisfactory periods were between 11 a. m. and 4 p. m.
Up to medium distances, such as San Francisco,” Lubcke concluded, “the bets period was in the evening and a greater distances, such as El Paso, Minneapolis and the Atlantic seaboard, the time zone most satisfactory was between 1 and 3 a.m. PST.”
While day1ight proved a better time in which to receive television signals than night as far as the immediate area about Los Angeles was concerned, at distances, night was found to be far more satisfactory than day time. The test was received at numerous points along the Pacific coast, Eastern points of reception were Salt Lake City, El Paso, Minneapolis and Houlton, Maine. (Hollywood Citizen-News, Feb. 25)

CHICAGO, Feb. 25. — If plans now under consideration are successfully completed, one of the most progressive steps made in visual broadcasting, and which may advance the science of television to a step until recently considered removed from probability, will be made by U. A. Sanabria and associates at the coming Century of Progress.
It is proposed to transmit leading events of the exposition, as they transpire, to a theater located on the grounds. Inasmuch as these events would include athletic contests and others involving great areas and thousands of persons, it is obvious that an entirely new mechanical aspect must be obtained. This development has been perfected by the Sanabria staff, Mr. Sanabria states, and he predicts its first public demonstration will prove a revelation.
For what is claimed to be the first time in history an adequate and comprehensive use of television and especially of the direct pick-up system of transmission, as contrasted with the indirect system used in prior television demonstrations, will be mode. Under the direct system the transmitting apparatus will lend itself to pickup and transmission of an infinitely greater variety of scenes and events than were possible under all existing systems.
Because of the portability of the proposed apparatus, every play of a football game, the interest and motion of the spectators, even in a stadium the size of Soldier Field, will be transmitted with photographic clearness, it is claimed. Night scenes, great stage performances and large mass gatherings will be accessible to the improved “eye” of this television transmitter.
Then entire apparatus will be installed on its own platform and can be hauled to the scenes of the proposed broadcast and set hurriedly in position. In a football game, for example, it will be possible to have this platform moved up and down the sidelines to follow the movements of the team.
With this improvement in technique and adaptability the potentialities of television will finally be coming into an adequate realization, Sanabria predicts. (Billboard, Mar. 4)

Saturday, February 25, 1933
Television Schedule For the Coming Week
W2XR, 1,670 k. c. (179m.), transmits images only from 4 to 6 P. M daily, except Saturdays and holidays Sound from W2XAR on 1,550 k. c. from 5 to 6 P. M.
W2XBS, 2,100 k. c. (143m.), transmits images only from 2 to 5 P. M. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and from 7 to 9 P. M. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
W1XAV, 1,640 k. c. (181m.), transmits images, only from 7 to 10 P. M. daily, except Sundays and holidays. Sound irregularly from W1XAU on 1,550 k. c.
W9XG, 2,800 k. c. (107m.) transmits motion pictures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 2:45 P. M.; 6:00 to 6:45 P. M. and from 9:00 to 9:45 P. M. Central standard time. Special programs also are broadcast at irregular Intervals.

W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:30 p.m.—First Timers, KMBC.
6:30 to 6:35 p.m.—Kansas City Bar Association presenting Floyd E. Jacobs, speaker, KMBC.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, Judy Conrad, Mickey and Margie, WLBF.

The legal profession encompasses the wide realm of human relationship, Floyd E. Jacobs, lawyer, told a radio audience Saturday night [25] in an address over KMBC, under the auspices of the Kansas City Bar association.
It was a television address under the supervision of the First National Television corporation. The subject was “The Bar and the People.”
“Laymen sometimes complain,” said Mr. Jacobs, “of the seeming mutability of the law, of its slow response to the demands for change. My friends, the law has never been a weather vane to change with every passing wind. If it were, the stability of human relationship, the safety which comes from orderly society would be destroyed. You may be assured that the law moves and changes and develops, but never hysterically.
“The law not only marches with the race but furnishes the ramparts which shelter the forces of lawful and orderly society. We, who are lawyers, realize our shortcomings—frailties which are the frailties of human beings and not that of the law. That jealous mistress never succumbs to the temptations which sometimes overcome her devotees. (KC Journal-Post, Feb. 26)

Test broadcasts by television station W9XC at Lafayette, Ind., are being carried out on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 2:45 P. M., 6 to 6:45 P. M. and from 9 to 9:45 P. M , Central standard time. The wave used is 2,800 kilocycles or 107 meters. Special programs also are broadcast at irregular intervals. Standard motion picture films, principally news reels, are used during all broadcasts. Special titles and station announcements have been prepared and are used to supplement those which were originally used in the films.
The first purpose of the station When built was to provide high-Class signals necessary for the development of a cathode ray tube type receiver. According to H. J. Heim, research engineer of the station, it is now providing a secondary service, the broadcasting of regular programs of good quality for the benefit of fans and so contributing to the development of television in general. Consistent and high quality reception, he says, is being maintained within a radius of 600 miles of the transmitter. (New York Sun, Feb. 25)

Sunday, February 26, 1933
Looking in on KMBC [W6XAL stars] via a typewriter: [...]
Ted Malone (Alden Russel) became continuity director when only 20 years of age. He looked like a kid and in a campaign to command respect he changed his appearance by tacking on a mustache and adopting the name “Ted Malone.” [...]
Ted Malone has been appointed production manager of KMBC, in addition to his former job of continuity director. He will have charge of production of all plays and skits.
In a friendly tussle the other day Tex Owens threw Harry Strandhager out of the studio. They’re thinking of turning Harry’s “Keeping Fit” classes over to Tex, but they can’t turn Owen’s [sic] yodeling program over to Harry because everyone doubts if he can yodel. That is, everyone but Harry. [...]
The teaching professional has contributed to KMBC’s staff. Everett Kemp (Uncle Ezra) is a veteran of the classrooms of a northeast Kansas school, the Aurora, Ill., high school, a southern California college and Culver Military academy. (John Cameron Swayze ‘Broadcasting’ column, KC Journal Post, Feb. 26)

Rose Nutter, formerly associated with Harry K. Gillman, program director of WGN, Chicago, has been placed in charge of the audition department of First National Television, Inc.
She will assist both amateurs and professionals in television and radio technique.
Judy Conrad, in charge of musical arrangements at First National, will assist Miss Nutter with the auditions, which are given each afternoon. (KC Journal-Post, Feb. 26)

Monday, February 27, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:30 p.m.—First Timers, KMBC.
4:30 to 4:45 p.m.—Between the Bookends with Ted Malone and Hugh Studebaker, KMBC.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, violinist, and Gladys Schnorf, pianist, WLBF.

Tuesday, February 28, 1933
W9XAL, Kansas City
12:00—Journal-Post News Flashes, with John Cameron Swayze, KMBC.
12:15 to 12:30 p.m.—Tex Owens, KMBC.
3:00 to 3:30 p.m.—First Timers, KMBC.
4:30 to 4:45 p.m.—Between the Bookends with Ted Malone and Hugh Studebaker, KMBC.
8:00—Television Jubilee with Emile Chaquette, violinist, Judy Conrad, pianist, and Bill and Mary, WLBF.