Tag: 1940s

RARE 1948 WSBA Studio Photo featuring Eugene Lane

by jjtreese, posted in Call Letter, Facilities, Pennsylvania, Personalities, State, Studios, WSBA
Eugene Lane – WSBA Control Room 1948

Here is a rare glimpse into the WSBA control room as it was in 1948, only five years after signing on in 1943. There is quite a bit to see in this one photo and for the radio enthusiast it is a kin to a search and find.

Here are a couple of our observations:

1.) The studio is outfitted with RCA broadcast gear (RCA 76-B Mixing Console, a total of 4 RCA 70-C Transcription Turntables, Western Union Clock)

2.) It appears that the control room was outfitted with two broadcast consoles. Our assumption is that the console to Eugene’s right was for WSBA-FM and the turntables closest were also for the FM.

3.) The performance studio is seen through the big window and the top of the grand piano is visible.

4.) Check out the light box on the wall under the clock. Our assumption is that this would show which station, studio or source was live on the air at that time. (If anyone has any insight into the exact purpose of this light box was please share in the comments below!)

What did we miss? Who is Eugene Lane? If you can help fill in the blanks, please comment below.

WSBA Trade Publication Advertisement – Radio Annual Advertisement 1943

by jjtreese, posted in Advertisements, Trade Magazine Advertisements

In the early days of radio, attracting national advertising accounts could make up a large portion of a radio station’s annual revenue. Radio stations were typically represented by national advertising firms that would broker advertising contracts for individual radio stations.

This advertisement was published in Radio Annual, a directory of all radio stations in the country. The directory would provide basic information on each radio stations including details such as, power, network affiliations and the names and roles of the station’s management team. These directories also sold advertising and radio stations could pay to include more specific messaging that would help to entice an advertiser to spend money in their market.

This advertisement from the 1943 edition of Radio Annual is promoting the wide audience that WSBA served. It’s interesting to point out that this advertisement was prior to WSBA gaining nighttime authorization in 1949 with its move to 910kc.