Evening star., 1937-07-04

CoaSt-tO- coast cOVeraee even at the
present state of development.
Third chain maneuvers have been
many, the repeated failures were oc-
casioned by variety of factors-in-
sufficient initial capital, attempts at
Nationwide scope of operation at the
outset, inability to attract advertising
accounts before available funds ran
out. Mutual, however moved slowly,
functioning as a loose association of
stations. That required less money
the association was able to hold itself
together. Now, Mutual is Growing
long and loud, reporting billings Is
per cent ahead of last year, the total
for which was Sl987,573. In 1885 it
was sl,293,l03
With the powerful WOR, Newark,
serving as usual key station, the chain
includes two regional networks, as we'll
as numerous independents. In New
England, the Colonial network is an
NJ. B. S. affiliate. on the West Coast,
the long established Don Lee chain
was Weaned from another national
system. In addition the most power
full outlet in the country. 500, ,00O-watt
WLW, Cincinnati, despite another
network tie, is available to Mutual
programs. although, of course. it must
be contracted for separately 1t has
not been revealed in what quarters
the system contemplates expansion,
but there are many gaps in coverage
which are logical possibilities. While
service is "coast-to-coast, it is some
thing short of Nation wide, and rene
dying that deficiency constitutes the
next objective.
Three other projects have been dis
closed by Mutual's president. Fred
Weber. Improved sustaining service.
with emphasis on news and special
events is promised Three new CO.
operative shows, intended for sale to
local sponsors, will be ready in the
Fall These presentations offer an
opportunity not available on the other
chains-a "big-time" program, en-
ploying name" talent In other words.
the same show has host of spon-
sors, but listeners in each city hear
only about the "home-to one. The
third improvement to be sought is
closer cooperation among member
stations in the matter of their local
schedules.
Mutual would appear to be under
taking its development in a manner
both conservative and progressive The
audiences are getting and will get
larger variety of quality programs
from which to choose through the
injection Of third national net
work.
IRON Martin Lewis of Radio Guide
comes more news of the Star of
Stars Election" in which. it is dis
closed. 100000 listener votes were
cast. Comedy continues in its place
of preference with Jack Benny as
the star of stars and. naturally,
leading the comedians. as well. Eddie
Cantor and Milton Berle finished
in the second and third comedy
notches. Benny's announcer -stooge,
Don Wilson, rode to the top of his
division. with Tiny Ruffner and JIM
my Wallington following.
Increased interest in semi-classical
songs is indicated in the showing
made by Nelson Eddy, who placed sec
ond in the star Of stars" rankings,
first among classical singers. second
among actors, fourth among popular
singers. The program on which he
has been featured placed No 2 in
the musical program array.
Here are the other results:
Cildren's programs-The Singing
Lady, Kaltenmeyer's Kindergarten
and Little Orphan Annie.
Musical programs-ShowB Boat, Open
House and Crosby's Music Hall.
Dance orchestras-Wayne King,
Guy Lombardo and Shep Fields.
Dramatic programs-One Mans
Family, Radio Theater and First
Nighter
Male popular singers-Bing Crosby,
Lanny Ross and Kenny Baker
Female popular singers-Frances
Langford, Kate Smith and Jessica
Dragonette.
Sports announcers-Ted Husing,
Graham McNamee and Bob Elsen.
Actors-Don Ameche, Nelson Eddy
and Lanny Ross.
Actresses-Helen Hayes, jeanette
Macdonald and Joan Blaine
Classical singers-Nelson Eddy, !
Ianny Ross and Grace Moore.
Promising starS-Deanna Durbin,
Bobby Breen and Edgar Bergen.
mentators-Boake Carter. Low
ell Thomas and Walter Winchell.
TODAYS programs-Bobby Breen,
boy soprano, Marion Claire grand
opera and radio soprano; Gertrude
Berg, author of the story which fur
nishes the latest screen vehicle of
the first two; the Goldman Band,
Irwin S. Cobb with humorous stories,
the Revelers Quartet and John B.
Kennedy, describing the Boy Scout
Jamboree, comprise the lineup for
the Magic Key program-WMAL at
-. zasu Pitts makes a guest ap-
pearance with Don Ameche-WRC at
Music from the National Music
Camp at Interlachen, Mich, goes on
the air through WMAL at 9 Ed
mund Lowe is guest star of the Sum
day Night Party-WRC at 9 The
American Legion's Fourth of july
celebration in independence Hall,
Philadelphia, with the Liberty Bell be-
Ing struck by Mayor S. Davis Wilson,
Is a WJSV feature at | o'clock
Harry Won zell begins his Summer
series tonight, with Stoopnagle and
Budd, Vivian Della Chiesa, the Cappy
Barra Harmonica Band and Ken
Chrlstie's Swing Choir helping to
start things off-WJSV, $50
Jane Froman takes over the starring
spot formerly occupied by Jack
Benny, with Fred Lightner as guest
comic. Don Ross as master of cere-
monies. Tune TWisters as singers
WRC at s E. Del Casino makes his
Neh,lf o;o1