NBC Transmitter (Jan-Nov 1945)

August 1945 Triple Celebration at WOPI For Station’s 16th Birthday BRISTOL, TENN.-WOPl had a triple celebration on June 15. It was the 16th anniversary of the station, the dedication of modern new studios, and the WOPI Bond Wagon w'ent over its quota for “E” bonds in the 7th War Loan Drive. The occasion was celebrated with open house for the station’s clients and interested friends who came to visit the studios in the evening. Fred Waring saluted WOPI in the morning, then two programs originating in the WOPI studios were part of the gala evening’s entertainment. W. A. Wilson, president and general manager, founded WOPI in 1929. WOPI joined the NBC network on August 25, 1940, and early this year it became part of a regional chain known as the Tennessee Valley Network. A fire on February 24, 1945, which destroyed all of the broadcasting and office equipment, was responsible for the building of the modern radio center on the third floor of the Union Trust Building in Bristol. During the building stage, WOPI operated from a temporary studio at Sullins Junior College. The WOPI Bond Wagon, located in downtown Bristol and manned by civic club representatives, exceeded its E Bond quota. The goal was $65,000 and on June 15, total sales were $79,925.75. The total for all sales was $1,243,647.75. The triple celebration proved an ace promotional combination. BEST W' ISHES—C. J. Harkrader (left), president of the Bristol Publishing Company, printers of the Bristol Herald-Courier and Bristol News Bulletin, congratulates fC. A. Wilson (right) 071 the 16th CUX7xiv€Tsary celebration of W'OPL (Story above,) U. S. NAVY AND MERCHANT MARINE SAIUTED ON NBC WASHINGTON. — Spotlighting the Navy and its major task— the Pacific war —NBC inaugurated a new Tuesday program, “The Navy Hour,’’ on July 10. Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal appeared on the opening broadcast. Lieutenant Robert Taylor served as master of ceremonies, and the 90-piece United States Navy Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lieutenant Charles Brendler, U.S.N., helped launch the series. “Dedicated primarily to the enlisted personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, the program will accord a voice to the fighting men of the fleet and pay tribute to their heroism and sacrifice,’’ NBC President Niles Trammell said in announcing the series. “The Navy Hour’’ has been jointly created by the NBC program department and the radio program section of the office of public information. Navy Department. Rear Admiral H. B. Miller, director of public information, and Lieutenant Commander Charles E. Dillon, officer in charge, radio program section, supervise the show for the Navy. Clarence L. Menser, vice-president in charge of programs; Dwight Herrick, public service and war program manager, and Carleton D. Smith, WRC general manager, head the NBC staff handling the series. Other members of the “Navy Hour” staff are George Maynard, producer; Lieutenant Everard Meade, Lieutenant Hazel Kenyon Markel, assistant producer in charge of promotion; Lieutenant Armand Deutsch, assistant producer in charge of talent; Specialist 2/c Raymond Katz, assistant director, and Lieutenant Philo Higley, continuity writer. The Writers War Board radio committee, under supervision of Hobe Morrison, chairman, is writing the dramatic portion of the programs. James Sauter and Ken Thompson recruit guest stars. NEW YORK.— “The Long Haul,” first of a series of eight dramatic programs presented by NBC and the War Shipping Administration under the general title, “Men At Sea,” was broadcast July 8. Material for scripts is taken from files of official Merchant Marine stories. WINS WIW SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE VOCALIST -Elizabeth Torlone is notified by James 1). Shouse (right), vicepresident of the Crosley Corporation in charge of broadcasting, that she has icon the annual $1,000 W IJV Scholarship at the Cincinnati College of Music. ,4t left is Eranz Trefzger, her vocal teacher at the college. CINCINNATI. The annua! $1,000 WLW Scholarship at the Cincinnati College of Music for the 1945-1946 school year has been awarded to Elizabeth Torlone of Logan, West Virginia, it was announced by James D. Shouse, vice-president of the Crosley Corporation in charge of broadcasting. “We believe it is fitting that radio should contribute to the cultural development of America’s most promising young singers. ” Shouse declared in announcing the award. “There is a great field of opportunity for gifted singers, not oidy in radio, but also in concert, opera and, very soon, television.” The award will enable Miss Torlone to continue her vocal studies with Franz Trefzger and her studies of languages and special subjects with Ruth Friedrick. both members of the college faculty. KMJ Finds Missing Couple FRESNO, CALIF. — D. K. .\rkelian spent eight weeks of fruitless effort searching for former employees until he went to Station KMJ of the McClatchy Broadcasting Company in Fresno for help. One of the Madera winery family in Reedley, California, Arkelian was anxious to locate Tom and Ida Roland but was meeting with no success. The Rolands had been valuable employees in the past and .\rkelian had new jobs for them. Finally he asked KMJ to inquire over the air as to their whereabouts. KMJ made a 35-word announcement. Two minutes later the Rolands were found.