Radio age research, manufacturing, communications, broadcasting, television (1941)

Sarnoff Reports Stage Set for Color TV as Science of Electronics Makes New Advances RCA Board Chairman Says in Year-end Statement that 1954 Holds Promise of New Progress in Radio-Television and Electronics by Brig. Gen. David Sarnoff Chairman of the Board Radio Corporation of America P JL ROGRESS in development of color television, approval by the Federal Communications Commission of signal standards using the RCA compatible color television system, and preparation by stations for colorcasting, set the stage for 1954 to be the "Introductory Year" of color television. Color telvision holds great potential for future ex- pansion of the industry. Other branches of electronics also advanced on many fronts throughout 1953. Major advances during the year included: 1. Great strides in development of electronic weap- ons and instruments for national defense. 2. Expanded and improved television broadcasting service, including progress in the use of ultra high frequencies. 3. Development of magnetic tape recording for tele- vision in both color and black-and-white, ushering in a new era of "electronic photography". 4. Further development and application of transis- tors, promising simplification and miniaturization of electronic equipment. 5. Further clarification of radio's enduring position as a vital broadcasting service to the American public. 6. Inauguration of the world's most powerful radio transmitter by the U. S. Navy, marking an historic milestone in world-wide communications. 7. New levels of popularity for recorded music, sparked by progress in high fidelity records and phonographs. 8. Progress in industrial electronics, including push- button controls, electronic computers, food steriliza- tion, and closed-circuit television. The year 1954 holds promise for new advances throughout the radio-television and electronic industry. Fulfillment of the promise of this new year, however, will depend upon how well the leaders of the industry meet current economic problems and the new challenges of our times. The Radio Corporation of America in 1953 produced the largest volume of business in its 34-year history. Sales of products and services approximated $830 million during the year. Net profits are estimated at $34,700,000. Dividends declared on the Common Stock amounted to $20,312,000. In addition, $3,152,952 was paid in divi- dends on the Preferred Stock. Employment totaled 65,- 000. Manufacturing accounted for 70% of net earnings; radio-television broadcasting, 15%; communications, 5%, and all other activities, 10%. Government business accounted for about $160 mil- lion, or 19% of total sales. The current backlog of Government orders was about $500 million at the year- end, and is expected to expand in 1954. NBC Organization Strengthened The organization of the National Broadcasting Com- pany was greatly strengthened during the past year in every phase of its operation. Sylvester L. "Weaver, Jr., elected President of NBC on December 4, 1953, has an awareness of high purpose, a sincere regard for public service, proven capacity for showmanship, a thorough understanding of the advertisers' needs and problems and an appreciation of the economic facts of life in the broadcasting industry. He has youth and a breadth and depth of experience. Robert W. Sarnoff, the newly elected Executive "Vice President of NBC, has served in a wide range of capaci- ties which include excellent experience in programming, production and sales. These two men working together as a harmonious team will lead NBC in strengthening its position as the Nation's No. 1 broadcaster and keep it at the forefront as "first" in service to the public in both radio and television. Since the end of World "War II, great advances have been made in the military application of communica- tions, radar, missile control, airborne television and many other phases of electronics which fit into the modern ramparts of our Nation's security. Our objective is not only to produce electronic weapons and instruments, but RAD/O AGE 3