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Little-Known Fact
AIR FAX: Traditional factual show does institutional and direct selling.
First Broadcast: January, 1945
Broadcast Schedule: Monday through Saturday, 6:20-6:30 P. M.
Sponsors: Participating
Station: WTOP-AM and FM, Washington, D. C.
Power: 50,000 watts
Population: 1,402,000
Preceded by: "Story Behind the News" with Bill Shadel
Followed by: "Speaking of Sports" with Arch McDonald
In what most people consider the Capital of the World, themost factual program on the air is WTOP'S traditional "Factfinder."
The 10-minute show appeals to adults and children alike. As a result it has helped build the 6:15-6:30 P. M. segment on WTOP into a traditionally tops-in-town rating.
Format is simple. Announcer Vern Hansen asks factual questions. "Factfinder" Maurice Jarvis, a local actor, answers the questions. Sample:
"A lady on 14th Street wants to know how many steps there are in the Washington Monument."
Or, as happened once:
"A gentleman in Chevy Chase wants to know if there really are mermaids — half woman, half fish — or if this is a fairy tale."
In his kindly, gentle, wise voice, the Factfinder always give a courteous answer. The programs uses no gimmicks. Producer Edwin Halbert believes its success lies in the straightforward, simple format. Question and answer. But, he insists, there must be a wide variety of questions. Anything in the world except medical or religious subjects.
The answers, dug up by scripter Ellen Wadley, come from WTOP's reference library, the Library of Congress, and the scores of information offices that abound in Washington, D. C.
RADIO SHOWMANSHIP