Chapter 3. Cleveland Radio and the 2nd World War

Most Cleveland radio outlets experienced significant profit gains by the early ‘40s.  The eagerness of successful sponsors to invest in new programs meant that the Great Depression was finally ending.  Equally importance, their wide-ranging coverage of the war effort not only proved conclusively that local broadcasting had reached a new level of maturity; but also, that its uncanny ability to present accurate information quickly had improved by a 100% in just ten short years.  Following the Pearl Harbor attack, radio stations increasingly served as the first line of defense, the go-between between the feds and the public.  In particular, they painstakingly described how modern-day warfare operated and how listeners might help in this effort.  Cleveland radio and the 2nd World War were dedicated to achieving one thing defeating the Axis powers as soon as possible.

Continually promoting patriotism during this unprecedented national emergency became one of the chief intentions of Cleveland broadcasting throughout the war.  Deemed crucial for national defense, federal censorship ruled the day once the U.S. entered this conflict.  As everyone soon understood “loose lips sink ships.”  Surprisingly, tighter federal restrictions did not appear to lessen the quality of local broadcasts.  Everything from comedy to drama and from quiz shows to sports events appeared to brighten up the daily lives of civilians.  Frequent newscasts, in-depth war-related discussions and instructive talk shows rounded off the mix.  In their own way, each component served the public’s needs.

As the war intensified, commentaries from respected journalists and religious services led by well-respected leaders increasingly shared the spotlight.  Radio’s daily business proceeded along energetically with only a few changes in ownership or network affiliation.  One major change involved two Northeast Ohio stations who agreed to switch places while a second one compelled NBC to sell its once-prized Blue Network.  You might recall that NBC owned and operated both Red and Blue since the late ‘20s.  By the mid-‘30s, rumors were spreading that the FCC was not very happy with that cozy arrangement.  Government officials believed that if things continued along unchecked those NBC hookups would eventually control all facets of radio broadcasting.  The resulting monopoly would be unfair especially for struggling independents.

However, all of that was little more than conjecture until May ‘40 when the FCC circulated a harsh report condemning NBC’s recent actions against its competitors.  Based on that three-year probe, the feds concluded that the future health of the broadcasting industry depended on NBC relinquishing its control of the Blue network.  Rather than fight, NBC’s Board of Directors on July 30, 1943 sold Blue dot to Edward J. Noble the President of Life Saver Candies for $8,000,000.^[1]  Hoping to remain competitive led Blue’s new owners to continue to feature some of its earlier highly successful shows while regularly expanding its existing lineup. Surprisingly, it still rented space from its former parent company NBC as well as continue to rely on its staff for help.  Following the war, Blue became the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).  In ’46, NBC’s flagship station took a very bold step by changing its call letters from WEAF to WNBC.  Eight years later it became WRCA only to resurface as WNBC Radio 66 in 1960.  Blue’s flagship station WJZ became the all-new 770 WABC in ‘53.  NBC’s relinquishing of its Blue connection inspired CBS, Mutual and other independents to not only expand the scope and nature of their daily programming; but also, to initiate a host of other business and technical breakthroughs.

Many of those technical advances were placed on hold.  The possibility of sabotage along with other more pressing war-related matters took precedent.  Yet, radio leaders continued to speak openly about the growing possibilities awaiting commercial television after the war and the major roles they expected to play in its development.  Apparent slowdowns in technology did not adversely affect major radio stations like WHK as they eagerly embraced challenging new programs in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s.^[2]  One show presented by the Cleveland Bar Association in January ’40 seriously questioned the value of independent federal agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board.^[3]  A second one hosted by Women’s Activities Director Eleanor Hanson discussed the provocative new fashion wear exhibited at the Women’s Fashion Institute’s Spring Show in ‘41.  Another one “Young Lawyers Stage Quiz Show” also caught the public’s fancy.^[4]  Still others dealt with a host of critical issues ranging from city charter reforms to new training programs for firemen.  Controversial shows were right up 1420’s alley.

WHK’s mood lightened considerably in the spring of ’40 when it proudly aired both the “Lake Erie Girl Singers” and the Cleveland Indians.^[5]  Popular civic events presented that same year included a “Mother’s Day Salute” on May 12th and an Early Settler’s Association’s ceremony at City Hall that July.^[6]  The August 8th dedication of the new Coast Guard Station also drew a large and enthusiastic audience.^[7]  Others such as the “Year of War” and “Wake Up America” reminded everyone about the terrible toll that war places on everyone’s lives.^[8]  A critical conversation that November led by Shaker Hts. High School students focused on democracy while Christmas Carols courtesy of Society for Savings wished everyone “good cheer” during the Holiday season.^[9]

Recurring news flashes, wide-ranging newscasts and in-depth forums distinguished the winter of ’41 roster.  Civic-minded Clevelanders repeatedly tuned in to hear the breaking news delivered by WHK’s ace city hall reporter Nickey Barnett.  They also listened attentively to the many Rotary International broadcasts.^[10]  That same year, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History achieved yet another milestone when it introduced a new show aimed specifically for children between the ages of 10 and 13.^[11]  WHK’s audience in March ’41 also enjoyed a special Cleveland Indians exhibition game originating from Cuba.  Many Clevelanders enthusiastically listened to “Defense in Action” which spotlighted the crucial defense work being done by local manufacturers such as the National Acme Tool Company.^[12]  Two highly informative Cleveland Bar Association programs also debuted that spring.  One of those shows discussed the importance of having a will while the other explained how our probate court works.^[13]  Culturally attuned listeners perked up when the Director of the Museum of Fine Arts detailed the upcoming ’41 spring show while others were highly amused by the antics of specially trained dogs that played both the drums and pianos.

Station officials proudly broadcasted the Children’s Safety Rally held in Parma, OH on May 20th while hundreds of “Dream House Contest” entries flooded its studios.^[14]   For classical music lovers, WHK presented a Cleveland Pops Concert that June conducted by Rudolph Ringwall.  The Quiz Kids 1st anniversary show tried to predict what the world might be like in ten years.^[15]  On a lighter side, Suzanne’s Charm School still aired its popular Saturday offering.^[16]  For those looking to do something special they might consider visiting WHK’s downtown studios to see an interesting film clip called “Song of a City.”^[17]  Brown Brothers Furniture’s ever popular “Rhythm by Request” continued to delight listeners every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning while a gripping new detective series called “Mike & Kitty” provided lots of adventure Friday evening.^[18]  It also broadcasted the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra on November 1st while Kurtz Furniture’s “World News” was still heard twice daily and every Sunday.^[19]

In January 1942, Duke Lidyard proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of his popular show “Junior Showboat.”^[20]  The following month, Program Director W. (Bud) Richmond unveiled his latest 15-minute nightly newscast appropriately called “News by Richmond.”^[21]  The Mutual Broadcasting System honored WHK on its 20th anniversary by airing a special coast to coast broadcast of “Mutual Goes Calling.”^[22]  Three months later, Eleanor Hanson introduced a vital, new series called “What I Can Do to Help Win the War.”^[23]  Wanting to improve its newscasts led WHK’s board of directors in ’43 to hire the very controversial Sheelah Carter.  She was the sister of the popular MBS broadcaster Boake Carter.^[24]

With great fanfare the resourceful Cleveland comedian Jack Pearl returned to the local airways on an updated version of “Cresta’ Blanca Carnival.”  The addition of “Mutual Matinee” in ’43 significantly expanded WHK’s daily musical offerings.  That February, the Cleveland Painter’s District Council described in detail how its highly prized union operated while Thompson Products underwrote a new Tuesday night show called “Victory Hour.”  Mid-September saw Federal Judge Robert N. Wilkin discuss the U.S. Constitution and on the evening of September 26th the celebrated religious leader of the Euclid Avenue Temple Rabbi Barnett Brickner welcomed in the Jewish New Year.^[25]

In February 1944, Mary K. Brown discussed the critical role played by the American Red Cross in the current war effort followed two months later by an entertaining concert originating again from Camp Perry.  Cleveland Rams football and “For Women Only” enlarged WHK’s fall roster while the Cotton Bowl pitting Oklahoma against Texas Christian University helped to welcome in the New Year.  WHK’s airways in ’45 proudly profiled courageous Cleveland servicemen while the Kiwanis Club Citation Luncheon took center stage on May 11th.  “All Night Party” sponsored by the Burt Company lightened up the summer lineup.  When the war ended, WHK’s many fans turned their attention towards a host of new offerings. They included Dave Elman’s Radio Auction and Taylor’s Fashion Shop’s Salute.  The November ’45 roster showcased the “Bond Jamboree” hosted by Gene Kelly while the amazing magician Blackstone still dazzled local radio audience.  Nineteen forty-five ended with a useful new offering called “WHK Bungalow for Jobs” while a “Flag-Raising Sesquicentennial Opener” set the tempo for future broadcasts.

Always priding itself as a community leader, WHK never wavered when it came to supporting Cleveland’s ever growing fine arts scene.  In April ’42 its long-time Program Director Pinky Hunter donated the station’s massive record collection to the Cleveland Public Library’s Fine Arts Department.  Caught up in the war effort, its highly patriotic staff contributed countless hours to community activities and charitable events.  It began with Eleanor Hanson becoming the Chairperson of Women’s Radio Activities for the War Savings Staff of Ohio.  WHK in a bold step joined MBS in September ’42 while its long-standing newscaster Murray Young proudly celebrated his 500th broadcast.  In January 1943, the Cleveland Plain Dealer ran an in-depth story on WHK’s vigorous General Manager and Vice President H.K. Carpenter.  At the same time, that radio outlet began airing detailed news reports from Washington D.C. through both its Mutual and United affiliates.  Its highly touted Victory Book Campaign called “Give More Books,” became the in thing for many Clevelanders beginning that February.^[26]  The summer of ’43 saw Russell Wise, formerly of WTAM, joining the WHK staff while the recently reorganized Blue network announced plans to hook up with WJW radio once it relocated to Cleveland.

Sheela Carter’s 5 p.m. newscast was an instant success.^[27]  Most importantly, it guaranteed her a renewed contract in April ’44.^[28]  Beginning that May, WHK’s engineers started providing the Hippodrome Theatre with narrative news clips.^[29]  The feds quickly approved WCLE’s move to Akron while it still considered United Broadcasting’s earlier request that three of its prime Ohio outlets WHK, WHKK, and WHKC be granted television licenses.  Never overlooking a golden opportunity when it appeared, H.K. Carpenter got the FCC to authorize a new, in-state radio network.  Consisting of 20 stations with 1420 AM as its lead, its intention was to increase listenership while lowering costs.  This would be achieved by broadcasting some of the same programs to its member stations.  CBS owned outlets in the ‘70s and ‘80s followed a similar tactic.

Hoping to create an even clearer sound with a greater broadcasting range by assimilating select AM and FM bands was one new idea proposed by United Broadcasting in the spring of ’40.  Although it went nowhere, the FCC did allow 1420 AM to increase its nighttime power to 5,000 watts.  At year’s end, WHK petitioned to relocate WCLE to 600 on the AM band with the intention of making it full service.  If that had occurred, it would have been able to broadcast non-commercial Blue programs during peak evening hours.  Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.  In February ’41, virtually all broadcasters began preparing for the recent federal order requiring them to move further down the AM dial.  However, that didn’t apply to WCLE.

Variety may have been the spice of life for Cleveland broadcasters but not for WTAM.  Much of its late ‘30s programs were to say the least boring.  As a 50,000 watts clear channel Red dot outlet it expected to have a strong regional following.  However, that didn’t mean that it reigned supreme at home.  New York’s top brass recognized that change was necessary and in January 1940 WTAM began shedding its earlier, doughty image. A rousing Saturday afternoon show with the Dix’ers out of Herman Pirchner’s Alpine Village topped its new and exciting lineup.  That was followed in February with its musical director Lee Gordon hosting the popular “Ribs and Roasts of 1940″ as part of the Annual Cleveland Baseball Writers Association meeting.^[30]  The next month, spotlighted Public Hall’s Easter Morning Service, “Travelogs in Health,” and “Sohio News Reports.”  The long awaited annual “May Show” at the Cleveland Museum of Fine Arts received rave reviews as did the June 28th broadcasted of the “Festival of Freedom.”  July audiences loved the different musical performances originating out of the Cedar Point Music Camp.^[31]  The “Give a Dime” campaign dedicated to fighting infantile paralysis highlighted the ‘41 winter schedule while the summer roster starred the pleasant sounds of Dorothy Crandall’s “Music Box.”  Its fall schedule included a rousing speech from Governor John W. Brickner on Ohio’s Unemployment Compensation Law Amendments while charity football brightened WTAM’s electrifying its November calendar.

WTAM’s band leader Lee Gordon began the ‘42 broadcasting season by directing his own swinging group called the “Gordonaires.”  The March “Sportsman Show” was followed four months later by the Campfire Girls’ visiting Jane Weaver.  Intending to increase the sales of war bonds and stamps, WTAM along with the Greater Cleveland War Savings Committee, hosted another popular summer concert from Camp Perry.  Starting that September, it also began broadcasting Ohio State games out of Columbus’s “horseshoe” stadium.  Station-wide officials also participated in a massive recruiting effort aimed at hiring large numbers of factory workers.

With the New Year approaching, WTAM dedicated more of its broadcasting time to the Office of Price Administration (OPA).  An outgrowth of the Emergency Price Control Act of ’42, this independent federal agency was responsible for first imposing and then enforcing price limits on nearly all products as well as rationing essential supplies.  OPA discussions ranged from what was occurring on the home front and the need to keep your car in good working order to how to deal with food deficits and the best ways to cope with unreasonable landlords.

Similar focus groups in ‘43 addressed complications related to food rationing and price controls.  An exciting new Sunday night show begun that summer, detailed day excursions one might like to take to various local landmarks.  They included the Cleveland Garden Center, the Museum of Fine Arts, Severance Hall and Western Reserve University.  WTAM’s lighter side shone through in January ’44 with the debut of the “Gene Carroll, Jack and Lena Quiz Show.”  That May, Sohio launched its own offering called “Ohio These Are Your Sons.”  “Ohioans on War Duty” was yet another winner later that summer.  WTAM broadcasted the gala “War Chest Festival” that October and a very special 75th anniversary celebration of Sohio as a way of welcoming in the ‘45 season.  On January 27th, WTAM made another appeal for more factory workers.

WTAM aired the Cleveland Church Federation’s United Protestant Noonday Services during Lent while observing the 100th anniversary of Baldwin-Wallace College that June.  That same month, Lee Gordon initiated his own new afternoon slot along with a special recruiting program by the 5th regiment of the Ohio State Guard.  Happy listeners enjoyed the brand new “Gene Carroll Comedy Show” starting September 27th.  The end of the year saw the Cleveland Museum of Health’s present a special 5th anniversary celebration.  The future success of WTAM was all but assured.  Yet, its programmers were perplexed regarding what returning GIs and their families might want to hear on 1100 AM.  However, they were sure that with their help they could figure it out.

Business prospects seemed particularly bright for WTAM as it entered the 1940s.  That pleased its New York bosses who envisioned an even bigger role for it in the foreseeable future.  At the same time, NBC’s leadership knew that the 2nd World War was fast approaching.  That June, NBC made it clear to its many listeners that it intended to do everything possible to protect its transmitters from sabotage.  Hoping to keep spirits alive, WTAM’s General Manager Vernon Pribble began recognizing the many contributions made by smaller communities towards improving the quality of life for all Ohioans.  The November ‘40 salute to Mansfield, OH was just such a greeting.^[32]

In February ’41, Vernon Pribble addressed the Mid-West Educational Conference on Radio.  A short time later, NBC and the American Federation of Radio Artists announced that they had reached a tentative agreement calling for a 10% salary increase for all announcers.  On a more serious note, NBC that June lodged a formal complaint against the FCC when it proposed tighter controls on network-owned outlets.  NBC feared it might have to turn over WTAM to the Mutual Broadcasting System if that network could not secure a proper affiliate quick enough.  Fortunately, WHK soon joined MBS prevented that from happening.^[33]

The Cleveland Writers Club in ’42 received from WTAM’s highly respected Director of Dramatic and Script Department Waldo Pooler some reasonable options designed to limit overcrowding on the AM dial.^[34]   At year’s end, it honored the memory of Ensign William Halloran, the first Clevelander killed at Pearl Harbor.^[35]  Its veteran announcer Jane Weaver and her husband left dreary northeast Ohio for the sunny climes of southern California in November ‘43.^[36]  Three months later, WTAM interviewed seven Cleveland servicemen stationed overseas.^[37]  As a public service, its engineers installed a new state of-the-art loudspeaker at East 9th Street and Superior Avenue as a way of broadcasting the news.^[38]    Vernon Pribble thanked his very loyal work crew by throwing them a big Christmas bash in ’44 at the Hotel Lake Shore.

On January 11, 1945, the Cleveland Plain Dealer recognized the amazing career of Chet Zohn.^[39]  Originally signed on as WTAM singer, Zohn rose quickly within the ranks to become its Production Director, then Head of Night Operations and finally Program Activities Chief.  Eight Ohio soldiers stationed in the South Pacific sent special greetings to their mothers on Mother’s Day.^[40]  This outlet and its sister stations promoted a first of its kind Student Workshop hosted by The Ohio State University.  It would prepare students for careers within budding new FM outlets dedicated to educational programming.  Regarding future technical advances, 1100 AM, like its rivals, remained quiet during the war.  However, once the fighting ceased, NBC, Dumont, Scripps Howard, WHK, WGAR and WJW immediately applied for television licenses.^[41]  The FCC eventually awarded them to Scripps Howard, Dumont and NBC.

Regarding WCLE, it was apparent from the first day of their merger that WHK thought of its new sister station as an albatross around its neck. That meant while its competitors were encouraged to experiment with new programs and lucrative advertising prospects, WCLE was forced to practice more conventional business practices.  It did its best to assist in the war effort by offering fine entertainment along with in-depth newscasts and informative talk shows.  In response, the United Broadcasting Company provided WCLE with a wide range of non-commercial offerings and ethnic shows.

During the ‘30s, WCLE broadened its listening-base substantially by successfully inserting popular nationality shows into its expanded lineup.  Affordable, tailor-made programs ensured its success and enabled WCLE in ‘40 to request a larger budget.  At the same time, its higher ups repeatedly pressured WHK for even greater opportunities.  Its marginal gains enabled WHK managers to keep its sister station in limbo.  Adding the popular Christian Science services to the WCLE Sunday lineup starting in January 1940 symbolized a major step forward as was the reenactment that February of Abraham Lincoln’s historic visit to Cleveland in 1861.^[42]  Unfortunately, those gains were soon undermined when the Ohio Industrial Union attacked WCLE for what it believed to be unreasonable censorship policies.^[43]  WCLE roared right back in March when it scheduled popular vaudeville acts courtesy of the Great Cleveland Association of Retail Bakers.  Live dugout interviews prior to Cleveland Indians games added to the fun.

Exclusive interviews with Superman’s creators Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel and the all-new “Burt’s Amateur Show” were two big events in June ’40.  At that same time, “Old World Melodies” celebrated its 300th broadcast on WCLE while stockyard reports still enjoyed a big following.  That fall, one of Cleveland’s most respected sportswriter Jerry Brondfield began a new sports show while Bing Furniture’s entertaining piano marathon received critical acclaim.^[44]  The year ended on a positive note with Henry Hiser’s “Helping the Farmer” while the Philadelphia Orchestra led by Eugene Ormandy continued to be enjoyed by many of WCLE’s most discerning listeners.

Variety spots and quiz shows dominated the ’41 roster.  WCLE’s many educational programs including Mrs. Donald Peabody’s discussions of her recent trip to Sumatra as well as the London Times correspondent Sir Willmott Lewis rousing talk about the perils of free speech were very popular with many listeners.  A special community effort dedicated to teaching the deaf how to speak and Betty Rohan’s “Fashion Talk” weekdays at 11:30 a.m. highlighted that spring’s lineup.  In September WCLE aired “Traffic Safety Quiz.”  That show pitted girl roller skaters against traffic cops in a very heated competition.  Two months later, it offered spiritually enlightening Christmas music while Sam Levine’s bowling show “Strikes and Spares” was what sports-minded Clevelanders wanted to hear regularly.  The Jewish Welfare drive, the re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Erie and “Platter Parade” made its ‘42 schedule something special.  Christmas week focused on non-war stories while calisthenics led by Leo Fredericks ruled the airwaves Monday through Friday starting at 9:30 a.m.^[45]    The important role of women in war gained a sizeable following in February ‘43 while music lovers turned to “The Record Album” to hear the latest hits.

A special WCLE show in May investigated children’s health issues while an equally informative session explored government rationing problems.  Growing war concerns resulted in a detailed 6:45 p.m. weekday newscasts starting May 26th.  Vital issues such as juvenile delinquency; the crucial need for more women marines and the growing importance of the War Chest were also aired.  WCLE took great pride in its top-rated religious programs that included “Firsthand Christianity.”  That March, Msgr. John P. Treacy explained the significance of “Holy Week” from the Roman Catholic perspective while a Sunday variety show “Burt’s Big Broadcast” debuted mid-May.  Its fall schedule featured the Sears Farm Journal as well as the launching of the U.S.S. Dearborn.  Although the public might not have been aware of the growing tension between WCLE and WHK, industry leaders knew something was wrong since 58% of their programs were the same.

WCLE’s inability to control its own destiny became even clearer in April ’40 when WHK asked the feds to move its sister station from 610 to 640 on the AM dial.^[46]  United Broadcasting wanted to reserve the prestigious 610 spot for WHKC its Columbus station.  WHK officials also requested from the FCC an increase in WCLE’s power to 1000 watts; a three hour extension of its broadcasting day plus a new transmitter.  Had the FCC approved those three petitions it would have increased WCLE’s market value.  Of course it never happened.  In ’41 the FCC ruled against WCLE’s application to broadcast more of the popular MBS night offerings.  Station officials had hoped that the addition of more outstanding programs to its evening roster might meaningfully increase WCLE’s audience size.  At that same time, rumors began to surface that a prominent Cincinnati democrat wanted to buy WCLE.  However, nothing transpired.

WHK tried desperately to bolster WCLE’s sagging ratings by introducing a 6:45 p.m. newscast.  In July 1943, the FCC expanded its broadcasting day from 7:00 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.  That was followed in December when United Broadcasting Company asked the feds to transfer WCLE’s license to Akron.^[47]  It further requested a longer broadcasting day, new call letters and a switch to 640 on the AM dial.  Fortunately, Akron’s business community favored the move once it learned that WJW was planning to leave the “Rubber City” for Cleveland.  In the fall of ’44, WCLE started its move to Akron, the state’s 5th largest city.^[48]  It soon reappeared in Akron as the all-new WHKK, a 1,000 watts outlet located at 640 AM.  Two seasoned radiomen James Hill and Lew Henry coordinated this effort.  Unfortunately, red tape delayed the final move until February ‘45.  However, that postponement did not stop Akron from welcoming its newest outlet.  On February 26, 1945 the Goodyear Theatre held a welcoming celebration.^[49]  WCLE’s arrival as WHKK opened up numerous new business opportunities for the previously struggling station.  Its successor WHLO became a favorite rock ‘n’ roll station for Akron teens in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.   It’s still on the air.

WGAR’s newly expanded roster began in February 1940 when the Director of the Cleveland Museum of Fine Arts talked about his newest exhibits on the “Cultural Institute of the Air.”^[50]  That same month, Sidney Andorn hosted the Western Reserve University Junior Prom from the Statler Hotel downtown.  Morning devotionals were heard daily starting in March ’40 while Wayne Mack orchestrated a Cleveland Rotary Club luncheon honoring the Red Cross.  A solemn Memorial Day program at Public Square also received special attention as did the CIO Workers Meeting at Precision Castings held later that summer.  Cleveland Protestant Churches hosted a “Prayer for Peace Day” on September 8th followed by a special forum called “Democracy and the Law.”  Jack Horwitz also gave a stirring patriotic musical salute before the September 22nd Rams-Eagles football game.^[51]  A leading Cleveland Planner Leo Weidenthal unveil the city’s latest rendering of a new cultural center dedicated to the city’s founders at year’s end while the ever-popular Cleveland Indians shortstop Lou Boudreau engaged in a heartfelt talk with one of his favorite sportscaster Bob Kelley in January ‘41.^[52]

WGAR listeners participated in freewheeling question and answer sessions with their state legislators in February ’42 on “Question of the Week.”  That same spring, Margaret M. Clark read “Beauty and the Beast” to enthusiastic children while their parents listened at the same time to “Classics We Hate.”  WGAR’s News Director Ralph Worden’s new show “Neighborhood” chatted about Western Reserve history that June.^[53]  The fall lineup featured John Carroll University football, a “Family Hour” and an amateur show acknowledging the critical role played by our defense workers in the current war effort.  Highlighting the ’42 radio season was the National Conference of Christians and Jews discussion “The Cleveland Experiment” while the Urban League’s Executive Secretary Sidney R. Williams examined the growing role of blacks in America’s war production.^[54]  WGAR hosted a fun filled “Easter Egg Hunt” on Saturday April 4th while Spanish lessons keynoted the popular Friday afternoon schedule.

Show stoppers such as the Hungarian Gardens Picnic and the Vaughn Monroe orchestra added even more distinction to its summer lineup.  November showcased a city-wide sing along while a nail-biting Case-Western Reserve University football classic that kept listeners glued to their chairs.^[55]  As part of its expanding outreach effort, WGAR radio aired a special January ’43 discussion devoted to selective service.^[56]  That March, it broadcasted a Cleveland City Club forum on the importance of censorship while Bob Becker presented his “Chats About Dogs” Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.  WGAR prepared for its annual month-long Christmas celebration by talking to Santa Claus in November ’43 followed by Sidney Andorn’s December broadcast honoring Cleveland’s many department store Santa’s.

In April ’44, Andorn featured a riveting presentation dedicated to the returning GIs who were confined to the Crile Hospital in Parma, OH.  That June, WGAR’s Vice President and General Manager John F. Pratt became Cleveland’s latest Rotary Club President and Joan Barton’s women’s program “Stearn’s Radio Show” debuted to rave reviews on September 24th.  With the 2nd World War winding down, a number of key Cleveland reporters were sent overseas to investigate war conditions.  The station’s Assistant Manager Carl E. George was one of those reporters sent to the Philippines to interview Cleveland servicemen currently stationed there.

That June, the Cleveland pops honored WGAR’s pianist Henry Pildner by having him play a solo concert commemorating the late George Gershwin.  Sports enthusiasts that summer enjoyed the new Cleveland Indians broadcasting team of Jack Graney and Bob Neal.  The station also proudly aired the Cleveland Institute of Music’s star-studded 25th anniversary event on September 16th.  Old Dutch Cleaners presented the duo of Tena and Tim while the station broadcasted a War Chest concert the following month.  That fall, CBS radio selected WGAR’s Program Manager Dave Baylor to preside over a special business meeting geared towards its Ohio affiliates.  It also proudly celebrated the station’s 16th broadcasting season.^[57]

For a second consecutive year, WGAR received the much sought-after safety promotion award.  In recognition of its excellence in broadcasting its very devoted staff received 5% salary bonuses that July.  That outlet’s community efforts were expanded to include both the collecting and distributing of used radios to Cleveland’s needy.  It also received the much-coveted Pulitzer Prize for its unfaltering commitment to community service.  Roving interviews were the latest thing in ’40 and Kay Halle became WGAR’s first roaming reporter.  That fall, Walberg Brown became the latest Hanna Theatre conductor following the untimely death of WHK’s band leader Louis Rich.^[58]  In a surprising move, sportscaster Bob Kelley changed careers in June ’41 becoming the Cleveland Ram’s secretary.   However, that important career move didn’t prevent him from continuing to work part-time at his former station.

The Cleveland Advertising Club at its July meeting elected WGAR’s Operations Director Carl E. George as its newest trustee.  Five months later, it threw one of the largest war bond jamborees ever held in the city.  In June ’44, WGAR radio unveiled its own strict “Code of Ethics” which meant among other things no more descriptive laxative ads, paid religious programs or provocative shows that might upset children.^[59]  The Cleveland Playhouse’s Children’s Theatre Director Esther Mullin joined the WGAR staff after a brief stint at WJW.  She hosted a 9:45 a.m. women’s program starting that July.

Never forgetting that the station’s future success hinged on its ability to continually stay ahead of its closest rival led its ownership to hound the FCC to up WGAR’s power and improve its spot on the dial.  The question they grappled with was how best to get that approval?  They determined that part of the solution began with not complaining about the recently imposed stringent federal controls.  In fact, a willingness on the part of the station’s management to follow those rules with no questions asked might significantly improve their chances of getting what they wanted further down the road.  Apparently, that strategy paid off well when WGAR became Cleveland’s second 50,000 watts outlet.  However, that favorable development did not happen overnight.  It was a gradual process begun in September 1943 when its power was boosted to 5,000 watts at night and it was moved to 1220 AM.^[60]  In June ’44, it marked those highpoints with a very special program emphasizing Cleveland’s greatness.^[61]  Always ready to help those in distress, WGAR was the first outlet to dispatch a mobile transmitter to the East Ohio gas explosion that October.^[62]  With an eye towards future growth, its managers quickly applied for both television and FM licenses at the end of the calendar year.

WJW became Cleveland’s 5th radio outlet in the early ‘40s.  Founded in Mansfield, OH in ‘26 it moved to Akron in ‘32.  It was an immediate hit with Summit County listeners.  However, WJW wanted a much larger audience base.  As early as ’ 41, NBC Blue had announced great plans for this leading Northeast Ohio station once it received federal authorization to settle in Cleveland.  The subsequent FCC decision that permitted WCLE to relocate from Cleveland to Akron provided WJW its long-awaited opportunity.  In the fall of ’42, WJW started the mind-numbing process of moving that included much more than just transferring to Cuyahoga County.^[63]  It also involved changing its frequencies and upping its wattage.  Found at 1240 AM and broadcasting at a scanty 250 watts, WJW radio petitioned the feds to move up the AM dial to 850 and boost its power from 250 to 5,000 watts.

Increasing WJW’s wattage posed no problem for the FCC.  However, moving it from 1240 to 850 was another matter.  Both KOA in Denver and WHDH in Boston opposed it.  In the case of KOA, it was already a well-established 50,000 watts outlet at 850 AM while WHDH, found at the same spot on the AM dial, was requesting an increase in power to 50,000 watts.  The FCC ruled that KOA and WHDH would both remain at 850 and that WHDH would be allowed to expand to 5,000 not 50,000 watts.^[64]  That ruling remained in effect until ‘48 when WHDH’s power was increased to 50,000 watts daytime and 5,000 at night.  In terms of the original WJW request, the feds allowed it to move from 1240 to 850.

This new 5,000 watts, Cleveland-based station broadcast daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.  On November 12, 1943, WJW officially opened its new studios in the Kinney and Levin Building at 1376 Euclid Avenue.^[65]   Its Program Director Edward N. Palen wasted little time before securing a prime Blue dot lineup that included Citizen’s Federal’s “Tomorrow’s Business.”^[66]  This newest Cleveland outlet also proudly carried the November pigskin classic pitting Lakewood High against West Tech.  Palen also successfully convinced the Lindner-Coy Department Store to sponsor daily newscasts at 7:30 a.m. as well as Sunday news at 2:00 p.m.  WJW’s General Manager William O’Neill started making the rounds of local civic organizations beginning with the Cleveland Women’s Club on January 8, 1944.  His first talk described radio’s growing role on the home front.^[67]  The new “Uncle Bill for Kids” show soon captivated the young while an intimate tour of Crile Hospital showed the importance role that facility played in the lives of returning GIs and their families.  In April ’44, Gene Carroll announced that he would be returning to broadcasting on WJW beginning that May.  That fall, everyone was reminded to listen to WJW’s “News Aces” sponsored by Cleveland’s Marshall Drug Stores.

Brown Furniture and Clothing Co. proudly underwrote an uplifting new series called “Music for the Home” starting that October while WJW’s popular sports casting team of Earl Harper and Ed Sprague began broadcasting Ohio State football games.  Later that same month, the W.B. Davis Department Store started sponsoring “Talk of the Town.”  The station’s latest sensation Dorothy Fuldheim hit the road running in early ’45 when she spoke candidly to a group of women at the Women’s Clubs of Cleveland.^[68]  She soon offered her own 15-minute commentaries Monday through Friday on WJW radio.  Mayor Thomas A. Burke spearheaded a very special forum in February ‘45 intended to hire 8,700 more factory workers.  At the same time, WJW hosted an important new Monday night show it called “Jobs for GIs.”^[69]  Kronheim Furniture, the U.S. War-Manpower Commission and U.S. Employment Services sponsored it.  This station ended ‘45 on a very positive note when it hosted the Urban League’s Annual Luncheon on December 7th and featured weekly Bible Club Children’s Parties.  The feds also permitted WJW’s engineers to experiment with a new transcription system that enabled interviews to be filmed over the wires.  Station officials also petitioned the feds for a FM license.^[70]

Entering the post-war years the five highly active Cleveland radio stations were very optimistic about the future.  Increasingly, Clevelanders trusted local radio for news, sports, talk and above all else entertainment.  Their many daily broadcasts opened up the world to countless people who rarely ventured beyond their own climes.  In fact, they got the public to think not only about how today’s world runs, but also what might lie ahead.  The future looked very bright for these local outlets as their audiences continued to grow.  Most importantly, their broadcasts united their many listeners through germane, everyday experiences.  That proved particularly important during the Great Depression of the ‘30s and the 2nd World War.  Having effectively brought the nation together during those harrowing times, the locally based radio industry saw nothing but blue skies ahead.  Little did they realize that technical breakthroughs and astonishing new demands brought forward by a highly critical, very sensitive public would change the face of broadcasting forever.

The late ‘40s represented a watershed for commercial radio.  The carefully thought out, often slow-moving progress that had characterized radio’s most recent past soon became little more than a distant memory.  Dynamic changes accelerated by the 2nd World War shoved the U.S. onto the international stage.  Like so many other post-war venders, Cleveland radio repeatedly felt the brunt of being bombarded by novel program ideas, potentially very rewarding advertising opportunities and immeasurable technical advances.  In particular, major advances in such things as transistors and printed circuits turned the industry on its ear.  As the world continued to shrink in size, the mounting uproar between radio broadcasters and newspaper columnists, often the inescapable result of conflicting egos, only intensified.  Inevitably, it led to a crescendo of ever unfolding changes.  All the while, the unparalleled success of TV and FM radio dominated the national scene.  The second half of this writing illustrates how radio’s frantic, new pace played out in real time.  Much of it stemmed from the publics voracious appetite for dynamic new programming minus the carefully-paced lead-in-time of yesteryear.  As we will soon see, the brave new world of post-war radio broadcasting was not for the faint-hearted.