WSBA-FM – WSBA Radio Museum

“6 Minutes” – WSBA AM&FM Audio Sales Presentation – 1977

April 29, 2022August 19, 2022 by jjtreese, posted in Call Letter, Marketing, Pennsylvania, Sales Presentations, State, WSBA

“6 Minutes” Promotional Record (Image Altered To Show Detail)

One way to get in front of prospective advertisers is through the U.S. Postal Service. In 1977 a special mailing was created that delivered the sounds of WSBA AM & FM to the mailboxes of businesses across Central Pennsylvania.

Original Mailing Envelope for “6 Minutes” Promotional Record – 1977

For this mailing, a special program called “6 Minutes”, a take-off of CBS’s “60 Minutes” program, was created and pressed into flexible records that could be easily mailed. These records were very similar to the promotional records distributed by Time-Life and Longines Symphony to promote their mail order record sales.

Original “6 Minutes” Promotional Record – 1977

The program starts with an overview of the format and music of WSBA-FM with a mention of Marshall Passamore and listener clips, then transitions into WSBA-AM with a variety of short clips including WSBA personality Johnny Andrews, news and some listener testimonials.

In this exhibit we present “6 Minutes”.

Audio Exhibit

“6 Minutes” A WSBA AM&FM Sales Presentation – 1977

RARE 1948 WSBA Studio Photo featuring Eugene Lane

April 27, 2022August 19, 2022 by jjtreese, posted in Call Letter, Facilities, Pennsylvania, Personalities, State, Studios, WSBA

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.

Susquehanna Plaza Studios Brochure – April 1976

April 26, 2022August 19, 2022 by jjtreese, posted in Facilities, Marketing, Studios, WSBA Facts

“Welcome to one of the most complete broadcasting facilities in America…”

In this exhibit we present an informative brochure provided to visitors of the new studio facilities of WSBA-AM & FM at 5989 Susquehanna Plaza Drive. This brochure offered visitors an overview of the programming features of each station, a little history and a rundown of the technical specs of each of the new “state-of-the-art” studios.

Susquehanna Plaza Studio Tour: 1975

April 25, 2022August 19, 2022 by jjtreese, posted in Facilities, Studios

Artist Rendition of WSBA’s New Facilities on Susquehanna Plaza Drive

In 1975, WSBA and WSBA-FM were moving into their new facilities in Hellam, PA. This new building was state of the art and was heralded as “one of the most complete broadcast facilities in America.” Let’s go to 1975 for a building tour of the brand new 5989 Susquehanna Plaza Drive.

Entrance and lobby

Rear View of Susquehanna Plaza Drive Studios

Front Entrance of Susquehanna Plaza Drive Studios

Inside Lobby Facing Front with Reception Desk

Inside Lobby Facing West with View of Reclaimed Wood Sculpture

Inside Lobby Facing Rear with Original Spiral Staircase

office and facilities

Studios

For a deeper look at the technical specifications of each of these studios, check out the Susquehanna Plaza Studios Brochure – 1976.