Radio Digest (Nov 1930-Apr 1931)

l^O ming and vJoin Observations on Events and Incidents in the Broadcasts of the Month LIKE a gleaming jewel in a changing light Radio * programs scintillate and glow with new colors according to the evolution of new ideas and demands of public taste. There is a bit of the best from all forms of amusement — music, drama, literature, news, sports and positive cultural training from the primary to the higher forms of education. The light rests a moment on the move of educators to compel broadcasters to appropriate a definite proportion of the time on the air to education. Broadcasters are not so keen about making it compulsory as they are about the methods to be used to present the educational program. The broadcaster insists that a certain amount of showmanship must go with the program or there will be no one to hear it. The educators think that showmanship is unnecessary and supplementary devices would interfere with the fundamental practices of instruction. Important developments may be expected in 1931. * * * THIS old world needs more laughs and less grouching and grumbling. There is too much of morbid reading; too much prison pallor on the screen; too much moron catering and sex debauchery. Let's turn the page and get a laugh, turn the dial for a half-hour of chuckles. And for what better could you ask than old Brad Browne and his dear little Nit Wits of the Columbia system. They take the old world by the nose and shake the care wrinkles off his jowls. Marcella in this issue gives you a pleasant little sketch of Brad Browne. Next month we are going to entertain you with one of the skits which Brad says he thinks is one of the funniest they have ever produced. Don't miss it. ^ * ~k Did you subscribe to Radio Digest before the new $3 rate went into effect? For those who have not already been so advised by our circulation department please be assured that your subscription as it stood on our books up to January 1, 1931, will be extended to comply with the $3 rate. * * * Incidentally we are very happy to announce that subscriptions are coming in from all sections of the country in amazing volume. We are indebted to the many broadcasting stations that have commended our magazine to their listeners. Thanks, gentlemen of the air! Almost everybody wants a log in Radio Digest. The votes were overwhelming. A Chain Calendar and Official Wavelength list will be published here in March. Next thing we know there'll be a big demand for fiction again. Wonder how many readers like Radio drama continuities? Suggestions are always welcome. TSHBEL MacDONALD, daughter of the Labor Prime J Minister of England, is a chip off the old block and particularly interested in the rank and file of humanity. At the time we were in the ferment of activity to relieve the unemployment situation in America Miss MacDonald stood up before a Columbia microphone in London and gave us her views as to the right way and wrong way of doing things to help "the underdog." She thinks the world is too prone to dose its social headaches with aspirin instead of determining the cause of the trouble and curing it. She speaks a vigorous message straight from the shoulder. And she wants to know if Americans aren't wasting precious time on useless social work, are we getting anywhere with constructive methods? What about it? You may have heard her talk, whether you did or not you will be interested in reviewing it in the March Radio Digest. Have you noticed the improved quality of the Amos 'n' Andy feature? There's a reason. Miss Peggy Hull, who is one of the most competent astrologers in America, has 'scoped both of the boys from the exact hour that they were born. Now that the Sun of Arc and the Stars of Kleig have moved out of the Aspect — but let Peggy tell you all about it — in that tight-packed March issue. * * * Tin Pan Alley — imagine what David Ewen can do with a subject like that! He's done it. You will get it in the March issue. JOHN P. MEDBURY, "Master Without Ceremony," *J whose humorous contributions are read in almost every household in the land, will be represented in our March Radio Digest. From all indications this number will stand out as the greatest smile cracker yet published. Bright and sparkling but not frothy. You will find information of great interest available in no other form. You will find words of wisdom by some of the best minds. .^igBi But in and out will he woven a I ripple of clean fun to make you glad you have joined our merry party. Premier Mussolini's broadcast to America was precisely in line with the "Radio Can Kill War" policy suggested by a Radio Digest editorial. . . . WOC, Davenport, has requested privilege of rebroadcasting the Radio Digest mystery play, Step on the Stair, which was the first serial thriller ever broadcast. The story was especially written for Radio Digest by Robert J. Casey, famous journalist and novelist. . . . Ted Lewis, the high hatted tragedian of jazz, is said to have been paid $5,000 for one performance at WMCA, New York.