Radio showmanship (Jan-Dec 1947)

phasis on Public Service les 7^ A copyrigluccl leature, Jo-Jo is manipulated inechanicaliy to give listeners a parrot-like sound, sufficiently clear to be luiderstood by the kiddies. Ihrough this niediinii, Uncle Hal's young listeners have responded amazingly to numerous humanitarian appeals. In 1944 Northern Alberta's Red Cross funds were swelled considerably because the youthful listeners to the Kiddies Program were curious to know more about Jo-Jo Uncle Hal supplied them with a Jo-Jo folder on condition that they send a miniminii of one dime to the Red Cross. This was repeated in 1945 and 1946 and gross returns direct and indirect, from these three campaigns stand at approximately $60,000. Some communities organized Jo-Jo Clubs. Many schools turned over proceeds from sports events and other functions to the campaign. Dance orchestras and other amateur groups organized tours with the purpose of raising money for Jo-Jo's Red Cross fund. In the wake of this general campaign. Uncle Hal has frequently turned to his loyal listeners for other humanitarian support. When a disastrous fire destroyed the home of a Hanna, Alberta, family, snuffing out two lives and permanently maiming three other members of the family, Uncle Hal immediately sent out an appeal for material and financial support. In six weeks more than $3,000 in cash was distributed as well as two truck loads of food and household supplies. Toward the end of the campaign, a family in Ardrossan lost its home and two children. Uncle Hal immediately set up a joint campaign and the entire funds and supplies were distributed evenly between the two families. As a result of this campaign, listeners in all pans oi ihe Prcn incc began sending in contributions to CJCA's fire fund, requesting that they be given to needy fire victims. This thought developed into the setting up of a general fire fund by (he Red Cross which is in operation today. Uncle Hal's listeners have come through on other occasions, too. Last winter he visited the various veterans' and children's hospitals in Edmonton and while chatting with the patients, found that there was a serious lack of radios in some wards. He appealed to his loyal listeners and in a matter of days, 30 radios, all in working condition, were donated. In June, Uncle Hal's family of youthful listeners once again demonstrated its generosity, with benefit to the Red C^ross. It all started when his listeners showed a strong preference for VVilf Carter recordings. Many asked for his songs, or his picture. "Okay, kiddies and pals," he said. "Here's what we'll do. You send in a minimum of 25 cents to the Red Cross and in appreciation we'll send you a W'ilf Charter souvenir containing W^ilf's life story, some pictures, and words for five of his most popular songs. Is it a deal?" The kiddies replied instantly with quarters and dollars. The first two weeks mail response stood at 6,406 letters. Increase scope of fall schedule Plans for the 1947 fall and winter campaign call for a series of 26 broadcasts of Lightning Jim on 11 radio stations. This, as far as CJCA is concerned, is in addition to the daily Kiddies Program. Byers Flour Mills will give away one bicycle a week, the winner to be selected from entrants who accompany their answer to a simple geographic question with a Sonny Boy box top. As an added incentive towards effective promotion of this series, the sponsor will give a $50 cash prize to the station doing the most effective and thorough promotion job throughout the series. SEPTEMBER, 1 947 • 303 •