Evening star., 1938-11-15
Finding and Training
Radio Talent Is Vast
Job, F. {. Is Told
N. B. G. Official Tells of
Elaborate Set-up to
Provide for Programs

Unprecedented demand for enter
tainment talent has forced the radio
broadcasting companies to establish
elaborate machinery for finding and
training those having ability along
these lines, the Federal Communi-
cations Commission was told today
by Dan S. Tuthill, managing direc-
tor of N. B. G. Artists Service. Inc.
Pointing out how the wide and
competitive reception of radio pro-
grams prevents duplication of ma
terial presented, Mr.. Tuthill de-
clared such requirements in talent
far surpass those of the vaudeville
stage or other entertainment media.
The commission is hearing testi-
mony of alleged monopolistic condi-
tlons in the broadcasting industry.
Freed Advice for Artists.
Mr.. Tuthill also emphasized that
there is no other medium which can
bring an obscure artist into promi-
nence better than broadcasting. He
explained that the handling of tai
lent covered a greater sphere than
mere placing of them before the
microphone. Special employees are
retained to advice artists on the kind
Of apartments they should rent, how
much money they should put into
the bank to meet any unemploy-
ment which they may face, and how
they should dress. In some cases a
professional hairdresser and make
up artist are engaged for them.
Mr.. Tuthlll then cited some of the
outstanding artists who were
brought from obscurity by the Art
lists Service into national promi-
nence.
One of these was Russ Morgan,
who, the witness declared, was un-
known three years ago, but now is
head of a national music organiza-
ton with a salary which has grown
from SIS to $4,000 or 81 900 a week.
Another was Fibber MCGEE. who, he
said, went from $3.50 a week to $4,000
or more.
All Employees Scouts.
Every one in the organization is a
talent scout. Mr.. Tuthill said, from
page boy to president. All are ex-
pected to bring to the attention of
officials any talent appearing to be
outstanding.
He said that while radio talent
once was centered in New York, now
there are three main centers-NeW
York, Hollywood and Chicago.
Other witnesses scheduled to testi-
fv today were Hugh M. Beville,
head of the N B c. statistical de-
partment, and John Royal, vice
president of N. B. C. in charge of
programs.
Long Inquiry in Prospect.
The hearings are expected to con-
tinue for three months, as the F.
c. c. seeks to get all pertinent factu-
al material about the broadcasting
business in the United States. The
upshot of the inquiry will be a re-
port to Congress and perhaps
changes in the Communications Act,
under which the F.. c. C. regulates
the radio industry. Columbia Broad
casting System, Mutual Broadcast
ing System and other witnesses will
follow N B. C. representatives to
the stand.
Maj. David Sarnoff, president of
the Radio Corp. of America and
chairman of N. B. c.. which is
owned by R. C. A. suggested yes
terday that in the future radio be
permitted to regulate itself under
a stringent code. Mr.. Dempsey de-
clined to cross-examine Maj. Sar-
noff on the ground that he had
offered opinions but no facts to
guide the commission.
Alleged monopolistic tendencies in
the radio industry are the chief
target of the investigation. Mai.
Sarnoff said that no person or COR
poration owns more than one-half
of l per cent of R. C. A. stock
Frank E. Mason, N B. c. vice presi-
dent, testified that N. B. c. con-
trols these four corporations 100 per
cent: Civic Concerts Service. Artist
Service Of Massachusetts,. Artist
Service of Pennsylvania and
WTAM. Cleveland, which is now
Icing dissolved.