NBC Transmitter (Jan-Nov 1945)

2 NBC Transmi'ter APPROVAL OF RCA STOCKHOLDERS PUTS PENSION PLAN INTO OPERATION; NBC STAFF PARTICIPATES VOL. 10 JUNE, 194$ No. 8 NBC Transmitter Monthly by the National Broadcasting Company RCA Building, Radio City, N. Y. V-E DAY Broadcasting liistory was made by NBC on V-E Day. In a memo to all employees, Niles Trammell, NBC president, said in part: “The way in which the entire NBC staff carried out its functions on V-E Day and the days immediately preceding and following it reflected great credit upon the National Broadcasting Company, and thoroughly justified the confidence I expressed, in my letter of April 18 commending you on the way you came through at the time of President Roosevelt’s death, that you would maintain on V-E Day the high standard of service you achieved in earlier crises. * * * The next great test to which we will he put will be the day of final victory over Japan. I know in advance how you will arise to that occasion.” Mr. Trammell attached to his memo a copy of a letter from Brigadier-General David Sarnoff, RCA president and NBC hoard chairman, who stated, in part: “In my judgment, the NBC acquitted itself with dignity, distinction and competence, and I am sure that all this has added much to the standing of the company in the eyes of the American public.” BOND BROADCASTS NBC dedicated Memorial Day to the success of the 7th War Loan Drive, to the memory of those who fell in this and other wars, and to the tasks of balancing the hooks on another Seventh — a certain December 7. Once again, the network and its affiliated stations plunged enthusiastically into a campaign to help rid the world of despots and dictators. Broadcasting has had long experience in boosting War Bond sales, hut each drive finds the industry tackling the job with new vigor and original ideas. As this issue of the NBC Transmitter goes to press, stations are submitting reports and photographs of their 7th War Loan activities. A review of their achievements will he in the next issue. NEW YORK. — With the approval of stockholders at the annual meeting of the Radio Corporation of America on May 1, the RCA retirement plan for employees is now in effect. The plan covers all offices and subsidiaries of the corporation— including the National Broadcasting Company. Brigadier-General David Sarnoff, president of RCA, summarized the plan to the stockholders. His remarks, in part, follow: “The purpose of the plan, which is open to all employees, is to assure them the security of an income upon retirement. The only eligibility requirements are three years of service and age 25. The benefits, which normally begin at age 65, supplement Social Security benefits. “In determining the retirement benefits, a past service credit up to 20 years is given by the company for service prior to the adoption of the plan. Employees and the company contribute equally thereafter toward the purchase of annuities from an insurance company. “Stockholders as well as employees benefit from a retirement plan, for it offers encouragement to younger men to remain in the service of the company during their most effective years and attracts others to enter its service. Systematic retirements keep the ranks younger and the lines of promotion open. Thus the interests of the company and its stockholders are promoted by maintaining vigorous, competent personnel, and by a higher morale throughout the organization. Maximum efficiency, loyalty and enthusiasm are stimulated. These are vital factors upon which the future of the company depends. “The plan has been approved by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue as to compliance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue program. I am happy to report that in nearly every company division and plant more than 90 per cent of the employees eligible to participate have enrolled in the plan. The reaction of stockholders, as ex})ressed to us, has been overwhelmingly favorable.” AN ACE SHOWMAN STARTS NBC DAYTIME SERIES Fred If aring (left), leader of the famed Pennsylvanians, shown with Clarence L. Menser, NBC vice-president in charge of programs, as he signed on the dotted line for his “across the board" daytime series which was launched June 4.