NBC transmitter (Oct-Dec 1944)

14 NBC T ransmitter Introduce Topical Variety On WIS Weekly Youth Series COLUMBIA, S. C.— In the field of serious youth programs there are those who argue for the forum, or for the drama, or perhaps the quiz. Then there are those who believe the variety program can best interpret youth. Station WIS believes each has its particular place and that a well-balanced youth offering will make use of all four forms. Accordingly, in its “Youth Time,” now being run weekly, WIS is presenting a cycle of youth programs. The first program in the cycle, heard the first week of each month is a vouth variety show. A “youth of the month” is chosen and interviewed and the outstanding talent of the schools of the state is aired each month. The second in the cycle, promoted for the second week of the month, is the youth forum. Program Director Ray A. Furr picks the “hottest" topic of youth interest at the moment, invites two or three high school students in. and the topic is aired in the give-and-take style of informal discussion. Then comes the third week of the month with the third program in the “Youth Time” cycle; this time a quiz show. Questions out of current affairs, civics, science, history, music, social etiquette, and sports are picked wdth a given quiz concentrating on just one of the subjects. Four students from four different high schools participate in this feature. The last program in the cycle, and heard always on the fourth week of each month, is the youth dramatic program. The drama, built to entertain and to interpret the spirit and outlook of youth, is light and swiftly paced. Parts are played by high school casts, and listeners are enthusiastic about their efforts. In those months w ith five Saturdays, the day of the “Youth Time” offering, the fifth program is of a variety nature. And the cycle is repeated with the beginning of the next month. Program Director Furr is watching the response and success of each of the types of youth programs. Perhaps later WIS w ill concentrate on only one of the types now' being used. But at the moment each is having its chance under the vigorous direction of a WIS staff member responsible only for that type. HEAD YOUTH SERIES-Four WHS staffers get together on “'Youth Time ” weekly sustainer which the four are producing. L. to r.: Jean Brabham , of continuity, ivrites and produces the dramatic program ; Mrs. Mary Sparks Rose, research division, the quiz program; Program Director Ray A. Furr, the youth forum, and Louis Lang, continuity chief, the variety program. (Story at left). Youth Problems Discussed As a WGY Public Service SCHENECTADY, N. Y.-A timely public service program that has for its purpose a discussion of children's and young people’s problems in terms of significance for their future has been initiated bv WGY under the title “The Future Begins Now.” The program planner and director is Professor Ernest M. Ligon. chairman of the field of psychology of Union College. Dr. Ligon, wdiose books on psychology are accepted as authoritative in educational circles, has been and is still engaged in a project known as the WestminsterUnion Character Research which has as its aim the discovery of laws wrhich govern the nature and growth of character. In each broadcast Dr. Ligon is assisted by church, school and college groups. Through a series of questions put both by parents and by children he develops his ideas on character building, and answers questions which perplex both parents and children. Listeners are invited to submit questions and suggestions. NEW YORK. — A new television program titled “The World in Your Home." sponsored by the RCA Victor Division of the Radio Corporation of America, starts this month over NBC’s television station WNBT. Charles B. Brown, advertising director of RCA Victor Division, and John F. Royal. NBC vice-president in charge of television, announced October 30 in a joint statement. The new series brings to television set owners in the metropolitan area a well-rounded program of science, education, entertainment, sports and special events. Pittsburgh Enthusiasts Form Junior Radio Firm PITTSBURGH. PA.— Radio Youth, Inc.. is a newly organized company, formed by Pittsburgh youngsters interested in radio as a future vocation. It is sponsored by Station KDKA. This company, comprised of handpicked youngsters chosen because of their inclination, aptitude and talent for radio w'ork, recently held its first auditions at KDKA’s studios. Incorporated under Pennsylvania state laws, this organization is capitalized at $50. consisting of 200 shares of stock, having a par value of 25 cents. Every member must be a stockholder. At the moment, each youngster holds four shares. This group of “junior geniuses” holds a regular business meeting each Friday night, and a directors’ meeting the first Wednesday of each month. One of their most significant operations is that of auditioning talent for the purpose of adding to their membership. The phases of broadcasting which these youngsters have set up as parts of their organization are: announcing, acting, writing, music, engineering, and production (which includes sound effects). Department heads at KDKA are on hand at all times to give close supervision. Radio Youth eventually will write, produce, provide music, publicize, establish office force, and completely handle all operations for its own programs. Its entire set-up is patterned after that of a large radio station. While these youngsters have been under the active sponsorship of KDKA. they might take their shows to another station for broadcast. Radio Youth, Inc., owned and operated by youngsters interested in radio, holds first auditions at KDKA ( Story above).