The first denominational radio workshop proved to be a true success. One hundred and twenty-five broadcasters gathered in the men's worship room adjacent to the radio studio at Washington Missionary College on March is for three days of intensive study, realistic observation, and helpful criticism. Under the leadership of Paul Wickman, secretary of the Radio Department, and a staff of able assistants, material help was given on all phases of radio broadcasting.
Charles E. Weniger, professor of speech, Theological Seminary; W. Fletcher Tarr, professor of speech, Washington Missionary College; and several of our leading broadcasters who understood our denominational emphasis gave valuable assistance. In addition to these brethren several experts in the field of radio spoke on their reaction to religious broadcasting and pointedly suggested methods of improvement. Among the men that made outstanding contributions were Joseph Breckner, general manager of Silver Spring Station WGAY; Lawrence Beckerman, producer-director of WTOP in Washington; Van Buren Devries, producer and script writer of television from WMAL in Washington; and Frederick Jacky, director of Hymns of All Churches program, N.B.C. in Chicago. The latter spent two full days during the workshop at his own expense.
Most practical were the hours spent in program criticism and in discussion groups where our men shared ideas on promotion, types of broadcast, and like topics. THE MINISTRY will report this meeting as completely as possible, although the full value of such a meeting can be appreciated only in the setting of free discussion and the activities of the actual workshop program.
Paul Wickman's keynote address on the objectives of the radio broadcast, and the stimulating ideas presented by C. E. Weniger on the personality of the radio voice, will be included in this present issue. Others will follow in future issues.
G. E. V.
