Wikipedia

WFJC

WFJC was an Akron, Ohio radio station. First licensed in 1924 in Cleveland, it later moved to Akron and was deleted in 1930, as part of a consolidation that created WGAR.

History

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WFJC's first license, for 100 watts on 1210 kHz, was issued in May 1924 under the station's original call sign, WDBK, to the M. F. Broz Furniture, Hardware & Radio Company at 13918 Union Avenue in Cleveland's Mount Pleasant neighborhood.[1] It began broadcasting on May 15, 1924. WDBK was deleted in the fall of 1924,[2] then relicensed the following spring, again with 100 watts, but now on 1320 kHz.[3] Programming included jazz selections interspersed with an imitation steamboat whistle as a station identification,[4] along with live musical performances;[5][6] reception for WDBK was limited outside of Cleveland and was barely audible in Akron.[7] In early 1927 the owner was changed to WDBK Broadcasting (Inc.) (Stanley J. Broz) at the Bolton Square Hotel on Carnegie Avenue,[8] using the slogan "Broadcasting from Cleveland".

Automobile dealer W. F. Jones purchased WDBK on July 15, 1927, with the intent of moving the station to Akron.[9] Jones's involvement in the medium began when—at his insistence[10]—a February 1925 auto show used a temporary station named WADC to broadcast the show's events, with a transmitter built by the Willard Storage Battery Co.[11] After the show ended, Jones tried to sign on the station permanently,[10] but theatre owner Allen T. Simmons launched WADC from the Portage Hotel on April 8, 1925.[12] Jones was granted a permit to move WDBK to Akron[13] but would remain on 1320 kHz[14] and sharing time with Cleveland station WJAY.[10] Renamed WFJC,[15] the station made its debut broadcast from the Akron Beacon Journal building on October 22, 1927,[16] but merely as a tenant, the Beacon Journal did not have any ownership stake.[14] Sam Townshend was listed as station manager,[17] secretary and lead engineer.[10]

Following the establishment of the Federal Radio Commission (FRC), stations were initially issued a series of temporary authorizations starting on May 3, 1927.[18] In addition, they were informed that if they wanted to continue operating, they needed to file a formal license application by January 15, 1928, as the first step in determining whether they met the new "public interest, convenience, or necessity" standard.[19] On May 25, 1928, the FRC issued General Order 32, which notified 164 stations, including WFJC, that "From an examination of your application for future license it does not find that public interest, convenience, or necessity would be served by granting it."[20] However, the station successfully convinced the commission that it should remain licensed.

As part of a major reallocation under the provisions of the FRC's General Order 40, on November 11, 1928 WFJC was assigned to 1450 kHz, again in a time share with WJAY.[21] WJAY moved to a different frequency allowing WFJC to operate full-time,[22] but this was temporary as WCSO was reassigned to 1450 kHz a few months later as WFJC's new timesharing partner.[23] WFJC filed paperwork with the FRC on March 30, 1930, to move to 900 kHz, operate full-time and increase power to 1,000 watts; station management cited what had become a competitive disadvantage against WADC and Cleveland's WHK and WTAM.[22]

An air of sadness prevailed, this being the last day on the air for WFJC... The radio commission has taken away the right to broadcast from this station, but there is one thing that never can be taken away from us—memories and fond recollections of the many pleasant hours spent in the studio at WFJC. We hold hopes that perhaps in the near future, Akron will be able to have and hold a downtown radio station.

Louella Houser Yackle, host of WFJC's final program on December 14, 1930[24]

At the same time the FRC confirmed a forthcoming hearing for WFJC's application,[25] George A. Richards, Leo J. Fitzpatrick and P. M. Thomas—owners of WJR in Detroit—incorporated the WGAR Broadcasting Company in order to establish "Cleveland's fourth radio station".[26] On September 6, the company filed an application with the FRC for authorization to "consolidate stations WFJC and WCSO into a new station with new equipment at Cleveland Ohio",[27] which was approved that same month.[28] The WGAR Broadcasting Company took over ownership of WCSO on September 26, 1930,[29] later recognized as a casualty of the Great Depression.[30] WFJC was acquired seven days earlier.[31][32] The deal was approved despite opposition from the chambers of commerce for both Akron and Cleveland,[33] in addition to local community groups[34] and competing Cleveland radio stations.[35]

WCSO made its final broadcast on October 11, 1930, after coverage of the Wittenberg Tigers-Washington & Jefferson Presidents football game[36] and its license was formally deleted at the end of the month.[37] As construction for the new station began immediately,[38] WFJC continued to broadcast from Akron until December 14; the December 13, 1930, Akron Beacon Journal informed its readers that WFJC would cease operations the next day at midnight, "to make way for WGAR, at Cleveland, which purchased its claim to the ether".[39] In its fifth annual report, the FRC reported that, effective June 12, 1931, WCSO and WFJC had been consolidated "to form new station WGAR, Cleveland, Ohio".[40] WADC eventually moved into the Beacon Journal building studios vacated by WFJC.[41]

References

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  1. ^ "New Stations". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 86. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. June 2, 1924. p. 3. This source incorrectly renders "Broz" as "Brothers". Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  2. ^ "Strike out all particulars". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 90. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. October 1, 1924. p. 6. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  3. ^ "New Stations". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 96. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. April 1, 1925. p. 4. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  4. ^ Failor, Ralph (May 13, 1925). "Last Night On The Radio". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. 12. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ ""The Pied Piper of Hamlin" Basis Of Tonight's Everready Program- Wood-Wind Ensemble 'Moorish Moods'". The Lancaster Daily Eagle. Lancaster, Ohio. April 20, 1926. p. 10. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Last Night on the Radio". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. May 22, 1926. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Last Night On The Radio". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. April 13, 1926. p. 28. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Alterations and Corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 118. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. January 31, 1927. p. 7. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  9. ^ "W. F. Jones Planning Akron Radio Station". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. July 15, 1927. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b c d Schetter, Clyde E. (December 31, 1927). "Akron Radio Prospects Are Good". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. 16. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "More Than 200 Cars On Display as Auto Show Opens". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. February 21, 1925. p. 22. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ Failor, Ralph (April 8, 1925). "City broadcasts on air tonight, station to open". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. pp. 1, 18. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Alterations and Corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 124. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. July 30, 1927. p. 5. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  14. ^ a b "W. F. Jones buys radio station for removal to Akron". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. July 21, 1927. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Alterations and Corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 127. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. October 31, 1927. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  16. ^ "Radio Station WFJC On Air". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. October 23, 1927. p. TWO-A.
  17. ^ "Our Respects To: Sam Willard Townsend" (PDF). Broadcasting-Telecasting. Vol. 34, no. 15. April 12, 1948. pp. 56, 60. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via World Radio History.
  18. ^ "List of broadcasting stations issued temporary permits", Radio Service Bulletin, April 30, 1927, pages 6-14.
  19. ^ "Extension of Broadcasting Station Licenses", Radio Service Bulletin, December 31, 1927, page 7.
  20. ^ "Appendix F (2): Letter to and list of stations included in General Order No. 32, issued May 25, 1928", Second Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission for the Year Ended June 30, 1928, Together With Supplemental Report for the Period From July 1, 1928 to September 30, 1928, pages 146-149.
  21. ^ "Revised list of broadcasting stations, by frequencies, effective 3 a. m., November 11, 1928, eastern standard time". Second Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission. Washington, D.C.: Federal Radio Commission. October 25, 1928. pp. 211, 213. Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  22. ^ a b "High Power, Full Time Requested By WFJC". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. March 29, 1930. p. 18. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ "Alterations and Corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 147. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. June 29, 1929. p. 17. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  24. ^ "High Power Stations Are Urged In Report". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. December 16, 1930. p. 26. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Radio Czars To Hear WFJC Plea Sept. 25". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. August 29, 1930. p. 21. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "WJR Back of New Radio Studio Here". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. September 26, 1930. p. 11.
  27. ^ Application 2-P-B-1653, dated September 6, 1930
  28. ^ Reeves, Russell H. (September 29, 1930). "Checking Over the News of the Week". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 10.
  29. ^ Frost, S. E. Jr. (1971) [1937]. Education's Own Stations (PDF). New York, New York: Arno Press, Inc. pp. 475–478. ISBN 0-405-03555-1. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  30. ^ Kinnison, William A. (2011). Modern Wittenberg. Bloomington, Indiana: Xlibris Corporation. p. 41. ISBN 978-1-4628-6058-6.
  31. ^ "Alterations and Corrections". Radio Service Bulletin. No. 163. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce. October 30, 1930. p. 12. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  32. ^ "See Sale Of WFJC As Network Move". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. September 20, 1930. p. 3. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Radio Station Protest Filed". Dayton Daily News. Dayton, Ohio. Associated Press. September 26, 1930. p. 14. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  34. ^ "Sale Of WFJC Confirmed, U.S. Commission Approves". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. September 26, 1930. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Protest Ignored By Federal Radio Body". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. September 27, 1930. p. 3. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Last Program is Broadcast". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio. Associated Press. October 12, 1930. p. 35. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  37. ^ "Radio Station WCSO Stops Broadcasting". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. October 31, 1930. p. 25. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Radio Change In Ownership Made". The Mansfield News. Mansfield, Ohio. September 28, 1930. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  39. ^ "WFJC Bids Goodby To Local Radio Fans". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. December 13, 1930. p. 18. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Radio broadcasting stations consolidated during the fiscal year 1931". Fifth Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission. Washington, D.C.: Federal Radio Commission. December 7, 1931. p. 13. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022 – via HathiTrust.
  41. ^ Gloss, Edward E. (January 12, 1931). "WADC To Occupy Beacon Journal Building Rooms". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. pp. 1, 21. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
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