NBC transmitter (Jan-Nov 1936)

1936 ». ( c f WE TAKE A BOW Mark Woods, Assistant Executine Vice President ; I think you and your associates have done a splendid job on the present issue of the "Reception Staff Review.” I like the layout of the publication and find its contents interesting and well written. Also, I think it has done a great deal to promote good will among the members of the organization. I wish you every success in the continuance of this work. A. L. Ashby, Vice President and General Counsel; Congratulations on your first anniversary. Congratulations also on the changes which have been evidenced during the first year of the Reception Staff Review. This indicates initiative, progress and constructive planning, which, in turn, reflects the same things in those who are responsible for the publication of the Review. 1 believe the Review to be a goodwill builder for our Company and if it continues to grow as it has, it should fill a real place. The best of good things for the new year to all those who are contributing to tbe success of the Review. Edgar Kobak.Pice President in Charge of Sales; Congratulations on the December issue of tbe Reception Staff Review. You have made a real publication. It is well edited and full of human interest and plenty of facts. Keep up the good work. It is worth while. Franklin Dunham, Educational Director, ISBC; This is the day of news. When the stentor in ancient Greece was provided with news he gave it to an anxiously waiting world within hearing of his vocal loud-speaker. When the town crier shouted his news in the little villages of England, there were crowds to gather around him to catch his breathing words. When Caxton pressed the first copies of news from movable type, there must have been quite a few interested people to read it even though reading was then an accomplishment limited to scholars. People haven’t changed. Now newspaper extras and radio bulletins at frequent intervals bring the latest news to millions who, by virtue of a democratic system of education, have learned to read and understand what they read. I look upon your splendidly conceived venture in journalism as our own NBC newspaper. I know of no group in this company who could edit such a paper so effectively as those in the front-line trenches— those who meet and greet the public. It is your opportunity and our gain. Let us both use it. Dramatic Training School Planned For Pages and Guides ■ Members of the uniformed staff who are interested in radio dramatic work are happily looking forward to the formation of an NBC dramatic training school for guides and pages. Mr. A. H. Morton, Program Manager, and Mr. William S. Rainey, Production Manager, have expressed their interest and have kindly offered their cooperation in this new movement to uncover, train, and if possible, use dramatic talent in the Reception Staff. Revealing his usual enthusiasm in all progressive ventures of his staff, Thomas Tart readily granted his permission, and offered his support and cooperation. It is hoped that one or two NBC production men will offer their services as instructors, and that classes will be arranged so that both night and day men will be able to attend without interfering with their regular duties. A brief survey revealed that a large number of men are sufficiently interested to attend dramatic classes on their own time. Dom Davis, instigator of the movement, is soliciting the support of those interested in radio drama, asking that they give their names to him. Spotlight Shines On: — ■ Otto Philip Brandt, who after two years of progressive work in Reception as page, office man sergeant, and finally as Assistant Reception Supervisor, has earned a promotion to the Station Relations Department. He is now in charge of broadcast tickets for that department, handles good-will contact letters, and makes entertainment arrangements for the visiting NBC station managers and their guests. Ted Thompson, our new Assistant Reception Supervisor, now assisting Mr. Tart in day operations. His new promotion was due mainly to the efficiency he displayed as an evening page officer in reorganizing studio-floor operation. Ted’s ability to get along exceptionally well with the men under him has already proved a considerable asset to him in his new supervisory capacity. John Mills, who deserves a bouquet for the rapidity with which he oriented himself in NBC as a page and gained a comprehensive knowledge of staff functions. This, coupled with his past experience in handling large groups similar to our studio audiences, has made him the newest night page officer. We Wonder ■ Whether Adele Fort’s suggestion that a certain Special Eventer be supplied with a portable ‘phone wouldn’t save the Maloney “children” a lot of headaches after all? Whether the “Continuity Acceptance” department will be joined by an “Artist Acceptance” to check on the appearance of the program when television steps in? If Mr. William Le Roy Marshall’s endurance will last to knock out the remaining flaws in the Reception Glee Club’s singing? He has continued his voluntary coaching after the Brass Button Revue broadcast and is doing a fine job assisting us. How we can coax the sound effects department not to sit on the hostess’ desk during its free time between programs? If one of our readers couldn’t devise some means to deaden the noise of closing elevator doors on the fifth studio? The guides explaining the transmitter model at that point have a difficult time overriding the noise. If Mr. Tuthill’s letter to Service and Reception setting the Artist Service Department lectures for Reception on January 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th was prompted by the query in this column? If so, we wish to thank him and state that other places are still open. How much the elevator operators would appreciate a “hanging chair” from the elevator rails so they could rest a couple of seconds on the 9th floor and thus improve their daily efficiency? Guides in Danger ® It’s getting so that our NBC guides aren’t safe any more! Without warning the most harmless looking tourist pipes up with an offer to YE GOLDEN-VOICED GUIDE to accept a position as an announcer on some station down South. St. George goes to WLVA, Virginia, and now John Newhouse goes to Maryland’s WFMD at Frederick. It’s an epidemic!