Radio broadcast .. (1922-30)

OCTOBER, 1926 THE ASCENDENCY OF THE RADIO CORPORATION 475 supported, 35.5 per cent, urged the elimination of radiating receivers and 32.7 per cent, voted for the discouragement of mediocre stations and relief from overcrowded conditions of the ether. No other question was mentioned by 5 per cent, of those answering the inquiry. There are 92 channels between 1480 kilocycles (202.6 meters) and 550 kilocycles (545.1 meters). Fourteen of these are required for foreign stations, leaving 78 for American broadcasters. Two thirds of this band, providing 52 channels, is needed for stations of 500 watts power or more, with exclusive channels for stations in the center of the country and those of 5000 watts power or more. This allows for about 75 high grade key stations. On the remaining 26 channels is ample room for small stations, serving only local areas, treme. Any speaker who has a real message which the public wants to hear has no difficulty in gaining access to the microphone. Program managers are keenly alert to the wishes of their audiences. We would wager if five hundred bona fide uninspired requests were received by any broadcasting station for any available speaker, he would be promptly invited by its program manager. The Radio Corporation Rises to Ascendency in the Broadcasting Field WITH the forthcoming withdrawal of the American Telephone & Telegraph Company, radio broadcasting loses the most constructive single influence which guided it through its early lished are adhered to. Its business is wire communication. In that capacity, it will continue to serve broadcasting by supplying high quality transmission circuits for interconnection of stations and the supply of programs from remote points. One of the principal objections to the A. T. & T. in the broadcasting field was its tremendous size and influence. It made beginners in big business tremble in spite of its helpful and constructive attitude. (We must admit that the leaders in radio to-day are only beginners in big business). Through patent holding it was in a position to exercise a monopoly in commercial broadcasting and did so for a long time. But broadcasting has become too big to be the side line of the largest corporation in the world. The Radio Corporation of America now THE HIGH POWER RADIO STATION AT RIO DE JANEIRO The station is designed to communicate with the United States and Europe and is operated by an international combine of radio interests known as the A. E. F. G. The Radio Corporation of America is one of the interests. The large illustration below shows the 8oo-foot masts, transmitter building, and staff headquarters. The insert shows a close-up of the transmitter building. On either side are lead-in bridges carrying antenna and counterpoise wires on great heavy insulators using 250 watts power or less. Five hundred-mile separation can be maintained, giving room for 6 stations per channel, a total of 256 small stations. The public would be amply served by the three hundred or more stations thus provided. It could ask for no greater boon from Congress than a law forbidding a greater number in the present band. Is the "Air" Really Free? FREEDOM of the air" is a most tempting phrase to the professional agitator and persons of liberal tendencies who do not know the ether's limitations. They use the smashing phrase with grand effect, as they describe how great corporations and grasping monopolies have despoiled the people's ether, so that they may spread pernicious propaganda. They plead for a "free ether" which anyone may use to spread his personal opinions at will. But this picture is much distorted. The other does belong to the people, but it cannot be free to anyone who cares to use it. It is a highly circumscribed medium with a definite limit to the number it can accommodate. Its indiscriminate occupation without restriction spells its utter destruction and nullification. Nevertheless, the ether is not so limited that its use need be denied those who have an appreciable following. There are plenty of stations with liberal views sufficient to entertain all but the most rabid and ex days. WEAF was the pioneer commercial station which not only formulated and established the present method by which the public pays for broadcasting but it created such high standards for commercial programs that it robbed the method of its undesirability. This is a permanent and significant contribution to the foundations of broadcasting. Nevertheless, few will regret the disappearance of the A. T. & T. from the air, as long as the standards which it estab becomes the principal operating company in the broadcasting field. It will control the principal broadcasting chain in the country — the combined Radio Corporation, General Electric, and A. T. & T. group. It is now supreme in broadcasting, in the international radio telegraph business, and the ship to shore communication field. Its future status in the business of selling receiving sets has not, as yet, been clarified. There are unconfirmed rumors afloat to the effect that the Radio Corporation will con