Radio showmanship (Jan-Dec 1947)

Merchants' Associations HEN PARTY A hearty welcome to Savannah, Ga. is extended to newcomers each Saturday morning on WSAV's Hen Party. Sponsored by the Welcome Hostess Service, composed of 12 of Savannah's leading business firms, the feminine newcomers are given the hand of welcome by WSAV's program director, Jimmie Woods. While the W^elcome Hostess Service has called on and greeted newcomers for many years it took to the airwaves to give additional interest and impetus to its friendly service. The entire program is unrehearsed, with the new neighbors invited to tell what they think of their city by adoption, plus human interest details about their families, etc. After each interview has been concluded, the newcomer is awarded a prize by selecting her favorite color from ribbons which are tied to prizes concealed behind the screen, with such items as electric irons, pressiue cookers, radios, costume jewelry, linen sets, etc., included among the gifts of welcome. Sponsors receive no commercial credit in the usual sense, but rely purely on good will generated by the program. Example: "When you come to a strange city, it certainly makes a difference to receive a cheerful welcome from the leading business firms . . . dependable firms that have enjoyed public confidence and have given outstanding service through the years. When you choose Savannah as your home. Savannah's leading business organizations, through the Welcome Hostess Service, extend to all our new neighbors a truly cordial welcome. They'll do their best to make you feel at home. Remember these names for superior quality . . . for friendly courtesy . . . and a genuine spirit of cooperation: the Savannah Bank and Trust Company; Bart's Bakery; the Savannah Gas Company; Annette's Dairy; the Best Laundry; Innecken Florist; Stubb's Hardware; Wachtel's Prescription Shop; Baker Brothers Service Station; the Barrett Beauty Salon; the Drive-In Theatre, and the Savannah Ice Delivery Company." In addition to the value of the promotion among newcomers, the sponsors have found that this weekly broadcast has built additional good will with longtime residents who had not been aware of this public spirited activity. AIRFAX: Musical selections are also a part of the 30minute offering. First Broadcast: April 26, 1947. Broadcast Schedule: Saturday, 10:00-10:30 a.m. Preceded By: Studio Party. Followed By: Music of Manhattan. AUGU ST, 1 947 Sponsor: Welcome Hostess Service. Station: WSAV, Savannah, Ga. Power: 250 watts. Population: 140,000. COMMENT: What works in Sav :imi;ili will work e(]ually well in other nK'iroj)oliian centers where a welcome hostess service is in operation. In its favor is the fact that the studio broadcasts accjuaint newcomers with other newcomers, thus increasing the value of the gesture id iIu)S( new in the community. Jewelers CAREER FOR YOUTH The degree to which the small local station can perform a regional service is indicated by a series of 21 Career for Youth programs broadcast over WCLO, 250-watt station in Janesville, Wis. Under the sponsorship of the J. J. Smith Jewelry Stores, 80 youthful Southern Wisconsin musicians took part in auditions and concerts in which they competed for ten musical scholarships. Contestants were selected by auditions conducted in WCLO's studios by prominent state musicians. During each program, two contestants were heard in halfhour concerts which also featured recorded symphonic music and an institutional announcement for the sponsor. During the broadcasts, each contestant's musical offering was recorded, and at the conclusion of the competition, the 40 recordings were judged by the heads of three Wisconsin music schools. The ten winners were presented in an hour-long broadcast-performance as a part of the thirty-first annual state convention of the Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs, whose cooperation had been extended throughout the series. The series' sponsor, Marvin J. Wexler, presented the Janesville Music club with a check for $400 for the scholarship awards, the money to be administered by the club and to be dra^vn upon by each contestant for musical training to the extent of his award. First place winner received a gold loving cup and the other winners were presented with medals. For its efforts in promoting young mu • 285 •