U. S. Radio (Jan-Dec 1959)

report from networks this is Wright ► NBC: Bolslt'icd by llic approval ol iis alliliates, NBC Radio is expected to launch this January its new netuork progranuning pattern. Under the plan, the regular network schedidc will comprise news, informational and jjublic service programs, inc huling such feattires as Monitor, News on the Hour, the hnage series, the World Series, Gillette Cavalcade of Sports and 15miniite shows of news and analysis, according to Matthew J. Culligan, executive vice president. Entertainment shows, like My True Story, NBC Radio Theater and It's Network Time, will be made available to affiliates on a fee basis from the NBC Program Service department. Mr. Culligan states that under the new plan the network will actually be offering more total programming. The network's five-minute news programs will be increased 50 percent with the addition of eight new analysis and commentary shows. ► CBS: The purchase of almost $1 million worth of time on CBS Radio by the Kellogg Co. marks the firm's return to network radio, having been absent since May 1957, according to George J. Arkedis, vice president in charge of network sales. In addition to a sizable order for Arthur Godfrey Time, Kellogg has bought, for All-Bran cereal, 12 ^veekly two-and-a-half-minute tmits of the network's House Party, and a group of daytime dramas as well as eight weekly five-minute dramatic program segments. The 52-week buys were placed through Leo Burnett Co., Chicago. In affiliation news, John S. Hayes, WTOP Washington, D. C, has assumed chairmanship of the board of directors of the CBS Radio Affiliates Association for the 1959-1960 term. ► ABC: W' hh the signing of four new adver tisers last monlh, Don .McNeill's Breakfast Club on A\\C Radio is between 90 and 9'? percent sold out, states Edward DeGray, president. The new sponsors are: E. L. Bruce Co. (floor wax), through Christiansen Advertising Agency Inc .; Cirosset & Dunlap Inc. (book publishers) and Levelor Lorentzen Inc. (venetian blinds), both through Friend-Reiss Advertising Inc., and the Watchmakers of Switzerland, thiough Cunningham &: W^alsh Inc. In affiliation news, four stations have joined the network: WICU Erie, Pa.; KWEB Rochester, Minn.; WPCF Panama City, Fla., and KCKC San Bernardino, Calif. ► MBS: Veteran radio personality Galen Drake becomes a mid-morning commentator on the Mutual Broadcasting System beginning November 30, according to Robert F. Hurleigh, president. Currently featured on Mutual's New York affiliate, WOR, Mr. Drake will be heard from coast to coast on weekdays from 1 1 :30 to 11 :35 a.m. In affiliation news, Mutual announces the signing of four independent stations: WJET Erie, Pa.; WNOW York, Pa.; WKYR Cumberland, Md.; WMNF Richwood, W.Va. ► Keystone: The addition of 18 new affiliates has been reported by Charlotte Tucker, director of station relations for the Keystone Broadcasting System: WIOI Portsmouth, O.; WMIE Miami, Fla.; WEEK Charlottesville, Va.; WMFT Terre Haute Ind.; WLAS Jacksonville, N. C; KCHV Indio, Calif.; WKTG Thomasville, Ga.; WRIP Chattanooga; KJAM Madison, S. D.; KXLL Missoula, Mont.; WPRN Butler, Ala.; WMNG Richwood, W. Va.; WSUG Clewiston, Fla.; WBBK Blakely, Ga.; W^RMS Beardstown, 111.; KPAP Redding, Calif.; WGAT Gate Citv, Va.: WRKM Carthaoe, Tenn. • • • this is the Wright Way On the "Dave Wright Show" mornings, and "Push Button One" afternoons, listeners get a happy earful from an entertaining personality . . . from plain news to fancy impersonations, Dave knows how to hold an audience. AND he is a seasoned air salesman with a long, successful background in selling for national accounts. Get Wright on the right station WIS For full details on selling the bustling central S. C. market call your PCW Colonel. WIS COLUMBIA, S.C. NBC ' 560 KC ' 5000 WATTS C. Richard Shafto, Exec. Vice President W. Frank Horden, Manoging Director U. S. RADIO • November 1959 55