Radio today (Apr-Dec 1939)

JUL 21 1939 ©C1B 428 42 2 New Models and Specifications Radio manufacturer* generally have done a fine job with the new models just introduced for 1940 in providing greater selling opportunities than dealers have enjoyed for many years. Cabinets are styled in better taste, and look better, automatic tuningsystems have been improved and perform better, tone quality takes on new realism and sounds better. Values reach new peaks. Provisions for television sound reproduction remove the buying resistance of the new art. Built in antenna systems reduce the effort and cost of home demonstrations to a minimum, and provide the means of offering a flattering comparison of the newest models with the customers' obsolete model. We stand on the threshold of a very important year in the retailing of radio. For helpful means of capitalizing on the trends of merchandising the new models and specifications for 1940, see page 14. "Aeroscope" Helps Fishermen Find Harbor Fishing fleets operating out of San Francisco into the Pacific Ocean frequently find it impossible to see the Golden Gate entrance to San Francisco Bay due to the extremely heavy fog banks. Small radio stations operate daily in Santa Rosa, about 50 miles north of San Francisco, and also in San Jose, about 50 miles south of San Francisco. Fishermen carrying Admiral portable battery radio sets on their boats, reports J. H. Clippinger in Admiral "Broadcaster,'' have found they can line up each station directionally by manipulation of the radio cabinet, and by steering between these points they always hit the entrance to the Golden Gate. Kahn Added to Trade Show Board At the annual meeting of memberexhibitors of Radio Parts National Trade Show, held at Chicago, June 15, the four directors elected for the forthcoming year were: S. 1ST. Shure, representing the Western Division of the Sales Managers Club; A. A. Berard. representing the Eastern Division of the Sales Managers Club; H. E. Osmun, and Jerome J. Kahn, representing the Radio Manufacturers Association. "Jerry" Kahn was elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Arthur Moss who becomes secretary of the National Parts Distributors Association. In addition to continu Portables Lead Sales With battery portables accounting for a majority of radio sales in most cities, portables lend themselves to novel sidewalk promotions as in this dealer's tie-up with a movie. ing as a director, "Hal" Osmun will serve as Secretary-treasurer, the position formerly held by Mr. Moss. Kenneth A. Hathaway was reappointed managing director of the Show. German Auto-radios Include Phonographs To American auto-radio manufacturers and dealers, who are lookingfor new conveniences to sell, news of German automobile sets should prove interesting. Of the six manufacturers offering radios to automobile owners in Germany, three include phonograph attachments and practically all models have a connection for a second loudspeaker. The smallest German set measures 11 x 33 x 14 cm. and the largest 36x23x18 cm. Prices range from 300 to 350 reichsmarks or about $120 to $140 at the present exchange. While a few auto-radios with phonograph attachments have been made in this country, no appreciable number has been sold. However with the present trend to small receivers and portable combinations who knows but what this may be the next development ? Unique Legislation Favors Auto Radio Electric power lines would be moved and trees on rural highways cut down, to preveut interference with radio reception in automobiles, under the terms of a unique bill introduced in the South Carolina legislature by Representative Herbert W. Smoak. Power lines on rural highways, under the bill favoring automobile-radio, would be hereafter placed at such distance from the public highways as not to materially interfere with autoradio reception. Power lines heretofore constructed would be moved, under a five-year removal program, and trees cut down if authorized by owners. EDITOR, Orestes H. Caldwell; PUBLISHER. M. Clements; MERCHANDISING EDITOR, H. L. M. Capron : STAFF. Darrell Bartee, Kenneth G. Bromage. N. McAllister, G. H. Mayorga, M. H. Newton, R. A. Neubauer, B. V. Spinetta ; SALES MANAGER, M. E. Herring, R. Y. Fitzpatrick. 201 N. Wells St., Chicago, 111,; CALDWELL-CLEMENTS, INC. 480 Lexington Ave., NEW YORK, N. Y. Telephone PLaza 3-1340. Copyright 1039. Member Audit Bureau Circulations Vol. 5, No. 7. July, 1939