Thanks to Arcane Radio Trivia blogger Jose Fritz for sharing this 18-minute video short on the operation of an independent radio station, in this case, WMCA in NY.
Created in 1951 by the US Army (who knows why?) it's a nostalgic piece. Today we have production directors and music libraries, not composers and studio orchestras. But some things have endured...more or less. For instance, this at about the 8-minute mark:
Sometimes [the PD] works out an idea with the salesman for a special client, for it must be remembered that advertising is the station's only source of income. It is the salesman who is given the task of creating ideas to sell the advertisers' products. New ideas mean new clients, and more money to the station. (Here the salesman takes a big drag from his cigarette.) When the idea has been approved by the General Manager and the Director of Programs, it must then be prepared for the ear of the listener. To do this, the salesman seeks the help of the studio composer, because advertisers have learned that their messages are better received and remembered when they are accompanied by music...
Enjoy the video!
