Radio showmanship (Jan-Dec 1946)

STATION SERVICE Radio activities in behalf of public interest. Sisters of the Sleepy Hollow Gang donned full Western outfits and journeyed to Temple University Hospital to entertain Charles Grakelow, Philadelphia florist, a patient there since a recent accident. What started out to be a gesture to cheer a patriotic citizen, turned into a complete show for the patients, doctors, and nurses on the fifth floor of the hospital. Before the first number was over the room was full of younn patients, some on crutches, others in wheelchairs. The Sleepy Hollow Ranch (iatig broadcast every day at 12:30 P.M. on WFIL, Philadelphia, Pa. FOR ART'S SAKE AT YOUR SERVICE Programming is definitely keyed to entertainment and showmanship at WWDC, Washington, D.C., but it also believes radio has a big place in programs of broad social significance. Nine organizations bear testimony to a few of the occasions that WWDC facilities have been put at the disposal of people in public service. From S. T. Porter, chief engineer. Government of the District of Columbia, Fire Department: "The publicity given Fire Prevention Week by WWDC was very much appreciated. You are to be commended for your willingness to cooperate and for your fine public-spirited attitude." When the station grave time and use of facilities in order that the Army Air Forces show, Wings Up might be adequately publicized to the people of Washington and vicinity, H. H. Arnold, General, U. S. Army, Commanding General, Artny Air Forces, had this to say: "I have also learned that you have established a practice of featuring Army Air Forces personnel regularly on Saturday mornings in order that the public might be better acquainted with the accomplishments and needs of the AAF." From General Arnold: appreciation and gratitude. For efforts above and beyond the line of duty in behalf of the Community War Fund Drive, Everett J. Boothby, chairman of the public relations committee, sent commendations. The local United States Employment Service is fortunate in having the full cooperation of WWDC, according to manager Robert A. Morrison. Memo from J. M. Johnson, director of the Office of Defense Transportation: "Your active participation in ODT's program to conserve travel is a real contribution to the solution of a serious problem." Others who paid written tribute to WWDC's efforts in behalf of the public welfare: the National Symphony Orchestra Association, through Manager J. E. Mutch; the Seventh War Loan, through Jean Hendrix of the War Finance Committee; Army Medical Service, via John P. Dwyer, and the U-505, through Horace D. Mann, Lieut, (jg) USN. MILES HIGH When the final yardstick was put to the Mile O' Dimes campaign co-sponsored in St. Louis, Mo., by KMOX and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, all records were broken. Contributed were 12 Yz miles of dimes, or 3111,208, topping all other cities by more than ? 10,000. The amount was ? 16,3 58 more than was raised during the 1945 campaign in which St. Louis raised more money than any other city in the nation. Over 3,200 clubs, organizations, churches, schools and business firms visited the Mile O' Dimes stand located in the center of downtown St. Louis. KMOX talent broadcast remote shows from the Mile O' Dimes stand four times each day. Credit lines: campaign organization was handled by Jerry Hoekstra, assistant to KMOX general manager. Newspaper promotion was done by Al Weisman of the Globe-Democrat. FUN IN BED One of those incidents that endear radio personalities to their audience occurred recently when the Murray It's the extra-curricular public activities of a radio station, those neighborly projects entirely outside the field of radio, that do most to bring about the sincere, warm-hearted friendship and community esteem all stations seek in their public relations. Michael R. Hanna, manager of WHCU, Ithaca, N. Y., is proving that with an art exhibit. Studio art exhibits are no novelty at WHCU. Five professional shows were sponsored during 1945 alone. But it was the First Exhibition of the Works of Central New York Amateur Artists that uncovered the wealth of culture and creative talent extant in a typical American community and loosed the flood of appreciation which comes to those who take a neighborly interest in the personal activities of their neighbors. Radio promotion of exhibit plans lasted just over a week. As a result, 169 oil paintings and watercolors were brought to the station in person by 68 artists. All entries were in before it was announced there would be ^200 in cash prizes. DOWN ON THE FARAI Radio station WKBN, Youngstown, O., has created a new service for the rural residents of Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Aired from 6:00 to 7:00 A.M. every morning, the program presents entertainment and information tailored to the desires of the farmers of the region. Included are the latest market reports from the area, news of the activities of local Granges, 4-H Clubs, FFA and other rural groups, answers to questions sent in by farmers, detailed weather reports and recorded on-the-spot interviews with farmers. On the entertainment side come WKBN'S standing entertainers, specializers in music appealing to a wide audience tastes. Last minute news summaries are also included, at the beginning and half way through. Head of all this farm service is WKB"N farm editor. Stuart Wilson. He is destined to become familiar not only through the program, but because of a portable recorder which travels with him while he picks up the news that makes up the program. WITHIN OUR GATES In cooperation with the Philadelphia Fellowship Commission, which is conducting one of the nation's more worthwhile projects by its practical steps to promote understanding and tolerance, WFIL, Philadelphia, Pa., presents Within Our Gates as a Sunday morning public service program. What WFIL offers at 11:00 A.M. is a series of biographical dramas devoted to personalities in the world of entertainment, including Marian Anderson. Spyros Skouras, Irving Berlin, John McCormack and Eric Johnston. By citing what these people have contributed to the country's culture and progress, WFIL demonstrates the incalculable national asset of diversified faiths and backgrounds. For this contribution, WFIL was commended by the New York Times in this succinct way: "The approach is eminently constructive, and far more effective than the more common practice of preaching. In addition, it happens to be more listenable radio." APRIL, 1946 • 141 •