Radio age (Jan-Dec 1925)

32 RADIO AGE for April, 1925 What the Broadcasters are Doing News Waves from the Domain of Radio How Isham Jones Regards Radio By A. C. E. Schonemann T HE trite old phrase, "Familiarity breeds contempt" probably is the most effective expression that one fans from two Chicago stations — KYW and WLS. His orchestra is one of the best known phonograph recording units could use in epitomizing the attitude of in the United States, and in the art of Isham Jones the matter of broadcasting jazz melodies via the ether route. Jones is not unmindful of the advantages offered by radio. In four years he and his orchestra have become firmly intrenched in the good graces and affections of the great army of dance fans that frequent the College Inn at the Hotel Sherman in Chicago. The last six months have brought a new triumph to Isham Jones, and with it hascome a mighty audience — invisible — but enthusiastic and appreciative to the 'nth degree and drawn from all classes of society — men, women and children — from all walks of life and out into every highway and by-way. "No one can doubt or question the influence of radio," said Jones, pulling out a sheaf of letters from radio fans. "Here is the answer, and with it comes proof that destroys any uncertainty that one may have if he regards radio as a fad or passing fancy. However, radio has come so suddenly and grown so rapidly that nobody seems to know how to handle it so it will serve everybody alike. "The public ear is sensitive and when our jazz music becomes a part of a varied program it gains in popularity," continued Jones. "However, the minute we make our music commonplace, we destroy its effectiveness; it must not be over-played, but served with discrimination and not to the point where it occupies the spotlight throughout the entire program. Good Advertising T^HERE are few if any people who en-* tertain who will question the advantages of broadcasting. The advertising obtained in this manner is invaluable to an orchestra; it sells phonograph records, it popularizes song hits and it helps the hotel or institution that is guaranteeing the finances of the various studios; but when we play jazz without any limitations and allow it to monopolize the air, then radio injures rather than helps the cause of popular music." Isham Jones has entertained radio (Mabel SykeB Photo) Isham Jones concocting jazz melodies of the foot-teasing type, Isham Jones has to his credit a half dozen or more of the best known and most popular hits turned out in 1924. Consider "Swingin' Down the Lane," "The One I L o v e," "Spain," "Never Again," and "At the End of a Winding Lane." "A radio audience is just as responsive as the nightly crowds that fill a ballroom or cabaret," said Jones. "The difference is that radio fans express their appreciation by letters and the others show their interest by applause. In either case it is not a difficult matter to boost a song. The unfortunate part of 'plugging' a song is that many radio artists overplay the number by singing it continually. "When we began broadcasting, the sales of phonograph records dropped off. We attributed this to the fact that we broadcast off and on for long periods from the College Inn and that the prospective purchasers of phonograph records had only to turn the radio dials to pick up the orchestra, so they were not interested in buying records. "Now we broadcast from the studio in the Hotel Sherman. Our programs are given on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and they extend over two periods of about twenty minutes each. We play about five numbers and in presenting them, we consider the matter of variety just as important as an effective and appealing rendition of each selection. Above all, we do not try to overdo our part of the entertainment. Arrangement is Vital ' I ''HE arrangement of an orchestra in J the studio is in many respects similar to the plan used in making phonograph records. The violins are placed within a few feet of the microphone; the saxophones six or eight feet; the brass instruments fifteen feet and the drums are eliminated entirely. It is necessary that the orchestra play softly, and care must be used so that a group of instruments (Turn to page 70) Station WJJD Opens a Chicago Studio ID Y arrangement with the Garod Cor-'-' poration, the Loyal Order of Moose announces the completion of extensive preparations for maintaining a Chicago studio in the Palmer House, to be known as the Garod Studio of Radio Station WJJD. Although the task of erecting thirtyseven miles of specially constructed poles, the building of cross-arms, the stringing of over one hundred and fifty miles of broadcasting wires and telephone cables, connecting the new studio with the Mooseheart station has been completed by the Western Union organization, actual broadcasting did not begin until Monday, March 9th. Elaborate preparations were made to celebrate the formal opening with a program of unusual entertainment which was unique in the annals of radio broadcasting. The event was signalized by a banquet in the Victorian room of the Palmer House on the night of the opening which was attended by about one hundred personages prominent in civic, theatre and radio circles. Jack Nelson, managing director and announcer, officiated as master of ceremonies. Mr. Nelson had the unique pleasure, on that occasion, of introducing and presenting all of his distinguished contemporaries in Chicago. It was Mr. Nelson's opinion that seldom if ever before have there been assembled so varied and renowned an aggregation of radio luminaries under one roof to be heard through the same microphone on one evening. The following directors and announcers, and their talented proteges, attended: Charles E. Ebstein, owner-director of WTAS; Bob Boniel, "The Voice of the Great Lakes," i. e., WEBH; George Hay, the solemn old judge of WLS; Wilson J. Wetherby of KYW; Jerry Sullivan of WQJ, "Chi-CAW-go;" Chas. Gabriel and Quin Ryan, the famous WGN team, and last but not least, Miss Judith Waller of WMAQ. In addition to the radio stars who accepted invitations, Secretary of Labor James J. Davis attended, and many of Chicago's prominent men participated in WJJD'S "open house." Among those present were: Mayor William E. Dever and his official family, Mr. Potter Palmer, and the leading representatives of the opera and the theater who were in Chicago on Monday, March 9th. Arrangements were made to film the colorful event and to photograph the artists and other guests of WJJD for the news-reels. Similar arrangements were made to take motion pictures of Charlie Straight's Orchestra at the Rendezvous, together with their entertainers, all of which were broadcast through WJJD by direct wire. This gala program inaugurated the regular broadcasting of nightly programs.