Television sure loved Tex and Jinx.
Well, at least their sponsor did.
There was not much daytime television in the East in 1947, but the big show was an afternoon clatch for women hosted by Tex McCrary and his wife Jinx Falkenberg. Advertising money slowly trickled to TV that year, and the Swift meatpacking company thought so much of Tex and Jinx that it ponied up money to air the show on a network of four stations—a TV first.
As remarkable as this sounds, a show that debuted in the first week of November 1947 is still on the air. With no real fanfare, Meet the Press started its life on Thursday, November 6 on NBC. It had been heard on radio on the Mutual network before this. Its competition on CBS was a newscast anchored by Douglas Edwards.
Despite growing sponsorship and more ink given to television in the trades, there were still days in November 1947 when NBC and CBS were not on the air. St. Louis had no TV on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
No new stations signed on that month, but Baltimore’s station, the 16th in the U.S., began regular programming. WMAR’s biggest effort went into broadcasting two races from the Pimlico track.
There is an announcement of a television relay pending from New York to Boston, but Boston had no TV station at the time.
Below are the listings for the first week of November 1947, plus the first day of the month. We’re missing one station, though there are notes about WWJ-TV in Detroit. Listings for W8XCT in Cincinnati begin to appear at the end of the week in one available newspaper. Milwaukee's television station had not launched but was airing shows as tests.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
8:00—News, Tom O’Connor.
8:15—Film shorts.
8:30—Hockey at Madison Square Garden: Rangers vs. Detroit Red Wings.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
1:45—Football at Palmer Stadium: University of Pennsylvania Quakers vs. Princeton Tigers, sponsored by American Tobacco.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
1:45—Football at College Park: University of Maryland Terrapins vs West Virginia Mountaineers.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:45—Football: Northwestern vs. Wisconsin.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:00 to 1:30 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:30—INS Television News.
1:45—Football: Penn vs. Princeton.
4:15—Film: “Philadelphia, A Great City.”
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
1:30—Test Pattern.1:45—Football at Temple Stadium: Temple Templars vs. Oklahoma A & M Aggies.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Better Sports, with Don Kellett.
8:25—Hockey at the Arena: Philadelphia Rockets vs. Washington Lions.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
1:45—Football from NBC.
WMAR (CBS), Channel 2, Baltimore
2:30—Test Pattern.
3:00—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) The Janney Handicap. (b) The Marguerite Handicap.
4:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—News from CBS.
8:15—Film from CBS (“Animal Oddities”).
8:25—Hockey from CBS.
10:45—WMAR Previews.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
8:30 a.m.—Test Pattern.
9:00—Department Store Opening.
10:00—Test Pattern.
1:45 p.m.—Football from NBC.
2:30—Naval Show from Anacostia.
4:30—The Local Crowd.
5:00—Test Pattern.
8:00—Film Shorts.
8:30—Sports Roundup.
8:35—Film Shorts.
WTTG (DuMont), Channel 5, Washington.
1:15—Test Pattern.
1:45—Football from DuMont.
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—News from CBS.
8:15—Film Shorts from CBS.
8:30—Hockey From CBS.
WWJ-TV (NBC/DuMont), Channel 4, Detroit
1:45—Football at Briggs Stadium: University of Detroit Titans vs. St. Mary’s of California Galloping Gaels, sponsored by General Electric.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
2:45—High School Football: Roosevelt vs Beaumont. Bob Ingham, play-by-play.
8:00—Films: “High Hat,” “Will You Be My Darling?”
8:10—News and Views.
8:25—Films: “Village Fire Brigade,” “Bashful Bullfrog.”
8:35—Junior Varieties with Russ Severin.
9:00—Feature Film: “Swiss Family Robinson” starring Thomas Mitchell and Edna Best.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 to 5:00—News and music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil,” with Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—“You’ll Be Sorry” with Beryl Wallace.
8:00—“The Philco Football Score-board” with Bill Welch.
8:15—Tiger Hunt.
8:30—Hockey at the Pan-Pacific Auditorium: Los Angeles Monarchs vs. Oakland Oaks.
The [Maryland-West Virginia] game has been a sell-out for weeks. To accommodate thousands of alumni who were unable to purchase tickets, four television sets have been installed in Ritchie Colesium and other places on the campus. (Washington Post, Nov. 1)
Detroit, Nov. 4. General Electric Supply Corp. in Detroit took over sponsorship Saturday (1) of the first of three football telecasts over WWJ-TV, covering the University of Detroit team. It will sponsor the other remaining U. of D. games Nov. 7 and Nov. 15, using the series to plug sale of General Electric television equipment. Besides the full-game telecasts, GE is taking on two 15-minute shows on Saturdays, a football forecast before each University of Michigan game, and a resume of scores immediately afterward. Oldsmobile now sponsors the U. of M. telecasts. Simons-Michelson Agency is handling the tele account for General Electric.
WWJ-TV, now Detroit's only tele outlet, has 15 sponsors for its television shows, and the city has about 3,000 operating television receivers, installations having begun last March. Currently two other stations are contemplating video transmitters, WJBK, the Fort Industry Co. station which already has its license, and WXYZ, the ABC station, which has been talking labour tele for nearly a year, but has taken no action. (Variety, Nov. 5)
NEW YORK, Nov. 1.—Combined remote pickups, a technique long employed by radio but hitherto considered too complicated for television, seem about to be accepted as commonplace in the maturing video production picture. Two different sponsors have decided to adopt the technique, with American Tobacco Company already using it for the past two weeks and General Foods planning to experiment with it beginning Thursday (6). The new Meet the Press show, which kicks off this week for the Maxwell House Coffee division of General Foods, will air from the studios of WNBW, Washington, and also will be carried over WNBT, New York, and possibly stations in Philadelphia and Schenectady. Commercials will be rendered from New York.
Difficulties with American Telephone & Telegraph Company over use of lines had official of the producing Benton & Bowles agency fearful that initial show. might have to be postponed one week or done from New York. Herb Leder is the agency's director, while Martha Roundtree is the producer. Regulars on the show will be Lawrence Spivak and Bert Andrews, with Phelps Adams and Marquis Childs skedded for appearances as questioners. Guests to be interviewed tentatively include Eric Johnston, Harold Stassen and Claude Pepper, with order not yet set.
Complex Set-Up
The Lucky Strike operation is more complex than simply airing commercials from a city other than the show's point of origination. With the cigarette firm sponsoring telecasts of four straight football games also being bankrolled by Atlantic Refining (both firms being N. W. Ayer agency accounts), same cameras were used by both sponsors, but each had its own sportscaster and, naturally, separate commercials. First two games originated in Philadelphia, today's game is being played in Princeton, N. J., and next week's contest again will be played in Philadelphia. Atlantic's pickup is broadcast over WPTZ, Philadelphia, while the Lucky version is aired over WNBT, New York, WNBW. Washington and WRGB, Schenectady.
Each sponsor gets eight regular visual commercials and four "quickies" during the course of every game. Atlantic commercials, a series of story-board cartoons, are picked up live by the cameras which cover the game for both sponsors. Lucky Strike plugs are done via film from New York. Delicate cueing problem faces both announcers, involving split-second timing, so that New York engineers cut cameras away from the game before the Atlantic commercials are picked up. Only slip-up occurred, during the first game, when a heavy wind blew away the script sheet bearing a cue. NBC engineers merely cut out the Atlantic commercial and left a blank screen for its duration. (Billboard, Nov. 8)
NEW YORK, Nov. 1.—National Broadcasting Company (NBC), which recently concluded a deal with the Theater Guild for telecasting of outstanding Guild productions, has made another legit tie-up, this one with American National Theater and Academy, group which was given a congressional charter to reactivate legit thruout the country.
Details are not yet known, but it's believed that NBC video will televise a series in co-operation with the American National Theater. Latter group now is sponsoring the Experimental Theater, Inc., which has scheduled Galileo, with Charles Laughton, for the Maxine Elliott Theater in December. (Billboard, Nov. 8)
HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 1.—Kick-off date for National Broadcasting Company's (NBC) proposed Hollywood tele outlet has been set back until July, 1948, at the earliest, it was revealed by Sid Strotz, veepee in charge of the Western division. With winter weather setting in at the Mount Wilson transmitter site, the web has decided to wait until spring before beginning major construction.
Tentative plans for studio buildings, which will house four sound stages, have been approved, but engineering plans have yet to reach drawing board stage, Strotz said. Equipment is on order for delivery as soon as required, he added. Web had originally hoped to be videocasting by year's end. (Billboard, Nov. 8)
Kathryn Oaks, Waukesha soprano...currently singing as soloist on alternating weeks on the Encore Echoes program over radio station WTMJ on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., she has also been seen on the television broadcasts over WTMJ-TV. The Encore Echoes program which has been heard since June 10 has been renewed for another six months, again featuring Mrs. Oakes and Bruce Foote, baritone, with the chorus directed by John Anello. (Waukesha Daily Freeman, Nov. 1)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
7:00—“Scrapbook Junior Edition,” children’s participation show.
7:40—“Fighting With Kit Carson,” Western film serial.
8:00—“The Week in Review,” with Don Hollenbeck.
8:10—Film Short.
8:30—NHL Hockey from Madison Square Garden, Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
2:00—Naval Air Show from Philadelphia.
8:00—“Author Meets the Critics.”
8:30—Motion Picture News Review.
8:40—“America’s Song.”
9:00—News.
9:05—Feature film.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
2:00—Football at Yankee Stadium: N.Y. Yankees vs. Baltimore Colts.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:25—Football at Comiskey Park, Chicago Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
8:25—Hockey: Blackhawks vs. Montreal Canadiens.
Telecasts of Blackhawk hockey hassels via WBKB, Chicago, will be co-sponsored by a Philco dealer, Emergency Radio & Appliance, and the Chi division of Philco distributors.
Deal, which covers 29 games beginning Nov. 2, was worked out between co-sponsors and WBKB management. (Variety, Nov. 5)
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
1:45—INS Television News.
2:00—“Operation Willow Grove” from N.A.S. Willow Grove (to NBC).
7:45—INS Television News.
8:00 to 9:00—NBC.
9:00—United Press News.
9:05—Feature Motion Picture
1:00—Test Pattern.
1:15—Sunday Inquirer Comics.
1:45—Football from Griffith Stadium: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins.
8:00—Inquirer News Review.
8:30—Let’s Pop the Question.
9:00—Film.
9:20—Religious program.
WMAR (CBS) Channel 2, Baltimore
7:00—“Scrapbook Junior Edition” from CBS.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Julius Caesar, film.
8:25—Television in Baltimore.
8:33—Sightseeing at Home, film.
8:50—Myra Hess, film.
9:10—Hockey from CBS.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
1:30—Test Pattern.
2:00—Football from NBC.
4:30—Test Pattern.
8:00 to 9:00—NBC.
9:00—News.
9:05—Feature film.
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
1:00—Test Pattern.
1:30—Under the Tree.
1:45—Football from Griffith Stadium: Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Redskins (to CBS).
4:30—Film Fun.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
1:45—College Football: St. Louis University vs. Nevada. Bob Ingham, play-by-play.
8:00 to 9:15—Feature Film: “Swiss Family Robinson” with Thomas Mitchell and Edna Best.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
2:00—Football at the Los Angeles Coliseum: Los Angeles Dons vs. San Francisco ‘49ers.
8:00—Music.
8:30—Cartoon.
8:40—“Shopping at Home”.
8:55—Cartoonews.
9:00—“Philco Football Scoreboard” with USC coach Dean Cromwell.
9:15—Feature Film: “Thunder in the City.”
Television’s progress can be measured in a lot of different ways—by its clarity, its programming, the number of stations etc. But the industry considers television’s commercial strength a mighty good measure, since sponsors are notoriously unwilling to pay for something that’s not worth while.
Latest sign of confidence in television comes from Swift & Co., which will begin next Friday to pay for having “Home Service Club” telecast to Washington, Philadelphia and Schenectady as well as New York. As soon as additional television stations are added to the NBC network, they will be included in Swift’s deal.
WNBW, Washington’s NBC television station, and the others have been carrying this Jinx Falkenburg-Tex McCrary show on a sustaining basis for some time, but NBC finally asked to get paid for its full television network facilities, and Swift said OK. The format of the show is much like a woman’s magazine, with both entertainment and home service instruction in cooking, fashions and child care being offered.
Another commercial deal which didn’t bruise WNBW’s spirits any went into effect this week. The largest single television time sale ever made, it is sponsored by Washington RCA dealers who are tired of not having anything on the air to demonstrate sets with during business hours. Now, for eight weeks, they are adding to the few daytime shows already on WNBW, five hours a week of programming. (Washington Post, Nov. 2)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1947
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
8:00—NBC Television Newsreel.
8:10—Film shorts.
8:40—“Cavalcade of Sports”: Boxing at St. Nicholas Arena. Feature bout: Terry Young vs. Juste Fontaine, lightweight, 10 rounds; Luis Ramos vs. Harry LaSane, lightweight, eight rounds.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—Doorway to Fame, with Jackie Bright.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:15—Impersonalities, Mary Kay and Johnny.
8:30—Film shorts.
8:45—Swing Into Sports, with Vincent Richards.
9:00—Sports Names to Remember.
9:06—Boxing from Jamaica Arena with Dennis James.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00—Chicago Television showcase.
5:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
8:00—Minor Opinions.
8:30—Wrestling from Midway arena.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:45—INS Television News.
2:00—“Television Matinee.”
7:45—INS Television News.
8:00—NBC.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
2:30—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Magic Made Easy, with Tom Osborne.
8:30—Film.
8:30—Temple University Forum.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
7:30—Canine Classes.
7:40—School Days.
8:00—NBC to signoff.
WMAR (CBS) Channel 2, Baltimore
2:30—Test Pattern.
3:00—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) Fifth Race. (b) Sixth Race.
After one of the driest Octobers on record at the local Weather Bureau, the heaviest rain of the yeare drenched Baltimore and other parts of Maryland yesterday [3]. [...]
The weather also forced cancellation of a program of WMAR, the Sunpapers new television station.
The station’s mobile unit was at Pimlico to televise the fifth and sixth races, but the downpours interfered with the micro-wave relay system which had been set up to transmit the pictures back to WMAR’s main transmitter in the building of the O’Sullivan Building.
Although the equipment at the track had been placed under cover, it proved impossible to send back to the studios pictures of sufficient quality for broadcast.
WMAR crews stood by until after the seventh race in the hope that weather conditions would improve. After that it was too dark for televising. (Baltimore Sun, Nov. 4)
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
6:15—Test Pattern.
6:35—DuMont programming.
8:00—Music Album, Joy Reynolds.
8:15—DuMont programming.
8:30—Plantation Time.
8:45—Film: “The Man Who Missed His Breakfast.
9:00—Step ‘n’ Fetch It. 9:30 to sign-off—DuMont programming.
WMAL (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Test Pattern.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:15—Film.
3:25—American Theater interviews.
3:40—Film short.
3:50—Man on the Street, interviews by Frank Eschen.
4:20—Film.
8:00—“Tele-Quizi-Calls,” sponsored by Union Electric.
8:30—Film.
8:45—Man on the Street, Frank Eschen, m.c.
9:00—Film.
9:10—Panorama of the Dance: St. Louis Dancing Teachers Association.
9:25—Film.
9:35—“Autumn Leaves,” Lindenwood College Program.
9:50—Film Short.
10:00—News and Views.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
8:00—Test Slides and Incidental Music.
8:25 to 11—Wrestling at the Hollywood Legion Auditorium. Card: Martino Angelo, Angelo Savoldi vs. Jan Blears, Maurice LaChapelle, two falls, two hour limit; Ivan Kameroff vs. Antone Leone, two falls, 45 minute time limit; Ali Pasha vs. Paavo Katonen, one fall, 30 mins.; Lee Grable vs. Rudy Valentino, one fall, 30 mins; Bob Corby vs. Chester Hayes, one fall, 20 mins.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 to 5:00—News and music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil,” with Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—“Looking at Music” with Al Jarvis.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:30—Boxing.
BANK video set-up has been installed in the Franklin Square Savings Bank of Hempstead, L. I., by William B. Still, owner and operator of W2XJT Jamaica, N. Y., experimental television station. Bank installation comprises a camera in a cashier's cage and a receiver in the bookkeeping department, enabling signatures to be verified with a minimum loss of time. (Broadcasting, Nov. 3)
TELEVISION WORKSHOP of New York, a traveling group consisting of professional Broadway actors, presented its first telecast over WPTZ Philadelphia last week, with ensuing shows scheduled for WRGB Schenectady on Nov. 4 and WABD New York on Nov. 7. Show is a special video adaptation of Hendrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People." (Broadcasting, Nov. 3)
A. DAVIS & SONS, New York (ladies' coats), Jan. 1 will begin half–hour fashion show over WABD New York DuMont television station. To be telecast Fri., 8:15 -8:45 p.m. series will run a full year. Agency: Modern Merchandising Bureau Inc., New York. (Broadcasting, Nov. 3)
PHILIP KLEIN Advertising Agency, Philadelphia, has bought a 13-week series of television shows over WFIL-TV Philadelphia, thereby becoming the first agency in the country to sponsor its own show via the new medium. Shows started Oct. 28, and will be telecast every Tuesday from 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.
The unprecedented purchase is wrapped up in a purely institutional-type show, with the agency's advertising message kept to an absolute minimum. In fact, present plans call for no commercials whatever in praise of its services. Philip Klein personally runs the shows, acting as m.c.
Series is titled "Philadelphia—A Great City" and each show will introduce sections of the city's vast cultural treasures. Representatives of the city's museums, libraries, churches and historical sites will be brought before the cameras.
First program brought a million dollars worth of rare books before the cameras in a dramatization of the city's free library system. (Broadcasting, Nov. 3)
DRAMATIZATION of househunting problems, plus video showings of houses for sale are featured on new television show on WABD New York, sponsored by Previews Inc., national real estate clearing house. Series is designed to sell houses through added advantages of television, offering prospective buyer advanced view of his home. Fifteen-minute video series is produced and directed by David P. Lewis of Caples Co., New York. (Broadcasting, Nov. 3)
IN DEAL worked out with Union Oil Co., Los Angeles, and on sustaining basis, as public service, Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Jan.1 will be televised over W6XAO Hollywood, television station of Don Lee Broadcasting System. Union Oil Co., through Foote, Cone & Belding, agency servicing account, will sponsor telecasting of parade on KTLA Hollywood (BROADCASTING, Sept. 29]. (Broadcasting, Nov. 3)
A NEW commercial rate schedule for WNBT, NBC's New York television station, with a base transmitter charge of $500 an hour, plus $1,000 for an hour's use of studio 8-G, will become effective Jan. 1, advertisers and agencies were notified last week by Reynold R. Kraft, sales manager of NBC Television.
The new charges, representing the first change in WNBT's rates since its first commercial rate schedule was announced March 6, 1946, are for the first 13 weeks of 1948 only, Mr. Kraft announced. A revised schedule for the second quarter of 1948 will be issued about the first of the year.
Mr. Kraft's letter also disclosed a change in the network's policy on production procedure, which heretofore has required that all programs be directed by an NBC director. "Effective immediately," the letter stated, "NBC will permit directors selected by the agency or client—subject to approval by the company—to direct production. NBC will provide a program director, a technical director and the necessary staff to assist the agency director." Broken down into transmitter and program facilities classes, the new WNBT rate schedule lists transmitter fees as $500 for an hour, $400 for 40 minutes, $300 for a half -hour, $250 for 20 minutes, $200 for 15 minutes, $175 for 10 minutes, $125 for five minutes, $125 for one minute (film only and including film facilities), $80 for 20 seconds (including slides or film facilities). Transmitter charges under the old schedule were $75 for 10 minutes, $100 for 11 minutes to an hour.
Studio Charges
Charges for use of studio 8-G for live programs after Jan. 1 will be $1,000 for an hour, $800 for 40 minutes, $600 for a half -hour, $500 for 20 minutes, $400 for 15 minutes, $300 for 10 minutes, $200 for five minutes. This studio, now nearing completion in Radio City, is described by NBC as "the most modern, up-to-date television studio in the world."
Film studio charges under the new schedule will be $250 an hour, $225 for 40 minutes, $200 for a half-hour, $175 for 20 minutes, $150 for 15 minutes, $125 for 10 minutes, $100 for five minutes. (Broadcasting, Nov. 3)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1947
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—“Look Upon a Star,” high school amateur talent.
8:00—Western Feature Film.
9:00—College of Style and Swing.
9:15—Boxing at Park Arena.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago.
3:00—“Jane Foster Comes to Call,” cooking and home management show, sponsored by Commonwealth Edison.
3:30—Chicago Television Showcase.
5:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
7:30—Behind the Headlines.
7:45—“Lost Jungle.”
8:00—Del Breece.
8:15—Film shorts.
8:30—Variety program.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.—Test Chart.
7:45—INS Television News.
8:00—Election Day Comments, Harry Butcher.
8:05—Feature Film: “39 Steps.”9:23—Election Returns.
9:30—Sports film: “Pinehurst.”
9:40—Election Returns.
9:45—Musical Varieties.
9:55—Election Returns.
10:00—Adventure Film: “Jungle Marauder.”
10:15—Film: “Water Polo.” 10:25—Election Returns.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:15—“Philadelphia, A Great City.”
8:30—Election Returns.
9:15—Basketball at the Arena, Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks, charity match for Matt Goukas’ family.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
7:30—Enemy of the People.
8:00—Film Short.
8:20—Farm Spotlight.
8:35—Film short.
8:55—Cut-Up Capers.
Another in the series of WRGB "Farm Spotlight" programs will be presented tonight at 8:20 o'clock over the General Electric Co. television station. The show, titled "Pie a la 4-H", will feature Miss Dorothy Gaelens of Rochester and Mrs. Gertrude L. McNall, of West Henrietta.
Miss Gaelens, who is the state 4-H food demonstration winner, and Miss McNall, Monroe county foods project leader, will demonstrate the proper method of making custard pie.
Bob Child, supervisor of farm programs at WGY, will produce the show, which will be directed by Bob Stone of the WRGB staff. (Schenectady Gazette, Nov. 4)
WMAR (CBS) Channel 2, Baltimore.
2:00—Test Pattern.
3:00—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) Battleship Steeplechase ‘Cap (fifth race); (b) Blue Larkspur Purse (sixth race).
4:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:15—“Tell It With Television.”
8:30—“Historic St. Paul’s,” London.
9:00—Films of Navy-Notre Dame Football Game.
9:45—WMAR Previews.
Partial play-by-play films of the Navy-Notre Dame game, played in Cleveland Saturday, will be presented over WMAR, the Sunpapers television station, at 9 o’clock tonight.
The films, ordinarily used for the guidance of the Navy players and coaching staff, are being loaned to WMAR for public presentation by the Navy Athletic Association.
A member of the Naval Academy coaching staff will be in the WMAR tower to offer comment, and a running description of the plays will be given by Robert Elmer, of the sports staff of The Sun. (Sun, Nov. 4)
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
3:00—Test Pattern.
3:30—Coming Attractions.
4:00—The Local Crowd.
5:00—Musical Interlude.
8:00—Current Opinion.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
6:15—Test Pattern.
6:35—DuMont programming.
7:30—Sherlock Homer.
8:00—Bob Wolff Sports Clinic.
9:00—The Visionaires.
9:15—Hockey at Uline Arena, Washington Lions vs. Hershey Bears.
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Test Pattern.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern.
11:00—“Queen for a Day” from the Earl Carroll Theater-Restaurant, Hollywood.
11:30—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3 to 5 p.m.— News and Music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil” with ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—Home Economics.
7:45—“Star Views” with Lois Andrews.
8:00—“Tele-Newsreel.”
8:10—Cartoon.
8:30—Film: “American Indian Cavalcade.”
The big freight elevator at the Gibson moved up steadily, carrying two laundry hampers full of brown canvas bags, two policemen, and a couple of detectives. [...]
At the top at the 12th floor, those brown bags would be emptied, and the ballots they contained would be sorted and scrutinised, and counted and tabulated—for this [4] was The Night of the Big Count. [...]
A television camera of W8XCT swept the crowd from a platform, and down on the floor the hand of in announcer readied out toward an erect, immaculate man. Judge James Carfield Stewart turned, saw the microphone, and grinned.
You're On, Judge
“You’re on television,” said the announcer.
"I'm delighted," said the former mayor, taking a deep breath. "Delighted to be on televiaton or anything else connected with Cincinnati—the greateat place In the world! The lure of this count was just too great. I couldn’t stay away."
J. R. Duncan, acting director of television for WLW, said he thought it was the first television broadcast of an election count anywhere. (Dick Gordon, Cincinnati Post, Nov. 5)
St. Louis, Nov. 4. Kitchen equipment division of the Kelvinator Corp. has bought a 15-minute segment on KDS-TV [sic] to test out a cooking show idea. Series starts some time this month.
Geyer, Newell & Ganger is agency. (Variety, Nov. 5)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City8:00—Film short.
8:30—Feature film.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
7:30—“Kraft Television Theatre”: “On Stage.”
8:30—“In the Kelvinator Kitchen” with Alma Kitchell.
8:45—Forbes Magazine Dinner: Governor Dewey, speaker, from Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—Variety show. Bates Fabrics and John Wanamaker will cooperate in the presentation of a television show, “Fashion Yourself in Fabric” on November 5 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. The show will present exclusive creations by Madame Louis Brune, designer and color psychologist. (Women’s Wear Daily, Nov. 3)
8:00—Film shorts.
8:15—Sylvie St. Claire, songs.
8:40—Film shorts.
8:45—“Know Your New York,” quiz on famous landmarks in New York with Don Roper.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00—Chicago Television Showcase.5:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
7:30—Variety program.
8:00—Film, short subjects.
8:14—The Singing Smiths.
8:30—Wrestling from Rainbo Arena, 4836 N. Clark St., with Russ Davis. Card: Dave Levin vs. Bud Rogers; Oki Shikina and the Great Balbo vs. Pat Franley and Kola Kwariani; Zack Malkov and Duke Keomuka vs Mike Nazarian and Red Vagonne.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:45—INS Television News.
2:00—Television Matinee.
7:30—INS Television News.
7:45—“Sports Scrapbook” with Stoney McLinn and Bill Campbell.
8:00—Selection motion pictures.
8:20—“Piano Sketches: with Charles L. Safford.
8:30—NBC.
8:45—Sandlot All-Stars Football Game.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Washington
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Film.
8:20—AHL Hockey at the Arena, Philadelphia Rockets vs. Indianapolis Capitols.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
7:30—NBC programming.
8:30—Jury of Opinions.
9:00—Film.
9:40—Platter Patter.
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore
2:30—Test Pattern.
3:00—Horse Racing From Pimlico. (a) Bud Lerner Purse (Fifth Race). (b) Heiser Handicap (Sixth Race).
4:00—Test Pattern.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
2:00—Test Pattern.
3:30—Coming Attractions.
4:00—Film Features.
5:00—“Playtime.”
6:00—Musical Interlude.
7:20—Illustrated News.
7:30—NBC programming until sign-off.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
10:30 a.m. to 12 noon—Test Pattern.
1:30—Test Pattern.
2:00—American U. of the Air, School of Music.
2:20—Test Pattern.
6:15—Test Pattern.
6:35—DuMont programs.
7:30—Film: “Phantom of the Range” with Tom Tyler.
8:30—Exhibition Basketball: Washington Capitals vs. Indianapolis Kautskys.
WMAL (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Test Pattern.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern and Incidental Music.
11:00—“Queen for a Day” from the Earl Carroll Theater-Restaurant, Hollywood.
11:30—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
7:00 p.m.—Tests.
7:30 to 12 midnight—Diamond Belt Boxing.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3 to 5 p.m.—News and Music.
7:00—Uncle Phil, with Ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure serial.
7:30—“Looking at Music” with Al Jarvis.
8:00—“Love and Onions.”
8:30—Wrestling at the Olympic Auditorium, Wee Willie Davis and Karl Davis vs. the Black Panther and Manuel (the Great) Garza, Marvin Jones vs. Larry Moquin, Reginald Siki vs. Ray Duran, Vic Christy vs. Jim “Goon” Henry.
Diamond Belt Boxing Bouts
Reviewed Wednesday (5) 7:30-11 p.m. Style-Boxing. Sustaining on W6XAO (Don Lee) Hollywood.
Don Lee's W6XAO brought area lookers a fresh glimpse of the popular Diamond Belt Amateur Boxing Tourney, a charity event sponsored by Hearst's L. A. Examiner. Televent was in addition to station's regular sports sked which now includes weekly boxing and wrestling shows. Neophyte boxers, scrapping for glory, acquitted themselves well, giving lookers their full share of ring thrills and knockouts.
Lensers displayed improvement over boxing scannings of several months ago, when station aired first post-war remotes from Hollywood Legion Stadium. With constant practice under their belts, camera lads have all but eliminated the uncertainty of early airings, which ofttimes resulted in poor pic composition. Crew is still seriously handicapped by lack of second image orth camera. (Station's much needed new image box finally arrived, but too late to be pressed into use for this videocast.) With sole lensbox set 100 feet from ringside, lensers were limited to one over-all shot of ring. Closeups were missed especially during knockdowns and in-fighting. Present exclusive use of a single telephoto lens is adequate, but not as a steady diet.
Handling gabbing chores were Bill Symes and Stuart Phelps who alternated blow-by-blow and between rounds stints. Boys were alert and informative, concentrating on maintaining fighters' identities thruout long evening's events. Alan Fischler (Billboard, Nov. 15)
Sylvie St. Clair
Reviewed Wednesday (5), 8:15-30 p.m. Style—Songs. Producer—Bob Emery. Director—Frank Bunetta. Sustaining over WABD (DuMont) New York.
Sylvie St. Clair is a Gallic chanteuse who has had considerable experience in video and radio with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Before the war she appeared in class night clubs in the United States, including the Rainbow Grill and other Gotham bistros. She comes to DuMont television with a good singing voice and a typically French delivery. For television, however, Miss St. Clair would prove more effective if she projected less ebullience and toned down the program a shade.
From the production standpoint, this could be done rather easily. It would involve cutting some of the extraneous chatter which is sandwiched between the songs, spoken over the telephone, and addressed to the audience. This pruning would result in a quieter, less forced program—one in which Miss Claire's voice and accent would score to advantage. One other item in the show, the trick ending, seemed unnecessary. In this brief sequence Miss St. Claire, speaking over the telephone and advising her friends not to be afraid of burglars, is suddenly grabbed by one and carried off. A rather pointless gimmick.
On the credit side, it can be stated that Miss Claire has plenty of vocal ability, an engaging accent (she sings in English and French), and a piquant quality. Given more restrained production, the show. shapes as a good commercial buy. Paul Ackerman. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
Argument between fight promoter Billy Johnston and DuMont television over whether tele has actually hurt the gate at Jamaica Arena, N. Y. is still a standoff. DuMont, meanwhile, has. been banned from the arena on Wednesday nights for the last three: weeks.
Since the ban went into effect, Johnston declared, his gate has picked up tremendously. This, he claims, offers definite proof that video has been the culprit. Unless DuMont is willing to pay a fixed price for each empty seat in the arena, he declared, the tele cameras won't be allowed to re-enter the place when the five-week trial period ends, at least on the Wednesday nights when he stages the lights.
DuMont toppers, on the other hand, believe Johnston's figuring is all wet. Monday and Friday nights at the arena, they claim, are still sellouts and DuMont broadcasts events on both those nights. Johnston's chief trouble, according to them, is the poor fight cards he's been offering the fans. Return of cooler weather may also be a factor in building the gate take at the arena in the last several weeks. In addition, neighboring fight palaces who stage events on the same night are offering increased competition to Jamaica.
Other arenas and fight promoters, unlike Johnston, are so anxious to have the added plugging afforded by video that they've offered to revamp their schedules to attract DuMont, according to the web officials. Even if Johnston holds fast to his non-tele policy, consequently, DuMont won't have to go a-begging for some sports programming to fill its Wednesday night slot. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
8:00—News with Douglas Edwards.
8:20—“To the Queen’s Taste,” cooking program from the Cordon Bleu Restaurant, with Mrs. Dione Lucas.
8:45—Horse Show from Madison Square Garden.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
8:00—“Meet the Press,” James A. Farley, guest, sponsored by General Foods.
8:30—NBC Television News.
8:40—Musical Merry-Go-Round, with Jack Kilty.
9:00—“You Are an Artist,” with John Gnagy.
9:10—Film shorts.
9:15 to 9:45—“How Television Works”: Behind the Scenes in a Television Station.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—Birthday Party, with Grace Gioe.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:45—Know Your New York, with Jack Eigen.
9:00—Wrestling from Park Arena with Dennis James.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00—Chicago Television Showcase.
5:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
7:30—“You Should Ride a Hobby Horse,” with Russ Davis.
7:45—Film shorts.
8:00—Milt Hopwood’s Sports Show.
8:30—Roller Derby at the Colesium, Murray vs. Brasuhn.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.—Test Chart.
7:15—INS Television News.
7:30—Pleased To Meet You, with Roy Neal.
7:50—Selected motion pictures.
8:00—Motion picture featurette.
8:30—NBC programming.
9:45—“This Changing World,” the Junto School.
WFIL Channel 6, Philadelphia
2:30—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Film.
8:30—Starlet Stairway, with Jack Steck.
9:00—Exhibition Basketball at the Arena, Philadelphia Warriors vs. Indianapolis Kautskys.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
7:30—Darts For Dollars.
7:50—Musiquettes.
8:00—Seven Arts Quiz.
8:30—Songs of the Sea.
8:45—Coffee With the Carters.
9:00—NBC to signoff.
WMAR-TV Channel 2, Baltimore
2:30—Test Pattern.
3:00—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) Con Amore Purse (5th), (b) Lady Baltimore Handicap (6th).
4:00—Test Pattern.
8:00—Test Pattern.
8:40—Film: “The River.”
9:15—Basketball at the Colesium: Baltimore Bullets and Rochester Royals.
10:45—Test Pattern.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
2:00—Test Pattern.
3:30—Coming Attractions.
4:00—Fun at Four.
5:00—Musical Interlude.
8:00—NBC programming.
8:30—Film shorts.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
10:30 a.m. to noon—Test Pattern.
1:30 to 4:30—Test Pattern.
6:15—Test Pattern.
6:35—DuMont programming to sign-off.
WMAL (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Test Pattern.
W8XCT (Crosley) Channel 4, Cincinnati
2:00 to 2:30—Picture.
8:35 to 9:45—Studio Variety Show.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00—News and Views.
3:15—NBC newsreel.
3:25—Songs by Sally Schiller.
3:35—Film.
3:45—Interview with Arthur C. Horracks on “Our Claim on the Future.”
4:05—Fashion Show, styles in furs.4:20—Film short.
4:30—National Cooperative Milk Producers Association program.
8:00—NBC newsreel.
8:15—Dance Show by the St. Louis International Institute of Folk Dancers and Musicians.
8:30—Film short.
8:40—News and Views.
8:55—Feature film: “Frontier Scout” (1938) with George Huston and Al St. John.
Leppert-Roos will have a television fur fashion show, as part of the anniversary program of the St. Louis Zonta Club, today at 3 p.m. over Radio Station [sic] KSD-TV. Miss Dorothy Bradshaw, manager of the Maryland Avenue Shop of Leppert-Roos, will do the commentating.
The fashion show will include mink, Persian, beaver and other furs styled in the season’s latest modes. (Women’s Wear Daily, Nov. 7)
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern and Incidental Music.
11:00—Sun Valley Holiday.
11:30—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00-5:00—News and Music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil” for kids.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—Kiddie Party with Shirley and Judy.
7:45—“Star Views” with Lois Andrews.
8:00—“Your Town Los Angeles Presents.”
8:30—“Meet Me in Hollywood,” direct from Hollywood and Vine.
Meet the Press
Reviewed Thursday (6), 8-8:30 p.m. Style—Interview. Sponsor—General Foods. Agency—Benton & Bowles. Station—WNBT (New York). Producer—Martha Rountree. Director—Herb Leder. Technical director—Bill States. Cast this show: James Farley, Lawrence Spivak, Murray Davis, Warren Moscow, Robert Humphries.
Martha Rountree's radio package, Meet the Press, debuted off television Thursday (6) with James Farley, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, parrying the questions of Lawrence Spivak, editor of The American Mercury; Warren Moscow, of the Times; Murray Davis, World Telegram, and Robert Humphries of Newsweek. Farley proved a splendid choice, for he was both quick with his answers and thoroly poised. The questions, for the most part, hinged on the 1948 presidential election picture, with the reporters taking occasional forays into such fields as Russo-American relations, the problem of European aid, the Un-American Activities Committee and a lesser assortment of minor items including Mr. Farley's opinion of long skirts.
It was a lively session with pointed and topical questions. Farley gave forthright, authoritative answers generally. Occasionally when he felt he could not, or should not, sound off on a particular question, he briefly explained his reason, or simply declined to talk. Queried as to the possibility of a Truman-Farley ticket, he stated: "I don't want to discuss it." At other times Farley's answers were colorful and descriptive. For example, when asked his opinion of Taft's presidential possibilities he said the Ohio senator had "no political sex-appeal."
Inquisitors on this show were top notch. Spivak, incidentally, is a regular. Martha Rountree, who owns the package, appears on the show in a minor capacity—merely calling upon different reporters from time to time.
Commercials for Maxwell House Coffee were put together with a good degree of ingenuity. One of them, which had considerable humor, pictured an eavesdropping male with his ear to the floor. Via this method he determined that the Joneses were not getting along as well as the Smiths—and, of course, Maxwell House coffee made the difference. Production of actor, was cleverly done. Other commercial techniques were more routine, including drinking the stuff and flashes of the Maxwell House cans.
Meet the Press is on for a five-week run via Benton & Bowles. Future programs will be done from Washington, after which the account will revert to Young & Rubicam for another testing period. Paul Ackerman. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
MEET THE PRESS
With Martha Rountree; James A. Farley, Lawrence Spivak, Murray Davis, Warren Moscow, Robert Humphreys, guests. Producer: Herb Leder. Director: Roger Muir.
30 Mins.; Thurs., 8 p.m.
GENERAL FOODS
WNBT-NBC, N. Y.
(Benton & Bowles)
After several weeks of altercations with NBC toppers, who reportedly objected to "Meet the Press" as being "too controversial," Benton & Bowles finally succeeded in obtaining an NBC okay to put their televised version of the show on the air. It might have been better, though, to have taken NBC's advice. Show has been lifted bodily Iron^. the radio script, with no video dressing to take advantage of the fact that tele offers sight as well as sound. Audience, could have watched it with their eyes closed and got just as much from it.
It's only as interesting, consequently, as the radio show, meaning that all its merit lies in the guestars involved. B&B was lucky enough to round up James A. Farley for the preem show and promises Sen. Robert A. taft and Harold Stassen for subsequent performances, with both of the latter to be cut in from Washington. Format is the familiar one of having the guest interviewed on any subject by four newspaper reporters, in this case Lawrence Spivak, editor-publisher of Mercury mag; Murray Davis, of the N. Y. World-Telegramj Warren Moscow, of the N. Y. Times, and Robert Humphreys, of Newsweek. Martha Rountree, packager of the radio show, serves as emcee.
Farley gave an excellent, account of himself in the unrehearsed question-and-answer period, giving honest impressions on various important topics of the day and parrying any questions that might have been too embarrassing to answer. With tele now a recognized factor on the political horizon, Farley can be counted on to use it to good advantage if he ever decides to run for office. Four reporters acted like four reporters. As for Miss Rountree, she lent virtually nothing to the show, drawing interest only through her obvious nervous glances at the cameras.
Plugs for General Foods' Maxwell House Coffee were done live, emerging as both amusing and unobtrusive. B&B producer Herb Leder, in his first crack at actually airing a show since NBC gave agency producers a free hand, made out okay. Stal. (Variety, Nov. 12)
Meet Me in Hollywood
Reviewed Thursday (6), 9-10:30 p.m. Style—Man-on-the-street. Sustaining over KTLA (Paramount), Hollywood.
Lookers and listeners in other States will find this a top eye-holder. It gives the femmes a glimpse of the fashion plates that are on parade at the famed crossroads. Screen celebs who occasionally get within lensshot of the corner lend an immeasurable amount of audience appeal to the seg. These factors, when coupled with the basic human interest merits of man-on-the-street segs, makes seg emerge as a top bet for future tele and an outstanding offering for today's local viewers.
Tom Hanlon, and Keith Hetherington alternate on the gab chores, both handling the question-answer session in an interesting and ingratiating manner. Ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and her doll, Judy Splinters, is used in interviewing the youngsters in the crowd and proves herself to be as clever and talented as she is on her regular tele kiddy shows. Among show's gimmicks is pinning an orchid on all women interviewed, with flowers furnished by florist seeking cuffo plugs. Another is having traffic officer stop a car for interview with its occupants. Among those stopped during this scanning were Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom, Johnny Weismuller, tourists from Canada, Australia, Scotland, etc, Picture quality and definition is fine on nighttime outdoor pick-up thanks to outlet's image orthicons. Lensing is at its usual top quality for this outlet. Lee Zhìto. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
CHICAGO SHOWCASE
With Don Meier, Joe Byrnes, and varying roster of m.c’s
Producer: Don Meier
Director: Lorraine Larsen
60 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 3 p.m.
WBKB, Chicago
"Chicago Showcase" preemed in October as an answer to dealers who wanted an afternoon program for demonstration of sets. It's a three-way deal, with everybody sacrificing in the old college try to put tele over the top. Station provides time at less than card rates to four manufacturers — GE, Philco, Crosley and RCA Victor — who gets credits but no commercials. Talent, through the courtesy of AFRA, gets paid off in publicity and experience, with new faces daily in the m.c. role.
Session caught (6) was emceed by Don Ward, an ABC staff announcer, and no newcomer to tele. His intro was followed by a sequence of news stills, with Joe Byrnes on general topics and Don Meier supplying the femme angle. Newscasters weren't visible and the seg sagged from lack of action. Next stanza had gals from modeling school in a posture lesson. Ward came in with neat ad libs while model showed proper way to put on a coat.
While Ward shifted for man-on-the-street stint, film short was unreeled, followed by stills of sharpies wanted by the FBI. Latter, done daily as a public service and stage wait, slows down the strip. Ward picked it up again — in outdoor interviews that passed off nicely, with lots of cute kid stuff.
Show had rough patches, which can be expected in a touch and go, across-the-board sked. Fundamental purpose is well served, however, with no pretension to sock entertainment. Roster of m.c's has included Jack Brickhouse, Jack Fuller, Frank Sweeney, Jack Callahan and Guy Savage. Baxt. (Variety, Nov. 19)
Network television service on a coast-to-coast basis within two years was foreseen yesterday [7] by Frank E. Mullen, NBC executive vice president. He appeared on the “Swift Home Service Club,” which yesterday became the first commercial program to be sponsored regularly on a video chain. Noting that the network on which he was speaking now covered New York, Philadelphia, Schenectady and Washington. Mr. Mullen called attention to the fact that next week the first tests will be made of the New York-Boston television circuit. Additional Eastern cities would be added to the network “in no time at all,” he added, and “within two years’ time we should be seeing this program in Hollywood as well as on the East Coast. Lee Zhito. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1947
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City1:00—Swift Home Service Club with Tex and Jinx, and Martha Logan, home economist; Sandra Gahle, decorator and home planner.
1:30—NBC Television Newsreel.
8:00—“Campus Hoopla,” with Bob Stanton and coach Lou Little, sponsored by U.S. Rubber.
8:20—“The World in Your Home,” sponsored by RCA Victor.
8:42—“Gillette Cavalcade of Sports,” Boxing at St. Nicholas Arena. Feature bout: Charlie Zivic vs. George Horne, middleweight, ten rounds.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—Amateur Show.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:15—Television Fashion Fair.
8:54—Sports Names to Remember.
9:00—Wrestling at Jamaica Arena, with Dennis James.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00—Chicago Television Showcase.
4:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie.
7:30—Variety show.
7:45—Short subjects.
8:00—“Tele Chats,” sponsored by The Fair.
8.15—Short subjects.
8:25—Football at Soldiers’ Field: Chicago Rockets vs. Baltimore Colts.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.—Test Chart.
12:45—INS Television News. 1:00—NBC programming.
1:20 to 3:45—Test Chart.
1:30—NBC programming.
3:45—INS Television News.
4:00—Children’s Matinee, Cartoon, Clyde Beatty Serial Chapter 5, Western Feature film “Frontier Days.”
7:30—INS Television News.
7:45—Motion picture short.
8:00—NBC program.
8:20—Short subject.
8:30—“Handy Man” with Jack Creamer, sponsored by Gimbels.
8:45 to sign-off—NBC programming.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
2:30—Test Pattern.7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Film.
8:30—Wrestling at the Arena [see ad to the right].
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
1:00—Home Service Club (from NBC).
7:30—Spot the Slides.
7:50—Sportsreel.
8:00—NBC to signoff.
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore
2:30—Test Pattern.
3:15—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) fifth race, (b) Riggs Handicap, sixth race.
4:15—Test Pattern.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
1:00—NBC programming.
1:45—Musical Interlude.
2:30—Coming Attractions.
3:00—High School Football.
5:30—Musical Interlude.
8:00—NBC programming.
10:45—Telesports Show.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
10:30 a.m. to 12 noon—Test Pattern.
4:00—Washington Community Chest, Gen. Eisenhower, Sec. Snyder. 6:15—Test Pattern.
6:35—NBC programming.
7:30—Elder Michaux and the “Happy I Am” Choir.
8:00—Film short: “America Sails the Seas.”
8:15—Hockey at Uline Arena: Washington Lions vs Buffalo Bisons.
WMAL (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Test Pattern.
WWJ-TV (NBC/DuMont), Channel 4, Detroit
3:15—Football at U. of Detroit Stadium: University of Detroit Titans vs. Nevada Wolfpack, sponsored by General Electric.
W8XCT (Crosley) Channel 4, Cincinnati
8:15 to 11:00—Wrestling from Music Hall. Card: Bill Darnell vs. Pierre LaBelle, best two of three falls, 90 minute time limit; Bobby Nelson and Angelo Martinelli vs. Bill Cazzell and Frankie Hart; Paul Steuwer vs. Sailor Jim Allan.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00—News and Views.
3:15—Film.
3:30—Missouri Press Association convention program.
4:00—Film.
8:25—From Keil Auditorium: Tom Packs wrestling matches. Card: Wild Bill Longson vs. Buddy Rogers (with special referee), one fall; Ernie Dusek vs. Pat Fraley, 30-minute time limit; Dave Levin vs. Pat Flanagan, 20-minute time limit; Emil Dusek and Joe Dusek vs Warren Bockwinkel and Ray Villmer, 45-minute time limit; Tuffy Truesdell vs. Duke Kemuku.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern.
11:00—Monarchs of the Forests.
11:22—Yesterday and Today.
11:32 to noon—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
8:00—Test Pattern and Incidental Music.
8:25—Boxing at the Hollywood Legion Auditorium. Main event: Watson Jones vs, George Kochan, heavyweight, 10 rounds; Semi-Final: Roscoe Scally vs. Dave Hernandez, lightweight, six rounds;
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00-5:00 World Wide News and Music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil,” with ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure serial.
7:30—“Looking at Music” with Al Jarvis.
8:00—Tele-Newsreel.
8:15—Football: Compton vs. Ventura.
Boston television will have its first hookup with New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Schenectady on Nov. 13, with the telecasting of a documentary show, “The Seven Hilltops.” The title represents the seven relay stations which will make the 500 mile video chain possible, the longest one in the world. There is no coaxial cable to Boston, so these relays will be used. With pickups from that city, New York and Washington, President Walter Gifford, of A.T. & T., will speak on the history of television. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Nov. 7)
HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 8.—Last night's launching of the Friendship Food Train was a major event in the best Hollywood tradition. Hundreds of searchlights plied the sky while 10 bands and 130 showbiz people took part in a massive benefit show. The spectacle attracted more than 500,000 people to the corner of Hollywood and La Brea, starting point for the mercy train's coast-to-coast tour. With the throngs came the men who were to cover the event for those whd could not attend in person.
There were reporters for the newspapers and wire services, newsreel men, announcers for networks and indie stations, and KFWB even sent its Bill Anson up in a blimp to voice his view of the proceedings.
Tele's Top Job
But of all the media of communications present, tele, in the skilled hands of KTLA's camera crews, did the best job by giving its audience the next best thing to attending in person. Armed with image orthicons, KTLA moved in for a screen-filling closeup of the event. This was probably the first time the greatest galaxy of talent ever used in a video show, use of live music (by permission of the American Federation of Musicians) greatly enriched the seg's enjoyment. The show was emseed by Eddie Cantor, who introed many of Hollywood's stars, including Charles Boyer, Mickey Rooney, Danny Thomas, Margaret O'Brien and Carmen Miranda.
Danny Thomas mounted the platform shivering in an overcoat. This brought a terrific roar of laughter and applause from the equally chilled crowd. The comic immediately bowed for forgiveness to California's Gov. Earle Warren who sat near by, bringing another burst of laughter. Televiewers could laugh along with the bystanders, while in instances like these the radio audience was left in the dark.
Tele tonight proved what it could do when given top talent and live music. KTLA's sock coverage should set the local populace on a set-buying spree, for this is tele at its best. Lee Zhito. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
1:30—Football at Baker Field: Columbia vs. Dartmouth.
8:00—News, Tom O’Connor.
8:15—“Scrapbook” with Gil Fates.
8:30—Horse Show from Madison Square Garden.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
1:10—Football at Baltimore: Navy vs. Georgia Tech, sponsored by American Tobacco.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:15—Football from South Bend: Army vs. Notre Dame, sponsored by American Tobacco.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 to 1:30 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:30—INS Television News.
1:45—Football at Franklin Field: Penn Quakers vs. Virginia Cavaliers.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
1:30—Test Pattern.
1:45—Football at Owl Stadium: Temple Templars vs. Penn State Owls.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Better Sports, with Don Kellett.
8:25—Hockey at the Arena: Philadelphia Rockets vs. Providence Reds.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
1:45—College Football from NBC.
12:30—Test Pattern.
1:00—College Football from NBC.
4:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—CBS programming.
11:30—Test Pattern.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
1:00—Test Pattern.
1:30—College Music.
1:50—College Football from NBC, sponsored by American Tobacco.
4:30—Musical Interlude.
7:30—Coming Attractions.
8:00—Film Features.
8:35—Film Features.
WMAL (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—News from CBS.
8:15—“Family Album.”
8:45 to signoff—Horse Show from CBS.
WWJ-TV (NBC/DuMont), Channel 4, Detroit
1:45—Football at Briggs Stadium: University of Detroit Titans vs. St. Mary’s of California Galloping Gaels, sponsored by General Electric.
W8XCT (Crosley) Channel 4, Cincinnati
2 to 5 p.m.—Football at Nippert Stadium, University of Cincinnati vs. Miami (Florida) Hurricanes.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
1:45—Football: Washington University vs Central College. Bob Ingham, play-by-play.
8:00 to 9:15—Film: “I Conquer the Sea,” (1936) with Dennis Morgan and Stephie Duna.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
7:00—Tests.
7:30 to 12 midnight—Diamond Belt Boxing Matches.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 to 5:00—News and music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil,” with Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—“You’ll Be Sorry” with Beryl Wallace.
8:00—“The Philco Football Score-board” with Bill Welch.
8:15—Easy on the Ice.
8:30—Hockey at the Pan-Pacific Auditorium: Los Angeles Monarchs vs. New Westminster Royals.
Television will bring the Notre Dame-Army game to a Chicagoland audience of more than 175,000 this afternoon. Thousands of television parties in homes, churches, and community centers are planned thruout the metropolitan area. Bars and taverns expect to do an overflow business. There are reports that some places will impose cover charges and, in any case, steady customers will get preference in the seating arrangements.
The big show in Notre Dame stadium will be transmitted to Chicago by way of WBKB’s new micro-wave relay system, linking South Bend with the loop. This system was tried out during the Notre Dame-Iowa game. Excellent pictures were received and the system is being officially inaugurated today.
Slave Station Cuts In
Several thousand persons associated with Notre Dame will see the game telecast thru a low powered slave station which will be cut into the relay system at the stadium, since WBKB in Chicago is beyond reach of South Bend. Among those who will have a video window into the stadium will he students confined to the infirmary, aged and infirm priests, and brothers residing at Notre Dame, faculty members, university employes, and students unable to attend the game.
Notre Dame estimates the video audience at 175,000. William C. Eddy, director of WBKB, thinks this estimate is top low. Some 10,000 tele-sets stretched from South Bend to Milwaukee will be tuned to the game, he expects, and he estimates that perhaps 25 persons per receiver will be the average.
Churches Join Audience
Some 15 Catholic parishes have installed television receivers under the direction of Bishop Bernard J. Shell, founder and director of the Catholic Youth organization, Protestant churches also have begun using television in youth centers. Some of these church receivers are projection models at which upwards of a hundred viewers can be accommodated.
Several fire stations have video sets and firemen are praying for an arsonless afternoon. Some 90 television receivers have been set up in the Goldblatt department stores and it is expected that about 10,000 persons may be accommodated there. Large screen television [8 by 10 feet] will be demonstrated by RCA before several hundred guests at Kimball hail this afternoon. (Larry Wolters, Chi Trib., Nov. 8)
Notre Dame Vs. Army
Football game telecast via wireless relay from South Bend, Ind. Presented by WBKB, Chicago. Sponsored by the American Tobacco Company for Lucky Strikes. Reviewed Saturday (8) from 1:30 to 2:40 p.m. (first half of game). More than any other sporting event telecast here to date, this show proved that a few years from now motion picture newsreels, released days after events have taken place, will be a thing of the past. For the trade and press here, RCA and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) co-operated with WBKB in the showing of the Notre Dame-U. S. Army football game on large (6' by 8') RCA screen. Some of the top agency execs in the city were included among the 300 who saw the game on the big screen, and in the main comment was highly favorable.
From the first minute of the game, in which a Notre Dame man returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and all thru it, when play after play was brought to the viewers in a style that was far superior to what they could have seen if they had been in the stadium, the telecast was a success.
RCA and NBC co-operated in the large-screen showing to help promote set sales here, which have been slower than anticipated. RCA also is helping to promote video here by taking part in a video exhibition being conducted this week and next at the Goldblatt department stores. RCA, using a jeep unit, is presenting intra and inter-store shows as well as helping in arrangements resulting in placement of 90 video sets thruout various Goldblatt stores, via which thousands are witnessing WBKB and jeep unit programs. These two promotional gimmicks, the Notre Dame-Army big-screen telecast, plus the Goldblatt promotion should have a noticeable effect upon hypoing trade and public interest in the medium's potentialities.
The production of the football telecast was tops practically all the way. Except for rare instances when mistakes in camera work or direction resulted in viewers being unable to follow the plays; slips by announcer Joe Wilson and technical disturbances which resulted in a flickering picture, program left little to be desired.
Here, as in other cities, there has been a long-standing controversy as to whether video sports announcers do an adequate job in describing plays, or whether they are inclined to talk too much and describe plays audience is able to see. As far as announcing work on the telecast is concerned, it is this reviewer's opinion that Wilson talked enough. We do believe, however, that he could improve the quality of what he says by learning more about names of players so he can follow substitutions more quickly and also trÿ to concentrate more on what he is saying so that he doesn't continue the habit of making slips and calling names of teams and players incorrectly at times. Commercials were well handled and should have been effective in selling Luckies. Film-spots were used to show types of tobacco used and ever-present tobacco auctioneer. In addition 15-second film and vocal commercial reminders were used thruout the telecast. Cy Wagner. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
While snow whirled outside, an estimated 125,000 persons in the Chicago area, all warm and comfortable, used television as a window to watch the dramatic spectacle on Notre Dame’s stadium.
Picture Sharp as Weather
They saw all the spills and thrills without the chills. The pictures were as crisp as the weather. Thousands or parties were held in homes, churches, and youth centers. WBKB’s studios were jampacked with 400 persons. Bars and taverns with television sets were crowded. Several hundred persons viewed a large screen (8 by 30 feet) demonstration put on by the Radio Corporation of America in Kimball hall. Another group watched the game on a still larger screen showing put on by the Rauland corporation at 4245 N. Knox av.
Veterans at Hines hospital gathered around receivers there and navy men followed every play at the Great Lakes naval training center.
River Forest firemen at 410 Park av., who recently installed a set there, entertained numerous youngsters.
Witnessed by Groups
Members of the Elite youth center enjoyed a show in the basement of the Bethel A. M. E. church In Michigan City, Ind. A set was donated to the group recently by Television Associates, with which William C. Eddy, director of WBKB, is connected.
Some 60 eighth grade boys packed the television room In St. Andrew’s rectory. This is a parish served by Bishop Bernard J. Shell, head of the Catholic Youth organization.
An observer in a tavern at 5856 W. Division st. reported the place had been converted into a temporary theater with all seats facing the receiver at one end. The cheering was lively at this spot when Roger Brown, a west side boy, was put in the Notre Dame lineup in the final minutes of play.
Campus Crowd Watches
At St. Xavier’s academy, an all feminine audience of nuns and girl students followed Notre Dame to victory.
A low powered mobile station was set up at Notre Dame stadium to show pictures to an overflow crowd on the campus, since the WBKH transmitter in Chicago is beyond the reach of South Bend. (Larry Wolters, Chi Trib, Nov. 9)
Open war against televising Hollywood American Legion boxing matches was declared by Southland fighters and managers yesterday [8] when they presented a signed petition to the Legion Stadium committee demanding that the regular Friday night boxing matches not be televised.
Complaining that television cuts down the regular gate by anywhere from $1000 to $2000 and that they are paid off on a percentage basis, the managers have verbally threatened to keep their fighters out of the Legion ring unless their demands are met.
It is understood that the club receives $150 per night for television rights and at the stadium committee had signed a one-year contract with a two year option clause with the Don Lee Television Co.
George Parnasus, well-known handler of boxers who includes in his stable such popular scrappers as Enrique Bolanos and Fabela Chavez, was the first name on the petition. Parnassus whose young lightweight boxer, Chavez, fights this Friday night has already served notice through his attorney. Jules Covey, that he personally objects to having this bout televised. (Los Angeles Times, Nov. 9)
SYRACUSE, Nov. 7.—An order for $280,000 worth of television broadcast equipment has been placed with General Electric Co. by George B. Storer, president of Fort Industry Co., Detroit. In announcing the order, a G. E. spokesman described it as the largest ever placed by a single station with one manufacturer.
The order calls for construction of a 5,000-watt television transmitter, which will enable programs to be telecast for a radius of forty-five miles from the transmitter site in downtown Detroit. The new station will be called WTVO. It will be the video outlet of WJBK, Detroit, and its FM affiliate, WJBK-FM. A test television signal is expected to be on the air from Detroit by the the second quarter of 1948. (Herald Tribune, Nov. 8)
Two aspirants for the Republican nomination for President are to appear soon before the television cameras. Harold E. Stassen will be interviewed on the video version of “Meet the Press” (8 P. M. Thursdays over WNBT) on Nov. 27, and Senator Robert A. Taft will be seen and heard on Dec. 4.
The “Meet the Press” guest next Thursday will be Eric A. Johnston, president of the Motion Picture Association, and on Nov. 20 Senator Claude A. Pepper of Florida.
The television version of “Meet the Press” is sponsored by General Foods. (Jack Gould, NY Times, Nov. 7)
NEW YORK, Nov. 8.—Bonded Auto Sales, to test television's sales impact, recently offered a $25 discount to anybody answering the video sales pitch.
An hour or so after the offer was made on the air, a guy walked in and bought a $4,000 Cadillac. And demanded-and got-the $25 reduction. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
DETROIT, Nov. 8.—WWJ-TV, Detroit News television outlet, is increasing its rates effective December 1. The new hourly base rate goes from $250 to $350. The station began regular operations six months ago.
The increase follows rate boosts recently put into effect by WNBT and WABD, New York video stations. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
CHICAGO, Nov. 8.—Television might not be quite the gift to humanity that its promoters say it will be if a situation developing here becomes national.Residents of River Forest, Chicago suburb, have reported to WBKB, local video station, that they can't get baby sitters unless they have television sets in their homes. It seems girls snub non-video homes in favor of those providing television entertainment during sitting hours, and suburbanites are up in arms against the medium. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8.—The National Brewing Company of Baltimore this week signed for exclusive video rights of all 52 pro basketball games in both Washington and Baltimore.
The games will be aired over WTTG-DuMont in Washington. Owen & Chappell, Inc., is the agency. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
NEWARK, N. J., Nov. 8.—Intensive preparation for commencement of transmission by January 1 went into effect this week at WATV, video outlet of the Bremer Broadcasting Corporation, owner of WAAT, with the appointment of Paul Belanger as program director. Belanger, with a long record in legit, radio and tele, is best known for his fashion and dance productions at WCBS-TV and for directing and editing the ballet film which was used in the 1946 color video demonstrations by Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). Most recently he was associated with WABD-DuMont.
Rate card of New Jersey's first tele station is in final stages of preparation, according to Irving g. Rosenhaus, president and general manager, and will be released shortly. Transmitter construction in West Orange, N. J., is being hurried toward completion, as are new studios in the Mosque Theater, Newark, which will house the video outlet as well as Bremer's stations WAAT and WAAT-FM.
Belanger said the tele station is virtually certain to begin test pattern transmissions by January 1, with actual programing to begin one month later, following full-scale "battle maneuvers." (Billboard, Nov. 15)
DETROIT, Nov. 8.—WWJ-TV is joining with Automobile Manufacturers' Association, which sponsored a television film year ago, to develop an industry-wide television program. A new documentary film will be produced showing social, economic and engineering aspects of the automobile field, using material from manufacturers' own film libraries plus new material. Film will run 20 minutes, and will be angled for subsequent theatrical release as well as use by video outlets. (Billboard, Nov. 15)
