Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-28
c. B. s. CHAIN SEEKS
CAPITAL BOOSTER
Radio Commission Approval
Asked for Synchroniza-
ton Experiment.


an experimental 250-watt booster sta
ton in washington. to carry in syn
chronization for II hours daily the
programs of WABC, the Columbia
Broadcasting Systems key station in
New York City was announced today
by William S. Paley president Of the
coaSt-to coast network
Attention was directed to the fact
that IL approved by the comm. Ssion. this
will be the first time in the history OF
American radio that key station has
been linked en- its own wave-length
with a booster" to repeat all its pro-
grams. Thus the citizens of the Ma
TONS Capital would receive the same
service that WABC renders New York
on a wave-length which, in so far as
Washingtonians are concerned, Is now
virtually going to waste. The project
represents an attempt at conservation
OF a vital national reSource-the Ma
tons broadcaSting channels.
Marks Broadcast Advance.
1--WE are hopeful" Mr. Paley said.
'that the Federal Radio Commission
will agree with us that real service to
washington and the Nation can be
given under the arrangement we pro-
pose. At the same time We believe this
drastic experiment will mark an adj
vance for the radio broadcaSting in
duStry as a whole, demonstrating the
possibilities of synchronization to de-
gree never before attempted. In select
ing Washington as the scene of cur ex-
pertinent we have been guided by our
belief that the Nations Capital is en-
titled to full and complete access to
Columbia programs in their entirety.
If the Columbia application Is grant,
ed it was explained, Station WMAL in
washington win continue its affiliation
with the Columbia Broadcasting Sys-
tenn probably for several months after
the expiration of its present contract.
November IL, 1881 1t was estimated
that the construction would require at
least 90 days after commission approval
is obtained
M. A. Leese. owner of radio station
WMAL. said that the relationship be-
tween his station and Columbia re-
mains extremely cordial
The new arrangement, II consum-
mated, he pointed out would give
WMAL more time on the air in which
to give additional local service to
Washington listeners. Because of de-
mand for time on WMAL by the net
work 1t was becoming extremely diff-
cult TO take care of local broadcasts Of
primary interest to the citizens of the
Capital.
Relations Good"
''In the three years that WMAL has
been carrying Columbia programs" Mr..
Leese said, the relationship between
nv station and Columbia at all times
has been one OF frank dealing and mu-
tual cooperation. We anticipate con-
tinuing on this basis. have the kind
est feeling toward the Columbia Broad
casting System Its executives from
Mr. Paley down, have always dealt with
this station on an extremely equita BILE
basis. We hope to continue and i'm
prove our broadcasting service in the
interest of Washington listeners"
Station WMAL has given the Co.
lumbia Broadcasting System conscien-
tious service" Mr. Paley said. But
there Is a mutual feeling between Mr.
do justice to broadcasting Of local pro-
grams as long as 1t carries also the
heavy responsibility Of serving the net
work adequately in the Capital.
WAdAL's status in Washington as a
local station Is very high. There is a
real need for its l1igh-class local serv-
ices There IS a definite and growing
need for the Columbia network TO have
a full-tiTne. Columbia controlled station
in Washington when service both to
the Capital and TO the Nation is con-
sidered.
Most Of the Presidents addresses are
delivered IN Washington. The National
Radio Forum, arranged by The Star,
originates in Washington On the Co
lumbia network from Washington APP
pear most OF the nationally and inter-
nationally prominent men and women
who live and work In washington or
visit there, and who make our govern
mental and economic structures. II Is
Columbia's wish TO place at the dis
posal of these individuals the finest and
most complete radio broadcaSting serv-
Ice available.
important Experiment"
The technical aspect of the proposed
change in ColumbiaS Washington facii-
flies was explained in detail in the APP
pIication fled with the commission II
was revealed that the proposed change
Is in a large measure. an important ex-
pertinent and a forward step in broad
casting For the first time. the applica-
ton said, an attempt TO employ an an
tenna designed TO suppress ''the high
angle sl.y-wave" will be made In past
standardization attempts. the applica-
tion said 1t is generally understood
that the high-ansle slzywave has caused
unsatisfactory reception in certain areas
and has been chief source Of diff
Guilty"
Standardization offers interesting
possibilities for conservation and more
efficient use Of the Nations natural re-
sources represented by the frequencies
set aside for broadcasting" the applica-
ton said No standardization tests are
in prog ess IN which the originating
station utilities an antenna designed 10
suppress the high-angle sky wave. An
ticipating the possibilities of rendering
more widespread service to larger
audience by making more efficient use
Of its cleared channel the applicant has
expended more than 500 600 TO develop
and erect for WABC Skv-wave-sup-
pressing antenna consisting Of a single
tower radiator 665 feet IN height, the
first Of its kind In the country.
Since the sky wave has caused most
OF the difficulty in synchroniZation tests,
we believe that with the 665-foot sky
waye-Suppressing tower sntenns soon 10
BE- under operation with so kilowatts by
WABC. and with which the proposed
250-watt booster in Washington would
be synchronized By wire line we would
be able TO develop important informal
ton on synchronization and TO render
unusual program service to Washington
and vicinity without interfering with
the normal rural service Of WABC In
ADDITION. the operation Of the booster
would not cause interference with any
existing stations The experimental
ope' alton herein proposed viii produce
extremely useful data al Of which would
be made available 70 the commission
and its stan
The application reiterated Mr. Palsy's
observation that Official Washington
through the use Of the booster would
be able 70 enjoy the very best national
and international features afforded by
the Columbia Broadcasting System. +"
The application also said that the po-
liticsl Capital Of the Nation has unique
importance from the standpoint Of net
work broadcasting
Although the application stated the
location would be in the Washington
E1sftlf{Hey he ~ a