Variety (Sep 1939)

WednesJay, September 27, 1939 Cincinnati Area Is Bombarded By Rival Publicity ArtiDery As 3 Stations Join New Webs By JOE KOLLING Cincinnati, Sept. 26. Commtmiqut Wo. 1—WCKY aTtiUeTV has opened a noisy bombardment all along the Croslcv line. General L. B. Wilson . ordered . two special newspaper sections to advance against the prestige salient. VfSAl has answered with 1,050 car and bus cards —and Croslcy ' soppers have placed trailer- bombs in 26 local theatres. WKRC has opened the dikes to Mutual. WCKY's strong publicity cam- paign in greater Cincinnati and in the outlying rural sections is in con- nection with its new power o£ 50,000 watts. This campaign, which is re- ported costing $20,000, of which sum CBS in New York contributed around $3,000, is being answered by an NBC-Crosley campaign on behalf of WSAI. Meantime, WKRC, the former CBS station, begins life anew as the Mutual affiliate. The whole situation of intense riv- alry is designed, on the part of WCkY-CBS, to challenge the mo- nopoly of the top drawer spot here- tofore enjoyed by Powel Crosloy's properties. Incidentally, the out- burst of rivalry probably makes Cin- cinnati stand out at the present time as the most vigorously contested (for prestige) market in the United States. Not without significance is the pretentious-sounding slogan un- derscored in his advertising by L. B. Wilson; 'Cincinnati—the radio capi- tal of America.' CIroDS Staff WCKY's exploitation campaign di- vides into several parts. "The over- all idea is to use Barnum & Bailey circus methods to drive the call let- ters and the power strength into the consciousness of the whole zone. A cute twist, characteristically Wilson- esque. is calling it 'CBS has gone WCKY,' instead of the other way around. • Beginning June 26 last, Wilson and his staff mapped a campaign, includ- ing, among many, more, the foUojy- ing elements: 1. WCKY inaugurated a series of 108 broadcasts saluting small towns and^designed to focus the attention of the outlying districts. 2. Boiler plate prepared by the Western Newspaper Union was for- warded to 150 country papers. 3. Invitations to visit WCKY were publicly extended to citizens of the BihalT"Burgs. 4. Editors, mayors, chambers of commerce personages, etc., brought into the station as guest speakers and each received a transcription of his speech and other souvenirs of the occasion. 5. As a follow-up move, Milton Bacon was hired and has been sent out through the territory as a gratis luncheon speaker. His task is to tie In WCKY with the Main Street per- Eonalities and organizations previous- ly contacted. 6. A chocolate cake contest, for fun and cash prizes (the latter put up by WCKY) is a further stunt worked in the hamlets through rural papers and the roving ambassador. All these steps are in addition to the usual heralds, booklets, car cards, window display sort of thing, in which there has been general activ- ity by all stations. The town is well plastered with paper of all kinds. The several stations involved in the ^ switch of networks have been broad- ^ minded about allowing mentions of H the switchovers. All evidently figure m this as helpful to public clarity. The campaign is far from ending with the first big splash over the last week-end (CBS salute program was Sunday at 8 p. m., simultaneous with a Mutual salute to WKRC). Lots of stunts are on tap.. Significantly, WCKY has hioved its headquarters across the Ohio river from Coving- ton to downtown Cincy. With time chanse Sunday, four stations being involved in switches by three major broadcasting sys- tems. Ballyhoo attending transfers set all time high for radio locally. Under new setup Crosley's WLW and WS.^I are exclusive NBC red and blue outlet^, WKRC joined Mutual but continues under CBS ownership and management pending FCC ap- proval of its sale to Cincinnati Times-Star. By contracts with clients Crosley stations retain several Mu- tual commercial series. All four stations shared Coast to Coast salutes by their affiliate net- works and likewise countered with greetings programs. So enthused about burg's Increased radio promi- nence was Mayor James Garfield Stewart that he doubly proclaimed this week WLW and WSAI week for NBC and WCKY for CBS. . Wilson carried special WCKY- CBS sections in local dailies. ' In singing praises of his own station and Columbia he also tossed posies at four remaining stations here. In same sections Crosley stations re- sponded with congratulations, to L, B, and CBS. City Council granted WCKY use of Fountain Square in heart of town for week's exploitation splurge, in- cluding originating point for WCKY's bow stanza on CBS, Monday aft- ernoon, in which Mayor Stewart and h; V. Kaltenborn participated. Square gaily decorated and appro- priately bannered for WCKY. Jim Shouse, general manager of Crosley stations, also went strong for exploitation of WLW and WSAI, NBC connections. Last week and this .week ten pairs of femme look- ers, attired in bright red and blue knee-length dresses and carrying parasols to match, strolled downtown and principal suburban business sec- tions. After five-day tease cam- paign parasols were lettered, herald- ing stations red and blue network identities. Still more effective in this-line is red and blue floodlights on upper half of 55-story Carew tower, city's tallest structure, and atop of which are short wave and television transmitters of Crosley stations. Bill Schudt, carrying on as WKRC general manager, made three addi- tions to his staff this week! Jack Edmunds, recently director of states for New York World's Fair, took over as' production manager. Mike Hunnicutt, formerly with NBC in Washington, became pilot of Dawn JPati;(U,. .tw9-hqur morning stint. BiU Welch, announcer, ' came from WCKY. At WCKY Wilson last week pro- moted Emerson C. Krautters to sales manager, succeeding Lloyd Venard. He also took on AI and Lee Bland, brother announcers, from WKRC. Governor as Singer Louisville, Sept 26. Gov. A. B. 'Happy' Chandler presided as m.c. on the program dedicating four new stations which joined the Mutual net- work Sunday (24). Program or- iginated in WLAP, Lexington, and'was piped to Mutual web. New stations joining were WGRC, New Albany-Louisville; WSIX, Nashville; and WCMI, Ashland. Various instrumental and vocal combinations from the Kentucky and Tennessee stations partici- pated, and highlight, was inter- view by Chandler with Man-O- War's colored trainer. Chandler has made himself popular hereabouts as a vocalist, and has a tenor voice of good quality which he uses on many occasions. His mike manner is " pleasant, and his Dixie accent is the McCoy. Bint Crosby was in New York. last week turning out Decca records in collaboration with the Andrews Sis- ters. CBS Miiiates Swap Notions On Education Chicago, Sept. 26. First educational conference of Columbia affiliates was held here at the Columbia-WBBM studios, with representatives from 18 Columbia midwest outlets on hand for the education discussion. General idea of an educational confab of affiliates caught on immediately and CBS is now readying a series of similar meetings in other sections through- out the country. The next will be held in New England. In the main, the 'convention' ton- tented itself in serving as a medium for the exchange of ideas on educa- tion broadcasts, with the 'American Sihool of the Air' rating the most time and attention from the as- semblage. Sterling Fisher, director of Colum- bia's Department of Education, led the discussions, with , WBBM offi- cials also rising for informal talks. These were Jack Van Volkenberg, general manager here for CBS and WBBM; Lavinia Schwartz, now re- gional director of education for CBS; Stan Thompson, assistant program director; Frahk"R'ahd,'" Pfess chief of CBS and WBBM here, and Ken El- lington, special events. In for the meeting were Robert Drain, WSBT; Leslie Goss, _WQC; George Halley, KMBC; Max Karl, WCCO; Emlyn Owen, WHBY and WTAQ; Irwin Johnson, WBNS; Bruce Wallace, KFAB and KOIL; Gene Trace, WMBD; Woods Dreyftij, WISN; Neil Reagan, WOC; Geraldine Elliott, WJR; Harriet Edwards, KMOX; Ed Lineham, KRNT. Ralston Hops on Uplift Band Wagon; 'dean Tiiinldng' Is Pri^am s Ann COAST AM BRANCH ELECTING OFFICERS Hollywood, Sept. 26. Election of officers and board of directors for. Coast local of Ameri- can Federation of Radio Artists will be held today (Tues.). Following nominees are on the ballot: For president: Frederic Shields, Ypez Seabury. 1st v.p.: William Brandt, Freeman High. 2nd v.p.; Frederic MacKaye, Thomas Freebairn-Smith. Srd v.p.: Homer Hall, Edward Lynn. 4Ui v.p.: Earl Ross, Howard Swart. Sth v.p.: James Eakins, Lee Millar. Recording secretary: Lucille La Pointe, Frank Nelson. Treasurer: Theodore Bliss, Louis Merrill. Nominations, for directors are; Richard Bailey, Beatrice Benaderet, Hal Berger, William Brandt, Ray- mond Clark, Sally Creighton, Wil- liam Days, Jr., Freeman High, Henry Iblings, Edward Lynn, Pat Mc- Geehan, Lee Millar, Frank Nelson, Barney Phillips, Earle Ross, Ynez Seabury, Howard Swart, Walter White. WINNIPEG CHANGES New Shows For Fall—Also New Listings For Radio Editors Law-Makers Fdled With UndeGvered Speeches, Neutrafity Issue a Headache Washington, Sept. 26. Radio will figure importantly in the neutrality fight, which looks like a severe headache for the networks. Impatient lawmakers are bursting with undelivered speeches which they fancy the audience is palpitating to hear. As was the case in the row over President Roosevelt's plan to hypo the Supreme Court, the webs will be perplexed keeping the microphone opportunities fairly bal- anced between opposing factions. Plan to be ultra-scrupulous in view of the constant threat of punish- ment for mistaken judgment and the fact that the new NAB code is over their heads. The code is a help, too, though, since it specifically re- quires donation of tirne for contro- versial public questions and will tend to impose uniformity, besides supplying an answer for overgabby solons. Hush-hush on purely partisan mat- ters is a saving phase of the situa- tion, although the Republicans are anxious to make widespread use of ,the airwaves to keep the pot sim mering in anticipation of the 1940 campaign. The G.O.P. crowd is catight in a tough predicament, how- ever, by the inabllily to tackle the neutrality issue from a political an gle and the lack of other pressing subjects to discuss. Four talks were scheduled this week by the Republican national committee, all on neutrality. Sena- tor Styles Bridges of New Hamp- shire, who has presidential lightning rods up, was skedded for two per- formances via NBC ' Red Monday (25) f-"^ CBS Saturday (30). Sen- ator !rt A. Taft of Ohio, another G.d.V. iiomination seeker, was set for the Red Saturday '(30), while Representative Hamilton Fish of New York, one of the outstanding foes of the President, soloing on CBS Monday (25). The Democrats haven't worked out a time-table, although Representa' tive T. V. Smith of Illinois, one of the livelier spielers, is back at the mike over CBS. Senator William E, Borah, mainspring of the isalation- ist bloc, did a turn last week with more blasts planned. Particularly unfortunate for the chains that all the more prominent lawmakers with a gift of gab are fighting the President Most of the Administration supporters are either poor speakers or lack a popular ap peal and prestige to command at- tention. Hence radio may be In a positloil, despite all precautions, of building up the foes of any change in the embargo.' Winnipeg, Sept. 26. "Utter confusion' is reported to be the order of the day for offices of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. State of affairs has been brought about by two things, the coming change of eastern zones from day- light to standard time, and the new- ly introduced CBC printed schedule. Schedule is current headache for the boys, with doubts still being up- permost as to eventual effectiveness. Old CBC sked was identical to cur- rent Columbia sked, only difference being CBC listing has had to cover all five time zones and regional net- works. New one will be straight mimeo job, will be issued from Re- gional offices 'and "hfence will only cover Regional networks rather than national situation. Radio editors feci this will eliminate present head- aches encountered with sorting out schedule. Program conferences are currently In progress between CBC program heads and producers. Gab has been called for. the boys to straighten out their various troubles and' endeavor to find spots for their shows. New shows already listed include a new concert show to be handled by James Roberts, new import from England to Winnipeg to conduct Male Voice Choir and Philharmonic orchestra of this city. Roberts will have Sunday afternoon show. Was formerly with Carl Rosa Opera of England. Geoffrey Waddlnglon will be changing from his concert set-up to a modern string show. Will hit air on Fridays at midnight CST. W. H. Anderson's 'Choristers and Strings' is in for a general revamping with augmented choir in the offing, and Charlie Wright's 'Merrymakers Revue' will continue, it. has been announced. Comedy, according to officials, wilt come in for major attention with 'Woodhouse and Hawkins' (Art Mc- Gregor and Frank Deavillc) going through the cleaners. Also reported a new comedy show is in the wind, this to be called 'The Two English- men* and will be handled by Tommy Tweed and Frank Wade. Idea ap- parently is to make it on the Jeeves arid Bertie Wooster type. Carl Hills, Winnipeg organist from the Garrick, will be- given a new spot on the fall sked in addition to other minor changes being effej:ted throughout the sked. Sked original- ly set to bow In this week has been set back two weeks due to war con- ditions and many last minute changes and ialtcrations. Chicago, Sept. 25. Determined effort of kid show sponsors to win full parent approval and the okay of Women's Clubs and Parents and Teachers' Associations is indicated in the general publicity release from the Gardner agency for the start of the "Tom Mix Straight Shooters' show which started on NBC yesterday (25). In part the release states: 'Always a character who shoots straight and fights for the right- Tom Mix, this year sets a new ideal in the plot of his 1939-40 air show. This year, the famous western hero turns to. the patriotic for his theme. Not flag waving, war-making patriotism, but the sound, commendable patriotism of trying to save for America a famous western section for a na- tional park. 'Such a plot provides splendid possibilities for building a pro- gram which will provide whole- some, informative entertainment as well as adventure. Education in the handling of such subjects as western forestry, animal life, ex- ploration, and the history of the early frontier will be the basis for all Tom Mix. adventures. The Straight Shooters code, so much featured in former Tom Mix shows, will again play an im- portant part, because through this code, Tom is able to instill in his listeners the principles of clean thinking and clean living which have always been cornerstones in his appeal to children. 'Ralston Purina Company, after making a careful analysis of par- ent and teacher criticisms of Chil- dren's programs in the past, have set the following formula for all Ralston Straight Shooter shows: SEEBAGH GETS- A TITLE Julius F. Seebach, WOR, N. Y., program director, .was appointed a vice-president of the outlet last week, His working status dpesn't change. He's been with the station since 1935. wholesome eiitertalnmerit: Worthwhile educational in- formation. Inspiration for better living. No objectionable suspense.' FCC Irritated, fkunmDenialls 'Unsatisfactory' Washington, Sept 26. Unsatisfactory denial that the law was violated and failure to give ■ complete explanation of what actu- ally happened put WMCA, New York, on the carpet in public as lat- est FCC attempt to find out about reported intercepting of war mes- sages. Open hearing to see whether the Donald Flamm outlet should be lined up against the wair~go«—on tomorrow (Wednesday) under a new order declaring the reply to the first ■ citation is 'not in forthright compl- ance' with order to show cause why the license should not be rescinded. After pondering reply by William Weisman, counsel and director of Knickerbocker Broadcasting Co., the Commish Wednesday (20) sum- moned officers of the station to show up for face-to-face grilling about the circumstances surrounding the broadcasting of reports that Ger- many and Great Britain had sent certain war orders to their forces via radio code. Evidence of growing irritation was " given in the formal order, and bul- warked by private comment of regu- lators who undeniably are piqued at both Flamm and the New York Her- ald Tribune. Tartly-phrased an- nouncement remarked that Weisman failed to state 'whether the station broadcast any such message knowing the same to be so intercepted.' The Commish pointed out that the re- sponse 'In lieu of disclosing all facts- and circumstances as required by the Commission's order contains In large part general averments amounting to merely conclusions of law,' that the copy of an alleged contract with the Herald-Trib was 'ambiguous and in- definite,' that oral understandings for the broadcasting of war news had not been revealed, and the affidavit 'is in other respects incomplete, evasive, and not in compliance with the Commission's order.'