Radio annual and television yearbook (1940)

PROMOTION DIGEST ures and the like appeared. This was topped with a mass meeting of bicycle riders at a local theater where entertainment by WCKY artists and safety films were presented. The Mayor and other public officials were present at this meeting. STORM VIGIL ^T .AS rescue workers labored 68 hours to ^^ remove the bodies of 8 firemen killed in the Collins block fire in downtown Syracuse — worst local disaster in 40 years — WSYR stood by almost continuously bringing news of the disaster and progress of rescue work to Central New York listeners. Announcers Bill Rothrum, Arnold Schoen, Al Parker and Jan Costley and engineers George Armand, Belle Isle, Charles Just. Al Eicholzer and Al Burgess put in a total of more than 173 hours from 10 a.m., Feb. 3, to midnight Feb. 5, al the scene of the disaster. Total of 91 special broadcasts, of which 37 remoted from the scene, were aired by the station for a total of 7 hours and 30 minutes of fire news. Longest continuous stretch on the air, 44 hours, 4 minutes. Pleas were broadcast for food, cigarettes, coffee and supplies as well as a complete description of the debris removal. Station cooperated throughout with city officials in airing statements and advice. "BUFFALO" HERD ^T THIRTY-THREE thousand nickels were ^* accumulated in CJOR, Vancouver, studios last month as result of program Director Dick Diespecker's "Texaco Nickel Club" broadcasts. This was second year station aired the Club with this year's donations topping the last year total by 18.500 of the nickel coins. Contributions of not more than five cents from each listener were requested on the daily broadcasts up until Christmas. Money was turned over to Vancouver's two evening newspapers for their Santa Claus fund for needy families. GREETING TOURISTS ^T SEVERAL times during the day KGNC, ^^ Amarillo, greets tourists with announcements similar to the following: "Attention tourists! You are now in the Panhandle of Texas! The high plains, rich in color and historic backgrounds ... a land of oil, sleek cattle and golden grain. Stop over and make this a memorable landmark of your trip . . . or plan to return soon to Amarillo, the Helium City, the Hereford capital of the world. While here, we invite you to keep your dials set to 1410 . . . KGNC, the NBC outlet of the Panhandle for the latest war news. Welcome travelers! You, who are now speeding across the high plains on the Grand Canyon Limited, will soon reach Amarillo." C. OF C. LETTER ^T REPRODUCTION of a letter on heavy ^"» cardboard from the Worcester Chamber of Commerce to WTAG of that city was used as a promotion piece by the station. Letter tells of a poll conducted by the organization to determine the listener interest of its "Knowledge College" program. Quotes from the actual report are given in the letter in addition to actual listening figures. Last sentence plugs radio generally in addition to WTAG: "The important conclusion reached from the survey is that radio offers the most effective and least expensive method of bringing industry's story to the public." Attached to the letter is a blue string-tag with the following legend: "WTAG — naturally." RENEFIT ^T LARGEST crowd in the history of Spring^^ field. Mo., to see one show in a single day turned out to see the Weaver Brothers and Elviry Troupe when they presented a benefit performance with radio stars from KWTO-KGBX in the local Shrine Mosgue. according to the station. Five thousand seat Mosgue was jammed for matinee and 1,500 were turned away from the evening performance, it was estimated. George Earle Wilson, of KWTO-KGBX staff, emceed the radio part of show, which featured Mike Dosch, Bob and Dick Stahl, and others. Show is an annual event originated by station manager Ralph Foster with proceeds going to Salvation Army. This year's event provided for Christmas baskets for 800 families. GOOD WILL VACATION AIDS OIV WNAX ^T DUE to reguests from listeners inguiring ^^» about vacation spots in South Dakota, WNAX of Yankton has made arrangements with the state highway department to furnish illustrated maps and brochures picturing the state's beauty spots to listeners upon reguest. SEE INDIANA CAMPAIGN gT WIRE, Indianapolis, conducted a "See ^* Indiana First" campaign. The Chamber of Commerce in each surrounding town is invited to send in booster material about interesting places in or near the community to be used in WIRE announcements throughout one day's schedule. Plugs such as "See Indiana First," "On Your Vacation See the Birthplace of the Famous Hoosier Poet, James Whitcomb Riley." "Visit Greenfield, Indiana," etc., were on the air at every open spot on the station's 847