NBC Transmitter (Jan-Nov 1942)

10 NBC TRANSMITTER WASHINGTON NBC AND THE WAR “This is Baukhage talking from the White House.’’ That was how NBC Washington began its coverage of the war — direct from the only spot in the world where accurate information on the Pearl Harbor attack was forthcoming. And it was the first time in history that a broadcast, other than a presidential speech, had originated from the Executive Mansion. The NBC crew was in the White House Press Room twenty minutes after the first announcement of the Pearl Harbor bombing, December 7th. Baukhage was on the air from there a few minutes later. Simultaneously, NBC placed a man at the State Department. Releases by Secretary of State Hull were rushed to Baukhage. The other networks were a little late in catching up. By the time they were set up, NBC had already broadcast three or four times within seconds after issuance of official bulletins by the White House secretariat. Monday, when the President went to Capitol Hill to urge that Congress declare war against Japan, NBC went with him. Three days later, when the Chief Executive sent a special message to the House and Senate asking declarations of war against Germany and Italy, NBC was there again — with Baukhage, Morgan Beatty and Carlton Smith reporting. That historic December 7 was only a few days past when the Washington News Staff was increased by six new men to take care of a 24 hour watch. NBC newsmen also were assigned to the War and Navy Departments, as well as the White House. All communiques were flashed direct to New York over a special telephone line which enabled quick handling. It is interesting to note that New York actually was on the Networks with these official war releases as quickly as 40 seconds after their receipt in the War and Navy press rooms. FLASH-BACKS . . . The war has developed a new NBC Washington commentator in Morgan Beatty. Before the Japanese attack, Beatty was heard only on local shows. He’s on the Blue and the Red daily now at 1 :45 P.M. . . . Speaking of commentators, the Newsroom produced one of its own — and on short notice — the day that Secretary of Navy Knox released the Pearl Harbor details. News editor Ralph Peterson covered the conference, then flashed the story on to New York by phone. The first official revelation was so good that A. A. Schechter, Director of News and Special Events, put Peterson on the air with the story direct by phone from the Navy Press Room. It happened so fast, Pete didn’t have time to worry or mentally count stations, but just went ahead and did a good job. . . . Identity unknown: The outbreak of war caused such a sudden boom of news personnel that in some cases, editors on the same payroll were unknown to each other, due to working different shifts. During a change of shift, two editors made a dash for NBC’s private line in the War Department and engaged in an argument over its use until it was discovered that their purpose was the same. The story in question still beat the opposition to the air, despite the momentary delay. . . . War correspondents could TOM KNODE Baukhage at the White House. A microphone perched precariously atop his typewriter, the Washington commentator keeps in constant touch with the NBC News Room, that the news from the Nation’s Capitol might reach America first over NBC. take a lesson from Washington's Sports Announcer, Ray Michael. Right here at home he is covering both sides of a local sports war, working the front lines of both belligerants. Ray handles the public address system on alternate nights for the professional Ice Hockey Lions and the amateur Eagles. The teams are warring for the patronage of the Washington public but Ray wins either way. . . . Washington’s contribution to the Nation’s Defense, Jimmy Seiler and John Hurley, have the situation well in hand at Panama. The former Promotion Manager and Announcer changed over from radio men to naval officers for the duration. . . . Fritz Balzer, Music Department, received a call from the War Department. “Who wrote ‘Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair’?’’ he was asked. “Why, Stephen Foster,’’ replied Balzer. “How do you spell ‘Jeannie’?’’ was the next question. After answering, Fritz hung up and said aloud, “And they ask US to remember Pearl Harbor!” . . , We just can’t resist a scoop. We reported the soon-to-be-announced engagement and June marriage of WMAL-WRC hostess Betty Ballou. She’s the daughter of our Superintendent of Public Schools. The prospective bridegroom is Navy, Class of ’43 ! JOIN THE “MILE O’ DIMES” The spare change you carry in your pockets can help to build the weak youngsters of today into strong people for tomorrow. All over the country, miles of dimes are growing to fight infantile paralysis. A mile can begin with the dime in your pocket or purse.