August 1941

More test patterns!

Whether that’s what New York televiewers wanted in August 1941, I don’t know, but that’s what they got.

Both WNBT and WCBW took some of their dead time and showed test patterns. While they were doing this, the two stations eliminated all weekend programming.

The shows on the air that month were varied. There were films, singers, news (Ray Forrest on WNBT, Richard Hubbell on WCBW), on-location sports broadcasts (on NBC), studio interviews, and variety shows featuring no big stars. The only name people may recognise today is Henny Youngman, who started out doing his stand-up act on Kate Smith’s radio show. Oh, and a finger painting show.

DuMont was still testing. In Philadelphia, the Philco station was getting prepared to return to the air.

Below are schedules for the New York stations, courtesy of the Herald Tribune, Daily News and the Times. There’s little news from outside the Big Apple (did they call it that in 1941?) but a lone story gives us an idea of when the two Chicago stations were on the air.

Friday, August 1, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1, 55.75mc
1:30—Test pattern.
2:30—Lifeguards at Manhattan Beach.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Clawson Triplets.
9:10—Civilian Defense Program.
9:25—Harvey Harding, songs.
9:40—“Prince Gabby,” comedy with Erik Rhodes.
10:00—News analysis, Sam Cuff.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2, 65.75mc
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Show.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Saturday, August 2, 1941
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 4:30—Film.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Monday, August 4, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Tamara, songs.
8:30—“Men at Work,” variety with Carolyn Marsh, songs; Lou and Dorothy Rowlands, roller skaters; Bankoff and Cannon, dancers; Gus Van; Dancing Debs.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

VAUDEVILLE SHOW
With Giles O'Connor, Dancing Debs (2), Bonzo the Dog (Al Latell), Caroline Marsh, The Rowlands (2), Charles Althoff, Bankhoff and Girlie
60 Mins.
Monday, 8:30 p. m.
WCBW (CBS), New York
As handled by CBS in its by-now familiar ad-libbish style, this bill of standard vaudeville acts was continuously amusing Monday (4) night. Entire 60-minute stanza had been given only a sketchy run-through, but no formal rehearsal. Thus, there were innumerable flaws, such as the cameras or the director being just too late to catch a comedy touch, or slight confusion resulting from an act missing a cue. But that off-the-elbow manner of presentation provides an informal, relaxed, leisurely and intimate show.
This vaude program took the form of casual gathering of acts, apparently oblivious of an audience and performing for their own and each other's amusement. Thus, m.c. Giles O'Connor didn't introduce the acts, but wandered about, asking them their names and what they did and if they'd show him their stuff. They talked to and about each other and, intermittently, about television. Worthington Miner, from legit, directed the show.
Of the individual acts, the Dancing Debs (Lillian and Gertrude) did two tap and an aero routine, Bonzo the Dog (Al Latell) was in and out of the action with laughable clowning, Caroline Marsh sang three numbers, The Rowlands (Lew and Dorothy) roller skated, Charles Althoff offered his standard and always hilarious rube comedy violin act, while Bankhoff and Girlie, a good act from way back, presented comedy and acrobatic dances that bore the marks of authority.
Much of the entertainment was due to the showmanship of the presentation. Hobe Morrison. (Variety, Aug. 6)

RICHARD HUBBELL
News
15 Mins.
Monday, 8 p.m.
WCBW (CBS), New York.
As a 15-minute starter for its 90-minute television show Monday (4), CBS offered an illustrated reading of the war news dispatches. Announcer Richard Hubbell was the spieler, using a pointer and gummed markers to indicate on wall-maps) the locale of reported action.
There was little movement or pace to the stanza, but more than it would have been via radio, as the maps and Hubbell's appearance offered some visual diversion. Rudy Bretz directed. Hobe. (Variety, Aug. 6)

TAMARA
Songs
15 Mins.
Monday, 8.15 p.m.
WCBW (CBS), New York.
Tamara, the legit actress-singer, is okay for television. Her sexy good looks register clearly via the iconoscope and she avoids mugging as she warbles English, Russian and Spanish folk songs and ballads. Fact that she supplies her own guitar accompaniment for some of the songs also adds to the visual effect.
As caught Monday (4) night, it was an entertaining 15 minutes for the ear and eye. One notable effect was obtained when a light fuse blew out and one side of the singer's face was in shadow. It accidentally gave the number an attractively arty quality. Fact that Tamara's session ran a bit overtime forced fading her out before the end of the last number. That, too, was an effective device. Steve Marvin directed. Hobe. (Variety, Aug. 6)

DETROIT, Aug. 16.—Some kind of a record for fast commuting on a night club date was hung up for the August 2 weekend by Gus Van, current at the Bowery. Van closed the Bowery show Sunday at 2 a.m. and went to New York on the 2:42 a.m. plane for a 1-1:30 p.m. broadcast there over WMCA. He left New York on the 2:25 p.m. plane to appear back at the Bowery Sunday night and then left at 2:42 a.m. again to appear the next morning [4] on a CBS television show. (Billboard, Aug. 23)

A NEW and unique antenna, encased completely in a large wooden box which can be heated electrically, has been built atop a 128-foot tower in Schenectady as part of the expanding General Electric Co. television facilities. The antenna will relay the picture portion of television programs from GE's new television studios to the main transmitter in the Helderberg Mountains, 12 miles south of the city. FM sound will be relayed from a separate antenna atop the box. The new setup is GE's engineers' answer to problems created by weather changes. (Broadcasting, Aug. 4)

CBS, which has just received permission from the FCC to continue the experimental television broadcasts of WCBW, New York, for another 30 days, following the expiration of the first such permit July 30, has announced that to assist service men who are converting television receivers previously purchased from the old to the new standards. WCBW has added a daily hour to its broadcast of test patterns, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Other test patterns continue for the half-hour preceding each television program, afternoon and evening. Network is also transmitting experimentally in color for an hour a day. (Broadcasting, Aug. 4)

TELEVISION'S first sponsored fashion shows will start on WNBT, New York, Sept. 4 for a 13-week series of telecasts, Thursdays, 5-5:30 p.m. Contract was signed with NBC by Norman D. Waters & Associates, New York advertising agency handling accounts chiefly in the style merchandise field-fabrics, garments and accessories. Titled Fashion Discoveries in Television, the series will show the products of various Waters clients. Special tags will identify at point of sale all merchandise featured on the program and blow-ups and display cards will be furnished to participating manufacturers for distribution to their retail outlets. (Broadcasting, Aug. 4)

Tuesday, August 5, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:30—Test pattern.
2:30—Film, “Peter Stuyvesant.”
3:15—Film, “Singapore.”
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—“Lapland,” narrated by Carveth Wells.
9:30—Boxing: Izzy Jannazzo [photo to right] vs. Cocoa Kid .
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Tamara, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00—Bob Edge interviews Women’s Metropolitan A.A.U. Swimming Team.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

A host of East Side followers will lend vocal support to Izzy Janazzo [sic] when the welterweight battles Cocoa Kid in the main ten-rounder at Ebbets Field tonight. Jannazzo rules a 6-5 favorite over the Puerto Rican, whom he defeated in Baltimore last October.
The Cocoa Kid (short for Louis Hardwick Aroya) has filled in for Fritzie Zivic, while Jannazzo is well known in local boxing circles. Izzy defeated Gus Eder and drew with Ceferino Garcia when Barney Ross ruled the division.
Yussel Goldstein, winner, of 2 straight bouts, meets Vicky Harkins in the 10-round semi. Two six rounders, with Beau Jack meeting Minnie DeMore and Joe Symelic battling Joe Torres, and four-rounder complete the card. (Daily News)

Wednesday, August 6, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:30—Test pattern.
2:30—“Radio City Matinee” with Jo Ranson, Mrs. Pennyfeather, gardening experts, fashion show, others.
9:00—Film: “Nickelodeon.”
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk” with Helen Sioussat.
3:15 to 3:30—“Sleeping Beauty.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Tamara, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Thursday, August 7, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:30—Test pattern.
2:30—Eastern Grass Courts Tennis Championships, Rye, N.Y.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Eastern All-Star Football Film Interview; hat parade.
9:30—Betty Randall, songs.
9:40—“Play the Game,” Ireene Wicker, Dr. Harvey Zorbaugh, Charlotte Adams, others.
10:10—News with Ray Forrest.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s Story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Bob Edge, sports.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance and Norwegian Folk Dance Societies, Adrian Hull, caller.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

FRANK H. LEE Co., Danbury, Conn. (men's hats), becomes the fifth television sponsor Aug. 7 when it starts a half-hour series on WNBT, NBC's television station in New York. Series, titled Sports Interviews and The Lee Hat Parade, will feature Stanley Woodward, sports editor of the New York Herald-Tribune, discussing sports and interviewing sports stars. Highlights of the sports events of the preceding week, edited from Pathe Newsreels, will be shown and the commercial part of the program will also consist of movie shots made at the Lee factory showing how men's hats are made. Series, telecast Thursdays, 9-9:30 p.m., is placed through Bermingham, Castleman & Pierce, New York. (Broadcasting, Aug. 4)

Jim Crowley, coach of the Eastern College All-Star football team, amd Henry Toczylowski, all—star quarterback, will help graduate television from its swaddling clothes Thursday [7] and, at the same time, herald the classic All-Stars’ tussle with the Giants at the Polo Grounds Sept. 3, to benefit the Tribune’s Fresh Air Fund.
Crowley and the ex-Boston College player will appear on the first sponsored combination live-talent, and motlon—picture television broadcast from WNBT atop the Empire State Building at 9 p. m. for an interview with Stanley Woodward, Herald Tribune Sports editor. (Herald Tribune, Aug. 5)

Friday, August 8, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:50—Test pattern.
2:50—Baseball: Boston Braves vs. Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Deep River Boys, songs.
9:10—Harvey Harding, songs.
9:20—Ireene Wicker, quiz.
9:50—News analysis, Sam Cuff.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Show.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Saturday, August 9, 1941
NEW YORK, Aug. 9.—A hint as to the employment possibilities inherent in television is obtained in figures furnished by Columbia Broadcasting System and National Broadcasting Company relative to the number of performers who have appeared before television cameras since the beginning of July. CBS, while not giving out with any fireworks about opportunities inherent in television at the present time, nevertheless has had 200 people before its cameras since the inauguration of its schedule in July. Not all of these, of course, are professionals, but a good many are.
National Broadcasting Company, for the month of July, has had 90 professional performers appear before its cameras.
Names of those appearing, according to both CBS and NBC, indicate that vaudeville shows signs of moving over en masse into tele. CBS program carrying most of the professionals is Men at Work, and that on NBC carrying most professionals is Radio City Matinee.
Appearing on CBS the past month were Ray and Arthur, Julian and Marjori, Betty Jane Smith, Jack McCoy, Tamara, Sue Reed and male singers, Jack Homer, Toy and Wing, Gus Van, Caroline Marsh, Lou and Dorothy Rowlands, Bankoff and Cannon, Dancing Debs, Charles Althoff, the Barrys, Foley and Mason; Victor, dancer; Annette, singer; Thiesen's dogs. Henny Youngman is set for a Monday (11) appearance on Men at Work.
Performers on NBC tele, since the inauguration of the commercial policy, have included Ralph Morgan, the Revuers, Harvey Harding, Noel Madison, Vivian Donner Models, Henrietta Lovelace, Richard Kent, Mrs. Margaret Fisher and Sylvia, Percy Cowan, Margaret Johnston, Verona and Eileen Bassett, Powers Singing Models, Red Caps Quartet, Rosa Rio, the Triolets, Chandra, Seiko Sarina; Ed, Jack, and Betty Lou; Cornelia Otis Skinner, Asta Sven, Ireene Wicker, Angi Poulos, Adelaide Thompson, Phyllis Jean, Li Ling Ai, Erik Rhodes, Tamara, Ted Jewett, and Carveth Wells. (Billboard, Aug. 9)

Monday, August 11, 1941

WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Tamara, songs.
8:30—“Men at Work,” variety with Henny Youngman, comic; The Barrys, dancers; Foley and Mason, acrobats; Victor, dancer; Annette, songs; Thiessen’s Dogs.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

DESPITE television's official status as a commercial medium, the signing of five sponsors of WNBT, New York, in its first month of commercial operation and the fact that in New York owners of television receivers now have a choice of programs from competing stations, sight and sound broadcasting is likely to remain in the stage of experimental rather than commercial advertising for some time to come.
Reason is the scarcity of material available to the manufacturers of radio receivers, who, with not enough aluminum and other materials to make enough sound receivers to meet the demand, are not planning to start production on television sets, for which the demand is less certain.
3,000 Sets in New York
There are now about 3,000 television sets in the homes of purchasers in the New York metropolitan area. These receivers were built for reception under the old standards and are now being converted as rapidly as possible to the new ones, a task expected to be completed in about a month. In addition, DuMont has some 500 sets at the factory which are likewise being changed to the new standards and will then be placed on sale. RCA has about the same number. When these are gone, however, there is little hope of any more being manufactured until the defense program is finished and materials are again available for such luxuries as television sets.
This means that for some time to come the New York television audience will not exceed 4,000, or at the most 5,000 receivers. Counting those in bars and grills, which have a large audience for special events such as a championship prize fight, this would mean an audience of perhaps 40,000 to 50,000 for such a telecast, and much smaller audiences for other telecasts.
Largely a "Class" Audience
True, this is largely a "class" audience, with incomes of much more than average. True also that television's novelty still gives the advertiser more attention than even the combination of sight and sound and motion will do later on.
But while the advertiser who gets into television now certainly gets his money's worth at the present rates for the medium, the main result he will achieve from his sight-and-sound commercials is experience in the techniques of this new medium, which will put him out in front of his inexperienced competitors when the television audience begins to develop into its ultimate proportions, with set owners counted by the hundreds of thousands instead of by the hundreds. (Broadcasting, Aug. 11)

Tuesday, August 12, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Hole-In-One Tournament from Bayside Golf Course.
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Whispering Jack Smith’s Prevues.
9:30—Civilian Defense Program: “What’s in the Bundles For Britain.”
9:40—Zeke Manners’ Gang.
10:00—News with Ray Forrest.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Tamara, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00—Bob Edge, sports interviews.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

CONSTRUCTION permits for two new commercial television stations, one in Chicago and the other in Hollywood, were granted Aug. 12 by the FCC.
The Chicago grant was to Zenith Radio Corp and authorizes full-time use of Channel No. 1 (50,000-56,000 kc.), using special emission for FM. Zenith proposes to use the facilities of its present experimental television station, W9XZV, for commercial operation.
Don Lee Broadcasting System, recipient of the Hollywood construction permit, will also use Channel No. 1 with special emission for FM and contemplates utilizing the equipment of its existing experimental television station, W6XAO.
The FCC last Tuesday [12] granted consent to transfer control of experimental television stations W3XE and W3XP from stockholders of Philco Radio & Television Corp. to Philco Corp. The transferors agree to exchange all the issued and outstanding capital stock of the licensee, which is 13,826 shares, common, with a par value of $100 per share, for an equal number of shares of the common voting stock of the transferee which also has a par value of $100 per share. (Broadcasting, Aug. 18)

Wednesday, August 13, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—“Radio City Matinee,” variety show.
3:30-5:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Dalton Boys Trio.
9:10—“Guessing Your Age” with Dr. Ernest Dichter.
9:20—“Words on the Wing,” spelling bee.
9:50—News with Ray Forrest.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk,” Helen Sioussat interviews James Madison Blackwell, Lydia Banning, Ellsworth Alvort, Frank Chadorov.
3:15—Children’s Story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Tamara, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Thursday, August 14, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Film: “Gateway to the West.”
3:15—Film: “A Day at the World’s Fair.”
3:45-5:00—Test pattern.
8:00-9:30—Test pattern.
9:30—“Sports Parade,” Maxie Shapiro vs. Tippy Larkin at Ebbets Field.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story.
3:30-4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Bob Edge, sports.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance and Swedish Folk Dance Societies, Adrian Hull, caller.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Based on the records, the Maxie Shapiro-Leo Rodak ten-round battle looms as a fast, even match at Ebbets Field tonight when the featured lightweights put on their return match in the fourth show of the Brooklyn Boxing Association.
Rodak, from Chicago, stabbed out a close decision over Shapiro last December when they were featherweights. However, since graduating in the heavier division, Shapiro hasn’t dropped a decision. The East Side boy has taken all five of his lightweight bouts. Rodak, replaces Tippy Larkin of Newark. Larkin injured himself training for this bout.
Ev Rightmire, Wishy Jones, Chief Crazy Horse, George Salamone and Chancy Varre are Shapiro’s victims. Rodak has taken the measure of Sammy Angott, NBA lightweight champ, Lenny Mancini, Julie Kogan and Jimmy Tighe.
Listed in the eight-round semi-final against Al Roth is Beau Jack, the colored boy from Georgia. Sponsored by a group of sports writers and tendered by a retinue of trainers and managers that reach from here to Smolensk, Beau Jack showed fair promise in stopping Minnie DeMore at Ebbets Field last week. (Bill Matthias, Daily News)

Friday, August 15, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Beauty Contest at Starlight Park.
3:30-5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Variety Show: Stanley Twins; Lack Lane [likely Jack Lane and his Lovebirds]; Shanghai,” play; Betty Randall, songs, Sam Cuff, news analysis.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Sunday, August 17, 1941
It's here. That thing which has been just around the corner so long has arrived—and we're not talking about prosperity.
It's television--the laggard step-child of radio.
William A. J. Dean, 2017 W. 62nd st., is the man who can tell you about it. Mr. Dean is one of the 25 persons in the Chicago area who own a television receiver. He was know[n] as the "boy inventor" during his high school days at Tilden because of his interest in the then novice industry of radio.
But, "you say, what good is a set if you can't get anything on it? And a very good point it is.
However, Mr. Dean, who has made radio and television, a lifelong hobby, has a little different story to tell.
For the past year and one-half Mr. Dean has owned a television receiver and each Wednesday evening he, his family and his friends have enjoyed a two-hour program over W9XZV. This program provides songs, plays and movies on the television screen.
"There is also a program presented daily at 5 p.m. except Saturdays and Sundays over a second transmitting station W9XBK." Mr. Dean explained.
"At present there are two experimental stations in Chicago which broadcast programs," he said. "Until the past few weeks the stations have been projecting programs more for the purpose of perfecting the process than for the enjoyment of owners of receiving sets."
In recent weeks, however, considerable action has been taken to place television on a commercial plane similar to that of radio, Mr. Dean pointed out. The federal communications commission, which over a year ago banned television sets from public sale, until further improvements, gave permission this Spring for manufacturers to go ahead with the manufacture of sets.
Early this Summer the FCC further announced that permits would be granted to stations meeting certain standards to enter into commercial broadcasting.
"One of the main stumbling blocks in the way of the manufacture of sets prior to this year was the fact that manufacturers could not agree on the type of tube to use in their sets," Mr. Dean said.
"The tubes must utilize a screen with horizontal lines which carries the image from sending tube to receiving tube. If different screens with a different number of lines are used in sets, they would not all pick up the stations throughout the country."
"Now that a standard has been agreed upon," Mr. Dean declared, "all sets will work in any part of the country and they will receive from any station."
Mr. Dean's interest in wireless communication dates back to his early high school days when he became intrigued by the then new radio. In 1924 and 1925 Mr. Dean, the "boy inventor," was noted for the miniature receivers which he built for a Chicago manufacturer.
As radio became perfected. Mr. Dean ceased to experiment with new developments but retained his former interests as a hobby.
"When television appeared and when I heard that experimental stations would be established in Chicago I decided to buy a receiver," he said.
Mr. Dean's present receiver is not much larger than the average table model radio. Although only one and one-half years old, certain changes in transmission principles have outmoded it, he explained.
Frequency modulation broadcasting for commercial radio has been granted one of the short-wave bands formerly used for television and this band must be taken off old sets, he said.
Besides the screen which carries the visual image there are other elements which differentiate the television set from the radio receiver.
While the average radio can be tuned for frequency and volume alone, the television set must be adjusted for vertical and horizontal alignment of the image—focus, as in a camera—light and dark intensity and frequency. The battery of knobs, imposing to a neophyte, present no complications to Mr. Dean, however.
Tuning is simplified by the fact that some of the adjustments are permanent for the set once they are correctly made, he explained.
The possibilities in television are staggering to one who has not followed its development.
"We can already see plays, watch singers and musicians and view movies being thrown on the studio screen," he declared.
"Moreover, mobile units are being built which can be taken to the scene of events and the images can be transmitted at the moment they happen."
News as it happens will be available to owners of television sets in the very near future. Baseball games, races, floods, historic events and war happenings can all be presented the moment of its occurrence.
And when will this all happen?
Here is the present up-to-the-moment report given this reported [reporter] by a group of Chicago officials of television companies.
At least one company is now offering television sets for sale at prices comparable to those for the better radio sets.
Three commercial stations are now in the process of planning and construction will begin in the near future.
Limited programs are already available to owners of sets.
That the public has been busy listening to the show barker while the real show already begun at its very back is the concensus of television experts.
One official pointed out that a substantial move has been made toward the solving of the transmission range problem which has vexed the industry since the outset.
"Television transmission range is about the same as that of light, so far,” this official said. "That is to say, about 50 miles. The higher a transmitter is located the further it will broadcast just as you can see further when you go higher in the air."
To eliminate this difficulty, remedies have been developed, he explained. Relay stations can be be [sic] built at the limit of transmission which will pick up and retransmit the program another 50 miles. The second method is to lay cables between major cities and then send the programs from transmitters at the end of the cable lines. Cables have already been laid between New York and Philadelphia and a second line is under construction between Philadelphia and Baltimore.
All in all, it looks as though Mr. Dean and his fellow television owners have jumped a long way ahead of a lot of other people. (William Blatti, Southtown [Chicago] Economist) Monday, August 18, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00 to 11:00—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15—Children’s story.
3:30-4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards [Herald Tribune], Tamara [Times], songs.
8:30—“Men at Work,” variety with Rolly Rolls, piano; Barry and Salo, tumblers; Eleanor French, songs; Joe Termini, comedy; Hillman Brothers, dancers; Robin Adair, toe dancer.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Klaus Landberg [sic], engineer of the Allen B. DuMont Labs., has joined Television Productions, licensee of WOXYZ, Los Angeles, and subsidiary of Paramount Picture Corp. (Broadcasting, Aug. 18)

FCC Applications, August 18:
NEW, Earle C. Anthony Inc., Los Angeles—CP new commercial television station on channel No. 6, A5 and special emission for FM, 2,215 sq. mi., 2,645,521 population.

Tuesday, August 19, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Film travelogue.
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Nick Kenny and his Stars of Tomorrow.
9:30—Larry Blake, monologist.
9:40—The Dance Players.
10:00—News with Ray Forrest.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00 to 9:30—“Personalities in Sports”: Bob Edge interviews Caswell Adams, Ruth Aarons.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

The Commission granted special authorization to Philco Radio & Television Corp. to operate its present experimental television station W3XE for a period of 60 days from Sept. 1 on channel No. 3 (66,000-72,000 kc.) pending furnishing of additional engineering data required by the FCC to pass on Philco's pending application for a commercial television station. Action was to enable the Philadelphia area to have scheduled television program broadcasts as soon as possible. (Broadcasting, Aug. 25)

Wednesday, August 20, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—“Radio City Matinee,” variety show.
3:30-5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—“Nickelodeon,” films of yesterday.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk,” Helen Sioussat interviews.
3:15—Children’s Story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

PHILADELPHIA'S first commercial television broadcasts will start Sept. 1, it was announced Aug. 20 by Philco Radio & Television Corp. Granted a 60-day commercial license by the FCC for its W3XE, Philco announced it will be on the air 15 hours a week, transmitting over 25-mile radius from its 230-foot telecasting tower at the company plant.
While prospective sponsors were not disclosed, it was stated the program schedule will include playlets, variety shows and newsreels from the W3XE studios. In addition, there will be telecasts of athletic events, parades and public meetings, relayed to the transmitter by a mobile television unit.
As a result of the commercial license, Philco engineers are stepping up power from 3,000 to 10,000 watts, operating on Channel 3 (66-72 mc.). Since opening W3XE as an experiment television station in 1932, Philco has had approximately 6,000 hours of experimental telecasts, including the transmission of football games, wrestling matches and political conventions. Philco engineers estimate there are 300 to 400 television receivers in the Philadelphia ara [sic]. (Broadcasting, Aug. 25)

Thursday, August 21, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Football demonstration at Manhattan Beach Coaching School.
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—June Boyd, xylophone.
9:10—“Play the Game.”
9:40—Opera Workshop: “La Traviata.”
9:55—News with Ray Forrest.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Bob Edge, sports.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

CONDENSED VERSIONS of great operas will be presented by noted Metropolitan opera stars on The Opera Workshop, new weekly telecast series starting Aug. 21 on NBC's television station, WNBT, according to Thomas H. Hutchinson, WNBT production director. Also new on WNBT is the Guess Your Age Wednesday night series, featuring Maurice Dreicer, news commentator of WINS, New York, as m. c. and Dr. Ernest Dichter, noted Viennese psychologist, who stands behind a screen and gueses the ages of various members of the studio audiences by their voices. (Broadcasting, Aug. 18)

Friday, August 22, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Basketball demonstration at Manhattan Beach Coaching School.
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Variety Show: Mildred and Maurice, dancers; Harvey Harding, songs.
9:20—Ireene Wicker’s Tele-Whizzes.
9:50—Sam Cuff, news analysis.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Monday, August 25, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00 to 11:00—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15—Children’s story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards [Herald Tribune], Tamara [Times], songs.
8:30—“Men at Work,” variety with Gus Van, comedy; Pat King, tap dancer, Hildegarde Halliday, mimic; Pepita and Lucia, songs; Massey and Miller, dancers.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

JOHN DAVID Inc., New York, chain of men's wear stores, will sponsor Men's Wear Highlights of Television on WNBT, New York, 9-9:30 p.m. each Wednesday, beginning Sept. 24. Contract, which covers the first men's style show series of commercial television, calls for a 13-week series, with renewal options.
Programs will be variety shows produced by Reginald Hammerstein, who has left NBC's television staff to become television producer of Norman D. Waters & Assoc., New York, agency handling the series. The same agency recently contracted for a feminine style series, Fashion Discoveries in Television, which will start on WNBT Sept. 4 for a 13-week test series, Thursdays, 5-5:30 p.m. Both series will be merchandised with point-of-sale displays identifying merchandise as that shown in the telecasts.
The Fashion Discoveries series will be sponsored jointly by Bloomingdale Bros., New York, and Abraham & Strauss, Brooklyn, associated department stores which are also joint owners of Metropolitan Television Co., granted a construction permit to erect a television station in New York. Difficulty in obtaining material is holding up construction, BROADCASTING was informed, and Metropolitan executives said they were unable to predict when they might be ready to begin operation. (Broadcasting, Aug. 25)

Tuesday, August 26, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Film: “Wolfe and Montcalm.”
3:15—Film: “Mountains and Jungles of Peru.”
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Whispering Jack Smith’s previews.
9:30—Cordano and Corinne, dancers.
9:40—Finger Painting.
10:00—News with Ray Forrest.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:15—Children’s story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00 to 9:30—“Personalities in Sports” with interviewer Bob Edge
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Wednesday, August 27, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—“Radio City Matinee,” variety show.
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—“Thrills and Chills” with Doug Allan, Faustin Wirkus.
9:30—Films: “China’s Gift to the West” (1937), “Hills and the Sea.”
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk,” Helen Sioussat interviews Mrs. Roberta Fansler, Thomas Craven, Sidney Janis.
3:15—Children’s Story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

A preview of fall and winter fur fashions will feature the “Weekly Television Fashion Matinee” over Television Station WNBT of the National Broadcasting Company from 3:15 to 3:30 tomorrow [27]. The fur garments in the showing will represent the collections of members of the Associated Fur Coat & Trimming Mfrs., Inc.
An MGM newsreel of fur fashions, gathered from this group of manufacturers, is being released this week to moving picture theatres all over the country. (Women’s Wear Daily, Aug. 26)

Walter Bickmeyer Jr. of Hempstead, United States Junior Figure Roller Skating Champion, put on an exhibition for the television sports program at the Columbia Broadcasting Studio in Manhattan last weekend, marking the first time that skating was ever televised. (Ed Gebhard, Newsday, Aug. 27)



Thursday, August 28, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Swimming at New York Aquacade.
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—“In the Spotlight,” variety show.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Bob Edge, sports.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Friday, August 29, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—Civil Service test for N.Y.C. Fire Dept.
3:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Harvey Harding, songs.
9:10—“Words on the Wing,” spelling bee.
9:40—Vivian Della Chiesa, songs.
9:50—Sam Cuff, news analysis.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15—Children’s story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Saturday, August 30, 1941
CHICAGO, Aug. 30.—To acquaint the public with the possibilities of tele and to pave the way for regular broadcasts, Balaban & Katz will inaugurate complete tele demonstrations September 8 from the mezzanine floor of the Chicago Theater.
Shows will be under supervision of William Eddy, chief engineer of the B. & K. television station W9XBK, and his staff. A stage has been constructed on the mezzanine, with receivers on each side, and theater patrons will be televised.
Larain Dunn, who was "Miss Television" at the New York World's Fair, will be hostess. Demonstrations are to be given daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Billboard, Sept. 6)