Radio mirror (May-Oct 1934)

"OUR PUBLIC" RADIO MIRROR IS GROWING BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS! How do you like the new size? And the new departments? We bow to the requests of thousands of our readers on the Pacific Coast and give them four pages of news and gossip from the western studios. And to the fans in Chicago we introduce with this issue a department devoted exclusively to the broadcasters of the big midwestern metropolis. Have we left out anything? It is only through your letters that we can learn what you want in this your own Radio Mirror, the magazine devoted to your broadcast interests. So keep writing! AND GET PAID FOR IT! We still want to know WHAT YOU THINK OF YOUR RADIO PROGRAMS AND ALSO WHAT YOU THINK OF RADIO MIRROR! Are you becoming bored with air entertainment? Or does it still thrill you as it did when you bought your first set? Have the programs improved? What do you like? And what could you do without in the way of broadcast material? Write us and tell us what you think! Don't flatter us! Constructive criticism is more valuable than pleasant flattery! Because we're printing Radio Mirror for you and we want to keep you satisfied ! Letters should be addressed to CRITICISM EDITOR, RADIO MIRROR, 1926 Broadway, New York City, not later than May 22 and letters must contain not more than 150 words. THE BEST LETTER WILL RECEIVE TWENTY DOLLARS, THE NEXT BEST TEN DOLLARS AND THE NEXT FIVE WILL EARN ONE DOLLAR EACH ! Here are this month's winning letters; $20.00 PRIZE What a marvel of this scientific age radio is! For where or what can you have for so little cost and trouble that will give so much enjoyment? During the past few depressing years radio has not only been a source of enjoyment to countless thousands, but has in many cases been a source of inspiration to carry on. For there are programs for all ages, tastes and occasions and so many who have idle hours now have turned to it as a source of education for one can learn much by listening to the news broadcasts and other excellent speakers, not only about world affairs, but the correct pronunciation of words, etc. ' But, like all good things, radio has it's faults also. I am very fond of the comedians, especially Eddie Cantor, but why do the networks have so many comedians on Sunday evenings? I would rather have them distributed throughout the week when we could give them undivided attention and really enjoy them all. Also, I wish some of the excellent speakers on' world affairs would broadcast at an earlier hour, especially the late news flashes. Give me a good radio and Radio Mirror by my side, and I am content. So you can count on me as a life long friend of Radio Mirror. Elsie S. Meyers, Helmetta, N. J. $10.00 PRIZE I think, and am sure that many others will agree with this opinion, that the words "News Flash", should be reserved absolutely for news broadcasts. There are a number of programs which use sentences of this sort, if not the 54 actual words, as is sometimes the case, which lead the listeners to await with bated breath the story of some accident or emergency — only to hear some advertisement. I think, further, if you please, that some specified signal — probably the using of the words "News Flash" and the sounding of some gong which would soon grow familiar to all should be agreed on and used — used as sparingly and as truthfully in meaning as the SOS signal of true distress at sea. When a matter of national interest, an emergency, is to be brought to the radio listeners, may the great systems help to render a greater service to the people by keeping the air-news channels free from programs which falsely scare people by their "Wolf — Wolf!" Until there are no FAKE "news flashes", 1 am Bob Ward, Rock Hill, S. C $1.00 PRIZE I picked up my first copy of the Radio Mirror last week. In it were facts I had often wondered about and never could verify. Facts about stars and radio broadcasting itself. It was a real bible, with no high toned price and fit for any radio listener. The majority of programs on the air today strive for variety, trying to present music, drama, comedy, and what have you, all in a short half hour or so. If each program was devoted to a special style of entertainment it would be possible for a listener to hear what he desired without combining it with things he has no eagerness to hear. Thus there would be such a variety on, each a separate style, such that the listener, if he desired, a good comedy could turn the dial of his set and secure a comedy. That is he would get what he wanted and that alone. ^ Wishing to read future copies of the Radio Mirror. Gus Nerone, Bristol, R. I. $1.00 PRIZE Since so much care is taken in preparing a program, why not take some care in preparing and presenting the advertising in an interesting manner? The advertising is an important part of every program, and with a little extra effort, can be made as interesting as, or even a part of, the program. The advertising can be woven into a program in a humorous, musical, or other interesting manner. Two splendid examples of humor putting over the advertising are the Chevrolet Program and the Pabst Blue Ribbon Program. The advertising on the Old Gold Program is presented with a beautiful musical background. SeVeral other programs use short dramatic sketches to present the advertising. There is no reason why all programs could not present their advertising in a more interesting manner. Radio Mirror leaves nothing to be desired in a radio magazine. It is the perfect radio guide! Alexander Ivancich, Eureka, Calif. $1.00 PRIZE As I am an invalid and a complete recluse, radio is my "other world", more real to me than is the actual world to "Those who run". Though it is five years since the advent of this miracle into my room, its shining magic is still a marvel which is "new every morning and fresh every evening" to me.