NAEB Newsletter (October 22, 1937)

- Monday Evening Engineering Session - John Doak, of the University of Illinois, discussed .the problems involved in constructing a directional antenna system and referred especially to the experience of WILL in.installing its new system. Carl Menzer . of WSUI, talked of the possibilities of an educational net-work by means of a rebroadcasting arrangement. Ho urged all members to test the reception of other educational stations to see whether or not a usable signal was available. A general discussion on a variety of subjects followed. It Included the coaxial cable, transmitter maintenance, and television. (Tuesday Morning Session) A. James Ebei. WILL chief engineer, reported on "What 1 s New in Broadcast Equipment." He began by saying, "Most new developments are refinements of ideas already in use. There are many gadgets on the market, but these are largely frills which may be added to equipment." He mentioned numerous new devices offered for sale but said that with most of them it is necessary to use them for a period of time to determine their value,. John Stiehl . WHA chief operator, reported on "Recording Technique and Equip¬ ment." He mentioned ways in which recording machines could be used in voice study, music teaching, and programs for broadcasting. He gave many interesting ideas on the care, maintenance, and use of the recorder. He said that it is well to have one or two persons familiarize themselyes with the machine and let then handle it exclusively. This will, in the long run, assure better results and less waste. Prof. F. S. Siebert . of the University of Illinois, gave a most interesting interpretation of "Regulations and Copyright Law." The problems of educational stations are different from those of commercials and not so full of controversy. Under copyrighted literary material there are three classifications (1) Drama, (2) Lectures, Sermons, etc., (3) Other works, books, magazines, etc. Under Drama no free privileges are allowed for non-profit production. "Lectures and Sermons" can be performed if there is no profit use. "Other Works" pay no attention to non-profit use and may, apparently, be performed without restriction. These are the provisions under the existing copyright laws. A new copyright lav/ is being pushed under which everything is automatically copyrighted. A plan for enabling owners to sell speqific serial rights, novel rights, movie rights, radio rights, etc. is also beinjg sought. Educational broadcasters should be at hand when 'the new legislation is proposed to be sure that it is favorable to their interests, concluded Mr. Siebert. (Tuesday Afternoon Session) Elmer G. Sulzer, organizer of the University of Kentucky* s mountain listening centers reported on "Listening Groups". He discussed needs for group listening and the technique used in organizing the groups. "Programs which lend themselves to discussion are essential to good group listening." said Sulzer. "Always keep your audience in mind when you are planning the programs," he warned. Specialists are needed in organizing groups, and constant encouragement is needed to keep the local leader and. listeners on the right track for successful group discussions. Mr. Sulzer related many interesting incidents connected with the listening centers in the remote mountain areas of Eastern Kentucky. The full story is told in a booklet published, by the University of Kentucky.