NAB reports (Jan-Dec 1942)

KGNC BOND-WAGON KGNC, Amarillo, Texas, inaugurated, on August 11, the first of a weekly series of studio programs expressly designed to promote the sale of War Bonds, for which the station has been appointed issuing agent. According to Raymond Hollingsworth, assistant manager, the program will continue to feature a completely new cast of popular entertainers and guest speakers each week. KGNC Bond-Wagon of the Air is broadcast 7:30-8:00 p. m. Members of the station War Bond Department will be on hand to issue bonds to studio visitors who wish immediate purchases. Others are invited to phone their names and addresses. M-3 IS BOND SALES OFFICE .\ photograph arrived this morning of the WMBD Victory Tank. This is a reproduction of the M-3, commonly referred to as the ‘ General Grant.” and was built by E. B. Hulsebus and Wallace Nyberg, of the Home Building Service division, Peoples’ Federal Savings and Loan Association of Peoria, issuing agents of war bonds and stamps for radio station WMBD. It looks like the real thing. The tank is insulated and air conditioned for use in winter and summer. The booth is open six days a week, 9 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. Various WMBD entertainers come to the Victory Tank at announced times. For the first two weeks of the plan to sell bonds and stamps over the air the total sale was $26,327.65. Since there are four special shows plugging the sale over WMBD, aside from booth sales, it is expected that the monthly total will exceed the $50,000 mark. WPAT SAYS “SWEET AND LOW” Since a great many three-shift war workers are located in the territory served by WPAT, Paterson, N. J., Henry Miller, program director, is promoting the idea of keeping radio volume down at all times. One of his announcements reads, “Maybe you like this program. We’re glad if you do. But there may be a fellow trying to sleep near you, who has been working all night in a war plant. And he probably doesn’t want to hear it. So keep your radio low, please.” READER’S DIGEST ARTICLE The article, “Radio’s Plug-Uglies,” in the August issue of the Reader’s Digest has been the subject of considerable correspond¬ ence between the stations and the NAB. An effort is being made to obtain the early printing of a factual reply to the article. It seems to be agreed that the best answer to the charges and insinuations made in this article is a recitation of the facts regarding radio advertising and the results which it has produced. Word has come to N.4B that several trade publi¬ cations will shortly run articles responsive to the charges made in the Reader’s Digest article. N,\B is following the situation very closely and will do all within its power to offset any misconceptions which the article may have created. 1942 PEABODY RADIO AWARDS Merritorious public service by individual radio stations, regional and local, will this year be recognized in the George Foster Peabody radio aw'ards. This was decided at a meeting Thursday of a committee of the Board at the NAB offices. This meeting was attended by Edward Weeks, Boston, editor, Atlantic Monthly; Neville Miller, C. E. .Arney, Jr., and Joseph L. Miller of NAB; John E. Drury, dean, Henry W. Grady School of Journalism, the University of Georgia. December IS was set as the closing date for this year's entries. Proper forms may be secured from either the N.\B offices in Washington or from Dean Drury. Last >'ear the Peabody awards went primarily to programs. The year before stations and networks w'ere recognized. For 1942 both programs and stations are to be eligible. The Peabody awards, as originally set up, were designed to recognize the most disinterested and meritious public service rendered each year by the broadcasting industry, and to “per¬ petuate the memory of George Foster Peabody, benefactor and life trustee of the University of Georgia, and friend of educational progress everywhere.” This original purpose will be borne in mind in this year’s selec¬ tions, but an effort will be made to narrow the bases of measure¬ ment, both in terms of stations and programs. Awards will be made in at least six categories: 1. That program or series of programs inaugurated and broad¬ cast during 1942 by a regional station which made an outstanding contribution to the w'elfare of the community the station serves. 2. That program or series of programs inaugurated and broad¬ cast during 1942 by a local station which made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of the community the station serves. 3. Outstanding reporting of the news. 4. Outstanding entertainment in drama. 5. Outstanding entertainment in music. 6. Outstanding educational program. The aw-ards under reporting, drama, music and education may go to either a station or a network program. TAX ADVERTISING Any station knowing of a provision in a city charter permitting the city to use radio facilities in advertising water taxes, poll taxes, etc., when due, will kindly communicate with Radio Station WSYB, Rutland, Vermont. SELECTIVE SERVICE 1-B OUT Elimination of Class 1-B. the Selective Service designation for registrants considered fit for limitefl military service only, begin¬ ning .August 20 was announced yesterday by National Head¬ quarters, Selective Service System. Thereafter all registrants w'ho are not totally disqualified will be reclassified in Class l-.A and the .Army will decide, after induction, on their individual assignment to full or limited military service. Registrants found to be un¬ suited for any military service wall be placed in Class IV-F. THE ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN DIRECTORS One of our most distinguished members is Alma Kitchell, known in nearly every household in America. Miss Kitchell has broad¬ cast over NBC and the Blue Network for years, through her de¬ lightful song recitals and programs directed to w'omen listeners. Her “Brief Case” and “Streamlined Journal” have made history in this field. One of the reasons Alma has made such a success has been that besides being a broadcaster, she is a mother and home maker who practices these arts conscientiously and consistently. Miss Kitchell has made the great sacrifice to the war effort, through the enlistment of her son last spring. She wanted to do even more and w'as inspired to buy a stamp every day and put it aside for that son against the day of his return. Mrs. Henry Morgenthau. Jr., heard about it — and she told her Secretary of the Treasury husband. Both of them were delighted with this splendid thought that both embodied patriotism and thrift. In consequence, on Sept. 2nd. .Alma will have a new thrill, for instead of interviewing a celebrity as she often does, she will be interview'ed herself by Mrs. Morgenthau. The program will inaugurate a drive to inspire all American mothers of sons in our armed forces, to follow her example and get solidly behind the slogan of this campaign — “.A stamp every day For the son who’s away.” We hope that every woman director in the country will get be¬ hind this plan because it certainly appeals to all mothers and offers an opportunity to do a job for Uncle Sam and the cause of freedom. August 21, 1942 — 505