Radio showmanship (Jan-Dec 1943)

Sporting Goods DOWN THE YEARS IN BASEBALL To help the Economy Mart of Oshkosh (Wis.), Sportlng Goods, other local sponsors of sports shows, knock sales home runs, WOSH put into its program schedule as a promotion to baseball, a series of seven weekly broadcasts highlighting local baseball history through the years. Taking listeners Down the Years in Baseball, the broadcasts began with 1865. Brought back were memories of the distant past, and facts that have become legend in the annals of Oshkosh baseball. Last broadcast brought fans up to the opening game of the Oshkosh Giants, introduced the 1942 squad to the disciples of Babe Ruth, other famed bat-men. Sponsor tie-in: pitching the latest returns to listeners in Box Score Review, Economy Mart gave listeners a weeknight five-minute sports summary of all baseball scores in all leagues with complete box score data during the entire season, at 5:55 P.M. Also lined up with the fans was Spoo & SoxN, men's clothiers, who tossed a curved sales ball with Highlights in the World of Sports. Monday through Saturday, local, national and international sports news is served hot-off-the-wires from 10:15 to 10:30 P.M. AIR FAX: Sportscaster Bob Lee emcees all three shows. First Broadcast: April, 1942. Broadcast Schedule: Wednesday, 7:30-8:00 P.M. Preceded By: Treasury Star Parade. Followed By: Music. Station: WOSH, Oshkosh. Wis. Power: 250 watts. Population: 39,089. COMMENT: Station promotional activities help sponsors, one-and-all. At the same time, this show gave listeners an entertaining earful while it pepped up local baseball enthusiasm. Sponsors in search of a sports show to use on a bobtailed schedule might well consider format here. Transportation ON FOOT Pedal extremities are getting a work-out these days, and the nation is discovering the fun of hoofing it in its own back yard. The old slogan. See America First gives way to See Your Own City First. In Philadelphia, Pa., the Philadelphia & Western Railway Co. is using WFIL to help cosmopo^ lites reach the traveler's pot-o' -^ gold at trail's end. Main Liner Barbara Smith and sportsman Joe Novenson give first-hand tip-offs on how to get more enjoyment On Foot. Traveloguers hoof it to historic Trapp Church, ancient Andora Inn (still operating almost as it was in George Washington's time), other spots of interest to the man who used to drive for pleasure but can no more. While nearly all the places highlighted on the program are easily accessible by P & \V Railway, hikers are offered maps, urged to pile otit at the end of the line, explore further On Foot. Hiking clubs receive both maps and directions for special tours. AIR FAX: Special promotion used to get the public hep to the show include car cards, posters and newspaper ads. First Broadcast: April 12, 1942. Broadcast Schedule: Sunday, 10:15-10:30 A.M. Preceded By: News. Followed By: The Southernaires. Sponsor: Philadelphia SC Western Railway. Station: WFIL, Philadelphia, Pa. Power: 1,000 watts. Population: 2,081,602. COMMENT: Health is a prime essential in keeping civilian efficiency above par. Sponsor here not only gives the ex-motorist a helping hand, but also does its part in the national Physical Fitness campaign. AV'hile long distance transportation problems are a horse of a different color, local systems might well consider such a program as a stmimertime handof-friendship gesture to a public whose vacation habits of long standing must of necessity be changed for the duration. Because such trips would not conflict with peak early morning and late afternoon rtish hotirs, the campaign would in no way conflict with present operating schedules. MARCH, 1 943 95