NAB reports (Jan-Dec 1944)

project. Public service groups will learn that there is no end to the manner and places in which radio can perform . through the networks, through loyal and publicspirited advertisers . . . and by all means through local station personnel. The result should be notable improve¬ ment in the relations between those whose superior knowl¬ edge of specialized social problems entitles them to the friendly counsel and cooperation of broadcasters who are in turn best qualified to communicate those problems and their suggested solutions to the people. Radio stations are licensed to operate “in the public in¬ terest, convenience and necessity.” The least important is “public convenience” ... the next in importance is “pub¬ lic interest” and the most important is “public necessity.” The words, “necessity is the mother of invention,” were never so true as when they challenged radio’s science, talent and resources to help fight a war for civilization’s sur¬ vival. The Chief Signal Officer of the Army of the United States, in awarding the broadcasting industry a Certificate of Appreciation for loyal and patriotic services, wrote as follows : “This acknowledgment of your distinguished contribu¬ tion in furtherance of a future world at peace will be inscribed forever in the annals of the Signal Corps.” It is our hope that the radio industry will find the same inscription in the hearts of the American people. 3n iflfomonam Mark N. Smith, Director of Merchandising and Research for KMBC, died suddenly on July 15 at his home in Kansas City. He was 64 years of age. He was one of the early pioneers in the field of radio research and was widely recog¬ nized for his contribution to the development of many of the standard research methods and pro¬ cedures employed today throughout the broad¬ casting industry. Mr. Smith had been associated with Mr. Arthur B. Church, owner and president of KMBC, for 13 years. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Mrs. Helen Smith, prominent in Kansas City Red Cross af¬ fairs, and a son, Rex, now an Apprentice Sea¬ man, USNR in V12 training. TALENT SPARKS WAVE DRIVE Stars from every phase of the entertainment world volunteered their services to the Navy for a new WAVE transcribed recruiting series called “Something For The Girls” beginning this month on an estimated 450 radio sta¬ tions. The fourteen 15-minute broadcasts in the series feature performances by Eddie Cantor, Helen Hayes, Frank Sinatra, Barry Wood, Kate Smith, Morton Gould, Alec Templeton, Morton Downey, Fred Waring, Guy Lom¬ bardo, Lyn Murray, Howard Lindsay and Dorothy Stickney, Jeanne Cagney, Harry Cool, Ray Block, Clifton Fadiman, A1 Goodman, Russell Bennett, Mark Warnow, Benny Goodman, Raymond Scott, Ed Sullivan and many others. From the variety field came Eddie Cantor, with his com¬ plete show, including Nora Martin, Harry Von Zell and Vincent Travers’ orchestra. Helen Hayes contributed a stir¬ ring performance in an original radio play, with Lyn Mur¬ ray writing a special score as well as conducting the orchestra. Hollywood delivered Jeanne Cagney in a comedy routine and Carol Thurston as “Betty Wave” in the Russell Bennett musical picture composed especially for the WAVES. Singers Frank Sinatra, Barry Wood, Morton Downey and Harry Cool trotted out their best vocal ar¬ rangements for the series. The Theater’s favorite team, Dorothy Stickney and Howard Lindsay, collaborated on an amusing modern take-off on “Life With Father.” Popular dance music is represented by Guy Lumbardo’s Royal Canadians. Top novelty pianist Alec Templeton joined Morton Gould and his 50-man orchestra for 15 min¬ utes of musical enjoyment. Benny Goodman’s trio, Ray¬ mond Scott’s orchestra and Columnist Ed Sullivan collabo¬ rate on a jazz show. Kate Smith brought along Ted Collins and Jack Miller’s band for an exciting session of favorite songs. Fred Wait¬ ing's Pennsylvanians picked outstanding songs for their contribution. Radio’s leading announcers were unanimous in volun¬ teering their services to the Navy. Clifton Fadiman, of “Information Please,” took over announcing duties on the Lyn Murray-Howard Lindsay and Dorothy Stickney broad¬ cast. John Reed King, Frank Gallop, Tom Shirley, Ward Wilson, Harry Von Zell, Bret Morrison, Jim Ameche, David Ross, Barry Gray, Dan Seymour and John Allen Wolf are among the word-flinging notables. The series was approved by The American Federation of Musicians, A.S.C.A.P., B.M.I., AFRA and OWI, all of which cooperated fully. The broadcasts are intended to keep WAVE recruiting at a high year-round level. They stress the advantages of the Women’s Reserve of the Navy and offer free booklets for interested women. They were produced by the Radio Section, Third Naval District, Public Relations Office, in behalf of the Navy. All WAVE recruiting activities for 1944 are on a volun¬ tary basis, a small appropriation being for incidentals only. BALCH LAUNCHES "VOTE" CAMPAIGN Owen H. Balch, manager, KSAL, Salina, Kansas, is well started on a campaign over his station to get out the vote next November. His basic theme is that the indi¬ vidual must vote to have a say “in this government of the people, for the people, by the people.” The first phase of the campaign, devoted to registration, ended July 21. The current phase urges voting in the August primary. After primary results are known Mr. Balch will urge voting in the November election. Below are four sample announcements prepared at KSAL: July 21 . . . That’s a red letter day to you Americans. That’s the last day on which you can register to vote in the Fall. When you think that our 7nen are fighting and dying right now to uphold a privilege on which America’s future is based . . . you’ll remember that date. July 21 . . . the last day you can register to vote. Go to the polls this Fall and use your voting rights. A privilege ivorth fighting for is worth exercising. Your son in uniform is fighting to keep the privilege yours and his. It’s up to you to exercise the privilege while he is on the battlefront. Make definite plans now to vote in the August primary and the November election. Millions of fighting men and women are relying on you at home to carry on for them. They’re relying on YOU to uphold democracy on the home front as they are defending it on the fighting front. Do so by voting this Fall. Your vote this year speaks both for you and for the fighting forces. July 28, 1944-253