Saturday, 17 February 2024

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.

1 comment:

  1. Great post as always! I also found reference to a small scale television station operating in Boston in 1941, W1XG and a reference to their programming schedule for January 6, 1941.

    ReplyDelete