“What if the Nazis attack the U.S.?” seems to have been a question on a lot of minds as 1942 began, and television was ready to supply the answer.
WNBT and its affiliates (WRGB and WPTZ) began telecasts to train air raid wardens under the auspices of civil defence authorities. This would begin to take over programming as 1942 rolled along.
WCBW contributed to the war effort as well, with broadcasts to sell defence bonds and stamps. Even W2XWV, the DuMont station testing its transmitter once a week, aired war-related films. In Chicago, Capt. Eddy gave over the W2XBK studios to train air raid wardens.
In January 1942, Newsweek gave a fine overview of what was happening on American television at the time.
Philco tried to get help from viewers on how to improve programming on WPTZ. It admitted there wasn’t enough television-suitable talent in Philadelphia to fill 15 hours a day. The station re-broadcast some shows from WNBT and sent its mobile unit out to cover basketball and American League hockey.
Judging by one report, W2XAO in Los Angeles was giving up live programming in January. It would soon be caught up in running war-related films, on a limited basis.
Here are schedules for the New York and Philadelphia stations for January 1942. You’ll see Monogram westerns, a couple of unnamed Van Beuren cartoons and variety shows with unfamiliar names.
Thursday, January 1, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “23 ½ Hours’ Leave.”
9:00 to 10:00—America’s Town Meeting: “Outlook in the Atlantic” with Rear Admiral Clark H. Woodward, Jay Allen, Colonel W. Stewart-Roddie, Edward Tomlinson.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:10—Children’s Story.
3:25 to 3:30—News summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Review of the Year.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
7:30 to 9:00—Tests and Selected Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
not available.
Friday, January 2, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:40—Film: “Shadows of the Orient” with Regis Toomey.
8:30 to 9:30—Variety Show with Larry Adler, harmonica; Harvey Harding, songs; Paul Wing’s “Words on the Wing” spelling bee, others.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:10—Children’s story.
8:00—News reports.
8:15—National Defense Program,
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
9:55 to 10:00—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
7:30—Film.
8:30 to 9:30—New York pickup from WNBT.
9:30 to 11:30—Philadelphia Arena Wrestling.
Saturday, January 3, 1942WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30—Film: Aesop Fable.
3:40 to 4:30—Film: “Where the West Begins” (1938) with Jack Randall.
8:30—Danton Walker; Bill’s Gay Nineties Floor Show.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News summary.
2:45—Films.
4:25—News Summary.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
2:00 to 3:00—Junior Hour.
8:30 to 10:30—Arena Ice Hockey, Pittsburgh Hornets vs. Philadelphia Rockets.
Sunday, January 4, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “His Double Life” (1933) with Roland Young and Lillian Gish.
8:30 to 9:30—“Curtain,” variety show with Fay Wray, Rex O’Malley, Josephine Antoine and others.
Monday, January 5, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
9:00 to 11:30—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena, Golden Gloves Preliminaries.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—War backgrounds.
3:10—Children’s Story.
3:25—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10—Civilian Defense Program.
8:20—Tamara, songs.
8:35—“Men at Work,” variety show with Richard Dyer Bennett, songs; Burl Ives, songs; Ruth Page and Bentley Stone, dancers; Emilio Osta, piano; Bernard and Jensen, comedians; Jerry Munson, comic.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
7:00—Film.
8:00—Defense program; news; dramas.
9:00 to 11:30—New York telecasts from WNBT.
Television was used as a training medium for civilian defense for the first time last night [5] when selected groups of air-raid wardens, gathered before nearly 200 television receiving sets, watched a broadcast of the new film “Fighting the Fire Bomb” and listened to a question-and-answer period dealing with incendiaries. The program was broadcast over station WNBT from 8 to 9 p.m.
In addition to the television showing, the film was presented to larger audiences of air-raid wardens in eighty-one schools throughout the five boroughs, where it was accompanied by brief lectures. The motion picture, officially approved by the Office of Civilian Defense and the first film to be employed in the training program, opens with a shrill chorus of air-raid-warning sirens and then gives a detailed description the modern incendiary bomb, its physical and chemical properties and how to combat it. (Herald Tribune, Jan. 6)
FIRST television package show to be produced by Telecast Productions, New York, was purchased by NBC and presented recently for WNBT, the network's video station in New York. Titled Manhattan Safari, the program featured Harry Hershfield, Rube Goldberg, Russell Patterson and Otto Soglow, and four girls. described by Myron Zobel, TP president, as the "most telegenic girls in New York." (Broadcasting, Jan. 5)
Tuesday, January 6, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—“Radio City Matinee,” variety with Christopher Rule, Adrienne Ames and Margaret Fisher.
8:30—“Thrills and Chills from Everywhere” with Doug Allan and Earl Schenck.
8:55—Civilian Defense Program.
9:05—Film: “Coolidge String Quartet.”
9:15—“Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 to 11:30—Professional Wrestling at Ridgewood Grove.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:10—Children’s Story.
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00—Civil Defense Program.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
7:00—Film.
8:30 to 10:30—New York broadcast from WNBT.
10:30 to 11:00—Film.
WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission yesterday [6] granted Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, Inc., of New York, permission to construct a new commercial television station.This action was a formality, as the station has been operating experimentally for several years. Last year it was rebuilt for commercial television. Allen B. DuMont, president of the company, said it had not yet been decided when commercial broadcasting would begin.
The station is located on the 42nd story of a building at 53rd Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. The addition of a 150-foot tower places its antenna 650 feet above street level.
The experimental call letter of the station is W2XWV. The call letter when commercial broadcasting begins will be WABD.
The DuMont station is one of three in operation in New York, the other two being owned by the National Broadcasting Company and the Columbia Broadcasting System. Radio Station WOR, of the Mutual Broadcasting System, has a license to construct a fourth station. The maximum number of commercial television stations New York may have is four. (Passaic Herald-News, Jan. 7)
Wednesday, January 7, 1942
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk,” public affairs discussion. Topic: “Selective Service Act for Women,” with Mrs. Preston Davie, Helen Havener.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10— Civilian Defense Program.
8:20—Tamara, songs [Times].
8:35—Country Dance.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
7:00—Films, variety.
8:05 to 8:30—Play: “Babbitt’s Boy.”
8:30 to 10:00—Film.
TELEVISION patent interchange agreement between RCA and Don Lee Broadcasting System, Hollywood, was announced Jan. 7 by Thomas S. Lee, president of the latter concern. Negotiations leading to the agreement were started in spring of 1939 when it became apparent that no one organization in the country held all patent rights for present-day television. Don Lee Broadcasting System patents cover inventions of Harry R. Lubcke, television director of that firm. They are concerned with numerous phases of television, including synchronization, scanning, cathode-ray tubes, and telecasting of motion pictures as well as live subjects.
A Forward Step
Patents cover methods and apparatus for both transmission and reception. Included are inventions as far back as 1930 when Lubcke started pioneering in television development for the late Don Lee.
Agreement calls for a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to RCA from Don Lee Broadcasting System in return for a similar license for certain equipment of the latter organization with a monetary consideration included. Don Lee concern retains ownership of patents and is free to license others in the television field. The agreement was hailed as a forward step in modern business by Don Lee and RCA executives alike, making possible joint use of patent properties of pioneer organizations in the interest of the advancement of the electronics art. (Broadcasting, Jan. 12)
Thursday, January 8, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “Luck of Roaring Camp” (1937) with Owen Davis and Joan Woodbury.
9:00 to 10:00—America’s Town Meeting.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Total War.
8:30—Visual Quiz.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
7:30 to 9:00—Tests and Selected Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
Courier-Post repeats schedule from Jan. 7
Friday, January 9, 1942WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30—Film: “The Home Front.”
3:40 to 4:20—Film: “Mexicali Kid” (1938) with Jack Randall. [right]
8:30—Film: “Ebb Tide.”
8:40 to 9:30—Film: “Seven Sinners” (1936) with Edmund Lowe, Constance Cummings.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:10—Children’s story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25—News summary.
8:00—News reports.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge; badminton tournament.
9:55 to 10:00—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
6:30—Philco Choir.
7:30—Western Film.
8:00—News.
8:30 to 9:30—New York pickup from WNBT. 9:30 to 10:30—Film.
The sale of $75,000 worth of defense bonds and stamps was announced last night [9] by the Columbia Broadcasting System television station WCBW at the end of less than an hour’s broadcast. Shown on the set in the television studio was a special telephone, the number of which was clearly visible. The audience was asked to phone its purchases. Robert Sparks of the United States Treasury Department explained the features of the bonds and stamps.
The largest purchase was announced as one of $50,000 made in behalf of the Bankers National Life Insurance Company by Raymond D. Shepard, vice president. Others were $5,000 purchases by Larry MacPhail and Dan Topping for the Brooklyn Baseball Dodgers and the Brooklyn Football Dodgers. Names of the purchasers were announced over the station as the calls were received. (New York Times, Jan. 10)
New York.—A plea for release of the industry’s patriotic and historic short subjects for use in television has been made to Will Hays by Norman D. Waters, head of the American Television Society. In a desperate effort to keep alive during the war period, television has been devoting a good deal of its activities to national defense via telecasting of films turned out by various government departments. (Hollywood Reporter, Jan. 9)
Saturday, January 10, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Children’s Matinee.
8:30—Gus Van Minstrels.
9:00 to 11:15—Basketball: Georgetown vs. Long Island U., St. Joseph’s vs. City College of New York, at Madison Square Garden.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News summary.
2:35—Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
8:30 to 10:30—Arena Ice Hockey, Philadelphia Rockets vs. Indianapolis Capitols.
Sunday, January 11, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30—Film: “This England.”
8:30—Variety Show: “The Americas”; John Marquand, Elsie Houston, others.
9:00—Film: “Fright,” mystery drama.
Monday, January 12, 1942WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “Luck of Roaring Camp.” [Times]
9:00 to 11:30—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena, Golden Gloves Preliminaries.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—War Backgrounds.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10—Civilian Defense Program.
8:20—Joan Edwards, songs. [see article to right]
8:35—“Men at Work,” variety with Maxine Sullivan, songs; Gibson and Company; Jules and Clifton, acrobats; Vincenzo Celli, dancer, others.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
no schedule available.
Tuesday, January 12, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—“Radio City Matinee,” variety with Otto Klemperer, Maria Shako, Adrienne Ames, others.
8:30—“Thrills and Chills from Everywhere” with Doug Allan and Ray Scott.
8:55—Musical Film with Jose Iturbi, piano.
9:05—Civilian Defense Program.
9:15—“Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 to 11:30—Professional Wrestling at Ridgewood Grove.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Tamara, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00—Civil Defense Program.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
no schedule available.
There will be no more television shows emanating from Don Lee’s station, W6XAO, operating the past few months from atop Mt. Lee, because of the shutdown on manufacturing some time ago of television sets and the increasing difficulties of acquiring new equipment. Unit has been televising sports events, sustaining dramas and entertainment programs for several years. Instead, the company launches into a greater period of research and experimentation than ever before, with the signing yesterday [12] of contracts between Mutual and RCA, ending ne gotiations started in April, 1939, for a television patent interchange agree ment. Combining of forces was made because no single company to date has owned enough sight-sound patents to cover all phases of methods and equipment. (Hollywood Reporter, Jan. 13)
Wednesday, January 14, 1942
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk,” public affairs discussion.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10— Civilian Defense Program.
8:20—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:35—Country Dance.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
7:00—Films, variety.
8:05 to 8:30—Play: “Babbitt’s Boy.”
8:30 to 10:00—Film.
Thursday, January 15, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
9:00 to 10:00—America’s Town Meeting.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30—Visual Quiz.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
7:30 to 9:00—Tests and Selected Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
6:30—Children’s Choir.
7:30—Western Film.
8:00—News.
8:30 to 9:30—New York pickup from WNBT.
9:30 to 10:30—Film.
“Can We Win This War Without Hate?” will be discussed by Stanley High, writer and lecturer, and General Henry J. Reilly, retired United States Army officer and journalist, during “America’s Town Meeting of the Air” at 9 p. m. Thursday [15] on WJZ.
Mr. High, like General Reilly, is a veteran of the World War, having served in the Air Corps.
General Reilly, born In Fort Barrancas, Fla., the son of an Army officer, has been an Army man all his life. He served in the Philippines from 1904 to 1906, in the Mexican campaign and in the first world war.
The discussion between Mr. High and General Reilly will be televised on the National Broadcasting Company’s television station WNBT. First televised on the Dec. 18 broadcast, “Town Meeting” proved so popular that it was again televised on New Year’s night, and from now on it will be a permanent Thursday night event on WNBT. (Herald Tribune, Jan. 11)
Friday, January 16, 1942WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “Rolling Westward” (1937) with Tex Ritter.
8:30 to 9:40—Film: “Dead Men Tell No Tales” (1938) with Emlyn Williams, Marius Goring [right].
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:10—Children’s story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25—News summary.
8:00—News reports.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge, badminton tournament.
9:55 to 10:00—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
6:30—Philco Choir.
7:30—Western Film.
8:00—News.
8:30 to 9:30—New York pickup from WNBT.
9:30 to 10:30—Film.
Saturday, January 17, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Children’s Matinee.
8:30—Zeke Manners’ Hillbillies.
9:00—Camp Upton Opera House Players: Scenes from “We’re Ready” with Private Ezra Stone.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News summary.
2:35—Films.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 17. — WPTZ, Philco television station here, is conducting a survey among its audience to determine future operating and program Policy. Seeks info on the following: (1) Do you wish to continue to receive program listings? (2) Make and model of television receiver and size of the screen? (3) Is the set installed in private home or in public place? (4) What is the average number of viewers? (5) Comments on current programs. (6) Suggestions for new types of programs. In addition, those queried are asked to fill out a weekly schedule of 15 hours, indicating the times of the day most desirable to view television shows.
Indications are that, because of the heavy expense, WPTZ is going to curtail its televising of special events. With motion pictures hard to buy, program schedule will emphasize live-talent shows. (Billboard, Jan. 24)
Sunday, January 18, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:15 to 4:30—Hockey: New York Rovers vs. Atlantic City Sea Gulls, Madison Square Garden.
8:30—Film: “False Witness,” mystery drama.
9:00 to 9:30—“In the Spotlight,” Harvey Harding, Variety Musicale.
Monday, January 19, 1942WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “Irish Luck” (1939) with Frankie Darro and Mantan Moreland.
9:00 to 11:30—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—War Backgrounds.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:25—Civilian Defense Program.
8:35—“Men at Work,” variety with The McKays, dance team; Betty Jane Smith, tap dancer; Jack Spoons, Frances Comstock, songs; Two Tops, roller skaters.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
4:30 to 5:30—New York test.
8:00—Pop Johnson’s Old Timers. 8:20—Church and defense programs.
9:30—Film.
10:00 to 11:30—Amateur Boxing from Jamaica Arena via WNBT.
Shepherded by police, hundreds of air-raid-wardens in New York City clustered one evening last week around television sets at 123 radio shops, hotels, theaters, homes, and other spots. Simultaneously, civilian-defense workers in communities as far away as the Philadelphia-Camden and Schenectady, N. Y., areas, huddled before all available receivers.
The occasion for this mass gathering was the first telecast of “Fighting the Fire Bomb,” a film sponsored by the Office of Civilian Defense. Staged by the New York Police Department, the show was transmitted by NBC’s station WNBT to the outlying New York region and seen elsewhere through pickups and retelecasts by Philco in Philadelphia and General Electric in Schenectady. The film, unfolding a vivid spectacle of bomb fighting, was followed by a police demonstration of the use of various types of fire extinguishers and pumps for fighting magnesium incendiary missiles. A question-and-answer period concluded the show.
This was the new broadcasting medium’s first “network” program of such size, and served to lift television from the ranks of a plaything in the public mind to the status of a vital defense weapon. Moreover, the broadcast spotlighted the war work which television has been quietly doing before and since the advent of war. Expected to fold entirely for the duration because of its undeveloped character and the pinch of priorities, television actually has been demonstrating an educational value in defense unrealized in precommercial days six months ago.
NBC and CBS have each televised more than 50 defense programs since July. These have included, particularly at Columbia, talks and demonstrations by the Red Cross, by police decontamination squads, the armed forces, Boy Scouts, American Women’s Volunteer Services, and other groups. Such subjects as blood transfusions, first aid, and blackout work have been stressed. Last week CBS started a Treasury Defense series.
NBC is picking tip with its mobile unit patriotic debates of America’s Town Meeting of the Air programs. DuMont, New York’s third television station in operation,* has been showing Army and Navy films weekly. In Chicago, experimental station W9XBK, which a fortnight ago held a similar mass meeting of wardens, has been offered by its owners, Balaban & Katz, to the city’s Civilian Defense Council. Officials have pointed out that television with its limited radius could remain on the air during ether blackouts when other broadcasters had to be silent.
To augment these individual activities, the American Television Society last week announced the mobilization of its members for special government work. It has formed a volunteer corps of 25 writers, actors, producers, designers, and directors to put on war programs. To increase audience interest it plans the formation of Defense Clubs of Television.
Norman D. Waters, New York advertising-agency man who heads the society, is furthering a scheme to have 2,000-odd television receivers taken over by the government and placed at strategic points for mass benefit. (Newsweek, Jan. 19)
UTILIZING facilities offered by Balaban & Katz Corp., Chicago, operators of W9XBK, Chicago television station, the U. S. Navy has opened a training school in Chicago to train radio technicians in the application of high-fidelity radio used in the detection of enemy aircraft and naval vessels. The school, according to the Navy, is to be under the administration of Lieut. William C. Eddy, U. S. Navy retired, director of B &K television operations.The entire top floor of the State-Lake Bldg. has been outfitted to accommodate the school at an estimated cost of $30,000 to Balaban & Katz, which is presenting facilities to the Navy without charge. The course requires approximately two months and is available only to men enlisted in the Navy who have a high school education, and an amateur class A or B radio license. In the absence of the latter requirement the applicant must be actively engaged in radio repair or service work or must be experienced in high-frequency design, transmission or reception. The television station, W9XBK, which last month applied for a commercial license, will continue as a civilian operation under Lieut. Eddy. (Broadcasting, Jan. 19)
More than SO New York televiewers have offered to contribute to a branch of the "blood bank" established by NBC's television department for the benefit of soldiers and sailors, after announcements were made on station WNBT, NBC video adjunct. In recognition of the gifts, the department is giving each donor a monogram of WNBT's call letters. (Broadcasting, Jan. 19)
Tuesday, January 20, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—“Radio City Matinee,” variety.
8:30—“Thrills and Chills from Everywhere” with Doug Allan and Father Bernard Hubbard.
8:55—Film: “When an Air Raid Strikes.”
9:15—President’s Birthday Ball Program.
9:20—“Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 to 11:30—Professional Wrestling at Ridgewood Grove.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
8:45—Tamara, songs.
9:00—Civil Defense Program.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
6:30—Film.
8:00—Variety News.
8:30 to 9:30—Pickup from WNBT New York.
9:30 to 11:00—Ridgewood Grove Wrestling from WNBT.
NEW YORK, Jan. 17.—Bob Edge, starting Tuesday (20), will devote all his attention to television. Since last June Edge has been doing both radio and television work on CBS and Columbia's tele station, WCBW. His recent decision to undertake the assignment to prepare television defense programs will necessitate him dropping out of radio.
He will continue his Thursday night tele broadcasts to sportsmen. (Billboard, Jan. 24)
Wednesday, January 21, 1942
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk,” public affairs discussion. Topic: “Children in Wartime” with Dr. Harvey Zorbaugh, Mrs. Sidonie M. Gruenberg, Dr. Benjamin Spock, Mr. Dean K. Worcester.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:25—Civilian Defense Program.
8:35—Country Dance.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
Courier-Post repeats Tuesday schedule.
On a program sponsored by the English Folk Dance Society, Huapala, assisted by a group of eight dancers, and William Kalama and his Hawaiian musicians, will give a television broadcast of ancient and modern hula, over the CBS Television System, this evening at 8:30 o’clock. The program will be divided into two eight-minute segments. (Christian Science Monitor)
Thursday, January 22, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
9:00 to 10:00—America’s Town Meeting.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25 to 3:30—News summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30—Visual Quiz.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
7:30 to 9:00—Tests and Selected Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
5:00 to 6:15—Film.
8:45 to 9:00—News.
9:00 to 10:00—American Town Meeting from WNBT.
10:00 to 11:15—Film.
“America’s Town Meeting of the Air” has scheduled a two-way discussion between Rio de Janiero and New York on “What Basis for Unity Among the Americas?” over WJZ at 9 p.m. Thursday [22]. Dr. Ricardo Alfaro, former President of Panama and John Gunther, author, will participate from New York’s Town Hall. Edward Tomlinson, commentator and a fourth speaker will join in the discussion from the Brazilian capital. George V. Denny jr. will be the referee. Television station WNBT will carry the program. (Herald Tribune, Jan. 18)
Friday, January 23, 1942WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30—Film serial, Part 1.
3:55—Film: “Ski Trails.”
4:15—Film: “Singapore Travelogue.
4:25 to 4:40—Film: “Hotel Anchovy” (1934) with the Ritz Brothers.
8:30 to 9:30—Film: “The Great Guy” (1936) with James Cagney.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:10—Children’s story: “Treasure Island.”
3:25—News summary.
8:00—News reports.
8:15—National Defense Program with Dorothy McGuire and Andre Kostelanetz.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge, with Badminton Exhibition by Champions.
9:55 to 10:00—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
6:30-8:30—Play: “Hans Brinker.”
8:30 to 11:00—Arena Wrestling.
Saturday, January 24, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “The Barefoot Boy” with Jackie Moran.
8:30—“Odds and Ends,” Jack Northworth’s varieties.
9:00 to 11:00—Professional Boxing from Ridgewood Grove.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News summary.
2:35—Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
8:30 to 10:30—Arena Ice Hockey. Providence Reds vs. Philadelphia Rockets.
Television is still a baby in this fast moving world where death is highly mechanized and children stem from vitamin complex.Television broadcasts in the New York area were only regularly established seven months ago. Yet today this miraculous combination of sight and sound has been adapted to the war situation and is playing its part in civilian defense.
Yesterday [24] Police Commissioner Valentine announced that regular television broadcasts of lectures and demonstrations instructing air-raid wardens would begin this week.
The televised classes will be given every Monday at 8 P. M. over the National Broadcasting Co.’s television station WNBT, he said.
Privately owned television sets and others in the shops of radio dealers will be made available to groups of air-raid wardens, it was announced, while in a short time television receivers will be installed in each of the city’s police stations.
Yesterday at Columbia Broadcasting System, the other large radio corporation which has established television broadcasts, we learned that two “Buy a Bond” television programs brought in nearly $100,000 for Uncle Sam's war effort.
Of course television sets aren’t cheap and private television audiences aren’t gerwrally poor. There are to date 5,000 sets in the entire metropolitan area. The defense bond sale from such an audience can yield a lot nf tanks and guns and bullets to help deatroy the Axis.
Jack Dempsey was the star of the first “Buy a Bond” television broadcast produced by CBS. The former champ parked himself by a telephone clearly numbered and answered the phone calls that came in during the program ordering defense bonds. Calls came in on the average of one a minute. His program and the one the week after sold $95,000 worth of bonds.
CBS, whose only competitor in the field of television is the National Broadcasting Corporation, appropriates approximately an hour and 45 minutes of its 15 hours a week of television programs to civilian defense.
There have been programs showing the work of the American Women’s Voluntary Service and Red Cross programs of instruction in First Aid, Once fliers from the United States Navy came to the studio and demonstrated their crash protection equipment and another time the Signal Corps from Fort Monmouth came over and went through the entire procedure of making army films.
Television performers have an opportunity to “be natural” more than acreen stars nr radio actors, Mostly, we learned, the television programa are not rehearsed. At most they are incompletely “run through” beforehand. One reason indicated for this lack of rehearsal was the greater “spontaneity” which resulted.
In the matter of news broad casting, television achieves a dramatic effect not possible on ordinary radio programa. News is a big feature of the service. The daily afternoon program put on by CBS opens with a regular news broadcast, and the evening program likewise.
Sunday is usually television’s “day out” but on that unforget table December Sunday when Hitler’s agent in Asia attacked Pearl Harbor, the CBS television department hustled together a skeleton crew and went on the air with the news.
Other defense programs produced in television for the CBS audience have included sketches of the work of the U. S. Marine Corps, the Department of the Interior, the Treasury Department, the office of Emergency Management, the Boy Scouts, the Office of Civilian Defense, and the New York Police Department.
So the child of the talking machine and the moving film is also filling a role in the greatest fight in mankind’s history. (Sunday Worker, Jan. 25)
Sunday, January 25, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “Across the Plains.”
8:30 to 9:45—“The Thirteenth Chair,” mystery drama.
Monday, January 26, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—Film:“Mr. Wong, Detective” (1938) with Boris Karloff
8:00—Air Raid instruction with Lieut. William F. Maley.
8:30—Air Raid Quiz.
9:00 to 11:30—Amateur Boxing at Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Film. [Herald Tribune]
3:10—Children’s Story: “Happy Prince.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:25—Civilian Defense Program.
8:35—“Men at Work,” variety with Juan Arvizu, Songs; Patricia Bowman and Paul Haakon, Dancers; Jack Homer, Puppeteer; Eric Victor, Tap Dancer; Peters Sisters, Songs.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
Courier-Post schedule repeats schedule for the 24th.
Beginning Monday, televised broadcasts of lectures, supplemented by demonstrations of air-raid duties, will be given for civilian defense workers to help expedite a standard training program, police Commissioner Lewis J. Valentine announced yesterday [23]. Because there are not enough television receivers available, the training course will be limited for the next four weeks to a thirty minute program, beginning at 8 p. m. each Monday over the National Broadcasting Company’s television station WNBT. Of the 5,100 television receivers in use in New York, 130 sets in private homes and radio dealers’ shops will be made available to selected air-raid wardens during the first few weeks of the program. The television training course will be expanded in about a month, it was said, when television receivers, supplied without charge by several radio manufacturers, will be installed in classrooms in each of the city’s police stations. Specialized instructions and demonstrations for air—raid wardens, fire watchers, light rescue squads, messengers and drivers, then will be given in six broadcasts daily, three days a week. The televised programs will include lectures by the best instructors of the Air Raid Precautionary Services, demonstrations of approved methods and equipment for civilian aid, and the showing of official training films released by the Office of Civilian Defense. Broadcasts of field exercises by highly trained A. R. P. workers will be televised, and question-and-answer periods based on thousands of questions about civilian defense already received by the Police Department will be given. The television training plan was tested Jan. 5, when groups of air-raid wardens saw a broadcast on methods of extinguishing a light magnesium incendiary bomb. The televised training course also will be available to many local defense groups in New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut within the N. B. C. sixty-mile television receiving area. The instructions will be relayed to defense volunteers in Philadelphia through Station WPTZ and the course is expected to be re-broadcast to the Albany and Schenectady area by the General Electric Company. (Herald Tribune, Jan. 25)
Tuesday, January 27, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30 to 4:30—“Radio City Matinee,” variety.
8:30—President’s Birthday Ball Preview.
8:45—Travel Film: Brazil, with Julien Bryan. 9:15—“Face of the War,” Sam Cuff, news.
9:30 to 11:30—Professional Wrestling at Ridgewood Grove.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing Lesson.
3:10—Children’s Story: “The Remarkable Rocket.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
8:45—Tamara, songs.
9:00—Civil Defense Program.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
Courier-Post repeats schedule for the 24th
Wednesday, January 28, 1942WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:15 to 11:15—Basketball: St. Francis vs. La Salle; L.I.U. vs. West Texas State, at Madison Square Garden.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—“Table Talk,” public affairs discussion. Topic: “War Nerves, Their Causes and Cures” with Dennis McEvoy, Dr. C. Ward Crampton [right], Dr. Gregory Zilboorg, Dr. George Stevenson and Dr. Henry C. Link.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Devoted Friend.”
3:25 to 3:30—News Summary.
8:00—News.
8:10—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:25—Civilian Defense Program.
8:35—Country Dance.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
4:30 to 5:30—N.Y. Test Chart.
8:00—WDAS program.
8:15—Variety.
9:20—Show.
9:40—Film.
10:00 to 11:15—La Salle vs. St. Francis Basketball game from WNBT.
Thursday, January 29, 1942
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:10—Children’s Story: “Devoted Friend.”
3:25 to 3:30—News summary.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30—Visual Quiz.
9:25 to 9:30—News.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
7:30 to 9:00—Tests and Selected Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
8:00—Film.
9:15 to 11:00—Play: “The Leavenworth Case.”
Friday, January 30, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30—Film Serial: “Zorro Rides Again.”
3:50—Film: “Youth Gets a Break.”
4:00—Film: “Man, the Enigma.”
4:20—Film: “Buying a Pup.”.
10:30 to midnight: President’s Diamond Jubilee Birthday Ball, Hotel Waldorf-Astoria. Pageant with Sophie Tucker, George Jessel, Carmen Miranda and others.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News.
2:45—March of Dimes program.
3:10—Children’s story: “The Selfish Giant.”
3:25—News summary.
8:00—News reports.
8:15—Infantile Paralysis Program.
9:00—Auction of President Roosevelt’s Appointment Sheet of Jan. 20, 1942 for Infantile Paralysis. [Times has this special at 8:15]
9:00—Bob Edge with sports. [Times only]
9:55 to 10:00—News.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
3:30 to 4:30—N.Y. Test Chart.
6:30 to 8:00—Play: “Sleepy Beauty.”
8:30 to 11:00—Arena Wrestling.
Television’s first public auction added more than $700 to the fund to fight infantile paralysis. Auction bids were received in the CBS television studio by Jack Dempsey, Guy Lombardo and Frances Fuller on President Roosevelt’s birthday.
The auction of a valuable collector’s item with the president’s autograph followed a graphic explanation of infantile paralysis by Dr. Don W. Gudakunst, medical director of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Dr. Gudakunst also described the work of the Foundation.
Sharp bidding marked the auction of the president’s autographed engagement sheet for January 20. 1942, which was presented for the television broadcast by Associate Justice James F. Byrnes of the United States Supreme court. Starting at a dollar, bids soared above $100 in just a few minutes. The $500 bid of William Morrìs, New York theatrical agent, was the highest of the evening.
During the 30-minute auction, televiewers made numerous unsolicited contributions to the Paralysis Foundation. These contributions and Morris’ $500 bid were received on the television studio telephone by Lombardo, Dempsey and Miss Fuller, then relayed to O. Rundle Gilbert, a professional auctioneer. With their own television receivers, auction bidders for miles around witnessed their own conversations with the celebrities. (Madison Capital Times, Feb 8).
Price Administrator Leon Henderson declared that the manufacturers’ maximums were, designed to stabilize retail prices and that, if necessary, OPA would extend these ceilings to both wholesale and retail markets.
Recently, the War Production board ordered the radio industry to reduce its civilian output an average of 40 per cent, preliminary to undertaking military contracts totaling about $2,000,000,000.
The new ceiling prices provide that manufacturers may charge the highest net price received last October 15, or in the 90-day period prior to October 15, on any current model, or for tubes or other parts. Prices on any models placed on the market since October 15 and before February 9 must be filed for approval by OPA. No new models can be marketed after February 9 unless the offering price has such approval.
Equipment and parts designed primarily for commercial, police or military use—including coin-operated phonographs—were excluded from the ceilings.
Henderson ordered all manufacturers of radio sets and parts to submit revised price lists to his office by March 15.
Saturday, January 31, 1942
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
3:30: Film: Aesop’s Fable.
3:40 to 4:40—Film: “Drifting Westward” with Jack Randall.
8:30—Variety Show with Imogene Carpenter, songs; Don Julian and Marjori, dancers; Eddie Trevor, songs.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:30—News summary.
2:35—Films.
WPTZ, Philadelphia, Channel 3
8:30 to 10:30—Arena Ice Hockey, Pittsburgh Hornets vs. Philadelphia Rockets.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan, 31.—Stymied in its attempt to procure desirable motion picture film, and recognizing an immediate need for live talent programs to sustain interest in television, WPTZ, local Philco television station, has turned to local radio for succor. The local tele station has made tie-ins with local radio for air shows to originate in the television studios, to be televised and broadcast simultaneously over both stations.
Admittedly, WPTZ is having its hands full getting live talent. Not that there is a dearth of such material here. However, performers have learned their lesson cuffing their talents for radio. Still alive is the memory of building up a sustainer for many months and, when the time was finally sold, talent budget providing just enough for a pack of phonograph needles.
Moreover, fact that the Philco tele studio is situated at the company plant, far from the central city section, makes it inconvenient for performers. Tele station has gotten around that somewhat by footing cab bills. In some instances, preferred performers get a portable radio set as a souvenir for their efforts. In addition, inability of the tele station to pay off its free talent in newspaper publicity also makes it tough.
Paying off talent in folding money is out of the question, operating budgets having been cut to the bone since defense priorities have placed television at a standstill for the duration. However, funds are available for line charges on the radio swaps. And television is willing to shell out for motion picture, only it can't buy what it wants.
As a result, local television sees its salvation in providing a fair measure of entertainment by using radio's live talent programs. One is deal worked out by Ted Herr, WPTZ program chief, and Jerry Stone, WDAS publicity head, each week finds a WDAS show originating in the tele studios. Apart from the talent angle, program takes the audience behind the scenes and shows what preparations are necessary for a radio broadcast. For the radio audience, announcer describes in detail the television equipment used in the studio.
A similar tie-up has been concluded by WPTZ with Roger W. Clipp, vice-president and general manager of WFIL, for the televising of some WFIL studio programs. Also offered as a "behind the scenes in radio" idea to the tele audience, first WFIL show to go before the tele camera will be a dramatic series, Our Future Admirals, being broadcast simultaneously by the radio and television stations. Other WFIL radio programs are also being considered. (Billboard, Feb. 7)
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