Evening star., 1928-02-13
RADIO STRIKERS"
PROTEST AIR Jam
Action Seen as Rejecting
Public View of Confusion.
Commission Hampered.

Ohio radio fans have declared a
strike The movement started IN
YOUNGSTOWN, where the American
League for the Enforcement Of the
Radio Act proposes to have all its MEM
hers Shut-off loud speakers until the
Federal Radio Commission has elimi-
mated at least half of the 700 broadcast
ing stations now on the air.
Its pronunciamento has been received
by the Radio Commission. Headed by
William Gra-. president. the league
wants TO s'art Nationwide movement
to keep all rad Se-s silent until the air
Is c!eaTca CT tbs interference brought
about by thc S',pcrtiuty of stations.
Rccep:;cn conditions are described as
'intolerab.e.' The Leagues member
ship it is stated. believes that this
strike is necessary in order that the $50
stations now Confiscating our sets be
halted from 50 doing. and in order that
ve may have clear reception of the best
radio programs" The chains have also
been recipients of the pronouncement as
q threat against the advertising value
Of their programs.
Shows Public Feeling.
The Youngstown movement is not
significant. because no one expects that
listeners throughout the land will shut
Of their sets in compliance It is taken
seriously by the Radio Commission only
rs another indication Of public opinion
on the radio situation Like some mem-
oers OF Congress, the youngstown dis
SenterS feel that the only way TO clear
Up reception is to shut down some of
the lesser stations. The Radio Commits
sion agrees, but points out several OBJ
stacleS
Under the Constitution the Govern
ment cannot deprive a person of prop
erty rights without just compensation
The Radio Commission, faced with too
many stations. would like to eliminate
some Of them. but Congress has given
II scarcely enough funds for its ordinary
tasks To order half of the existing
stations to scrap their equipment, with
the consequent heavy loss Of invest
ment. would be to invite strenuous Nti-
CATION in the courts.
Litigation Seen.
The first steps in opposition doubtless
would be ;njunctions. A deluge Of court
suits would make the whole situation
SO uncertain that many stations would
operate as they pleased until the courts
passed upon the cases. A new chaos
would ensue.
The commission is urging consolida-
ton OF stations and voluntary retire.
ments from the broadcasting field. 1t
Is licensing no more new stations.
Rosa Raisa. soprano prima donna of
the Chicago Civic Opera Co., will be
the guest artist Of the General Motors
weekly family party" which will share
honors with the A. & p. Gypsies on the
program tonight OF WRC. She will be
assisted by concert orchestra under
the direction of Roderic Graham
Lewis James. tenor, will sing "On the
Banks OF the Wabash. Far Away" the
favorite selection Of Gov. Jackson Of
Indiana, as feature of the Gypsies' pro-
gram. The program has been dedicated
70 that State
The second program Of the Fisk Time
70 Retire Boys and the weekly concert
by Roxy and his gang" are other WRC
attractions. Adelaide de Loca, contralto,
VIII be the individual star Of the Roxy
program
wMALs program also includes a
number Of vocal and instrumental
solos By the following artists: Newton
A. Bell, banioist; Mary Langley. So
prano: Carl Caul. baritone. and STAN
ley William Bell, who specializes In
popular songs.
A dinner concert. the Thomas half
hour OF music and The Land Of Nod"
o period set aside for children. make
mp the evening program Of WRHF.
Miss Evelyn Reichard, who conducts
the children's period. has arranged q
number Of valentine stories.