Broadcasting Telecasting (Jan-Mar 1956)

N. Y. Session Outlines Distaff Contributions CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN to the broadcasting industry were stressed in several speeches at an all-day workshop of the New York chapter of American Women in Radio and Television held Feb. 4 at the Savoy-Plaza Hotel in New York. Attendance was estimated at 200. This theme was explored in the luncheon speech by GaiU Smith, associate producer of radio and television programming and media for the Procter & Gamble Co., and echoed by Rodney Erickson, vice president, Young & Rubicam. They made the point that women have made their mark in all areas of the radiotv field, and have been particularly successful in the creative side of the industry. Mr. Smith said that women have added to the stature of radio-tv by their contributions in copy, programming, media work, and account handling. He noted that two television programs— The Loretta Young Show and Fireside Theatre — are produced by women, and pointed to Irna Phillips and Elaine Carrington as "writers who have been major reasons for the success of the daytime serial in broadcasting." Unemployed talent should "get aboard radio" or concentrate on television commercials, Mr. Smith recommended. Mr. Erickson paid tribute to local radio and television as the spawning ground for talent in all phases of the industry. He said networks and agencies "like to develop local talent," adding that "the Betty Furness and Godfrey of tomorrow must come from the local level." Frederick H. Garrigus, manager of the NARTB's Organizational Services Department, described the function of his department to the AWRT. He said in order to insure preservation of the American system of broadcasting, ever larger segments of the economy must become involved — and educated — in the business of broadcasting. With this goal in mind, he said, his department concerns itself with dozens of groups whose influence and interest are related to mass media of communications. He called on AWRT members for help in this field on the local level. Ralph W. Hardy, CBS Washington vice president, said "broadcasting is in for a long season of investigation and study by federal government agencies." He cited the present FCC network study and Senate radio-tv inquiry as examples. "All of us in the industry must be prepared to answer searching questions about our concepts and procedures in serving the public," he said. Other speakers at the workshop were Mary Harris, manager, radio and television productions, McCann-Erickson, and Helen Hall, roving reporter for NBC Radio's Monitor and Weekday. Western Conference to Have Panels, Closed Circuit Video PANEL DISCUSSIONS and closed circuit tv demonstrations will highlight the ninth annual Western Radio & Televison Conference in San Francisco Feb. 23-25, according to Bill Dempsey, program manager of KPIX (TV) San Francisco and co-chairman of the conference's program committee. The conference is designed for those having "an interest in educational and public service aspects of broadcasting . . ." Dr. J. Paul Leonard, president of San Francisco State College, and Ray Wittcoff, board member of KETC (TV) St. Louis, educational station, will be principal speakers. Panel members will include William Winter, KPIX (TV) news analyst; James Abbe, Oakland, (Calif.) Tribune tv columnist; Henry Leff, radiotv director of San Francisco City College; Paul Speegle, San Francisco News tv columnist, and Sue Burnett, education producer for KPIX (TV). Washington State Assn. Names Murphy To Post RONALD A. MURPHY, associated with the law firm of Weter, Roberts and Shefelman, Seattle, Wash., has been named managing director and counsel of the Washington State Assn. of Broadcasters, it was announced last week by J. Elroy McCaw, association president. While attending Stanford U. School of Law, Mr. Murphy served on the board of editors of the Stanford Law Review, held academic scholarships for five years, and was awarded the Rockefeller Foundation jurisprudence award. In 1950 and again in 1953 he was an announcer and salesman for KIT in Yakima, Wash. MR. MURPHY Philadelphia Broadcasters Name Marshall Director THE 13 member stations of the Philadelphia Radio & Television Broadcasters Assn. have appointed Austin Marshall as the organization's first executive director with new headquarters at 215 S. Broad St., Philadelphia. His appointment was announced by William B. Caskey, PRTBA's newly-elected president and vice president general manager of WPEN. A graduate of the U. of Pennsylvania, Mr. Marshall moves from New York, where he served in creative planning and client contact for Prince & Co. Washington Pioneers Organize THE Washington chapter of Radio Pioneers will hold an organizational luncheon meeting today (Monday) at noon in the Willard Hotel, according to Frank Fletcher, attorney and organizer of the Washington club. Any person with 20 years association in the radio industry is eligible for membership. Radio Pioneers chapters have already been formed in New York. Texas and Hawaii. MR. MARSHALL e x p e r t t V lighting low cost . . . flexible One of the largest suppliers of temporary lighting facilities anywhere in the U. S. and Canada. Rental equipment Service includes installation and removal at one low cost. free estimates Write for Free Catalog of Equipment JACK A. FROST Department BT 234 Piquette Ave. Detroit 2, Michigan Broadcasting • Telecasting February 20, 1956 • Page 91