FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1939
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON , 1940
For sale by the Superintendent or D<lalments. Washington. D. C. - • -~Price 30 eents(PaPft'~
MEMBERS OF THE t'EDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
(AS OF NOVEMBER J, 1939)
JAMES LAWRl<JNCEFI~y,1Chairman
PAUL A. WALKER GEORG>; HENRY PAYNE
NORMAN S. CASE FREDERICK 1. THOMPSON'
T. A. M. CRAVEN THAD H. BROWN
I Succeeded Frank R. McNinch, resigned September 1, 1939.
t Appointed AprilS, 1939, to suooeed Eugene O. Sykes. resigned.
n
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION,
WASRINGTON, D. C., November 15, 1939.
To the Congress oj the United States;
It is my pleasure to transmit herewith the Fifth Annual Report of
the Federal Communications Commission for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1939, pursuant to the provisions of seetion 4 (k) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as "mended.
The report "s n whole reflects the increasing volume nnd im 
portance of the Commission's widely varied regulatory problems.
In efficiency and in scope the communicntions industry is constnntly
progressing. Its complexities are myriad; its nationnl significance
great. The pressing need for a numerically ndequnte staff and for
the effective facilities which will ennble the Commission to dischnrge
its responsibilities under the law has created a situation which
warrants particulnr consideration by the Congress.
Respectfully.
.JAMES LAWRENCE FLY, Chairman.
m
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER INDEX
Ohapter
I. INTRODUCTORY SUldMARY w •~__
II. GENERAL~~__
III. REGULATION OF TELEPHONE AND TELEGUPH CARBIERB _
IV. REGULATION OF BROADCAST SERVICE~__
V. PROMOTION OF SA.J.l'ETY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY _
VI. LICENSING • __
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS • __
ApPENDIXES _
P...
1
7
~V
57
73
87
91
GENERAL INDEX
Ohapter Page
I. INTRODUCTORY SUMMARY__ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ 1
II. GENERAL____________________________________________________ 7
1. Organization_ _ __ ___ __ _____ ___ __ ___ ____ _______ _______ 9
(a) Departments___ ____ ___ __ ___ ____ __ __ __ _____ 9
2. Procedure~____ __ ___ __ _____ _______ __ _____ __ _ 10
3. Legislation~_____ ___ _____ ____ _____ _____ __ _ II
4. International matters_____ ___ _____ __ __ ___ __ ____ 11
(a) General~___ ________ ___ __ _ ]]
(b) Central American Conference_____________________ 12
(e) Cracow Radio Conference________________________ 12
(d) Intercontinental aviation_________________________ 12
(e) North American regional broadcasting agreement____ 13
(j) International Scientific Radio UnioD_______________ 13
(g) Committee on Cooperation with American Republics_ 18
5. Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee_______________ 13
6. Experimental, research, and technical investigatiollB_________ 14
7. Publications______ __________ __________ _______ __ _ 15
III. REGULATION OF TlllLEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH CARRIEtt8____________ 17
J. Jntroduction~__ ___ _____ __ __ _______ ______ 19
2. Telephone investigation__________________________________ 19
3. Rates and tariffs________________________________________ 20
(a) Rate schedules__________________________________ 20
(b) Investigations and 8uspen8ion8~__________20
Volume rates____ ____ __ __ __ __ ___ 20
AllowanceB_____ __ _____ ___ __ _______ __ 20
Noncommunication-service charges____________ 21
Multiple-adJ.ress service_ __ _______ __ ___ ____ 21
Reforwarding of messages .. 21
Ship-telephone service___ __ __ __ ___ ____ 21
Interzone telephone rates_____________________ 21
Concurring carriers_ _ _ __ ___ __ ____ ______ 21
(e) Rate ehanges____________________________________ 21
4. Supervision of accounts__________________________________ 21
(a) Accountants needed for field service________________ 21
(b) Accounting regulations~_______________________22
Uniform system of accounts-radiotelegraph
carriers__ _________ _____ __ _____ __ _____ _____ 22
Uniform system of accounts-class C telephone
carriers___________________________________ 22
Uniform system of accounts-wire-telegraph and
ocean-cable carrieTS_ __ ___ ____ _____ _______ __ 22
Restatement of plant accounts on basis of original
cost~_____________23
Deprpciation_ _______ __ ____ _____ ____ ___ _ 23
Relief and pensions ._____________ 23
.. Cost accounting~___23
Continuing property record~24
Afiscellaneous_______________________________ 24
V
VI
Chapter fag\)
III. REGULATION OF TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH CARRlFlRl3-Con.
4. Supervision of accounts-Continued. .
(c) Field examinations~~.____ ___ __ 24
(d) Cooperation with State and other Federal regu:a.tory
bodies~_24
5. Financial and other statistical data__ .____________________ 25
(a) Annual and monthly reports______________________ 25
(b) Statistical compilations and pub]jca.tions~___ ____ 25
(c) Comparative data relating to common carriers .. __ 26
6. Complaints and inveatigations~__ .__________ 27
(a) Investigations and suspension cascs________________ 27
(b) Wire facilities lIsed in connection with hroadcastinp;_ _ 27
(c) Interstate toll rateB~_________________________27
(d) Government rates~____________________27
(e) Exchange areas.~_______________28
ef) Unreasonable practices~_______28
(g) Classification_____ _______ _____________ __ __ __ 28
7. Extension of facilitieli~__28
(a) Wire-telephone~.. __ ___ ____ _ 28
(b) Acquisition under section 214-____________________ 29
(c) Supplementing of existing facilities under section 214_ 29
(d) Wire-telephone applications__~____________________ 29
(e) Petitions for authority to consolidate under section
221 (a) •••..•.•.....•.... _.......•...._....... 29
(f) Wire.telegraph. _. _. _..__ ... __ ... o. _ ••• __ •••••_.. 29
8. Technicnl developments_________________________________ 30
(a) Technical developments in wire tclephone______ _____ 30
New York-Philadelphia coaxial system_ _ ______ 30
Stevens Point-Minneapolis coaxial system______ 30
Carrier systems_.__ __ __ ______ __ ____ ___ _ 30
Vocoder .______ 31
Cross-bar switching system___________________ 31
(b) Technical developments in wire teIegraph__ __ _______ 31
9/ITeJephone disasters_____________________________________ 31
10. Litigation.•..0.' ••••••• 0 •• •• _ •••••••• _ ••• 0 •••• 0_ •• _ _ 32
(n) Rochester case~_______________________32
(6) Dn:scoll v. Edison Power & Liqht Company__________ 32
IV. REGULATION OF BnOADCAST SERVICE_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 33
1. Introduction~~_____ 35
(a) Total number of stations _~~~__________________ 35
2. Standard broadcast service~~36
(a) Allocation plan .~~__________36
(b) Distrihution of broadcast facilities '-~_____36
(c) Directional antennas~__________________36
(d) New stations____________________________________ 37
(e) New Rules and Regulations and Standards of Good
Enginecrin~Practice___________________________ 37
(f) Enla.fRcd scope of new rules~38
Clflsses of standard broadcaat channels_ ________ 38
Classes of si;andard broadcast statiolls___ _______ 38
Extension of the broadcast band____ ___________ 40
Increased normal licenseperiod~_______________40
Increased power of stations~________40
Making regulations flexible_ __________________ 40
Requirements for applicants_ _________________ 40
Experimental authoriz3"tions_ _________________ 41
Pow·er of all stations determined by direct
method.___ _____________ __ __ __ ____ __ ___ 41
Ay) Scope of Standards of Good Engineering Practice____ 41
(h) Hearings on app1ications~~________42
(1) Stations deleted~_____________________43
(j) Petitions for rehearing~___43
(k) Accounting, financial, and other statistical data__ ___ 44
3.!TeleviBion w_______ 45
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
IV. REGULA'I'lQl.. OF BROADCABT SERVIC"F.--Contiuued.
4. Broadcast services other than standard _
(a) International broadcast statiOllS - - ----
(b) Relay broadcast service _
(0)]i~acsimile- - - -- ----
Cd) High frequency - - --.
(e) Educational broadcast • __ ._
Federal Radio Educlttion Committee ._
5. Use of broadcast facilities in emergencies _
6. Complaints and investigatiolls __ • - ---
(a) Monopoly investigation - --
(b) Number of investigatiolls _
(c) Field inspections, examinations, and investigations__
7. Litigation --- - - - - - --- -----_
V. PROMOTION OF SAFETY OF LJ:FE AND PROPERTY _
1. Introdllction~- _- - - _----
2. Great Lakes and Inland Waters Survey _
3. Marine service8 - - - - - - - - - - --- - - - - - - --
(a) Exemption from compliance with title III, part IL_
(b) Violations and deficiency reports _
(c) Coastal telephone - - __
(d) Coastal harbor stations _
(e) Ship telephone~_
(j) Equipment _
(g) Automatic alarlllB - _
(h) Record of sea disasters _
4. Aviat\i~nE:~~~~~~~~~~====== ================= === == === ====
E (a)Interco~tinentalftights _
5.me(~)n?~li~~r:~~tf~~s-_=================== ========= =====
(b) Forestry stations _
(c) Special emergency statiolls _
VI. LICENSING _
1. Introduction - --
2. Common carriers _
(a) Fixed public radiotelegraph services _
(b) Fixed public radiotelephone services _
3. Experimental services - __
4. Alaskan stations _
5. Commcl'cis.ll'adio operators _
6. Amateur radio operators _
7. Miscellaneous radio services~_
8. Prosecution of unlicensed activities _
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS _
(a) Report of Secretary _
VII
Page
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48
48
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87
90
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR APPENDIXES
ApPENDIX A
Legislatioll_ ____________________________ __________________ _____ 93
ApPENDIX B
Litigation and court decisions_______________________________________ 95
ApPENDIX C
Publications • • .._••• "".__ • _. 100
ApPENDIX D
(Financial and other statisticnl .lata relating to telephone and telegraph carriers and controlling companies)
(A) STATISTICS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF TEI,EPHONE AND TELEGRAPH CARRIERS
AND IIOLDING COMPANIES
CHART 1. Geographical groupings for statistical analytlis of the Telephone
Industry_______________________________________________________ 103
VITI TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE I. List of telephone carriers reporting On annual basis to Com-
mission for 1938, showing classification and geographical region_______ 104
TABLEILStatistics of telephone carriers, reporting on annual basis to
Commission, cla&:lified by geographical divisions_____________________ 106
TABLE III. Comparison of data concerning telephone carriers shown in
report of the Bureau of the Census, and reports filed with Commission
and data secured from unofficial 80UI'C68~__ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ __ __ _ _ _ 115
CHART 2. Telephone plant investment, 1926 to 1938___________________ 116
TABLE IV. Selected data showing development through 1926 to 1938.
inclusive, of class A telephone carriers • • •~_117
TABLE V. Radiotelephone service reported by telephone carriers for 1938_ _ 119
TABLE VI. List of wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers reporting on
annual basis to Commission for 1938~_____________________120
TABLE VII. Statistics of wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers re-
porting on annual basis to Commission, classified by kinds of carriers__ 121
TABLE VIII. Selected data showing development through 1926 to 1938,
inclusive, of wire-telegraph carriers________________________________ 123
TABLE IX. Selected data showing development through 1926 to 1938,
inclusive, of radiotelegraph carrierB_"'-______________________________ 124
TABLE X. Revenue messages transmitted, showing number of messages,
number of words, and amount of revenues, by classes, as reported by
wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph earriers for 1938___________________ 126
TABLE XI. Summary of selected data from annual reports of telephone,
wire-te1egraph, and radiotelegraph carriers reporting to Commission for
1938___________________________________________________________ 128
TABLE XII. Summary of seleeted data from annual reports of holding
companies having large interest in communications industry, for 1938__ 128
TABLE XIII. Statement showing voting rights of stockholders in COm 
munication carriers and controlling companies for 1938, and number of
shares voted byproxy____________________________________________ 129
TABLE XIV. Averages and ratios of selected data of all telephone and
wire-telegraph carriers for 1938____________________________________ 130
CHART 3. Operating revenues, operating expenses, and net operating
income for 1938 of all communication carriers reporting to Commission_ _ 131
TABLE XV. Distribution of operating revenues showing operating ex 
penses, operating taxes
l
and other deductions, and net operating income
of cl&3s A telephone, wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers for 1938_ 132
CHART 4. Distribution of each hundred dollars of operating revenUes
showing operating expenses, operating taxes, and other deductions, and
net operating income~~_ 133
TABLE XVI. Operating tax accruals by States and Federal Government
of class A telephone carriers reporting on annual basis to Commission
for 1938________________________________________________________ 134
TABLE XVII. Operating tax accruals and excise taxes collected from
persons using communication service, as reported by all telephone, wire 
telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers which filed annual reports with
Commission for 1938_____________________________________________ 135
TABLE XVIII. Distribution of advertising expenses of class A telephone
carriers, and wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers for 1938_ _____ 136
TABLE XIX. Number of employees of class A telephone carriers classified
with respect to character of sHvice rendered and according to rate of
compem~ationper week, at December 31, 1938______________________ 137
CHART 5. Djstribution of male and female employees of class A telephone
carriers according to weekly salaryrates~___________________________138
TABLE XX. Number of employees of wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph
oarriers c1a.98ified with respect to character of service rendered, together
with aggregate monthlyrat~of compensation by classes of employees
for 1938________________________________________________________ 139
TABT~EXXI. Summary of relief and pension data of class A telephone,
wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers for 1938__________________ 140
TABLE XXII. Persons killed or injured in accidents occurring inconn~c~
tion with activities of class A telephone carriers in 1938_ ________ ______ 140
TABLE XXIII. Employees killed or injured in accidents occurring in
connection with operations of wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers
in 1938_________________________________________________________ 141
TABLE OF CONTENT8 IX
Page
TABLE XXIV. Summary showing statistics of holding companies in hands
of receivers or trustees for1938~___________________________________142
TABLE XXV. Telegraph and telephone revenues received and wire mile-
age operated by class I steam railways v____ 143
(B) STATISTICS FROM MONTHLY REPORTS OF TELEPHONE AND
TELEGRAVU CARRIERS
TABLE XXVI. List of large telephone carriers reporting on monthly basis
to Commission, showing geographic regions_________________________ 144
TABLE XXVII. Summary of revenues, expenses, and capital changes from
monthly reports of large telephone carriers__________________________ 145
TABLE XXVIII. MontWy telephone operating statistics showing reve-
nues, expenses, and net operating income as reported by large telephone
carriers from January 1933 to June 1939___________________________ 148
CHAltT 6. Telephone statistics showing operating revenues, operating
expenses, and net operating income as reported by large telephone car
4
riers~__ ____________ __ __ __ __ __ 150
TABLE XXIX. Summary showing monthly total and daily average mes-
sage tolls of large telephone carriers from January 1933 to June 1939____ 151
CHART 7. Average revenues per day from toll messages 88 compiled from
monthly reports filed by large telephone carriers_ ____________________ 152
TABLE XXX. Numher of telephones in service in United States as re 
ported by large telephone carriers, by months, from January 1933 to
June 1933_______________________________________________________ 153
CHART 8. Number of telephones in service as reported by large telephone
carriers____ _____________ __________________ ___________________ 154
TABLE XXXI. Averages per telephone per day of operating revenues and
operating expenses of large telephone carriers, by geographical regions_ _ 155
TABLE XXXII. Summary of revenues, expenses, and related items from
monthly reports of large telegraph carriers__________________________ 156
TABLE XXXIII. Summary. of monthly reports of telephone carriers rela-
tive to available data concerning telegraph operations________________ 158
TABLE XXXIV. Monthly operating statistics showing revenues, expenses,
operating income, and net income as reported by large telegraph carriers
from July 1934 to June 1939_ __________ ___ __ __ __ ____ _____ _________ 159
CHART 9. Operating revenues, operating expenses, operating income, and
net income of large telegraph carriers_______________________________ 160
TABLE XXXV. Index numbers of monthly operating revenues of large
wire-telegraph carriers from January 1930 to June 1939______________ 161
TABLE XXXVI. Index numbers of monthly operating revenues of large
radiotelegraph carriers from January 1935 to June 1939______________ 161
TABLE XXXVII. Compensation of employees, by months, and number of
employees in service, as reported by large telephone and telegraph car-
riers for 1937 and 1938___________________________________________ 162
CHART 10. Number of employees in service of all large reporting communi-
cations carriers as of December 31
1
1937, and December 31,1938______ 163
CHART 11. Total annual compensation of employees in service of all large
reporting communications carriers for 1937 and 1938~___164
(C) STATISTICS CONCERNING INTERCORPORATE RELATIONS
TABLE XXXVIII. Summary showing intercorporate relations of communi 
cation carriers and controlling companies reporting to Commission for
1938___________________________________________________________ 165
Index pertaining to intercorporate relations .;__________ 169
ApPENDIX E
(A) REPORT OF BROADCAST SECTION
TABLE I-A. Applications received by station classes~_____________171
TABLE II-A. Authorizations by station classes________________________ 171
TABLE III-A. Statistics on experimental stations______________________ 172
TABLE IV-A. Standard broades.st stations (550 to 1600 kilocycles) licensed
or under constructioll_ __________ ______________ _____ __ ___ _________ 172
CHART 1. Standard broadcast stations licensed or underconstruction_~___173
x TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
CHART 2. Broadcast applications (renewals not included) _______________ 173
TABLE V-A. New standard broadcast stations authorized duringyear_~__174
TABLE VI. Standard broadcast stations deleted during year____________ 175
(n) FUHTHER STUDY OF SERVICE RENDERED BY STANDARD
BROADCAST S'l'A'l'IONS
TABLE I-B. Stations affiliated with networks__________________________ 176
TABLE II-B. Distribution of facilities by classes of stations_____________ 177
TABLE III-B. Number of stations by population groups________________ 178
TABLEIV~B.Number of stations in towns in excess of 10,000 and less than
25,000 population_ ______ __ ___ __ ____ __ _____ __________ ___ __ 179
TABLE V-B. Numher of towns above 25,000 population having only one
station and not located within any metropolitan district_ _____________ 180
TABLE VI-B. Shared-time stations___________________________________ 181
TABLE VII-B. Number of clear channel secondary services available_____ 183
TABLE VrII-B. Distribution of cla:,ses of stations to States_____________ 184
TABLE IX-B. Distribution of classes of stations to citieB_______________ 186
TABLE X-B. Cities offrom tO,OOO to 25,000 population having no stations_ 202
TABLE XI. Cities in excess of 2,5,000 population having no stations _____ 205
CHART 1. Distribution of standard statiollS___ 207
CHART 2. Distribution of poplliation_ ________________________________ 208
(C) LICENSING OF AMATEURS~___206
(D) COh-nIERCIAL OPERATORS_________________________ 208
ApPENDIX F
(Financial and other statistical data relating to standard broadcast stations)
TABLE I. Combined income statement of 3 major networks and licenses of
660 broadcast stations_____ ___ ________ ______________ _ __ __ __ __ __ 21Z
CHART 1. Percentage distribution of time sales of networks and commer-
cial stations__ .. ., ___ __ __ __ __ __ __ 213
TABLE II. Broadcast income items of stations by class and network
affiliation. .. .__ __ __ __ 214
TABI,E lIT. Income items of broadcast stations by region and State_____ 221
TABI.E IV. Analysis of investment of broadcast stations assignable to
broadcast service________________________________________________ 226
TABLE V. Investment in plant assignable to broadca.'3t service of major
networks_______________________________________________________ 226
TABLE VI. Analysis of total population, total families; families owning ra 
dios, total retail sales of all retail stores, and total broadcast revenues of
commercial broadcast stations_____ ___ ___ __ __ _____ __ ______ __ __ __ 227
CHART 2. Percentage distribution by region of population, families,
families owningtadio.~,retail sales of all retn.il stores, and total broad-
cast revenues of commercial broadcast stations_ _____________________ 230
CHART 3. Analysis of average time sales per radio family by geographical
reKions .____________________________________ 231
TABLE VII. Type of program broadcast for week of December 11, 1938,
on a percentage basis 232
TABLE VIII. Analysis of total program time broadcast according to media
of rendition. ____________________________ __ ______________________ 233
TABI,E IX, Employee and compensation data for networks and stations__ 233
TABLE X. Functional employment and pay roll data for week of Decem.
ber 11, 1938____________________________________________________ 234
ApPENDIX G
(Field inspections, investigations, and other activities)
TABLE I. Applicants for radio operato"r licenses examined______________ 236
TABLE II. Commercial operators licenses_____________________________ 237
TABLE III. Ship stations-·inspections and notices_____________________ 238-
TABLE IV, Land station inspections_________________________________ 239
TABLE V. Complaints and investigatiolls_____________________________ 240
TABLE VI. Frequency measurcmcnts________________________________ 241
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ApPENDIX H
(Radiotelephone services to foreign. countries and distant territories and possessions or
the United States)
XI
Page
TABLE I. Countries and point-s to which direct communications or direct
circuits are available for international communications through the
facilities of American common carriers_____________________________ 244
CHART I.. Foreil?n and domestic radio communication service by Ameri-
can radIOcarrlers~_______________________________________________246
ApPENDIX I
List of approved types of marine radio equipmenk._~_____________246
CHAPTER I
Introductory Summary
1
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INTRODUCTORY SUMMARY
The Federal Communications Commission has, since the outbreak
of the European war, undertaken new and exacting burdens in connec 
tion with the preservation 01 neutrality and the important relationship
of aillorms of communications to the national defense.
Its policing of the ether waves must now take cognizance of the role
assigned to radio in national emergency. For the war in Europe is the
first major conflict to be fought on the land, on the sea, and in the air
to the inclusion of the ether. In the World War there was no broad 
cast or high-frequency communication problem as we lmow it today;
only wireless. Today the United States has some 800 broadcast sta 
tions (not to mention 55,000 amateur stations and more than 5,000
commercial stations), whose air messages filter to more than 40,000,000
receiving sets. And intemational broadcasts, thanks to the short
wave, now cut across time and distance to challenge any claim of
isolation.
Until the Federal Communications Commission was created in
1934, domestic regulation of communications services was a patch 
work affair. Jnrisdiction was shared by the Post Office Department,
the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Fedeml Radio Com 
mission (which had been set up in 1927 to handle that newcomer in the
field). The Communications Act of 1934 not only coordinated snper 
vision under a single agency-the Federal COllllllunications Com 
mission-but established the basis for a national cOIllmunications
policy.
The Commission has since pursued the mandate of Congress set
forth in section 1 of the aet, as mnended:
For the purpose of regulating interstate and foreign commerce in communica·
tion by \vire and radio so as to make available, so far as possible, to all the people
of the United States a rapid, efficient, Nation-wide, and ,,,arId-wide wire and radio
commnnication servit'e with adequat.e facilitics at reasonable charges, for the
purpose of the nation:? I defense, for the purpose of promoting safety of life and
property through the use of wire and radio communication, and for the purpose of
securing a more effective execution of this policy by centralizing authority here·
tofore granted by law to several agcllcil:',s and by granting additiollti-l authority
with respect to interstate and foreign commerce in wirt- and radio commnnica·
tic.n, there is hereby created a Commission to be knQwn as the "Fedc-ral Commu 
nications Commission," which shall be constituted as hereinafter pfovided and
which shall execute and enforce the provhsiollS of this act.
In its early years the Comnlisslon functioned with three divisions 
Broadcast, 'relephone, and Telegraph"-but today it operates as a
single unit. The :lilxamining Department was abolished in Decem 
ber 1938. Hearings are now condncted by Commissioners or suitably
qualified employees.
During the past fisc".! year the Commission held 550 regular meet 
ings, presided at 143 hearings, heard 86 oral arguments en banc,
issued 480 final orders as a result of such hearings, and designated 490
applications for formal hearing. In addition, 467 formal motions were
acted upon by the Commission, and such interlocutory matters were
disposed of through the Motions Docket.
3
4 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Besides spending at least three days of every week at regular meet 
ings of the full Com:mission, the commissioners meet as committees,
individually preside at hearings in particular matters, hold informal
staff conferences, and discharge special duties assigned to them.
For the fiscal year reported, the Commission received and studied
nearly 17,000 tanff schedules. In the interest of safety at sea, approxi 
mately 16,500 ship inspections were made. Some 1,200 point-to-point
telephone applications were examined. More than 550 new police 
radio systems-mostly in the smallercommunities~wereauthorized,
and nearly 250 forestry-radio systems received Commission approval.
In the same period 7,500 applications for varions types of broad 
cast stations were received. Of that number, about 1,650 were for
new or increased facilities, aud nearly 2,300 were renewals. In that
same time the Commission heard oral argument in more than 100
broadcast matters, and adopted fonnal decisions in more than 200
such cases.Investi~ationwas made of 265 broadcaet stations, and
licenses of eight statIOns were canceled or otherwise vacated.
Public service is the basic consideration in licensing broadcast
stations. "Just as it rna;\'" be a powerful instrumentality for public
good," opined the CommIssion in a recent case, "so a broadcast sta 
tion has potentialities of causing great public harm, and it is accord 
ingly imperative that the limited broadcast channels belonging to the
public should be entrusted to those who have a sense of public
responsibility."
The continued growth of the broadcast industry was reflected in the
number of llew stations and increased facilities. Twenty-nine new
stations were licensed and 76 applications were denied. Effective
August 1, 1939, the Commission increased the license period for
standard broadcast stations from 6 months to 1 year.
In 1938, the Commission began inquiry into chain broadcasting
practices with respect to contractual relationship in programs and
advertising, competitive practices, and network policies In general.
Hearings, which ran 73 days, from November 1938 to May 1939
produced nearly 100 witnesses, 700 exhibits, and almost 9,000 pages of
testimony. The report, when issued, will be the basis of possible new
regulations and recommendations to Congress. The special committee
assigned to tIlls task comprises Commissioners Brown, Walker, and
Thompson.
A notable contribution during the year was the adoption of revised
rules and regulations governing all radio services. Chief among these
were the rules affecting standard broadcast stations which were made
effective August 1, 1939. Hearings were held from June 6 to June 30,
1938, before a committee composed of Commissioners Case, com 
mittee chairman; Craven, and Payne. More than 2,500 pages of
testimony and more than 200 exhibits were considered. Forty-five
representatives of broadcast equipment manufacturers attended the
conference which preceded adoption of the Standards of Good En 
gineering Practice which were incorporated in this exhaustive work.
Commissioner Brown is completing a detailed "Special Study of the
Radio Requirements Necessary or Desirable for Safety Purposes
for Ships Navigating the Great Lakes and the Inland Waters
of theUnited States," which was ordered by Congress. Hearings were
held at Cleveland, Detroit, and elsewhere, and Canadian authorities
have cooperated in working out standards to make more effective the
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 5
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea and for other
mutual purposes.
The Commission has active representation on the Interdepartment
Radio Advisory Corrunittee which allots frequencies to Government
radio stations. Of more than 9,500 such present assignments,
more than half-nearly 5,500-were made during the fiscal year.
Interest in the amateur field was attested in the nearly 50,000 types
of licenses issued to these operators. In addition, nearly 18,000 com 
mercial operator applications were received, and more than 15,000
were granted.
The year witnessed increased interest in television. For the first
time, the Commission received applications for use of television
frequencies in public service. A special committee, consisting of Com 
missioners Craven, as chairman; Brown, and Case, made painstaking
inquiry into the present status of television. In its first report this
committee found that television has barely emerged from the "techni 
cal" research stage of development and that it would be unwise for the
Corrunission to adopt standards that may "freeze" further progress.
The committee stressed that careful coordination is essential to
television's progress. Extreme limitation of television channels also
presents a serious problem. Only seven of the 19 channels allocated
to television have been satisfactorily developed technically for televi 
sion service. The committee's second report--on television applica 
tion-was in final preparation.
On June 13,1939, the Commission reported on its spedal investiga 
tion of the telephone industry. This inquiry was inaugurated by
Public Resolution No. 8 of the Seventy-fourth Congress and was
begun by Commissioner Walker, as chairman of the former Telephone
Division of the Commission. The final report, consisting of approx 
imately 900 mimeographed pages, traced the history, development,
and operating practices of the largest single business in the wodd 
the Bell System. Savings to telephoue subscribers of more than
$30,000,000 to date through rate reductions resulting from this inves 
tigation justified Congress' reference that "the American people are
entitled to know if they are being overcharged for this service even
though they may be satisfied with the service." The report made 9
specific recommendlttions looking to stricter regulation of the industry.
In 1935, the Commission had mltde eertltin legislative recommenda 
tions with respect to telegmph companies. Pursuant to Senate
Resolution 95, Scventy-sixth Congl'ess, first session, which directed
the Senate Interstate Commerce Committee to investigate the tele 
graph industry with a view to possible merger, a Senate subcommittee
headed by Scnlttor Burton K. Wheelcr or Montana is utilizing records
and other services of the Comnlission.
During the year, the Commission undertook to define the nature of
services to be rendered by international broadcast. On May 23, 1939,
it issued specific rules and regulations governing such international
service, which marked a new policy in opening these channels to com 
mercial programs.
The subsequent outbreak of the European war introduced such
complications that a committee, composed of Chairman Fly andCom 
missioners Brown and Craven, wa,s appointed to maintain contact
with other Government agencies, as well as with the industry, to study
and report on new problems presented.
19244:J-4(l-~2
6 REPORT Ol' TH], FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
In cooperation with the State Department and other Government
agencies, the Commission has effected arrangements with other Ameri 
can republics in working out mutual communications problems. The
Commission is charged with carrying out certain provisions of treaties
and international agreements to which the United States is a party.
In administering and enforcing laws, regulations, and international
treaties pertaining to radio, the Commission effectively utilizes a field
staff. The ether waves are, in effect, patrolled by field offices at
strategic points throughout the United States and its possessions,
augmented by seven radio monitoring stations located at Atlanta,
Baltimore, Boston, Grand Island, Nebr.; Great Lakes, Ill.; San
Pedro, Calif., and Portland, Oreg. Mobile equipment, additions to
which the Commission urgently needs, is useful in tracing unlicensed
stations and, at the same titne, maintaining an effective neutrality
patrol of the entire radio spectrum.
Through its Engineering Depnrtmeat, the Commission has investi 
gated many communication techniques aud refinements. It has
made considerable stndy of freqnency modulntion, n subject now
commanding much brondcast interest. The Commission's engineers
have also given a.ttention to directional antennas, facsimile reproducers,
and a wide variety of other devices to improve the communication
services. At the same time these engineers are working to reduce
interference from elertromedicnlnnd other low-power mdio-frequency
electricalnppnratus.
The most comprehensive study of sunspot effect on communications
yet undertaken has been begun by the Commission's engineering
staff. Several new types of carrier telephone systems have been
developed by the industry and are being closely followed. One type
permits 15 telephone channels over a single pair of open wires. The
pioneer experimental coaxial cable system betweeu New York and
Philadelphia has resulted in installation of the first commercial
system of this type, from Minneapolis to Stevens Point, Wis., a
distance of nearly 200 miles. This one small cable will be capable of
transmitting 480 simultaneous telephone conversations. Other possi 
bilities with respect to message-telegraph communications are 12
times greate.r.
Other experimental and research activitics inclnded charting
ground frequency wave field intensities, experiment with automatic
devices on shipboard to receive distress signals, and cOlnparative study
of frequency modulation and amplitude modulation.
There were no amendments to the Communications Act during the
year. This report makes no recoffilnendation for new legislation
with respect to the act.
Howcver, the Commission is seriously conccrned about its lack of
personnel and equipment to carry out the increased duties, par 
ticularly in the field of radio monitoring, and in the better prepftra 
tion of cases involving the issuance of radio licenses. This i8 In()rc
fully discussed in the chapter, Recommendations to Congress.
CHAPTER II
General
I. ORGANIZATION
2. PROCEDURE
3. LEGISLATION
4. INTERNATIONAL MATTERS
5. INTERDEPARTMENT RADIO ADVISORY COMMITTEE
6. EXPERIMENTAL. RESEARCH. AND TECHNICAL INVESTI 
GATIONS
7. PUBLICATIONS
7
[ Page 8 in the original document is intentionally blank 1
I. ORGANIZATION
The Commission, composed of seven members, functions lIS a unit
with respect to all duties which it performs under the Communications
Act, other laws, and international agreements. During the first 3
years of its existence, the Commission operated largely through three
divisions (Broadcast, Telephone, and Telegraph). Effective Novem 
ber 15, 1937, these divisions were abolished.
Supplementing the lieneral unit plan, under which the Commission
directly supervises all Its activities, a delegation of responsibility with
respect to certain classes of matters has been effected. Committees
of the Commission, consisting usually of three members, have been
delegated to make special studies and supervise particular under 
takings. Detailed activities have been delegated to individual Com 
missioners and the heads of certain departments. Special care,
however, has been exercised to reserve to the Connnission lIS a whole
all important policy determinations.
The only change in the membership of the Commission during the
fiscal year was appointment, on AprilS, 1939, of Frederick 1. Thomp 
son to fill the unexpired term ending June 30, 1941, caused by the
resignation of Commissioner Eugene O. Sykes. Commissioner Paul
A. Walker, whose term expired June 30, 1939, was reappointed, for
seven years. (Subsequently, on September 1, 1939, James Lawrenee
Fly succeeded Frank R. McNinch as Chairman, to complete the
unexpired term of the late Anning S. Prall, ending June 30, 1942.)
DEPARTMENTS
The staff organization consists of the following departments:
Accounting, Statistical, and Tariff Department, whose funetions in 
clude matters of accounting regulation, compilation and anal 
ysis of statisties, and tariff analysis and regulations.
Engineering Department, whose functions include the engineering
phases of broadcast, common carrier, and private and ship'service
regulation and enforcement; international and interdepartmental
matters; supervision of the field staff; and technical engineering
information and research.
Law Department, whose functions include the legal ,PhllSes of
radiolicensin~and of connnon carrier regulation; admmistration
(including legIslation, rule-making, and international matters) and
litigation before the courts.
Secretary's O.ffice which has charge of all matters of internal
administration.
The heads of the Commission's departments meet regularly as a
Committee on Rules for the consideration, looking to recommenda 
tions to the Commission, of proposals for new or revIsed rules and reg 
ulations, and upon other matters of administration, and by means of
the functioning of this Committee coordination of Commission activ 
ities has been further promoted.
9
10 RRPORT OF THE }'EDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
2. PROCEDURE
The procedure under which hearings are conducterl anrl the pro 
eerlural steps learling up to final action by the Commission were re 
vised in several important respects during the year. From the
standpoint of internal administration, the changes Inude have siInpli 
fied and expediterl the process; under the ncw procedural rules, the
speeding up of the process hus proved possible without sacrifice of
thorough-going consirleration of the ments of the mutters the Com 
mission is culled upon to act upon. At the close of the fiscal year
there were only 25 pending nnd undecided cases, a very considerable
reduction from the number pendiug at the close of the previous year.
Formerly it was the practice of the Commission to include in the
issues upon whieh hearings on applications were to be held not only
those matters Oil which the COInmission entertained doubt but issues
whieh required affirmative proof of all items eontained in the applica 
tions. As II result, the tllsk of preplll'l1tion for hearings was rendered
extrenlely burdensome, and henrings were unnecessarily prolonged
by the applicant's tedious proof of many facts not really in controversy.
The Commission has now undertaken the burden of determining and
specifying limited issues which are actually controversial in character
and upon whieh the result of the proceeding must turn.
Under its former rules the Commission permitted lilly party to
intervene if his petition disclosed a "substantial interest in the subject
matter." Furthermore the Commission designated as parties to
its hearings those persons shown by its records to have smne potential
interest, whether or not such persons were known to have an intention
to appear. The effects of compllratively unrestricted intervention
and of automatic inclusion of p,uties to the proceeding were the
unnecessary prolongation of discussion of noncontroversial issues
and t,}lC unnecessary Inultiplication of evidence on relevant issues,
due to the cross-examination to which witnesses were subjected by
the various parties. The Commission's rules now require all parties
who desire to appear in opposition to an appliclltion to file petitions
to intervene, by means of which their interests may be tested, and
pllrties are required to make a showing that the requested inter 
vention will be in the public interest. At the same time, the Com 
mission has made specific provision for the filing and consideration of
motions for enlargement of the issues, a further safeguard for the pro 
tection of interests of applicants and other parties.
Following abolition of the Examining Depllrtment on November
9, 1938, the Commission changed its entire post-hearing procedure.
In substitution for the plan under which the facts developed in hear 
ings were reported by examiners, the practice has been set up of re 
quiring 1111 parties to proceedings to submit proposed findings of fact,
following which proposed findings and conclusions are issued by the
Commission. To these proposed decisions the parties hllve full
opportunity to file exceptions upon which they may base oml argu 
ment before the Commission. Benefits derived from the new pro 
cedure include better prepamtion of eases by practitioners, with
resulting reduction in size of records, simplificlltion of the problem of
preparing decisions and improvement generally. in speeding up,
accuracy, and substantive comprehensiveness and utility of decisions.
Under the new procedure the standnrds of "fair play" in reaching final
REPORT OF Till': }'l':DEItAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 11
determinations, as laid down by the courts, have been fully met.
The parties .,re notified in advance of the grounds upon which the
Commission proposes to tnke action and opportunity is given for
consideration of their objections. Thus, the proprieties as set forth
in the second Morgan case 1 are completely satisfied.
As a further measure for the ilnprovmnent of its procedure, the
Commission on January 1, 1939, made provision for the holding of
oral arguIllcnt on all interlocutory pleadings and Illations. Previously
these motions were disposed of by the Commission without oppor 
tunity forar~ument,and thns without fnll opportunity for iuterested
parties to make n. contest. These interlocutory matters are now
placed on l1 Motions Docket presided over by l1n individual Com 
missioner, which is called Friday of each week. During the period
January 1 to June 30, 1939, 345 motions and petitions were disposed
of on the Motions Docket.
3. LEGISLATION
The basic law under which the Commission functions is the Com 
rnullications Ant of 1934, as aluendeu. There were no amendments
to the Communicl1tions Act during the fiscal year 1939.
On June 19, 1939, Senate Resolution 95 was adopted, which author 
ized l1n investigation of the telegmph industry in the United States
by the Interstl1te Commerce Committee of the United States Senate.
Pursuant to this resolution, a subcommittee of the Interstate Com 
merce Committee, headed by Senator Burton K.Wheeler, of Montana,
was directed to conduct the study. The Commission has coopemted
with this subcommittee in the furnishing of statistical data, and is
lending its facilities and records, l1S requested. Also, representatives
of the Commission have appeared and given testimony at the hearings
011 the resolution.
The Commission sllbluitted to Congress its report Oll the special
telephone investigation, which contains a nlllnber of proposals for
new legislation looking to more comprehensive and effective regulation
of the telephone industry. These proposals are more fully reviewed
elsewhere in this report.
A number of matters were studied with a view to the possibility of
subsequent recommendations for legislation.
Various measures were introduced in Congress afi'ectjng activities
of the Commission, and the Commission was requested by the various
congressional cOlnmittees to furnishreports and comments on alar~e
number of these bills. A list of the measures 011 which the Commis 
sion furnished information, datu, and recolllmendations to Congress
during the year is contained in the Appendixes.
4. INTERNATIONAL MATTERS
GENERAL
The Commission has collaborated with the Depltrtment of State
in international matters involving communications, including radio,
wire, and cable services. During the last fiscal yenr two interna 
tional communications conferences were held in which representatives
of the Commission participated, one in Guatemallt City, Guntemala,
IMQrgan v. United &ates, 304 U. 8. 1.
INTERCONTINENTAL AVIATION
12 REPORT OF THE FEDFJRAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
in December 1938 and one in Cracow, Poland, in May 1939. These
conferences are discussed separately hereafter.
In addition, the Commission has participated in preparatory work
for future international conferences, particularly the meeting of the
International Consulting Committee on Radio (C. C. 1. R.) scheduled
to be held in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 1940, and the Inter-American
Radio Conference to be held in Santiago, Chile, in January 1940.
A vast amount of correspondence relative to international problems
has been handled, and an accurate record of international communi 
cations statistics is maintained so that such information is available
upon request. The Commission compiles lists of the international
broadcast stations of the world, as well as all Canadian, Mexican,
and Cuban broadcast stations.
The work involved in the notification of radio frequencies to the
Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union, Berne, Switzer 
land, has been continued, including general supervision of the Radio
Service Bulletin issued semimonthly by the Commission.
CENTRAL AMERICAN CONFERENCE
The Regional Radio Conference of Central America, Panama, and
the Canal Zone was in session from November 24 to December 8, 1938.
The principal subject before the conference was the allocation of
the frequency band 2300-2400 kilocycles, in accordance with the
provisions of article 7, paragraph 8, section 1, subsection 3, division
(b) and (c) of the General Radio Regulations of Cairo, 1938, annexed
to the International Telecommunications Convention of Madrid, 1932.
The Convention, by unanimous vote, recognized the special needs for
tropical broadcasting in the Central American area without prejudic 
ing the interests of either the military departments or non-Govern 
ment radio as represented by the Commission.
CRACOW RADIO CONFERENCE
By designation of the President, Mr. E. M. Webster, Assistant
Chief Engineer of the Commission, attended the meeting of the sub 
committee of the Third World Conference of Radiotelegraph Experts
for Aeronautics at Cracow, Poland, on May 19, 1939.
The conference produced a set of recommendations addressed to
the interested governments for study with the expectation that final
conclusions would be reached at a future "World Conference of Radio 
telegraph Experts for Aeronautics" at Berlin in February of 1940.
Tentative arrangements were also concluded among the representa 
tives of the countries particularly concerned with flights across the
North Atlantic relative to the use of the radio frequencies assigned
to the route by the Cairo Radio Conference of 1938, effective Septem 
ber 1, 1939.
In view of the fact that, except for Government stations, all aero 
nautical radio in the United States is subject to the licensing authority
of the Commission, any arrangements made in regard to allocation
of frequencies and to the use of radio by aircraft flights to and from
the United States must be coordinated with the Communications Act
and the policies of the Commission.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 13
The number of intercontinental aircraft flights is rapidly increasing
and the radio problems in their connection have increased propor 
tionately. These flights involve coordination with radio stations of
foreign countries, and accordingly increased consultation with foreign
governments through conference is to he expected.
NORTH AMERICAN REGIONAL BROADCASTING AGREEMENT
Considerable study has been given by the Commission to the
placing into cffect of the North American Regional Broadcasting
Agreement which will go a long way in clearing problems among broad 
casting stations in the North American region. This agreement,
which has now been ratified by Canada, Cuba, Haiti, and the United
States of America, will be made effective after approval by the Mexi 
can Government.
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC RADIO UNION
The International Scientific Radio Union is an international scien 
tific organization which has contributed important studies on the
scientific aspects of radio, especially in the field of radio wave propa 
gation. The Chief of the International Division attended the General
Assembly of the International Scientific Radio Union held in Venice,
Italy, in September 1938 as a delegate for the National Research
Council.
COMMITTEE ON COOPERATION WITH AMERICAN REPUBLICS
The Chief of the International Division has participated regularly
in the work of the Committee on Cooperation with the American
Republics, which has met periodically in the Department of State
under the chairmanship of the Under Secretary of State, Mr. Sumner
Welles.
5. INTERDEPARTMENT RADIO ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The representatives of the Commission have devoted much time
and effort during the fiscal year to the work of the Interdepartment
Radio Advisory Committee. This Committee is the Govemment
committee established for the purpose of advising the President with
reference to the assignment of frequencies to Govemment radio
stations, under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. The
Committee has had frequent meetings and has approved the assign 
ment of 5,425 frequencies for Government radio stations during the
past year. At the present time there are 9,508 active assignments to
Government radio stations, all of which have been recommended by
the Committee since its establishment. In view of the increasing
magnitude and importance of the Committee's work, increased atten 
tion was given to systematizing the assignment of frequencies to all
Government radio stations. A set of principles was developed and
coordinated with the practices of the Federal Communications Com 
mission in its assignment of frequencies to non-Government stations.
Definitions of classes of stations were adopted and a system of sym 
bols indicating restrictions on frequency assignments was developed.
On April 4, 1939, the Committee elected Mr. E. K. Jett, Chief Engi 
neer of the Commission, as its chairman to sncceed Judge E. O. Sykes,
formerly member of the Commission, who resigned.
14 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOMMUNICATIONS OOMMISSION
6. EXPERIMENTAL, RESEARCH, AND TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS
The experimental, research, and teclmical investigations under 
taken by the Commission during the year included the following:
1. Investigation of necessary power for ship transmitters.--Analysis
of the mass of data obtained, the results of an investigation of over
100 ship antennas of the mensurements of continuous recordings of
average noise over a period of 2,311.5 hours and the results of over
100 separate tests of the ability of ship operators to copy code signals
through varying arnounts of static, required approximately 3 111Onths'
time, a.fter which a report was prepared for nse at the ship power
hearing of November 11, 1938.
2. Preparation of ground wave field intensity chnrts.-For use in
connection with the Standards of Good Engineering Practice Govern 
ing Standard Broadcast Stations.
3. Study oj the distribution oj received sky wave field in!e-nsities of
broadcast stations with time.
4. Interference to broadcast reception caused by atmospheric noise.
5. ft'leven- Year sunspot cycle recordhlg program.-An accurate knowl 
edge of field intensity and of atmospheric noise is essential in order
to have a Ineasure of the present service arcas of broadcast stations
and a measure of the expected improvemeuts of any proposed re 
nllocntions. TIllS program involves the meafmreIUent of approxi 
mately 20 different broadcast stations by the Commission's monitor 
ing stations at Baltimore, Grand Island, and Portland, Oreg.
The survey, if continued over the sunspot cycle us contemplated, will
c.onstitute the most extensive and cOluprehensive investigation of
radio wave propagation ever ruade.
6. Investigation oj the peJjormance an,] reliability~fauto 
matic alarm.? used on bOlU'd ship for the reception~fdistress signals.
7. Investigation of the methods ofmea~uringfield intensity and no'ise
at the various frequendes utilized by the different radio seroices.
8. Comparative study offrequency modu.lation and amplitude modu 
lation.-Demonstrations, through actual field tests of the results of
frequency modulated transmissions as compared to amplitude modu 
lated transmissions, that have been witnessed by members of the
Conuuission, have revealed many interesting factors requiring serious
study. Most impressive of these is the substantial improvement with
respect to freedom from noise caused by the ignition systems of
automobiles, also demonstrations indicating the possibility of operat 
ing frequency modulated transmitters in different cities on the same
frequency while at the SHIlle time providing service areas practically
free from interference.
9. Investigat'ions of the extent and oj the necessary methods of m'ini 
mizing the interference being caused to rad,:o communications by the
operation of diathermy and other electromedical appa1'O.t1Ls.-Complaints
of interference to radio reception caused by the operation of thera 
peutic machines have increased materially during the year. A
thorough study of the known methods of eliminating the interference
at the source through the use of filters and metallic screens was made
by the Commission's field force during the year from which it is known
that from an engineering standpoint the solution of the problem is
simple. From the standpoint of the manufacturers and the medical
profession the solution is encumbered with economic and prnctical
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 15
difficulties. The extreme importance of the use of surgical and medical
diathermy apparatus to the medical profession and the public in the
preservation of health and life is unquestioned. Unquestioned a.!so 
and for the same reason, the preservation of life and property-is the
necessity that a reasonable solution of the problem be found promptly
so that interruption to the service of the vital communication circuits
of the Nation caused by tins type of interference may be elintinated.
10. Carrier call apparatu8.-As mentioned in the Fourth Annual
Report, preliminary investigations of the operation of carrier call
appa.ratus, designed primarily for interoffice communication, showed
that this type of equipment is capable of causing a considerable
amount of interference to radio reception. Later testa of equipment
made by a number of manufacturers have indicated, howevcr, that if
operation is confined to frequencies witlnn the range of approximately
60 to 300 kilocycles, and if correctly designed filter circuits are installed
and maintained in proper operation, these devices could be operated
without causing objectionable interference.
11. Lowpmver radio frequency device8.-As a result of the increased
use of many different types of low-power radio frequency electrical
deviccs for alaITOs, rhonograph-record-playing and remote-control
purposes, an infoITOa engineering conference was held at the Com 
mission's offices in Waslllngton on September 19, 1938, for the purpose
of considering proposed rules and regulations governing their opera 
tion. The rules and regulations were based on certain radiation
chaI'llcteristics of importance in regulating the operation of the devices
so as to prevent interference to radio reoeption.
The rules and rcgulations were tentatively adopted by the Com 
ntission. The tests of the apparatus made by the Commission's
field offices have indicated that if the rules lind regulations are strictly
complied with the devices mllY be used without causing interference
to established radio services.
7. PUBLICATIONS
Publiclltions prepared and rcleased by the Comntission during the
fiscal year included the Report of the Commission on the Special
Telephone Investigation, various parts of the Rules and Regulations,
including the Standards of Good Engineering Practice applicable to
Standard Broadcast Stations and to Ship Radio Scrvices, and volume
5 of the Federal Communications Commission Reports. [A list of
publications relating to the work of the Commission, appears in the
appendixes.]
Volume 5 covers the decisions and reports of the Commission for
the period November 16, 19:17, to June 30, 1938, and contains the
Commission's decisions in 140 cases. The compilation of volume 6,
covering the period June 30, 1938, to February 28, 1939, was in prep 
aration at thc end of the fiscal year.
A number of fadors combined to make necessary the complete
revision of a.ll the Commission's rules. Tills important and laborious
undertaking was beg'un in 1938 and completed (except for final priut 
ing) by the close of the fiscal year 1939. Fundamcntal changes in the
Commission's decision processes, which have already been discussed,
necessitated revision of the Rules of Practice. The IIdoption by the
Federal Courts of the revised Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
prompted further revisions.
16 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Technical advances in the art and developments of a national and
international character in the use of the frequencies available for
broadcasting brought about a complete overhaul of the rules affecting
the broadcast services. Many of the remaining provisions of the Com 
mission's substantive Rules and Regulations had been carried over
from the Federal Radio Commission and the Interstate Commerce
Commission. Some were out of print and for other reasons they were
difficult of ready access. Also provisions had become obsolete, and
as to others the need for revision had become apparent on the basis of
informative reports, investigations, developments in hearings, and
other researches conducted by the Commission.
2
Accordingly the Commission during the fiscal year devoted special
attention to the complete revision of its rules, collecting them in a
logical arrangement, with systematized section numbers. All the
revisions have been published in the Federal Register, and in addition,
they are in process of being printed in convenient pamphlet form,
suitable for inclusion in a single volume of all the Commission's rules.
2 The rles('J'iption of the new rules and regulations relating to a particular service is contained [n the part
of this report d&lling with such service. For example, l\ review of the provisions of the new rules governing
standard broadcast stations is contained elseWhere in this report..
CHAPTER III
Regulation of Telephone and Telegraph
Carriers
I. INTRODUCTION
2. TELEPHONE INVESTIGATION
3. RATES AND TARIFFS
4. SUPERVISION OF ACCOUNTS
5. FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATISTICAL DATA
6. COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS
7. EXTENSION OF FACILITIES
8. TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS
9. TELEPHONE DISASTERS
10. LlTIGATION
17
I. INTRODUCTION
All telephone and telegraph companies engaged as common carriers
for hire in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio nre
subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. The regulation of
nuttters having to do with their operations as comnlOn carriers, such
as rates and tariffs, supervision of accounts, complaints, and investi 
gations, etc., is discussed herein both as to companies which operate
bv wire and as to companies which operate by radio. The licensing
of radio facilities to telephone and telegraph carriers, however, is
discussed hereinafter.
The discussion which follows includes those matters which were
the subject of hearings before the Commission or its staff and revisions
of rules and regulations directly related to rates and tariffs. Else 
where in the report are contained matters relating to hearings and
the adoption of rules concerning the licensing function of the Com 
missimi in connection with telephone and telegraph carriers.
2. TELEPHONE INVESTIGATION
The telephone investigation, instituted in 1935, has been completed
and the Commission, under date of June 14, 1939, forwarded to
Congress its final report. Tlus report has been printed as House
Document No. 340, Seventy-fourth Congress.
The report suggests certain amendments 'to the Communications
Act for the purpose of clarification, and also amendments to enlarge
the Commission's authority over the telephone industry. This re 
port also contains a detailed discussion of the problems in the regula 
lation of the telephone industry, particularly the Bell System. The
iuvestigation has resulted in the development and the analysis of a
large and important fund of data which is ample to form the founda 
tion upon which adequate regulatory machinery may be constructed.
Data developed have proved of value to State commIssions in meeting
the problems witb which they are confronted in the regulation of
intrastate rn.tes of telephone companies.
The prefuninary report was Blade by COIDluissioncr Walker, chair·
man of the fonner Telephone Division of the COlllruission. The
Commission has pending before it at this time a proceeding involving
interstate rates of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co., covering
business originating and tcnnillating in the State of 'Vashington.
The successful eonduct of this proceeding depends, of course, upon
adequate personnel, and demonstrates the necessity of keeping the
llluterial gathered by the special investigation in H, current condition
available for use in the regulation of rates as the necessity arises.
The savings to telephone subseribers resulting from this special
investigation now approximale $30,000,000, and it is essential, if the
telephone subscribers are to continue to receive the benefit of effective
regulation, that sufficient funds be provided to enable the work com 
menced by the special investigation to be carried on.
19
20 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Congress appropriated originally $750,000 for the telephone
investigation. This was supplemented by two additional appropria 
tions of $400,000 and $350,000, respectively. During the period of
the investigation, when additional funds were suggested for perma 
nent organization for telephone regulation, the Commission was
advised that such appropriations were not needed during the period
of the investigation but that Congress should have definite recom 
mendations growing out of the investigation, both as to the character
of regulatory work to be done and the amount of money needed
therefor. Now that the telephone report has been submitted to
Congress, together with certain recommendations of the Commission,
it is obvious that if there is to be effective regulation increased funds
and expanded personnel are needed.
3. RATES AND TARIFFS
RATE SCHEDULES
On June 30, 1939, 230 communication carriers had tariffs and con 
currences on file with the Commission. During the fiscal year they
filed 16,746 tariff publications (books, pamplets, and loose-leaf tariffs,
revised loose-leaf pages, and concurrences), containing changes in
rates, regulations, practices, and classifications of service or estab 
lishing new commlUlication ser,rices, also 357 new or revised instru 
ments of concurrence whereby some carriers adopted as their own
certain tariffs of other carriers. Of the total number of tariff publi 
cations filed, 10,868 related to telephone services, 3,552 related to
telegraph services, and 2,326 related to both telephone and telegraph
services. A total of 28 tariff publications were rejected for failure
to conform to statutory requirements.
These tariffs and concurrences were carefully examined and studied
with a view to the discovery and correction of rates and regulations
therein which might appear to be unjustly discriminatory or otherwise
unlawful. Numerous irregularities in the rate schedules were correct 
ed or eliminated through correspondence with the carriers, in con 
nection with which 689 letters were written.
During the year special and successful effort was made to secure
the filing by international carriers of tariff schedules of rates and
regulations applicable to inbound-communication service from foreign
countries to the United States and its territories and possessions.
The Commission continued to make copies of the tariff schedules
available for inspection by the public. An increased use of these
facilities was noted.
INVESTIGATIONS AND SUSPENSIONS
Volume rates.-In four instances, schedules of charges of telegraph
carriers were suspended or ordered investigated where the charges
for the same communication service differed solely because of differ 
ences in the number of words offered by the users for transmission
during a fixed period. In each case the carrier voluntarily amended
its schedules and the proceedings were dismissed.
Allowances.-The tariff schedules of twotele~raphcarriers which
proposed to effect allowances for non-communIcation services per 
formed by users were suspended. The carriers withdrew the pro 
posed schedules and the orders of suspension were vacated.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 21
Non-communication-sermce charges.-The schedules of char!(es of
five radiotelegraph carriers relating to the transmission of multiple 
press or news service were made the subject of an order of investiga 
tion because the published charges included the charges for both the
communication service and the news itself. Revised tariff schedules
containing only the communication-service charges were filed and
the order of investigation was vacated.
l.lultiple-address service.-The charges, practices, classifications,
and regulations for and in connection with multiple-address press
services to outlying territories and possessions of the United States
were the subject of investigation and hearing. At the close of the
fiscal year a decision was pending with re!(ard to this matter.
Rejorwarding oj messages.-The regulations and practices of the
telegraph carriers concerning the reforwarding of telegraph messages
were the subject of investi!(ation and hearing. At the close of the
fiscal year a decision was pcndin!( with regard to this matter.
Ship-telephone service.-The schedules of charges of two carriers
relating to the furnishing of radiotelephone service to and from vessels
on the Great Lakes have been suspended or ordered investigated. At
the close of the fiscal year hearings on this matter were pending.
Interzone telephone rates.-An investigation is pending regarding
the action of one large telephone carrier in withdrawing from publica 
tion certain rates for interstate telephone service to and from points
in the vicinity of a largoe metropolitan area, and the establishment by
such carrier of alleged local axchange service through the extension of
the local service area of the metropolitan center for considerable dis 
tances in order to include the interstate points mentioned. The
question at issue is of importance in the case of various other large
metropolitan areas in the United States located at or near State
boundaries, and may involve the question of whether, through such
an arrangement, telephone carriers would be able to avoid the juris 
diction of the Commission in many of their activities. At the elose
of the fiscal year this matter had been designated for hearing.
Concurring carriers.-Schedules of charges were suspended in one
instance when such schedules proposed to discontinue certain carriers
as "concurring carriers" on the alleged ground that such carriers had
become "agents" of the filing carrier. This matter was pending at the
close of the fiscal year.
RATE CHANGES
Among the changes in communication rates or services during the
fiscal year the following items are worthy of note: Ship-telephone
service was enlarged in scope and reduced rates were made applicable;
radiotelephone service to and from ships on the Great Lakes was en 
larged; message toll telephone service to Newfoundland was estab 
lished; direct radiotelephone service to Australia was inaugurated;
"radio-mail" service was discontinued as a classification of service;
and telemeter service was extended to additional points.
4. SUPERVISION OF ACCOUNTS
ACCOUNTANTS NEEDED FOR FIELD SERVICE
Accomplishments in the matter of regulating the accounts of com 
munication carriers have been confined largely to the development
1924-t3-4().....--3
22 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
and prescription of accounting regulations and have not included
adequate field examinations to enforce these regulations and to as 
semble necessary factual data. For instance, during a prior fiscal
year, the CommIssion J.'ioneered in the matter of prescribing account 
mg regulations requirmg telephone carriers to restate their plant
accounts on the basis of original cost, and, during the present fiscal
year, prescribed similar regulfttions for radiotelegraph carriers.
However, the Commission has been without sufficient funds to
provide an adequate force in the field to examine the records of the
carriers for the purpose of testing compliance with the prescribed
accounting rules or for the other regular and continuing duties con 
templated by section 220 of the act (relating to the accounts and
records of communication carriers) and by section 215 of the act
(relating to the accounts and records of affiliated companies including
manuffteturing subsidiaries and others furnishing equipment, supplies,
or services, the cost of which affects or may affect the rates charged
for communication service). It is important to effective regulfttion
to be able to gather the information and facts upon which the Com 
mission must rely at first hand through its representatives, and by
direct access to the accounts and records of carriers, manufacturing·
subsidiaries, and others contemplated by these sections of the act.
Otherwise, the Commission is forced to rely upon ex parte statements
made in response to questionnaires and inquiries.
ACCOUNTING.REGULATIONS
The activities of the Commission in the matter of regulating the
accounts of communication carriers during the fiscal year, as in
previous fiscal years, were confined largely to the prescription of
accounting regulations rather than to field enforcement, which latter
activity was not possible to a satisfactory extent because of the
limited funds available to the Commission. Among the Com 
mission's activities in the matter of accounting regulations were the 
following:
Uniform system of accounts-radiotelegraph carrier8.-A draft of a
uniform system of accounts for radiotelegraph carriers having' average
annual operating revenues in excess of $50,000 was completed during
the year and was prescribed, to be effective January 1, 1940. While
this system was not made effective for the smaller carriers having
average annual operating revenues of $50,000 or less, it is expected
that such carriers will voluntarily adopt it in principle and will apply
its provisions insofar as they are applicable to their affairs. This is
the first uniform system of accounts that has been prescribed for
radiotelegraph carriers.
Uniform system of accounts-clas8 0 telephone carriers.-A uniform
system of accounts for class C telephone carriers was prescribed by the
Commission in June 1938, and became effective January I, 1939.
Class C telephone carriers are those having average annual operating
revenues exceeding $25,000 but not exceeding $50,000. This uniform
system of accounts is an abridged system designed for the practical
use of the smaller telephone carriers. .
Uniform system ofaccounts-wire-telegraph and ocean-cable carriers. 
Wire-telegraph and ocean-cable carriers are now subject to a uniform
system of accounts that was prescribed by the Interstate Commerce.
REPORT m' THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 23
Commission in January 1914. It is contemplated, however, that a
revised uniform system of accounts for such carriers will be prescribed
durin~the coming year. There are several intercorporate and other
situatlOns that should receive thorough study prior to the issuance of
this revised system.
Restatement of plant accounts on basis of original cost.-The recently
issued uniform system of accounts for radiotelegraph carriers men 
tioned above contains a requirement that these carriers restate their
plant accounts on the basis of original cost, and such a requirement is
also contained in the uniform system of accounts for the larger tele 
phone companies that was prescribed by this Commission effective
January 1,1937.
The telephone carriers are now in the process of restating their
accounts for the purpose of complying with the foregoing require 
ments. The restatement creates a difference to be disposed of as
directed by the Commission, with due regard to all the pertinent facts
concerning its component parts.
Depreciation.-Accounting studies have been actively pursued with
respect to depreciation with a view to the formulation of appropriate
accounting regulations therefor. The cost of furnishing communica 
tion service for the year 1937 included approximately $181,000,000 as
depreciation expense. The justification for such charges rests on the
fact that they represent portlOns of the original investments consumed
in the public service and form an appropriate part of the cost of
rendering such service. It is, therefore, important that the deprecia 
tion expense entering into the cost of furnishing service be limited to
amounts consistent with the base on which a fair return is allowed
to be earned, which can only be determined after extensive studies.
Relief and pensions.-Comprehensive financial, actuarial, and ac 
counting data were prepared and testimony was presented by mem 
bers of the accounting staff in connection with the hearin!!: in Docket
5188, In the J.latter of Additional Gharges to Operating Expense Ac 
count 672 (Relief and pensions) in the Uniform System of Accounts for
Telephone Gompanies.
The study of the data submitted by telephone and telegraph car 
riers with respect to their several relief and pension plans pursuant to
a previous outstanding order of the Commission was being continued
at the end of the fiscal year, and the announcement of a decision as to
compliance with applicable regulations, as revealed by these data,
was being withheld pending a decision in Docket 5188, which will be
the controlling factor in the interpretation of a number of contro 
versial points.
Gost accounting.-The uniform system of accounts for radiotele 
graph carriers, hereinbefore referred to, was designed with a view to
the possible superimposing of cost-accounting routines. As indicated,
however, by the first recommendation in the Commission's Report
on the Telephone Investigation transmitted to the Congress on June
Hi 1939, the most important field for cost-accounting developments is
be ieved to be that of the associated manufacturing companies.
Accounting studies have been continued looking to the development
of data bearing on the reasonableness of the "spread" between the
costs of manufacturing and furnishing equipment and supplies by
companies under direct or indirect common control with communica-
24 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
tion carriers on the one hand, and the prices at which these items are
sold to such carriers by their respective affiliates, on the other hand.
Continuing property record.-Progress has been made in connection
with developing a system of records designed for the purpose of
recording changes in telephone property and the cost associated there 
with, as required by the Commission's regulations.
Miscellaneous.-The accounting features involved in 62 applications
by common carriers for extensions of lines and acquisitions of property
were examined and reported upon during the year.
Attention was also given to accounting or financial considerations
involved in 68 applications of radiotelegraph carriers for various
authorizations frOlll the Commission, such as construction permits for
new stations and for changes in cquipment.
FIELD EXAMINATIONS
During the yeur general examinations were made of the accounts of
2 ocean-cable carricrs and 1 radiotelegraph carrier, and 10 special
examinat,ions along particulnf lines were concluded. These 3 general
examinations marked the first time that a regulatory body had ex 
amined the accounting practices of these companies.
COOPERATION WITH STATE AND OTHER FEDERAL REGULATORY BODIES
A policy of active cooperation with State and other Federal regu 
latory bodies, including the National Association of Railroad and
Utilities Commissioners, has been pursued in all matters relating to
the regulation of telephone and telegraph accounts and in the develop 
ment of a form of report that would meet the requirements of both
State and Federal authorities, thus tending to reduce the number of
reports to be filed by common carriers. This subject is touched upon
in the Federal Communications Act of 1034 and cooperation between
the respective Federal and State commissions has been generally
practiced since the inception of the Commission. The first important
example '\"as the promulgation of accounting rules which were adopted
after cooperative conferences between the former Telephone Division
and State commission representatives, and which rules were affirmed
by both the Federal Court for the Southern District of New York and
the Supreme Court of the United States.
During the last year, this Commission hus cooperated regularly
with the State commissions on accounting matters.
It has also cooperated in litigat.ion involving both state and
interstate jurisdiction. An cxu.mple in point is litigation pending
before the Department of Public Service of the State of Washington
involving rates of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. and the
complaint of the Department of Public Service of Washington before
this Commission, attacking interstate rates, charges, and practices of
the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. between points in the State of
Washington on one hand and points in the remainder of the territory
of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. on the other hand.
Subsequent thereto this Commission, on its own motion, institnted
an investigation into the rates, charges, classifications, services, and
practices of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. throughout the
territory covered by that company. An illv;t"tion was extended by
this Commission to the State telephone regulatory authorities of the
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 25
States of Washington, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to
cooperate therein, and these States have indicated their intention of
so doing.
This policy of cooperation was also pursued with the view of
coordinating the accounting rules applicable to the regulation of all
public utilities in so far as it may be appropriate to apply similar
principles to each class of utility.
5. FINANCIAL AND OTHER STATISTICAL DATA
ANNUAL AND MONTHLY REPORTS
Annual reports for the calendar year 1938 wero filed by a total of
170 companies. Of this number, 92 were telephone carriers, 15 were
wire-telegraph and ocean-cable carriers, 19 were radiotelegraph
carriers, and 44 were holding companies. Monthly reports were filed
during this period by 91 telephone carriers, 8 wire-telegraph and ocean 
cable carriers, and 9 radiotelegraph carriers.
In the case of telephone carriers, only those having average annual
operating revenues in excess of $50,000 were required to file annual
reports and only those having such revenUeS in excess of $250,000
were required to file monthly reports. All telegraph carriers subject
to the jurisdiction of the Commission were required to file annual
reports, but only those having average annual operating revenues in
excess of $50,000 were required to file monthly reports. The large
telephone carriers having such revenues in excess of $1,000,000 were
required to file additional monthly reports showing various income
and balance-sheet items. The matter of designing a brief annual
report form for small telephone carriers having average annual
operating revenues not exceeding $50,000 was receiving attention at
the close of the fiscal year.
Among the changes in the annual report form prescribed for tele 
phone carriers was the inclusion of a schedule requiring the showing
of data concerning radiotelephone service pertaining principally to
service between points in the United States and points in foreign
countries or between the United States and ships at sea.
STATISTICAL COMPILATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
The following regularly published statistical summaries were com 
piled by the Commission during the fiscal year:
Selected financial and operating data from the annual reports of telephone
carriers for the year ended December 31, 1937.
Selected financial and operating data from the annual reports of telegraph,
cable, and radiotelegraph carriers for the year ended December 31, 1937.
Summary of the monthly reports of large telephone carriers in the United
States.
Operating data from the monthly reports of telegraph carriers.
Salary report of telephone and telegraph carriers, and holding companies,
1937.
Telephone hand-set charges and changes since January 1, 1938.
Selected financial data from the annual reports of holding companies can..
trolling carriers.
Intercorporate relations of carriers and controlling companies, 1938,
including an index to companies.
Various other statistical data were compiled during the fiscal year,
which included the following: (1) Statements regarding the holdings
of the thirty largest stockholders in four of the major communication
26 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
carriers, (2) statistical data concerning domestic and international
traffic to and from the principal countries of the world, and (3) a
special study of the traffic of American companies operating in South
America, Central America, and the West Indies. In addition,
responses were made to numerous inquiries by the public, embracing
statistical data shown by reports filed with the Commission and held
open for public inspection.
COMPARATIVE DATA QELATING TO COMMON CARRIERS
Comprehensive statistical data pertaining to the communication
industry are shown in the appendixes of this report. Some of the
important financial and operating data concerning 73 class A telephone
carriers operating in the United States, and 34 telegraph, cable, and
radiotelegraph carriers for the calendar year 1938, and comparisons
with similar information for the calendar year 1937, are shown below:
Clas8 A telephone carriers 1
Increase or decrease
Item
Investment in telephone planL.~._
CApital stock • _
Funded debt... __ . _
Depreciation reserve. _
Total surplus _
OPf'ratinf.:" revenues. •••• _
O!X'fstlng oxpensos. __ ._._ ". _
~~r:J~~~tf~~e~come~~~~~===~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Total intcr<'St dcdllctioDS,~__
bividenfls declared _
MilflS of wire~_
Number of telephom's.., _
Number of employees at close of year. _
Total compensation of employees. _
1'38
$4,783,082,019
$4,284, 792, 921
$1,031,567,735
$1,316,367,516
$362,922,201
$1,139,737, 155
$7!l3, 964, -li8
$15], 692, 583
$21H, 052, 989
$M, 125, 410
$338,175,841
87,395,243
17,431. 3SS
285,550
$501,504, 752
1937
$4,678,893,476
$4,276, 220, 332
$941,509,080
$1,262, In, 574
$.190, 180,025
$1, ]38,132, 784
$774,549,427
$142, 167,406
$221,416,111
$52,1~2,1411
$351,031,702
85,525, lOS
17,005,401
295,088
$488, 797, 654
Amount
$104, 188,603
$8,572,689
$00,058, 655
$54,195.942
~$27,2,')7, 824
$1, fllH, 3il
$9,415,051
$9,525,177
-$17.363,122
$1, 943, 264
-$12,8,,)5,8fll
1,870.135
425.952
-9,538
$12, 707,098
Ratio,
percent
223
.>J
9. .57
4. ,.
-6.99
.14
1.22
6.70
-7.84
3.72
-3.66
2.19
2.50
-3.23
2.60
Telegraph, cable, and radiotelegraph carn'cT8
Increase or decrease
Item
Investment In plant and equiDment~_
Capital stock . _.~__
Unmatured funded debt. .~__
Reserve for acerul'd depreclation~__
Total cnrporate surplus~__
Operating revenues •~_._
Operating expcnses.~__
Operating taxes~__
OPl'rating Income. ••• •.~__
Total lntetest deductfons.~~_._
Dividends declared_ ••• • _
Miltl.~of wire.~•• _
NumbE>r of revenue messages trsnsmitted _
Number of employees at close of year••~_.__
Total compensation of emploYees • _
1'38
$537,843, 572
$165,189,841
$111,026,210
$166,552.579
$67, 194,086
$133,650,346
$120.074, 182
$7,955,671
$5,109,741
$8, 553, 738
$542,210
2,428,245
205,382,6.52
65,573
$82, 793, 030
1937
$536,883.818
$172,~110,813
$114,740,918
$H12. 340. 960
$70,116,329
$146, ZOO, 718
$126,5111,291
$7,626,530
$11. 460, 700
$8,753,388
$4.496, 257
2,428,750
222,431,477
72,820
$90,413, 563
Amount
$950,754
-$7,720,972
-$3, il4, 708
$4, 211, 619
-$2,922,243
-$12,649,372
-$6,441,109
$329,141
-$6,350,959
-$199,650
-$3,954,047
-505
-17,048,825
-7,247
-$7,620,533
Ratio,
percent
.18
-4.47
-3.24
2.59
-4.17
-8.65
-5.09
4.32
-55.42
-2.28
-87. \l4
-.02
-7.66
-9.95
-8.43
r Class A. re/ephone carrIers are those having average snnl/al operating revenues exceedJng $]00,000.
Note-Dash [-] indicates deficit or other reverse item.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 27
6. COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS
A large number of investigations covering a wide range of subjects,
including rates, charges, services, disQrimino.tion, and other related
matters have been conducted during the year. Many of such com 
plaint" have been satisfactorily adjusted without the necessity of
formal proceedings and in other cases the m!ttters were adjusted before
a hearing was actually held.
A considerable number of complaint" were received durinf the
year, a· large number of which, as in previous years, relate to loca tele 
phone exchange or intrastate toll service over which this Commission
has no jurisdiction. """'hen such a complaint relative to a matter out 
side the jurisdiction of the Commission is received, the complainant
is so advised and referred to the proper local or State regulatory
authority.
INVESTIGATIONS AND SUSPENSION CASES
In addition to the investig!ttions made upon complaints filed, the
'Commission has conducted 11. number of investigations upon its own
motion. During the past fiscal year, investigation and suspension
cases were instituted in connection with tariff schedules filed by tele 
graph carriers, both wire and radio, and radiotelephone carriers. In
a majority of such cases, the carriers withdrew the objectionable
features of the tariffs prior to the date of hearing and the proceedings
were dismissed. Among the investigation and suspension cases now
bcfore the Commission IS one involving the radiotelephone rates and
service furnished to ships operating on the Great Lakes.
WIRE FACILITIES USED IN CONNECTION WITH BROADCASTING
Complaints relative to charges and practices in connection with pro 
gram transluission channels furnished by telephone companies for use
in connection with radiobroadcasting have been received during the
year. Several concerned the restrictive provisions of the Bell System
tariffs covering program transmission service for broadcast stations.
One of especial interest involved the refusal of a telephone company
to permit a broadcast station to interconnect wire facilities furnished
by a telegraph company to such station, with channels furnished by
the telephone company.
INTERSTATE TOLL RATES
The Department of Public Service of the State of Washington hM
·filed with this Commission a complaint against the rates, charges,
and practices of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. with respect
to the interstate service between points within the State of Washington
and points without said state. The matter is now pending before the
Commission.
GOVERNMENT RATES
Postal Telegraph-Cable Company, The Western UnionTele~raph
Co., and Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co. petitioned the Comnnssion
for increase in rates charged for domestic telegrams between Govern 
ment departments and their officers and agents. The Commission
has ordered that the presently effective rates for the handling of United
States Government telegraph messages, as promulgated by its order
28 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
No. 41, effective July 1, 1938, be continued in effect commencing
July 1, 1939, pending decision and the further order of the Commission.
EXCHANGE AREAS
During the year the Commission, on its own motion, directed that
an investigation be instituted with respect to the enlargement of the
Kansas City exchange area served by Southwestern Bell Telephone
Co. The question involved is the Jurisdiction of this Commission
over interstate-interzone message rates in the extended Kansas City
exchange area, under the provisions of section 221 (b) of the Commum 
cations Act. The Kansas and Missouri State Commissions have been
invited to participate in the hearing.
UNREASONABLE PRACTICES
A complaint filed with the Commission by Licht & KapI!tn, Inc.,
charged that the Postal Telcgmph-Cable Co. has employed practices
which are unreasonable and, therefore, illegal, and which caused
complainant to suffer damages from failure of the company to deliver
a telegram. No award of dmuages by the Commission was asked for,
and the complainant expressly reserved the right to proceed in the
courts for the recovery of his damages if and when the Commission
makes a finding that the practice complained of is illegal. No decision
has yet been rendered by the Commission.
CLASSIFICATION
In 1936 several of the wire and radio carriers filed with the Com 
mission a petition attacking the lawfulness of the "radiomail" classi 
fication offered by Globe Wireless, Ltd. Globe Wireless, Ltd., in 1938
filed new tariffs with the Commission canceling the then effective
tariffs and establishing classifications, regulations, and practices gen 
erally recognized by international convention and comparable to those
of the other American telegraph carriers. 'Whereupon the Commission
dismissed this and related proceedings upon motion of the parties,
April 24, 1939.
7. EXTENSION OF FACILITIES
The Communications Act provides that the Commission may, in
its discretion, grant certificates of public convenience and necessity
for the construction, extension, and transfer of wire facilities and the
supplementing of existing facilities in connection with the regulation
of wire carriers. In addition to the extensions of wire facilities made
during the current year, several extensions of radiotelephone and
radiotelegraph service were also made.
WIRE TELEPHONE
The applications for extension of lines or facilities from telephone
carriers handled during the current year include those for (1) acquisi 
tion and construction under section 214; (2) the supplementing of
existing facilities under the second proviso clause of section 214 (a);
and (3) authority to consolidate under section 221 (a). These appli 
cations totaled 49 for the year and the major portion thereof was
filed by the Bell System, only four being filed by other companies.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 29
The expenditures in connection with the individual projects ranged
from a few thousand dollars to $2,382,000 and totaled $6,960,123.
ACQUISITION UNDER SECTION 214
The application of the Michigan Bell Telephone Co. to acquire
certain toll facilities of the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. on
the Kalamazoo-Niles toll lines in the State of Michigan was granted.
SUPPLEMENTING OF EXTSTING FACILITIES UNDER SECTION 2J.(
The second proviso of section 214 (a) gives the Commission power
to authorize the supplementing of existing facilities without regard
to the other provisions of the section, requiring hearings, notices, etc.
During the year 46 applications were received under this proviso,
requesting authority to supplement existing facilities. Forty-five
of these were analyzed and approved by the Commission.
This represents an increase over any previous year, both in total
expenditure and miles of toll cable constructed. The following table
reflects the totals mentioned:
lVire-telephone applications approved by the CommissiQnjrom July 1, 1934, to
June 30,1939
Period
July I, 1934, to June 30,1935 _
July 1, 1935, to June 30,1936 _
July 1, 1936, to June 30, 1937 . _
July 1, 1937, to June 30, 193!L _
July 1, 1938, to June 30,1939 _
Total__~• _
INumb"
Estimated
Miles ot Miles of
ofappli. construction
cable placed open wire
catIOIls cost
7 $1,145,851 1234.3
---------475
l'
275,625 24
'0
5,551,702 206 17,045
46 3,921,000 499 1,212
46 6,960,123 1646 1,967
162
1
17,854,301 1, 6J9. 3 20,699
I or which 94.5 miles are coaxial cable containing 2 coaxial units.
J Of which 195 miles are coaxial cable containing 4 coaxial units.
PETITIONS FOR AUTHORITY TO CONSOLIDATE UNDER SECTION 221 (A)
Section 221 (a) of the act provides that telephone carriers desiring
to consolidate their properties may file with the Commission a petition
requesting a certificate to the effect that the proposed consolidation,
merger, acquisition or control of the property of one or more telephone
companies by another will be of advantage to the persons to whom
service is to be rendered, and in the public interest. Such a certifi 
cate exempts the carriers from the provisions of the antitrust laws.
WIRE TELEGRAPH
The number of applications for the extension of wire-telegraph
facilities filed with the Commission under section 214 of the act
continued to be small during the past fiscal year. Nineteen (19)
such applications granted authorized the leasing and operation of
telegraph wire circuits, none of which involved new construction. A
total of76~leased circuit miles was authorized for permanent use
and208~leased circuit miles for temporary operation. There were
three applications of this class pending at the close of the fiscal year.
30 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
8. TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN WIRE TEJ.EPHONE
During the pastlear many technical developments and improve 
ments were effecte in wire-telephone communication, a few of the
more important of which are as follows:
New York-Philadelphia coaxial system.-A number of experiments
and tests were performed over the New York-Philadelplua coaxial
cable system. With the 2 megacycle repeater equipment installed
at 5 mile intervals, it was found that it was possible to superpose 480
simultaneous two-way telephone channels on this cable. Satisfactory
test conversations were held over a circuit 2,100 miles in length built
up by looping back and forth through the coaxial system a total of
20 times. The conversation employed channels located in different
parts of the frequency band between 100 and 1,900 kilocycles, and
passed 20 times through each amplifier.
Stevens Point-Afinneapolis coaxial cable.-After the tests on the
New York-Philadelphia cable proved to be successful, the American
Telephone & Telegraph Co., the Wisconsin Telephone Co., and the
Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. obtained authority for the instal 
lation of a coaxial cable between Stevens Point, Wis., and Minne 
apolis, Minn., a distance of 195 miles. This cable is to be a link in
the Northern Transcontinental Toll Route. The cable is now being
installed and consists of 4 coaxial units together with a small number
of wire conductors, which will be used largely for regulation of equip 
ment installed on the cable. The 4 units will provide two paths of
transmission in each direction. The two complete paths will permit
arrangement of the carrier systems so that, in the event of trouble
occurring on one path, the system on that path may be switched to
the other, thus affording greater continuity of service.
Carrier systems.-There has been considerable activity in the
development of new and the improvement of existing carrier-telephone
systems in this country during the past year. This has been particu 
larly true in connection with the type J carrier system which operates
on a pair of open wires and also with the type K carrier system which
operates on two pair of wires in cable. Both of these systems provide
for 12 telephone channels in each direction. In the past year, a num 
ber of these systems have been placed in operation in this country.
A few of the more important are the installation of the type J system
on the Fourth Transcontinental Route between Oklahoma City,
Okla., and White Water, Calif.; the installation of the type J system
between West Palm Beach, Fla., and Charlotte, N. C.; and the
installation of type K system between Charlotte, N. C., and New
York.
A single-channel carrier system (type H) has been developed
which is capable of economically spanning distances between 50 and
200 miles and operates on either battery or A. C. power supply. The
terminal equipment is much more compact that any other single 
channel system. Besides reduction in size, it is lower in cost and
includes a number of improvements in transmission performance.
This system is particularly useful in supplying an additional circuit
to care for seasonal or peak loads and is portable enough to be used
in case of storms and other emergencies.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 31
Vocoder.-A new device, which does not transmit speech as a tele 
phone or microphone but, after changing it into electrical energy,
uses the energy to operate a mechanism that artificially builds up
speech, at the same time varying the frequency and intensity to give
the desired transmission. While this device may find uses in other
fields, the motive of the experimenters is to reduce speech to a mono 
tone which can be transmitted in a band about 25 cycles wide, as
contrasted with a sl?eech band of 3,000 cycles, permitting possible
simultaneous transmission of a number of telcphone messages over a
single telephone channel.
Cross-bar switching syslem.-During the year considerable develop 
ments have been made in the dial-telephone central-office switching
system employing the cross-bar or coordinator switch. A number of
installations of this system have been made in offices capable of
serving 10,000 subscriber lines. This system offers important improve 
ments in telephone switching, both ill operation and maintenance.
Central offices of the cross-bar type can be installed in the same
building with existing panel central offices without loss in operating
economies in either type of office.
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN WIRE TELEGRAPH
The wire-telegraph carriers have continued their engineering work
on multiplex, vurioplex, and carrier-current circuits, and equIpment
to increase the number of telegraph channels obtainable from their
existing wire plant. Telemeter service has been extended to a
number of additional cities by means of varioplex channels.
A dry conducting recording paper which is sensitive to electric
currents has been developed for facsimile so that it is possible instantly
to record drawings, sketches, or written matter without further
processing. Automatic facsimile transmitting equipment has been
developed by means of which material in sheet form, when inserted
in a slot in the machine, is wrapped around the transmitting drum
and transmitted to the receivmg office. The receiving machine
receives the copy, drops the completed message into a basket ready
for delivery and sets itself in readiness for receiving the next trans 
mitted messa"e.
AI though facsimile is available to the general public for trans 
mission between certain cities, there has been a very limited demand
for this type of service. This method of operation is being used
experimentally as a means of pick-up and delivery of regular telegrams
between branch offices and the mam telegraph office in a city, or be 
tween the main office and offices of customers to determine the
economies of using facsimile to replace the expensive teleprinters
used for this purpose.
A service for the transmission of photographs and facsimile material
has been recently established from London to New York over ocean 
cable facilities. The system is capable of transmitting a picture six
by seven inches in twenty minutes.
9. TELEPHONE DISASTERS
During the past year sleet storms, floods, and hurricanes of almost
unprecedented severity occured in sections of the United States.
Telephone lines were demolished, central offices were flooded and
32 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
service was disrupted. Even under such conditions telephone service
was maintained wherever possible; repairs were made and service
resumed as soon as practicable.
The NewEn~landhurricane of September 1938 was the most severe
disaster which has ever confronted the telephone industry; Connecti 
cut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine,
also New York, and New Jersey were affected. It is estimated that
over 600,000 telephones were put out of service and over 241 telephone
central offices were cut off from outside. service, with a telephone 
property damage of about $10,000,000. More than 2,300 telephone
workers and 615 automobiles and trucks were called into the area
from States as far west as Nebraska and North Dakota, and as far
south as Virginia and Arkansas.
Radiotelephone service played an interesting and important part in
bridging gaps in telephone service. The permanent radio link be 
tween Green Harbor (near Boston) and Provincetown, Mass., afforded
the only telephone communication between Cape Cod and the outside
areas. Portable short-wave equipment, which had been recently
developed, the use of which had been authorized by this Commission,
was used to furnish service between Block Island and Newport, R. I.,
between Gardner, Mass., and Keene, N. H. Additional use of this
equipment was made at Westerly, R. 1., and small isolated points in
Massachusetts.
Three days after the storm telephone toll traffic had increased to
116.5 percent at the toll boards at Boston, while in New York City
traffic was 77 percent above normal for that day.
10. LITIGATION
ROCHESTER CASE
In the case of Rochester Telephone Corp. v. U. S., 307 U. S., 125,
decided April 17, 1939, a bill in equity had been filed to set aside an
order of the Commission classifying the Rochester Telephone Cor 
poration as one subject to all the provisions of the act applicable to
wire-telephone earners and one not entitled to exemption under
section 2 (b) (2). On appeal to the Supreme Court of the United
States, the decree of the United States District Court for the Western
District of New York upholding the decision of the Commission was
affirmed in an opinion important both from the point of view of
communications regulation, and of the principles of law involved in
the so-called "negative orders" doctrine.
DRISCOLL V. EDISON POWER" LIGHT CO.
The Commission joined the Department of Justice and the Federal
Power Commission in an amicus curiae brief filed in the Supreme Court
of the United States in the case of Driscoll, et al v. Edison Power &;
Light Company, 307 U. S. 104.
CHAPTER IV
Regulation of Broadcas(Service
I. INTRODUCTION
2. STANDARD BROADCAST SERVICE
3. TELEVISION
4. BROADCAST SERVICES OTHER THAN STANDARD
5. USE OF BROADCAST FACILITIES IN EMERGENCIES
6. COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS
7. LITIGATION
33
[ Page 34 in the original document is intentionally blank 1
1. INTRODUCTION
During the year there were received in the Commission 7,334
applications for various types of authorizations for stations in the
broadcast services. Of these, 1,652 were formal applications for new or
increased facilities or for modification of existing authorizations, 2,290
for renewals of existing authorizations. The remaining 3,392 were
informal or routine requests for authorizations for use of broadcast
facilities in emergencies, for temporary use of facilities beyond the
terms of existing licenses, for experimental authorizations giving
promise of substantial contribution to the advancement of the radio 
broadcast art, and for other miscellaneous authorizations. There are
included in the appendixes, detailed statistics covering the various
classes of applicatlOns handled.
The continuing growth of the broadcast industry is reflected in the
number of applications granted for new broadcast stations, and for
increases in the facilities of existing stations. On July 1, 1938, there
Were 743 standard and 4 special broadcast stations, and during the
year 39 new stations were authorized and 8 deleted, so that at t!'e
close of the fiscal year, the total number of standard and speCial
broadcast stations licensed by the Commission was 778. Seventy 
six applications for standard broadcast facilities were denied after
public hearings. The expansion in the remaining classes of broadcast
services, which include among others, television, international broad 
cast, and the recently developed high-frequency and noncommercial
educational broadcast services, is reflected in the statistical tables
mentioned.
TOTAL NUMBER OF STATIONS
The following compilation shows the number of new stations
authorized, the number of stations deleted, and .the total number of
stations as of June 30, 1939:
Class of station
Broadcast_. __ • ••_•• •~• . __
~~~~I~~,~~~ricy5-b;:~adcast~~~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Relay (high frequency) broadcast •__._~. __ •• _
₯~feh~~ut~b~~~d_~t_-::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International broadcBSt ._. • _
Facsimile broadcast. . ., • _
r>avelopmental broadcasL •_. , _
Noncommercial educational broadcast • _
Total.__~_•••• ._._. • •__
Now
stations
author 
Ized
3'
o
64
47
6
7
2
7
3
1
176
Stations
deleted
8
o
8
38
8
3
1
1
6
o
72
Total
number of
stations,
June 30,
"38
77'
•
199
27'
..
23
"
12
12
•
l,sel
The more important developments in connection with the various
broadcast services, including a review of the revisions made in the
rules and regulations relating to them, and matters arising out of
hearings, are reflected in the following sections of this report.
35
36 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
2. STANDARD BROADCAST SERVICE
ALLOCATION PLAN
The basic plan of allocation of broadcast facilities in the band
between 550 and 1600 kilocycles has continued unchanged insofar as
the general plan of allocation of stations by frequency, power, and
hours of operation is concerned. However, under date of June 23,
1939, the Commission adopted new Rules and Regulations Govern 
ing Standard Broadcast Stations (the new Rules define a broadcast
station in the band 550 to 1600 kilocycles as a standard broadcast
station), and the Standards of Good Engineering Practice Concern 
ing Standard Broadcast Stations, effective August 1, 1939, which are
discussed in detail in a later section of this report. It is expected
that the application of those Rules and Standards will have far reach 
ing effect on the tdlocation of broadcast facilities, and will materially
improve and extend the standard broadcast service to the public.
DISTRIBUTION OF BROADCAST FACILITIES
~ppendixF of the Fourth Annnal Report gave the results of a study
made as of May 1, 1938, of the distribution of broadcast facilities
within the United States. This study has been continued, particularly
with respect to the distribution of facilities among the several States
and cities of various sizes. While the increase from 738 stations,
which were in existence at the time of this study, to the present 778
has made some changes in the service within the United States, the
conditions as set forth in the Fourth Annual Report were, in general,
the same as at the present time. While application of the new Rules
and Standards is expected to materially improve these conditions,
the minimum desirable service 1 to the population of the United
States cannot be realized due to a number of factors which cannot be
controlled, such as the limited assignments available as compared
to the demnnd therefor, the economic factors arising from the dis-
(
tribution of the populntion, partieulnrly in the spnrsely settled areas,
and the present state of technical development of brondcasting. The
distribntion of standard broadcast facilities throughout the United
Stntes on the basis of authorized hours of opemtion as of July 1, 1939,
is shown helow:
Unlimited time. _
Limited tiLne ._. _
Daytimc . _
Sharing time_. . . _
Specified time~_
Total stations __•__._._. _
Clear Regional Local Total
33 229 272
'"
25 25
2J 37 38 98
16 36 21 73
,
17 26 ..
------
---
---
102 319 357 778
DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS
The following table shows the number of directional antenna
systems in use or authorized to be installed at the close of each fiscnl
year from 1932 to 1939. As was pointed out in previous reports,
1As will be noted in the attached appendixes, it is considered that each person in the United States,
regardlGSsof hislocatfon, is entitled to a choice between at least two programs at any time during the regular
broadcast day.
REPORT OF THE FEm:RAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 37
this type of antenna has proven very useful in redncing interference
and directing the signals to desired areas, thus improving service.
The new Rules and Regulations and Standards of Good Engineering
Practice contemplate still more extended use of this type of antenna
on regional and clear-channel freguencies. It is not considered
feasible from an economic or allocation standpoint to use directional
antennas in connection with local channel stations (class IV stations
under the new classification). In addition to the new directional
antennas indicated by the table, a number of those already installed
have been readjusted, redesigned, or rebuilt in order to improve the
operation or to provide for changes in conditions affecting their
operation.
Number of directional antennas in use or authorized fOT use fiscal year ended
June 30, 1939
1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939
--------1-----------------
Stations un clcar channels. _
Station~on regional cbannels. _
TotaL _
o
2
2
2
4
6
4
n
15
1
20
21
8
25
33
,
39
48
n
53
64 82
NEW STATIONS
The following table shows the class and hours of operation of the
39 new broadcast stations which were authorized during the fiscal
year:
Cl!lSS of station
Local channeL _
Do _
Regional channeL _
Do _
Clear channeL _
Do . _
llOUfS of operation Number
Unlimitcd . __ __ 24
Daytime, sharing and~pecifledhours__ 8
Unlimited.______ ____ 1
Daytime. , . __ _ _ 6
Unlimited~_____ 0
Daytime. ___ 0
Total~~__ .___________ __ 39
NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS OF GOOD ENGINEERING
PRACTICE
In the last annual report there was discussed at considerable
length the proposed new and modified Rules and Regulations Govern 
ing Standard Broadcast Stations oq,.wbich a hearing was held from
June 6 to June 30, 1938, inclusive, lit which hearing the testimony
adduced extended to 2,170 pages in addition to several hundred
exhibits being introduced and being made a part of the record. The
testimony and exhibits were carefully studied and analyzed, and a
report made thereon by the committee of Commissioners conducting
the hearing to the full Commission on .June I, 1939. Oral argument
was held on these rules, except with respect to the more technical
ones which were considered at an engineering conference on June 5
and 6, 1939, in conjunction with the Standards of Good Engineering
Practice which will be discussed later in this report. The final rules
were adopted June 23, 1939, effective August I, 1939. Several of
192443-40---4
38 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
these rules were not operative until later dates, in order to permit
licensees of existing stations sufficient time within which to comply
with the new rules.
ENLARGED SCOPE OF' NEW RULES
In a considerable portion of the rules no new principles were in 
volved and only changes were made which were considered as neces 
sary for clarity or to bring the rules in accordance with the present
state of development of the broadcast art. However, there were
also a number of new principles set out in order that the plan of
allocation of broadcast stations within the United States would not
be in conflict with the principles set out by the North American
Regional Broadcasting Agreement, as well as certain other changes
deemed advisable as a result of the studies of problems which have
arisen during the administration of the Communications Act of 1934.
The principal changes involved are:
(a) Olasses of standard broadcast channels.-Ai; under the former
rules, the three classes of channels are clear, regional, and local.
However, the new definitions establishing these classes of channels
clarify the purpose of each class of channel and, in general, establish
the protectiOn provided for stations operating on these channels.
(b) Olasses of standard broadcast stations.-The four general classes
of stations established by these rules are I, II, III, and IV which are
discussed in their respective order herewith.
(1) A class I station is defined as a dominant station operating on a
clear channel and designed to render primary and secondary service
over an extended area and at relatively long distances. Its primary
service area is free from objectionable interference. The power of the
class I station is specified as 50 kilowatts and no other stations will
be assigned to these frequencies except for limited time or daytime
operation only. With few exceptions, the class I stations assigned to
these frequencies are those located west of the Appalachian and east
of the Rocky Mountains in order to make the fullest use of the
secondary service areas of these stations. On channels on which more
than one class I station may be assigned, the operating powers of
such stations shall be not less than 10 kilowatts nor more than 50
kilowatts. On these frequencies unlimited time stations (Class II
stations hereinafter discussed) may be assigned in accordance with
the principles set forth in the Rules and the Standards of Good
Engineering Practice.
HoweveI', provisions are made for the protection of the secondary
service areas from interference on the same channel within the limits
of the United States to only the 500 uv/m. 50 percent skywave con 
tour which is considered approximately the average field intensity
required for good rural serVlee. These stations are, in general, those
located on the east and west coasts which give sufficient mileage
separation for simultaneous operation with powers not in excess of
50 kilowatts. By the use of directional antennas, mutual interference
may be readily controlled and the energy normally directed over the
ocean directe,d inland to materially enlarge and better the service
area of such stations. There are allocated 26 channels on which no
nighttime duplication is permitted and 18 channels on which duplica 
tion is permitted. It is considered that this allocation of frequencies
will permit a maximum usage of clear channels both for the benefit
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 39
of the remote rural areas as well as for general coverage throughout
the particular section in which the stations are located. Stations
formerly designated as high power regional stations are included in
this group.
(2) A class II station is defined as a secondary station which oper 
ates on a clear channel and is designed to render service over a pri 
mary service area which is limited by and subject to such interfer 
ence as may be received from class I stations. A station of this class
may operate with power not less than 0.25 kilowatts nor more than
50 kilowatts. Whenever necessary a class II station is required to
use a directional antenna or other means to avoid interference with
class I stations and with other class II stations, in accordance with
Engineering Standards of Allocation set forth in the Standards of
Good Engineering Practice. Included in this classification are the
daytime and limited stations assigned to clear channels, also unlimited
time stations on clear channels on which duplicate nighttime operation
is permitted. Although class I stations fl.re not required to protect
class II stations, it is normally recommended that class II stations be
so allocated as not to receive interference during daytime within the
500 uv/m. ground wave contour and during nighttime within the
2,500 uv/m. ground wave contour.
(3) A class III station is defined as a station which operates on a
regional channel and renders service primarily to a metropolitan
district and the rural area contiguous thereto. Class III stations are
subdivided into two classes:
A class III-A station is one which operates on a regional channel
with a power not less than 1 kilowatt nor more than 5 kilowatts.
Provision is made for protection of the daytime service area to the
500 uv/m. contour and of tho nighttime serVICe area to the 2,500 uv/m.
contour in accordance with the Standards of Good Engineering
Practice.
A class III-B station is a station which operates on a regional
channel with a power not less than 0.5 kilowatt nor more than 1 kilo 
watt night and 5 kilowatts daytime. Provision is made for protection
of the daytime service area to the 500 uv/m. contour and of the night 
time service area to the 4,000 uv/m. contour. It is not proposed to
allocate class III channels exclusivel'y for class III-A or III-B sta 
tions. The classification of these statlOns depends upon the conditions
surrounding the particular station. However, it is considered that,
on a large percentage of the regional channels, by cooperation of all or
part of the stations on a class III channel, the installation of proper
directional antennas may so modify the mutual interference as to
permit their classification as class III-A stations, otherwise class
III- B classification would be necessary.
(4) A class IV station is defined as a station operatinli on a local
channel and designed to render service primarily to a City or town
and the suburban and rural areas contiguous thereto. The power of
a station of this class is limited to not less than 0.1 kilowatt nor more
than 0.25 kilowatt, and provision is made for the protection to the
500 uv/m. contour daytime and the 4000 uv/m. contour nighttime.
On local channels the separation required for the daytime protection
shall also determine the nighttime separation. In addition, class IV
stations may be assigned to regional channels on the condition that
interference will not be caused to any class III station in accordance
40 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
with the above and the Standards of Good Engineering Practice and
that the regional channel is fully used for class III stations. In such
cases the class III stations are not required to protect the class IV
stations. However, it is recommended that the class IV stations be
so located that the interference received will not be greater than to
the 4000 uv/m. ground wave contour nighttime and the 500 uv/m.
contour daytime.
(c) Extension oJ the brocukast band from 1500 to 1600 kilocycles. 
Although the broadcast band is extended to 1600 kilocycles no alloca 
tion of stations is proposed in the band 1500 to 1600 kilocycles except
on the frequencies 1530 and 1550 kilocycles to which special broad 
cast stations are at present assigned. These stations are to be classi 
fied as class III broadcast stations instead of special broadcast sta 
tions. No other assignments are proposed in this band for the·
reason that such allocation would conflict with the North American
Regional Broadcast Agreement and materially complicate placing thiS'.
agreement into effect.
(d) Increased normal license p.rlOd.-Under former rwes the license
of a standard broadcast station was limited to 6 months. In view of
the evidence submitted at the hearing and other information avail 
able, it appearcd that the broadcast industry had reached a point.
making it advisable to increase the license period to 1 year which is
the period specified by the new rules. Under the Communications
Act of 1934 the maximum license period which can be authorized is
3 years. It is believed that the issuance of I-year licenses will assist
to stabilize the broadcast industry without reducing the necessary con 
trol of the Commission over the licenses.
ee) Increased power of stations where needed and where technicaUy
feasible.-As previously discussed, the rules provide for increase in
power of class II, III, and IV stations where such increase iu power
IS needed to overcome electrical noise and static, where technically
feasible.
There is no doubt, from an engineering standpoint, that the use of
power in excess of 50 kilowatts constitutcs one method whereby
additional service can be provided throughout the remote sparsely
populated sections of the United States and to many small urban cen 
ters which now lack facilities or where it is not economically practi 
cal to support local or regional channel stations. However, for social
and economic reasons the rwes do not contemplate the use of power
greater than 50 kilowatts at this time.
(f) Making regulations jierible.-Every effort has been made to
make the proposed rwes and Standards of Good Engineering Practice
as flexible as possible, as it is believed that by this means the fullest
use can be made of the broadcast facilities and at the same time pro 
vide for the future needs as advancements are made in the "crt.
(g) Requirements for applicants.--For the first time the rules set
forth the showing which applicants for new standard broadcast sta 
tions or increased facilities of existing stations must make before the
Commission. Previously there has been no guide for such applicants.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 41
While the necessary showing varies considerably with individual cases,
the general principles set out provide a guide which is valuable to
applicants.
(h) Experimental authorizations.-The new rules specifically pro 
vide for special experimental authorizations in the broadcast band.
This will encourage experimentation in the use of broadcast frequen 
des and at the same time maintain the desired control over such
authorizations and prevent commercial operation from interfering
with experimentation.
(i) Power of all stations determined by direct method.-In order to
provide for uniformity in determining the operating power of stations
employing different types and makes of equipment, the new rules
require that each new broadcast station authorized after August 1,
1939, and that every broadcast station after July 1, 1940, determine
the operating power by the direct method, that is, from the resistance
and current in the antenna system. The existing stations will be
permitted to continue determining the operating power by the indirect
method (from the plate input power to the last radio stage) until
July 1, 1940, and for temporary periods after that date subject to
certain conditions.
SCOPE OF STANDARDS OF GOOD ENGINEEWNG PRACTICE
As stated, the Standards of Good Engineering Practice were the
subject of a formal hearing before a committee of Commissioners in
conjunction with the rules and regulations from June 6 to June 30,
1938, and the informal engineering conference on June 5 and 6, 1939.
Some 45 representatives of broadcast equipment nmnufacturers, net 
works, broadcast associations, and consulting engineers were present.
The majority of those present were in agreement with the standards
as finally approved by tbe Commission.
Necessity for the standards arises by reason of the fact that all of
the technical principles of allocation, and use of facilities cannot be
incorporated in the rules and regulations, because of the rapid changes
taking place. The rules~dregulations cover only the basic and
more general principles./l'o obtain uniformity in presenting technical
data on all applications concerning standard broadcast stations, it ittS 
necessary that the Commission enunciate the manner and method in
:which thed~t~shal.1 be presented. :rhisprovid~sa distinct advantag 1
1Il the admlDistratlOn of the techDical regulatIons, greatly Improve .
the uniform\ty of action on formal applications, and serves as a guide
to engineers. Many of the standards set out certain methods of
compiling and submitting data. /
The provisions of the Staud,{rds may be divided into three classes,
as follows:
(1) Those provisions which are incorporated by reference in the
rules and regulations and which have substantially the same meaning
and effect as the rules and regulations.
(2) Those provisions which go beyond the rules and regulations so as
to disclose policies and principles of allocation and regulation.
(3) Those provisions which are included primarily as a guide to
applicants and licensees.
42 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
The various subjects dealt with in these standards are-
1. Engineering Standards of Allocation.
2. Field Intensity Measurements in Allocation.
3. Data Required with Applications Involving Directional Antenna Sy&-
tems.
4. Locations of Transmitters of Standard Broadcast Stations.
5. Mi.nimum Antenna Heights or Field Intensitv Requirements.
6. Standard Lamps and Paint.'J. .
7. Further Requirements for Direct Measurements of Power.
8. Power Rating of Vacuum Tubes.
9. Requirements for the Approval of the Power Rating of V&Cuum Tubes.
10. Plate Efficiency of Last Radio Stage.
11. Operating Power Tolerance.
12. Construction, General Operation and Safety of Life Requirements.
13. Indicating Instruments Pursuant to Section 3.58.
14. Requirements for Approval of Broadcast Transmitters and Automatio
Frequency Cont.rol Equipments.
15.R.equirement~for Approval of Frequency Monitors.
16. Requirements for Approval of Modulation Monitors.
17. Use of Low Temperature Coefficient CrystalA by Broadcast Stations.
18. Money Required toCon~tructand Complete Electrical Tests of
Stations of Different Cla::;5es and Powers.
19. Use of Common Antenna by Standard Broadcast Stations or Another
Radio Station.
20. URC of Frequency and Modulation Monitors at Auxiliary Transmitter.
21. Approved Frequency Monitors.
22. Approved Modulation Monitors.
23. Approved Eqnipment.
24. Standard Broadcast Application Forms.
25. Field Office$ of the Commission.
26. Average Sunset Time.
HEAmNGS ON APPLICATIONS
Where the Commission, upon the examioation of a particular appli 
cation, is unable to reach the requisite statutory determioation that
a grant thereof would serve public ioterest, convenience, and necessity,
it is designated for formal hearing upon specific issues, and all persons
haviog an interest in the matter are given an opportunity to become
parties and to participate in the hearing. During the first 4 months
of the fiscal year, a vast majority of the hearings were held before
members of the examioing department, which was abolished by Com 
mission action on November 9, 1938. Thereafter, the Commission's
Rules of Practice and Procedure were amended, providing for, among
other thiogs, the holding of hearings before a presidiog officer appointed
by the Commission for a specific case. During the last 8 months
of the year, practically all of the hearings on broadcast'applications
were held in this manner. Under the new procedure,' after a hearing
has been held the parties thereto areJ'ennitted 20 days from the date
that the transcript of record is file withio which to file proposed
findings of fact and conclusions. The Commission then issues its
proposed findiogs of fact and conclusions and the parties are allowed
20 dRys thereafter within which to file exceptions thereto and to re 
quest oral argument thereon before a final decision is rendered. In
the event no exceptions or requests for oral argument are filed, the
Commission issues an order adoptiog and giving final effect to its
proposed decision. Under the new procedure, the Commission is
able, where a proceediog proves to be noncontroversial, to decide
I TheCommi.~~lon'sRules of Practice and Procedure were partially amended effective November14~
19M. and n('ow RulM of Practice and Prorodure were adopted by the Commission effective Januaryl,Ill3D~
which was SIlbsequently amended, effective August 1. 1939.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 43
docket cases by issuing its final order in lieu of a proposed decision.
This practice is followed whenever it is practicable to do so.
Fonnal hearings were held on 140 applications involving requests
for new stations and for changes in broadcast station facilities, 46 of
which were decided and 94 were still pending at the close of the year.
Hearings were held on 25 applications involving assignment of licenses
and transfer of control of licensee corporations, 11 of which were
decided and the remainder were still pending at the close of the year.
The majority of such applications were acted upon without the neces 
sity of formal hearings. Hearings were also held on 18 renewal of
license applications, 5 of which were decided. During the year the
Commission heard oral argument in more thnn 100 broadcast cases,.
and it adopted formal decisions in more than 200 cases.
STATIONS DELETED
During the year there were five authorizations for standard broad 
cast stations which were canceled by the Commission; one Commission
order authorizing a new station was vacated; and two stations which
had been in operation were deleted. To review these cases:
A construction permit for a new broadcast station, issued to the
Democrat News Company, Inc., (KDNC), Lewiston, Mont., expired
on December 3, 1938, and was canceled by the Commission on Janu 
ary 24, 1939.
An authorization granted to Clarence A. Berger and Saul S. Free 
man (KGCI), Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, was caflceled when the permit 
tees' application for modification of constl'Uction permit was denied
as in default by the Commission.
An authorization for a new station granted to Hunt Broadcasting
Association, Fred Horton, President (KGVL), Greenville, Tex., was
canceled when its application for modification of constl'Uction permit
was dismissed by the Commission after the permittee association was
dissolved.
The construction pennits for new stations granted to Lincoln
Memorial University (WLMU), Middlesboro, Ky., and P. W. Spencer
(WRKL), Rock Hill, S. C., were canceled by the Commission after
having been surrendered.
The Commission's order of February 9, 1937, granting a construc 
tion permit for a new station to Harold F. Gross and Edmund C.
Shields (WHAL), was vacated on November 28, 1938, following It
decision by United States Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia.
Station WFAB, New York City, licensed to Debs Memorial Radio
Fund, Inc., was deleted on November 7, 1938, and its time was sur 
rendered to Sta,tion WEVD for the purpose of effecting a consolidation
of the two stations.
The application for renewal of license of Attala Broadcasting
Corporation (WHEF), Kosciusko, Miss., was denied as in default and
the station was deleted.
PETITIONS_FOR REHEAWNG
By reason of interpretations placed on a decision of the Court of
Appeals in the Red River Broadeasting Co. case (Fourth Annual
Report, p. 232) that in order to exhaust administrative remedies
petitions for rehearing must be filed and disposed of before the Com-
44 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
mission prior to taking an a.ppeal, there was a very substantial increase
in the number of such petitions the Commission was req uired to
consider.
During the year 71 petitions for rehearing were filed, 63 of which
were denied, 4 granted, 1 granted in part, and 1 dismissed when the
Commission ordered further proceedings on its own motion. Three
petitions were dismissed at the request of the parties filing same.
ACCOUNTING. FINANCIAL, AND OTHER STATISTICAL DATA
Financial and statistical data from all standard broadcast stations
were ohtained for the year 1938 in the form of an annual report, in
accordance with the Rules of Practice and Procedure issued by the
Commission. In addition to being corrected and preserved as Infor 
mation for the Commission, the data contained in these reports were
tabulated for all stations and were published without disclosing the
identity or affairs of particular stations.
Voluminous data were assembled and were introduced in evidence in
the hearing held on chain broadcasting (docket 5060). These data
;Telated to chain broadcast companies, stations owned or otherwise
i operated hy or for them, the results of their contracts with stations
independently owned, and a number of economic factors contributing
to the welfare of the stations and the chain broadcast companies.
Data were presented, also, on the matter of ownership of standard
broadcast stations, showing the actual ownership of the stations and
the community of interest among the several stations.
Financial and operating data.-Of the 674 standard broadcast
stations in the continental United States operating on a commercial
basis, statistics were compiled relating to 660, reports from the remain 
ing 14 stations not being included because they were incomplete or
not satisfactory otherwise. Considerable statistical data are shown
in appendixes to this report. In the following tahle are shown a few
salient items of financial and operating data with respect to the 3
major networks and the 660 stations.
For the calendar year 1938
Revenue from sale of time $100,892,259
Miscellaneous broadcast revenues~~~_~~~_10,466,119
Total broadcast revenues~_~~~~~___111,358,378
'flroadcaf't expensefl (including taxes, depreciation, compensation,
and other expenses of conducting broadcast activities_ ________ 92, 503, 594
Broadcastincome_____________________________________ 18,854,784
Investment in broadcast assets (at cost) at the end of the year 1938_ 72,961,659
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization_______________ 26,183,672
Net amount of broadcast assets_ ______ __ ______ __ ___ __ __ 46, 777, 987
Number of officers and employees at the end of the year 1938____ 23,060
·Total compensation to officers and employees for the year 1938__ $45,663,757
Applications for construction permits, transfers of control, and
assignments of license required the preparation and consideration
·during the fiscal year of 232 accounting reports dealing with the
financial aspects of such applications. Accounting reports prepared
from the records of hearings in 107 broadcast docket cases were also
-considered.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 45
3. TELEVISION
During the past year increased interest was shown in television
development. A number of applications were received during the
year requesting the use of televiSIOn frequencies with experimentation
directed toward the use of television as a public service which is in
direct contrast to previous authorizations which were primarily di 
rected toward the development of television equipment, standards,
and systems of transmission. In view of this trend, the Commission
designated a committee of three Commissioners comprising T. A. M.
Craven, chairman; Norman S. Case; and Thad H. Brown to study
the various aspects of television and to recommend to the entire
Commission a policy which may serve as a guide to the industry.
As a result of their study, there was issued the first television report
which is briefly summarized as follows:
The first question studied by the Television Committee was necessitated by the
request of the Radio Manufacturers' Association for approval of the technical
standards for television, as proposed by that association. The second problem
confronting the committee involves the di"lposition to be made of the variou::;: appli 
cations for construction permits to erect new television stations and, in particular,
the applications requesting television facilities with the ultimate purpose ofpro~
viding television to the lJUblic on a service basis.
The committee was of the opinion that any jurisdiction which the Commission
may lawfully have in the matter of television standards is solely that arising from
its specification of external-performance requirements for transmitting stations
which the Commission may license in the future.
The committee wa.c; not unmindfUl, however, of the complex ramifications of the
television problem, relative to the engineering, economic, and !:iociological expecta 
tions of thif3 budding industry. With this point in mind, the committee and
representatives of the staff make various trips into the field to secure a first-hand
picture of the state of the art, as well as to secure an index of possible future trends,
as may be reflected in the thoughts of the present leaders of the industry.
Television appears to have thoroughly definite stages of development: First, a
period of technical research, which includes fundamental research, initial develop 
ment of manufacturing processes, designing of all equipment, and the adoption
of a procedure for continuing improvements in accordance with the demands
of the public; and, secondly, experimental operation, which includes the initial
testing of television as a service to the public on a limited scale, and the ascertain 
ing of the requirements of the public for types of programit and character of service,
as well as securing experience in the production of such service. Along this line is
also included the securingof information relative to propagation, characterizations,..
and allocation information from transmitters operating under service conditions.
Included also in this phase of the development is the commencement of construc 
tion of facilities to insure an efficient distribution for a program service on a regional
scale. The third stage of television development will be marked by the construc 
tion of transmitting stations throughout the Nation and the operation of tele·
vision as a sf:'rvice to the public on a sound, economic basis. In this stage the public 
will be expected to purchase receivers with the expectancy of A stable television
service of good technical quality, Without too rapid an obsolescense of the instru 
ments it has purchased.
Considerable credit should be given to the engineers in the industry for the
present high state of technical development, and it is entirely possible that the
technical quality of television produced in accordance with the proposed H. M. A.
standards may be accepted by the public as a practical beginning, provided the
public is also informed that improvements in quality and reduction in cost of
equipment are possible as a result of future progrcf'ls in scientific and engineering
research. In view of this fact, it appears that rigid adoption of standards at this
state of the art may either "freeze" the television industry, and thus retard future 
development, or may result in a high rate of obsolescence of equipment purchased
by the public, which may not be able to receive signals from a station that may
have different standards from those now in use, or from stations employing stand 
ards which may be considerably better than those now in use or proposed to he 
used, and at the present state of the art are not now generally recognized or known.
AB a result of these two factors, considerable patience, caution, and understanding:
46 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
IDu..<;t be used at this time. Careful, coordinated planning is essential, not only by
various elements of the industry but also between the industry as a whole and the
Federal Communications Commission.
The extreme limitation of a number of available te'evision channels
presents a serious problem, particularly in the early stages of television
service, inasmuch as there are by now only seven channels dmreloped
from a technical standpoint. This scarcity of channels is a result of
the fact that one television station requires a 6000-kilocycle band, and
in order to proportionately conserve the available radio spectrum, it
'is, of course, necessary to restrict the number of these channels.
In addition to the scarcity of channels, the operation of a television
station is a costly project, and at the present time without return from
the sale of advertising or from sponsorship, due, first, to the fact that
these stations are licensed only on an experinwntal bnsis, and, secondly,
because the technical development has not reached the stage where it
can be standardized in essential details for uniformity. From these
points it appears highly essential that the industry be encouraged to
undertake further practicalresearcb leading toward the development of
methods which will permit more stations to be accommodated in the
limited space in the radio frequency spectrum, as well as facilitating
lower costs in the production of good quality program service to the
public.
The Television Committee is preparing a second television report
which will serve to determine policies relative to existing stations and
action on the pending applications requesting television authorizations
to operate stations as a service to the public.
4. BROADCAST SERVICES OTHER THAN STANDARD
There has been rapid growth and development in broadcast services
other than standard. Besides television this includes relay, interna 
tional, facsimile, high frequency, noncommercial educational, and
developmental services. Several policies have been changed which
have necessitated revision of the Commission's rules and regulations.
New allocations were provided for services operating on frequencies
from 30000 to 300000 kilocycles. These allocations meant a fre 
<]uency reassignment for high frequency relay, television, facsimile,
high frequency broadcast, and some developmental broadcast stations.
The class of station previously known as an experimental broad 
·cast station was redesignated as "developmental broadcast station"
in order to eliminate confusion with reference to general experimental
and special experimental stations.
The rules and regulations governing noncommercial educational
broadcast stations were expanded and clarified in order to maintain
this class of station for the strict educational purpose for which it was
llriginally established and intended.
Considerable interest has been shown in the use of frequev.cy
modulation for high frequency broadcasting, and much research and
development has been carried on along this line. Technical interest
has been reflected by the large number of applications submitted to
the Commission for frequency modulation facilities.
While 12 experimental authorizations were issued to standard
broadcast stations to broadcast facsimile signals on their assigned
frequencies during the experimental period at 12 midnight to 6 a. m.
durmg the last fiscal year, the present year finds that 4 of these stations
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47
voluntarily withdrew their authorizations and that but 1 new station
requested and was granted such authorization.
A tabulation of the applications received concerning broadcast
services other than standard is contained in the appendIxes.
INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST STATIONS
There was also a high degree of interest in international broadcast 
ing during the past year. A major change in policy occurred with
the adoptIOn of the new rules and regulations governing this service,
wbicb provide for commercial operation of this class of station. In
addition, the rules provide that all international broadcast stations
shall, after July 1, 1940, operate with power of not less than 50 kilo 
watts and with antenna so designed that the signal towllrd the specific
foreign country or countries to be served shllll be lit lellst 3.16 times
the IIverage effective signal from the station. During the Pllst year
one licensee started operation with 100 kilowatts power, while an 
other was granted a construction permit to increase power to 50
kilowatts.
Two hearings were held relative to the request for internlltional
facilities during the I'ast year, namely, the Pillar of Fire, Zarepath,
N. J., requesting 5 kIlowatts power, A3 emission, and the frequencies
6080, 11830 and 17780 kilocycles (facilities of W9XAA); and the
Chicago Federation of Labor, requesting assignment of license of
W9XAA to the Radio Service Corporation of Utah (licensee of Sta 
tion KSL), heard jointly with the application of the Radio Service
Corporation of Utah for a construction permit to move W9XAA to
Sa.lt Lake City, Utah, and increase power to 10 kilowatts. The
application of the Pillar of Fire was denied, while to date no action
has been announced on the application of the Chicago Federation of
Labor and the Radio Service Corporation of Utah.
Pursuant to the Cairo Radio Regulations, 10 new frequencies,
namely, 6170, 6190, 9650, 9670, 17830, 21570, 21590, 21610, 21630,
and 21650, were made available for international broadcast stations
in this country. Of these, all but one frequency have been requested
and assigned.
The new rules also specify II more rigid frequency tolerance for
international broadcast stations, requiring this class of station, after
January 1, 1941, to maintain frequency within plus or minus 0.005
percent of the assigned frequency.
The "Pan-American" frequencies are now in regular use under
temporary restrictions at General Electric Co. Station, W2XED San
Francisco, assigned the frequencies 9550 and 21500 kilocycles, and at
WorId Wide Broadcasting Corporation stations, WIXALand WlXAR,
Boston, assigned the frequencies 11730 and 15130 kilocycles.
One new mternational broadcasting station was authorized during
the past year, namely, WIXAR, assigred to World Wide Broadcast 
ing Corporation, Boston. It is pointed out, however, that in reality
this provides an extension of the facilities DOW asigned WIXAL.
During the past year W6XBE, assigned to the General Electric
Co., Belmont, Calif., started operation at its temporary location at
Treasure Island, San Francisco Bay. Of particular interest was the
fact that numerous letters have been received from Alaska requesting
the extension of the hours of operation of this station.
48 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Transmissions of various international broadcast stations were
rebroadcast over standard broadcast stations located in both Puerto
Rico and Cuba.
RELAY BROADCAST SERVICE
Relay broadcast stations provide an adjunct service to broadcast
stations by relaying programs from remote localities or places where
wire lines are not available or accessible. Under the new rulcs and
regulations, high frequency relay broadcast stations (except those
operating on frequencies above 300000 kilocycles were changed from
an experimental status to regular licenses. .
Recognition has also been given to the possibilities of frequency
modulation, and accordingly, four frequencies in the band 133030 
138630 kilocycles were providcd for relay broadcast stations using
this type of emission. Another group of frequencies in thc same
general range wcre provided for relay broadcast stations employing
amplitude modulation. In almost every event of national interest
and importance relay broadcast services have been utilized, partic 
ularly nationnl ernerg-encies, such as the New England hurricane and
flood in Scptember 1938, forest fires in 1939, inauguration of the trans 
Atlantic Air Service, the Seattle-Alaska Air Mail Service, etc.
FACSIMILE
There are two types of facsimile authorizations. Regular licenses
may be issued to facsimile broadcasting stations intended for research,
design, development, and service tcsting of facsimile and facsimile
equipment. This class of facsimile station is assigned frequencies in
the bands 25025-25050, 43540-43940, and 116110-116470 kilocycles.
Reception of such facsimile signals necessitates the use of special high 
frequency receivers or the use of an all-wave broadcast receiver in
conjunction with the facsimile recorder equipment. General practice,
however, has indicated that the average receiver designcd to pick-up
aural broadcasting does not possess a sufficiently "flat" automatic
volume control system for satisfactory reproduction and therefore
facsimile equipment manufacturers are generally recommending the
use of specially designed receivers to be used with their facsimile
recorders.
Special experimental facsimile authorizations may be issued to
standard broadcast stations for the purpose of transmitting fncsimile
signnls on their regularly licensed frequencies during the experimental
period (12 p. m. to 6 a. m., local standard time).
Considerable research and experimentation has been carried on
relative to the reporting style, format, and type best suited for the
transmission of facsimile. There has been an increase in the interest
in high frequency facsimile broadcast stations, five new applications
having been granted during the past year.
HIGH FREQUENCY
High frequency broadcast stations are classified into two general
groups depending upon the type of modulation used.
The system of modulation known as amplitude modulation is a
system in most general use for speeeh and music transmission by
radio. It was the first system developed and has long been used by
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 49
standard broadcast stations. Amplitude modulation involvcs a
system of varying the amplitude of the carrier current in accordance
with the audio frequency electrical current resulting from the con 
version of sound energy into electrical energy.
The other system of modulation, known as frequency modulation,
is a svstem whercby the frequency of the carrier current is varied in
accordance with an audio frequency electrical current resulting from
the conversion of sound energy into electrical energy. This system
of modulation has been the subject of considerable research and ex 
perimentation and is known to possess characteristics especially
favorable in discriminating against noise and interference. For high
fidelity operation, this system has been operated with a frequency
band of emission approximating 200 kilocycles when operating on
frequencies around 40000 kilocycle".
The licensees of the various high frequency broadcast stations
operating on an experimental basis have been required to actively
prosecute a program of research and experimentation during the
present license period. When applications for renewal of license were
receind by the Commission, careful study was made of the work the
licensee had carried on during the past license period and the work it
proposed to carry on during the next license period. If the licensee
had failed to actively prosecute a pro!;(ram of research and experi 
mentation compatible with the CommIssion's rules and regulations
and did not indicate that it would prosecute such a program during
the ensuing license period, the application for renewal of license was
designated for hearing. When the licensee indicated that he had
done some work and would continue to do so, the Commission re 
quested prior to the granting of renewal of license, a specific com 
mitment be made relative to the appropriation aud the personnel
the licensee would provide during the next license period in order to
prosecute such a program of research and experimentation. Whcn a
licensee had actively prosecuted a program of research and experi 
mentation, the renewal was granted in the usual ma,nner.
It is expected that the experimental reports submitted at the end
of the present license period will contain a large amount of valuable
information relative to the propagation characteristics and coverage
possibilities of these frequencies and provide a contrast between the
two systems of modulation, as well as serve as an index to the allo 
cation prohlem of frequency modulated stations.
EDUCATIONAL BROADCAST
The term "noncommercial educational" broadcast station is used
to identify a high-frequency broadcast station licensed to an organized
nonprofit educational agency for the advancement of its educational
work and for the transmission of educational and entertainment
programs to the general public. Stations of this class will be licensed
only to an organized nonprofit educational agency and upon a
showing that the station will be used for the advancement of the
agency's educational program. In particular, the applicant for this
class of station must show that the transmissions will be directed to
specific schools in a system, or for use in connection with regular
courses, as well as routine and administrative material pertaining to
a school system.
50 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
During the past year two such stations were licensed, namely:
WBOE, Board of Education, Cleveland, Ohio, and WCNY, Board
of Education, city of New York. Considerahle interest in this class
of station among the educational institutions in the country is indi 
cated hy the large amount of correspondence and the number of
inquiries received hy the Commission since the announcement of the
establishment of this class of station and service in January 1938.
The FederalR~dioE-luca.tion Committee has onocated since its
organization uncler grants made in 1935 hy the National Advisory
Council on Radio in Education, and hy the National Association of
Broadcasters, with supplementary grants from the Rockefeller
Foundation and the General Education Board. The grant of the
National Association of Broadcasters for studies being conducted hy
the Office of Education, expires on June 30, 1940. The original grant
made hy the Rockefeller :Foundation to Princeton University for
carrying on a Committee study has been extended to May 30, 1940.
The Committee study which has been under way at Ohio State Uni 
versity for the past 2 years, and which was financed by the General
Education Board, has been extended for another 3-year period.
The newest grant by the National Advisory Council on Radio in
Education is supporting a study in New York City which was begun
during the spring of 1939, and is expected to be completed within
the current year. The combined funds that have heen provided by
various agencies and organizations to underwrite the several re 
search studies derived from the study program of the Federal Radio
Education Committee, at the present time, total approximately
$500,000.
5. USE OF BROADCAST FACILITIES IN EMERGENCIES
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939, the only major catas 
trophe was the New England hurricane and flood dunng September
1938. The general loss of power greatly handicapped both radio
transmission and reception facilities but III spite of this, invaluable
service was rendered by stations inside and outside the affected area
where power facilities were repaired or emergency equipment was
employed. Fifteen special authorizations to operate with temporary
eqnipment or at a temporary location were issued. In addition,
numerous authorizations were issued for operation beyond the nor 
mally licensed operations and a release was made calling the attention
of licensees of both broadcast and amateur stations to the additional
operation during the emergency.
Due to the suddenness and nature of this catastrophe, the effect on
broadcast stations was greater than that during the Ohio flood in
1937. However, it is believed that as in the case of the Ohio flood,
the service rendered by broadcast stations, as well as other stations,
would have been much more effective had the various units been
previously organized for coordinated emergency service. To this end
a great deal of study and work has been done during the fiscal year
and it is hoped that in the near future a definite program for full
coorclination of communication facilities with otheremergenc~
services may be adopted.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 51
6. COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS
General nature of complaints.-The majority of the investigations
conducted with regard to complaints received concerning the program
service of broadcast stations did not necessitate the holding of hear 
ings. Other complaints invohing possible violations of the act and
of the rules and regnlations of the Oommission, including the broad 
casting of lotteries, medical programs, and fortune-telling programs,
and the illegal assignments of licemes and transfers of the control of
licensee corporations, have been investigated, and appropriate action
has followed either by way of adjustment or by the designation for
hearing of applications for renewal of license.
The Oommission maintains complete records of the names and ad 
dresses of all officers, directors, and stockholders, of the amount and
kind of stock held, and of all contracts afTecting the conduct or the
control of all licensees of standard broadcast stations. This informa 
tion is designed to show the citizenship of officers, directors, and stock 
holders, the ultimate control of a licensee corporation, and the rela 
tionship of managerial contracts, leases, and agreements for the sale
of time to the actual operation of the station.
All applications for standard broadcast facilities, including those
for the regular renewal of a broadcast station license, are compared
with these records to determine whether a change in ownership or a
transfer of the control of a licensee corporation has occurred and also
to determine what interests the licensees or stockholders may have in
other stations.
MONOPOLY INVESTIGATION
The Oommission on March 18, 1938, by Order No. 37, authorized
an investi;;ation to determine what special regulations applicable to
radio statIOns engaged in chain or other broadcasting are required in
the public interest, convenience, or necessity. The Commission's.
order directed that hearings be held in connection with the investi 
gation and that it include among other matters inquiry into the con 
tractual relationships between network and stations, the extent of
control oVer programs and advertising contracts exercised in practice
by stations engaged in chain broadcasting, duplication of network
programs in the same areas, exclusive contractsrestrictin~stations
to one chain service and chain services to one station in a gIven area,
extent to which single chains have exclusive coverage, policies of
networks with respcct to character of programs, diversification, and
accommodation to requirements of areas served, the number of sta 
tions in each network together with hours controlled and hours used
by networks, rights and obligations of stations in relation to adver-
(
tisers having network contracts, service rendered by stations licensed
to network, competitive practices of chain stations, efTect of chain
broadcasting upon stations not engaged in chain broadcasting, prac 
tices or agreements in restraint of trade or furthering monopoly in
connection with chain broadcasting, and extent and effect of con-
centration of control of stations locally, regionally, and nationally.
The Oommittee appointed by the Oommission on April 6, 1938, to
sUJlervise the investigation, comprised Chairman McNinch and Com 
mISSIOners vValker, SykeR,' and Brown, and began hearings Nov·ember
I Commissioner Sykes was succeeded in April, 1009. by Commissioner Thompson.
52 REPORTO~'THE FEDERAL OOMMUNICATIONS OOMMISSION
14, 1938, pursuant to public notice that the Commission would hear
any person or organization desiring to present evidence on the mat 
ters included for investigation in Commission Oreler No. 37.
The Corrunittee called upon the national networks, regional net 
works, licensees of a number of stations, and representatives of trans 
scription and recording companies to present evidence. It also re 
quested information through questionnaire from licensees of stations,
and holders of stock in licensee corporations. A number of organiza 
tions filed appearances, requesting an opportunity to be heard,
The hearing was adjourned on May 19, 1939, subject to the call of
the Committee, after 73 days of hearing scssions at which there were
heard 94 witnesses from whom there were 8,713 pages of testimony
adduced and with respect to whose testimony there were 674 exhibits
admitted. The witnesses heard included the presidents of the large
chain broadcast cOlnpanies, their technical, administrative, and other
managerial representatives, as well as representatives of the Brualler
networks, certain stations, transcription companies, labor union
representatives, and others interested.
NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS
There were 65 broadcast stations under investigation at the begin 
ning of the fiscal year, and during the year investigations were in 
stituted against 257 other stations. Investigations against 265
stations were handled and completed in an informal lUanneI', and those
against 15 stations were closed after formal hearings were held. At
the close of the year, investigations were still pending against 42
stations, 17 of which were on the hearing docket.
FIELD INSPECTIONS, EXAMINATIONS, AND INVESTIGATIONS
For the purpose of administration and the enforcement of radio
laws, treaties, and regulations, the Commission maintains 22 radio
district officcs scattered throughout the Unitcd States and its posses 
sions. In addition/.. }he Commission has seven luonitoring stations,
located at Boston, Mass.; Baltimore, Md.; Atlanta, Ga.; San Pedro,
Calif.; Portland, Oreg.; Great Lakes, Ill., and Grand Island, Nebr.
The monitoring stations, in general, do not participate in investiga 
tion of unlicensed stations or stations otherwise violating the law
other than to report their operation and to intercept and rccord their
signals as proof of such illegal operation.
Most of the investigating is done by the field stations. Each field
station is adluinistered by an inspector in charge who has on his staff
additional inspectors and other assistants. The 115 inspectors of
the Field Division are radio engineers and, in addition, are radio
operators, many of whom have had previous experience in the mari 
time, aeronautical, and other services.
Besides locating private stations, these inspectors are required to
check all classes of radio stations, such as broadcast, police, ship and
aircraft (including foreign craft which touch our shores); television,
amateur, and point-to-point service; and to monitor radio transmis 
sions for adherence to frcquency, quality of emission, and compliance
with prescribed procedure; investigate complaints of interference to
radio reception, and conduct examinations for various classes of
operators licenses.
REPORT m' THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 53
At each radio district headquarters, inspection cars are provided
for more detailed field inquiry. Some of these cars are equipped
with ,all-wave comnulIlication· receivers which may be operated, if
necessary, while the car is in motion, from the car's 6-volt battery.
The receivers are so constructed that they may be removed from the
{lar and worked from a llO-volt alternating-current power supply
such as is available in a residence, tourist cabin or such other place
that may be chosen by an inspector as a base of operation. The
mobile units are also equipped with special antennas.
Additional units to this type of equipment are urgently needed by
the Commission, particularly because of new demands for regional
investigations. The mobile equipment is also used by field offices
to transport examination equipnwnt to various points In the United
States where applicants for various classes of' comlnercial and ama 
teur operator licenses a,re examined. In addition, technical equip 
lIlent necessary for use in connection with inspection of all classes
of radio stations is so transported.
At ccrtain field offices, Jlortable field strength measuring equipment
is necessary. This is used prinuuily to detcnuinc the efficiency of
broadcast station antennus. Fronl the data thus accumulated, the
COffilnission's engineers are a,ble to ascertain whether a station is
making l1ppropriatc usc of its facilities.
~Ionitoringstations are very useful in determining if licensed
stations are transmitting beyond their allotted sphere and, further,
if interference is caused to established service.
Detailed tables rcfleeting the volume and nature of the field 
inspection work ure contained in the appendixes.
7. LITIGATION
The conduct of litigation in the courts was one of the Commission's
most inlportant activities during the year. Issues arose in several
cascs, the final determinl1tion of which will affect, in a far-rel1ching
and fundamental way, the future conduct of the Commission's
proceedings in broadcast Cl1ses, and will also determine in an impor 
tant degree the extent and scope of the jurisdiction of the Court of
Appeals of the District of Columbia over Commission action. A
brief summary of the facts and holdings of the court in the decisions
handed down during the year is included in the appendixes.
At the beginning of the fiscal year the following litigation relating
to radio broadcasting was pending in which the Commission was a
party litigant: 10 cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia in which appellants were seeking a review of a
decision of the Commission granting or denying a broadcast appli 
cation; one case was pending in the Court of Appeals on appeal from
a decision of the District Court for the District of Columbia; and one
petition for writ of certiorari was pending in the Supreme Court
seeking a review of a decision of the Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia.
During the fiscal year 23 appeals were taken to the Court of Appeals
for the District of Columbia seeking a review of Commission decisions
in broadcast matters; 3 original proceedings were commenced in
the Court of Appeals seeking writs of mandamus and prohibition
directed to the Commission; 1 injunction suit was instituted in the
192443--40----~
54 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNIOATIONS COMMISSION
District Court; and 1 petition for writ of certiorari was filed in a case
which had been disposed of by the Court of Appeals during the
preceding fiscal year.
The following tabulation shows the total number of cases pending
during the fiscal year:
Thirty-three cases involving appeals to the Court of Appeals for the Dis-
trict of Columbia from decisions of the Commissionj
Three original proceedings instituted in the Court of Appeals;
Two suits instituted in the District Court for the District of Columbia;
Two petitions for writs of certiorari in the Supreme Court.
Of the 33 direct appeals to the Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia from orders of the Commission, 14 were dismissed,' 2
of the Commission's decisions were reversed' and 2 were affirmed,
leaving 15 cases' pending in the court at the end of the fiscal year.
Of the three original proceedings instituted in the Court of Appeals
during the fiscal year, only one had been decided at the end of the
fiscal year and in this case the writs of prohibition and mandamus
requested were granted.' The other two proceedings were still
pending at the end of the fiscal year.
7
Of the two cases instituted in the District Court for the District
of Columbia in which injunctions were sought, in one case the District.
Court refused to grant the injunction, which decision was affirmed:
by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia,
and in this case certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court. In
the other District Court case an injunction was granted but on.
appeal to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia the Dis 
trict Court was reversed.
The petition for writ of certiorari which was pending at the be(iinning
of the fiscal year as well as the petition for writ of certiorari which was.
filed during the fiscal year in a case which had been disposed of by
the Court of Appeals during the preceding fiscal year were both
denied by the Supreme Court.
The following tabulation shows the disposition at the end of the·
fiscal year of all the cases pending at the beginning of the year and
instituted during the fiscal year:
Nature of case
Decision
Number for Com 
mission
Decision
against
Commis-
sion
Pending
end of
" ,,'"
------------I-~I-------
Direct appeals to the Court of Appeals.~_
Original suits In DistrIct CourL •••• _
Original suits in Court of AppeaJs~._•••••••~••__
Petltlons for certlorarL .•_•__._. ._••_••••••••_. __
33 16 2 15
2 2 .•
3 1 2.
2 2
'20
, 3
17
I In 1 of these cases a petition for writ or certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court,
I In 2 of these cases writs of certiorari had been grantoo by the Supreme Court, and were pending in
the Supreme Court when this report went to the printer.
• In two of these cases the appellants filed petitions for <'ertiorari in the Supreme Court; both petitions:
were denied.
• In one case the Commission filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the Supreme Court which was granted.
and the case was in tho Supreme Court when this report was sent to the printer.
a Of these, 8 were subsequently dismissed, and in I, the Commission's decision was affirme(l, leaving 6 of
such cases pending RIld undecided in the Court of Appeals when this report wllnt to the printer.
8 The Commission's petition for writ of certiorari from t.he Supreme Court in this ease1l~been wanted·
and the case was aWI\iting oral argument when this report was sent to the printer. .
f In one of these the Court subsequently granted the writs of mandamus find prohibition and the Com·
mission's petition for writ of certiorari in the Supreme Court was granted and the case awaiting argument,
In the Supreme Court when this report was sent to the printer.
lIEPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOMMUNIOATIONS OOMMISSION 55
A list of broadcast cases in litigation during the year, together with
a detailed statement of the facts and principles of law involved, will
be found in the appendixes.
Specific mention should be made here of three of these cases:
In Sanders Brothers Radio Station v. Federal Communications Commission, No.
7087, the Commission had entered an order granting authority to construct 8
new radiobroadcast station a.t Dubuque, Iowa, and had simUltaneously granted
the licensee of Station WKBB &ut.hority to move its station from East Dubuque
to Dubuque, Iowa. The licensee of Station WKBB appealed from that part of
the decision authorizing the new station to be CODfitructed at Dubuque, the ground
for its appeal being that the Commission had failed to dispose of the question of
whether there was adequate economic support in the community for both stations.
The Commission moved to dismiss on the ground that the appellant had no
appealable interest, since the only damage which it alleged as its "aggrievement"
was prospective financial lossreBultin~from competition with the new station,
which the Commission contended was fdamnum absque injuria." The Commis 
sion contended that the congressional policy as expressed in the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended, contemplated that licensees of radiobroadcast stations
would be subject to and not protected from competition from other licensees.
The court set ftBide the Commission's order, overruling the Commission'scon~
tention that if damage had resulted to the station taking the appeal, such damage
did not constitute legal injury and was not a proper basis for an appeal under
the statute. The court held that it was the Commission's duty to receive evidence
and make findings on the economic issue and that as the Commission had not
made such findings lithe administrative task has not been completed and there
is no proper basis for judicial review."
The decision of the court of appeals is of outstanding significance in its sweeping
interpretation of the jurisdiction of the Commission over licensees of broadcast
stations. The court construed the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
as conferring upon the Commission the duty of determining the competitive
effect upon existing licenliees of the Krant of an application for new broadcast
facilities. The court also held, in effect, that a license for abro~dcaststation
conferred upon the holder thereof a right to question the validity of a similar
license iE!sued to a competitive broadcast station.
In holding that the Commission was required to make findings in granting an
application for construction permit for a radio station, the court placed an
interpretation upon the statute which may ilIlp-cse a heavy administrative
burden upon the Commission. The Commission s contention in the case was
that the Commission is not required under section 319 (a) or 309 (a) of the statute
to make findings when it grants an application for construction permit or for a
radio-station Heense.
l
The case of The Pottsville Broadcasting Company v. Federal Communications
Commission, No. 7016, involves questions relating to the jurisdiction of the
court of appeals to control the procedure of the Commi8Bion on a broadcast
application which has been remanded to the Commission after a reversal by the
court of a decision denying such application. The court of appeals in a case
decided during the last fiacal year reversed a decision of the Commission which
had denied the application of Pottsville Broadcastinp; Co. for a construction per4
mit to erect a new radiohroadcast station in Pottsville, Pa.
After the remand, the Commission set the PottsviHe CO.'s application for oral
argument together with two other conflicting apnlications, which had been filed
and heard before an examiner after the Pottsville applir.ation, btlt which were
then ready for final action. The Commission order stated that it would consider
the three applications individualIy on a comparative basis, although not in a
consolidated proceeding and would grant the application which in the jUdgment
of theCommi~sionwould best serve the public interest.
The Pottsville Broadcasting Co. applied to the court of appeals for the issuance
of a writ of prohihition to prevent the Commission from taking any procedural
steps relating to the granting of an application for construction permit for a
new station in Pottsville, Pa., until it had first acted upon the petitioner's applica 
tion and for a writ of mandamus to compel the Commission to render a decision
on the petitioner's application within a. time fixed by the court. The Commission
1The Commission'S pctttlon for writ of certiorari from the Supreme Court to review the decision of the
Court of Appeals In thIs esse was granted' and the case was pending In the Supreme Court when this
report went to the printer.
56 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
opposed the granting of the writs on the ground that the c.ourt was without powey
to control the administrative proceedings by the Commission on the petitioner's
application as requested. The court directed the issuance of a writ commanding
the Commission to set aside its order relating to the petitioner's application having
the effect of designating such application for hearing on a comparative basis with
other pending applications and commanding the Commission to hear and consider
the petitioner's application on the basis of the record originally made on such
application.
2
The third case which involves principally a question of statutory construdion,
is The Crosley Corporation v. Federal Communications Commission. This case
involved an appeal to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia from a
decision of the Commission which denied the application of the Crosley Corpora 
tion for an extension of its special experimental authorization to operate Station
WLW with 500 kilowatts power, unlimited hours, for the purpose of carrying on
a program of experimentation. The special experimental authorization was origi 
nally issued in 1934 and had been extended from time to time. The Commission's
rules fixing the maximum power for stations operating all the frequency assigned
to WLW waR 50 kilowatts. The primary purpose of pel'mitting Station WLW
to operate with 500 kilowatts, unlimited time, was to permit experimentation to
be undertaken to demonstrate the feasibility of operation with "super power."
The station's request for an extension of this experimental authorizntion, filed in
December 1938, was designated for hearing by the Commission before a committee
consisting of three Commissioners. This committee recommended that the re 
quest for extension be denied and after the applicant was permitted to file excep 
tions and to make oral argument on the committeeIS report, the Commission denied
the application for extension on the ground that the applicant had failed to shO\....
that the use of 500 kilowatts power, unlimited hours, was necessary in order to
.carryon the program of experimentation proposed.
Station WLW appealed to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
seeking a review of the Commission's decision. The Commission moved to dismiss
the appeal OIl the grounds that the special authorization was not a radio station
li('ense within the purview of the appeal section of the statute and, therefore, the
Commission's order denying the request for extension of the authorization did not
conHtitute the denial of an application for renewal or modification of radio station
license. The appellant contended that thc experimental authorization was a sta 
tion license within the meaning of the appeal section of the Htatllte. The court
granted the Commission's motion and dismissed the appeaJ.3
I The Commission applied to the Supreme Court (or a writ of certiorari which was gmnted. Thf' ('ase
was awaiting oral argument before the Supreme Court when this report went to the printer.
a A petition for writ of certiorari filed by Station WLW was denied by the Supreme Court on No\"l'!mber
6,lG39.
CHAPTER V
Promotion of Safety of Life and Property
I. INTRODUCTION
2. GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS SURVEY
3. MARINE SERVICES
4. AVIATION SERVICES
5. EMERGENCY SERVICES
57
( page 58 in the original document is intentionally blank )
59
1. INTRODUCTION
The Oommunications Act of 1934, as amended, has, as one of its
purposes, the promotion of safety of life and property through the
use of wire and radio communication. The act contains a number
of provisions under which the Commission functions in this connection.
-Title III, part 2 of the act, contains specific provisions with respect
to the employment of radio for the promotion of safety at sea, and
the duty of enforcing the radio provisions of the International Con 
vention for the Safety of Life at Sea, London, 1929, adds to the Com 
mission's responsibility in this field. The greater part of the activities
of the Commission, with respect to promotion of safety, has to do
with the maritime services.
The employment of radio for safety purposes, outside of the marine
field, has also engaged a considerable part of the Commission's atten 
tion. National and international conferences have been held in
<lonnection with the use of radio in aviation. The emergency services
including police, forestry, and other classes of stations are devoted to
protection of life and property, aiding law enforcement, fire prevention,
and similar safety missions, and these services are of constantly increas 
ing importance.
The types of stations which the Commission considers to be pri 
marily devoted to promoting safety of life and property are classified
as rendering marine services, aviation services, and emergency services.
Under the latter category are included municipal and State police,
marine, fire, forestry, and special emergency stations. These services,
except for marine service, are of comparatively recent origin, and are
-continuing to show a rapid expansion.
With respect to many of the emergency stations, there has been
a tendency on the part of licensees not to fully appreciate the respon 
-sibility of operating the station in full compliance with Federal regu 
lation. In many instances this was due to the divided authority
inherent in municipal governments. There has been, however, an
increased realization of the necessity for conducting the stations in
strict accordance with technical requirements and regulations govern 
ing the manner of operation, in order that the best results may be
<lbtained from the necessarily complex system. The improved situa 
tion is in no small measure due to the study of the subject by certain
police and other officers who have realized the possibilities and have
insisted on having trained personnel in charge of the equipment.
In addition to these services, the Commission receives many appli 
cations for special stations which are intended to be useful in pro 
moting safety under circumstances in which normal communication
facilities are inadequate. Such applications have received, and will
-continue to receive, careful consideration. However, the limitations
in the use of available frequencies make it necessary to exclude all
but those services which are most needed by the greatest number of
people.
60 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
2. GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS SURVEY
The specinl study of the rndio requirements necessnry or desirable
for safcty purposes for ships navigating the Great Lakes and inland
waters of the United States, which the Congress directed the Federal
COlumunications Oommission to make and report its recommenda 
tions and reasons therefor to the Congress not later than December
31, 1939, is being conducted under the direction of Commissioner
Thad H. Brown.
During the past year open formal public hearings were held at
Cleveland, from July 18 to July 22, 1938, from August 1 to August .'5,
1938, from March 6 to March 17, 1939, and from April .'5 to April 6,
1939; at Detroit from August 16 to August 18, 1938; and at Wash 
ington, from May 23 to May 26, 1939. Members of the Great Lakes
and Inland Waters Survey research and engineering staff presented
testimony based upon investigations conducted by the Survey in
these hearings. Testimony was presented hy representatives of
commercial shipping companies, shipmasters' associations, communi 
cation companies, labor organizations, yachting associations, and
governmental agencies with respect to vessel operating conditions
and the use of radio cOllllllunieations.
The engineering group for thc Great Lakes and Inland Waters
Survey, utilizing the services of some of the personnel of the Com 
mission and one additional engineer employed specifically for the pur 
pose, continued to carry out its experimental test projects designed
to determine the relative effectiveness of radiotelegraphy and radio 
telephony for safety-communication purposes under practical oper 
ating conditions on the Great La.kes, and to ascertain the reliable
communication ranges which could be obtained using a type of radio
transmitting installation comparable to equipment of average cost
and design available on the open market. This equipment at various
times was installed and operated for these tests on board Govern 
ment and commercial vessels navigated over the steamship lanes on
Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior. Suitable radio receiviug and
measuring equipment was set up and operated on the shores of these
lakes and on board two Government vessels. These tests during the
summer season of highest atmospheric interferenee to radio com 
munication were carried out on Lakes Huron and Superior during
July and August 1938, and on Lake Michigan during the more favor 
able radio receiving conditions of the fall season.
Two commercial type auto-alarms, modified for operation on the
Great Lakes distress frequency 410 kc., were also subjected to tests
under practical operating conditions on Lake Superior, utilizing the
radio station on board a Coast Guard cutter and a commercial cargo
vassel as transmitting ship stations for this purpose.
Communication tests were conducted with regularity during the
periods mentioned, generally at sunrise, noon, sunset, and Inte even 
mg of each day. Each test involved attempted complete reception
at the official receiving points of both radiotelegraph and radiotele 
phone test messages transmitted under equivalent conditions on at
least six frequencies distributed throughout the radio spectrum.
Considerable resultant engineering data of a comparative nature was
developed and prepared in the form of exhibits. These exhibits,
together with considerable oral description of this experimental
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 61
emergency work, were made a part of the record of hearings conducted
at Cleveland, Ohio, during the month of MarcIl.
The factual studies of the physiographic features, volume and na 
ture of COlnnterce, types of vessels, operating conditions, navigation
facilities and conditions, navigation and other casualties, weathercon~
ditions, radio communication facilities and services of the Great
Lakes, commenced in Deccmber 1937 have been completed.
Following the first informal conference with representatives of the
Department of Transport, Dominion of Canada, held in New York
May 12, 1938, a second informal conference was held with these rep 
resentatives at Ottawa, on October 17, 1938, in order to facilitate the
studies, to arrange for the transmission of data with respect to Cana 
dian vessel operation, radio facilities and services, and to consider
suggestions for further cooperation between the representatives of
the radio regulatory bodies of thc United States and Canada.
Since the inauguration of the Survey there has been a material in 
crease of voluntary installations of radiotelephone facilities on vessels
of the, Great Lakes. As of May 1, 1938, there were 109 vessels on
the Great Lakes equipped with radiotelephone, 65 of the United
States registry and 44 of Canadian ,·egistry. As of July 24, 1939,
there were 146 American vessels equipped with radiotelephone and
50 vessels of Canadian registry.
Conferences between representatives of United States and Cana 
dian vessel owners of the Grcat Lakes were held in Toronto on Octo 
ber 5, 1938, and January 9,1939. Resolutions were addresscd jointly
to the Commissioner-in-Charge, Federal Communications Commis 
sion, and to the Minister of Transport, Dominion of Canada, in con 
nection with these conferences which expressed the opinion of these
operators that radiotelephone has been demonstrated to be a prompt
and reliable instrumentality for communication between ships and
between ship and shore, and requesting the Governments of the
United States and Canudu to immediately endeuvor to reuch an
agreement and to make frequency allocations ut leust on a temporary
basis for a uniform radiotelephone communication service with
respect to all of the Greut Lakes.
Through the cooperation of the State Depurtment, the Federal
Communications Commission und the Depurtment of Transport of
the Dominion of Canadu established a temporary arrangement for
uniform radiotelephone communication upon the same fundamental
basis as that used for radiotelegraphy, thereby affording the proper
opportunity for the demonstration by United States and Canadian
vessel owners of the practicability of radiotelephony for safety pur 
poses on the Great Lakes. This system is being used, insofar as
practicable, by vessels of United States and Ca,nadian registry dur 
ing the season of 1939. The results of this tcmporary arrangement,
the operation of which is being observed by members of the Engi 
neering staff of the Commission, are expected to be of material
service to the Commission 'md to the Canadian Department of
Transport in the development of various proposals and recommenda 
tions for a unifonll syRtem of radio communication on the Great
Lakes. As a result of such consultation between these rcpresentatives
and members of the staff of the Great Lakes and Inland Waters Sur 
vey, the study of radio communication requirements necessary or
desirable for ships navigated on inland wat.ers of the United St.ates
62 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
was limited to passenger-carrying vessels of 100 gross registcred tons
or over, and freight vessels of 1,000 gross registered tons or over en 
gaged in operation on bays and sounds or on other larger bodies of
iJ:dand waters, excluding those which confine thcir operations to
TIvers.
3. MARINE SERVICES
EXEMPTION FROM COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE m. PART II
The Commission is authorized by the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea, London, 1929, and Public Law No. 97, to
grant exemptions from the radio requirements prescribed therein
when the vessels are navigated within certain specified liJnits, pro 
vided the Commission considers that the route and conditions of the
voyage, or other circumstances, are such as to render compliance
therewith as unnecessary or unreasonable for the purposes of the act
and treaty.
Few applications were filed during the past fiscal year for exemp 
tion of vessels from the requirements of Public, No. 97, May 20,1937,
amending tbe Communications Act of 1934, in comparison to the
number received in the preceding fiscal year.
As of June 30, 1939, numerous small pleasure passenger vessels
below 100 gross tons wcre operating in an exempted status and sub 
ject to certain restrictions and specified distance liJnitations from
shore in restricted areas. The general exemption previously granted
by the Commission May 17, 1938, to small pleasure passenger vessels
as a class up to and including 15 gross tons was renewed by the Com 
mission May 16, 1939, for a period of 1 year.
Exemption was granted for a period of 1 year to certain individual
vessels in excess of 100 gross tons for various operations. Exemption
of a temporary nature for periods varying from 10 days to 3 months
has in the past fiscal year also been granted in seven cases.
A large number of the vessels to which exemption has been granted
during the past fiscal year are equipped with low power radiotelephone
or radiotelegraph equipment which is available for communication
with Coast Guard, coastal-harbor radiotelephone and ship stations,
and consequently are not without some form of communication in
case of emergency.
VIOLATIONS AND DEFICIENCY REPORTS
The enforcement of the operation and maintenance of marine radio
equipment required by the Act and specific rules promulgated by the
Commission on the basis thereof resulted in the serving of some 4,100'
deficiency reports in contrast to 3,000 served during the preceding
fiscal year, the additional number being attributable to the assign 
ment of additional inspector personnel, which permitted the per 
formance of 16,431 ship inspections, and represented an increase of
2,482 inspections over the number of inspections conducted during
the preceding fiscal year.
An apparent increase in familiarity with the law and its application
and the cooperative attitude shown in general by those responsible
for compliance therewith has resulted in expeditious correction of the
reported deficiencies with few exceptions. In one instance, however,
it became necessary to notify the owner of a vessel of United States
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 63
registry that such vessel had become subject to a forfeiture for viola 
tion of the Communications Act of 1934. At the end of the year the
Department of Justice was taking the necessary steps to collect the
forfeiture.
COASTAL TELEPHONE
There has been no change in the number of coastal telephone sta 
tions operated as reported in the previous fiscal year. There are 6
American trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific passenger vessels licensed to
handle public telephone communications with this class of station,
and there are also a total of 23 foreign ocean-going ships which nor 
mally communicate with these stations.
COASTAL HARBOR STATIONS
During the past year licenses were granted for new public coastal
harbor telephone stations at Duluth, Minn., Port Washington, Wis.,
Memphis, Tenn., and San Juan, P. R. Construction of a station of
this class was authorized at Port Sulphur, La. An application is
pending for additional coastal harbor facilities at Lake Bluff, Ill., on
Lake Michigan. Hearings were held on this application and on an
ayplication for a new coastal harbor station at Galveston, Tex. As
o June 30, 1939, there were 14 coastal harbor telephone stations in
the United States and Puerto Rico licensed to provide public radio 
telephone service. Applications also are pending for new coastal
harbor stations at Rogers City, Mich.; Caseville, Mich.; Sturgeon
Bay, Wis.; West Dover, Ohio; Buffalo, N. Y.; Charleston, S. C.;
Tampa, Fla.; Wilmington, Del.; and Cape Girardeau, Mo. An
application to construct a public coastal harbor station at Seattle,
Wash., was denied after formal hearing.
SHIP TELEPHONE
As of June 30, 1938, there were 765 ship telephone stations licensed
by the Commission to communicate with coastal harbor stations.
On June 30, 1939, this number had increased to 1,561. Of this num 
ber, 141 ship telephone stations were licensed for service on the
Great Lakes.
EQUIPMENT
In order to insure compliance with section 354 (d) of the Communi 
cations Act of 1934, as amended, the Commission, on January 18, 1938,
amended the Ship Radiotelegraph Safety Rules, modifying paragraphs
12 (c) and 12 (e) of these rules with respect to the standards for inter 
mediate frequency,radiotele~aph,transmitting equipment installed
on board vessels subject to title III, part II of the act.
This modification met with objection from certain shipowners, the
main point at issue being the provision of the modified paragraph
12 (c) with respect to power required to be developed by new and
existing transnutters with particular reference to the provision of sub 
paragraph (3), requiring the replacement of existing radio equlpment
of a power less than the rules specified with new or modified equipment
by October 1 1938.
Having failed to reach an agreement satisfactory to the shipowners
and the Commission at an informal conference held in the offices of
the Commission at Washington, on April 21, 1938, the matter of
64 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
investigation of power requirements for ship radio transmitters was,
on the CommissIOn's own motion, designated for a formal hearing
scheduled for November 14, 1938; and, on June 9, 1938, the Commis 
sion postponed the effective date of the subparagraph (3) of paragraph
12 (c) until further order of the Commission.
A preliminary stndy revealed that three main technical factors were
involved in the determination of the minimum power required of a
ship transmitter to satisfy the provisions of section 354 (d) of the act,
namely:
(a) Intensity of the prevailing atmospheric noise Jevel.
(b) Performance characteristics of ship transmitters, receivers,
and antennas.
(e) Signal-to-noise ratio required for safety service.
In the absence of published data on the intensity of the atmospheric
noise level to be encountered in different parts of the world, an investi 
gation of this and other factors as well, was undertaken. In this
connection, four United States ships were fitted with apparatus capable
of continuously recording the intensity of the atmospheric noise level.
Commission engineers operated this equipment while these vessels
were engaged on their normal voyages, traversing different trade
routes on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and in the Gulf of Mexico.
Data on transmitter and antenna performance characteristics for over
100 representative United States ships were obtained by field person 
nel. Performance data on receivers in common use on United States
vessels were also compiled. Tests were also conducted to determine
the signal-to-noise ratio required for a grade of service consistent with
safety of life and property at sea and, in addition, data were recorded
on sound records for reproduction and demonstration.
All these data, when correlated, formed a basis on which an engi 
neering estimate was formulated of the power necessary to be de 
veloped into an average ship antenna, by an average ship main trans 
mitter, to ,Provide a safety radiotelegraphic communication service
between ships at sea over the prescribed distance of 200 nautical miles
by day under normal conditions and circumstances, when maintaining
a watch on the intcrnational distress frequency of 500 kilocycles.
On November 8, 1938, the Commission designated Commissioner
T. A. M. Craven to conduct the hearing theretofore ordered; and the
hearing was held in the offices on November 14-18, 1938, in which
shi'powners, radio communication companies, and radio operators'
Ull10ns participated. The resultant report substantiated the Com.
mission's rule as modified on January 18, 1938, with the exception
that a proposed further modification of subparagraph (3) of para 
graph 12 (c) was set forth and recommended for consideration.
This proposed further modification, if adopted as an amendment to
the rules, would provide for the continued use of existing equipment
not capable of meeting the applicable requirements of the rules with
respect to power output and installed on board subject vessels, as
temporary main transmitters until January 1, 1940. Itwould further
provide for the approval of a specific electron-tube transmitter
installed on board a subject vessel, if it is demonstrated that all the
applicable requirements of the rule other than the power output
requirement are capable of being met and if it is further demonstrated
that the involved transmitter, as installed, is capable of producing
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 65
certain prescribed field intensities at a distance of 1 nautical mile
over sea water.
Exceptions to the report were filed and the status of the matter
88 of June 30,1939, was that oral argument before the full Commission
was scheduled for July 13, 1939; and final action is to be taken after
consideration of the points covered in the oral argument.
As a result of the amendment of the Ship Radiotelegraph Safety
Rules on January 18, 1938, modifying paragraphs 12 (c) and 12 (e)
of these rules, several new types of marine radiotelegraph transmitters,
reflecting recent advancements in the radio art, have been developed.
Also certain types of transmitters in common use on vessels of the
United States have been modified to conform with the less stringent
requirements of the amended rules, contained in subparagraph 12 (c)
(2) thereof. In line with the Commission's policy to approve types
of equipment, after satisfactory demonstration, as capable of meetmg
the requirements of the rules governing a specific service, tests have
been conducted in the presence of engineering representatives of the
Commission. Twenty-two types of transmitters made by four leading
manufacturers of marine radio equipment have been approved as
capable of meeting the applicable requirements of paragraph 12 (c)
of the amended rules.
The approval of specific types of radio receivers, radio direction
finders, and radio equipment for lifeboats, for use on vessels required
by law to be equipped with apparatus of these classifications, has been
held in abcyance pending the promulgation of Standards of Good
Engineering Practice for Ship Stations which will furnish a basis for
consideration of type approval.
Studies have been made and are being continued with the view of
ascerta.ining the needs of the maritime mobile service with reference to
safety of life and property at sea. These studies have been classified
as follo\,,"s: First, engineering standards considered necessary to
adequately protect life and property, to be applied to all vessels sub 
ject to title III, part II of the act; and second, standards consistent
with the advancement of the radio art, to be applied only to new
vessels under construction and vessels on which new equipment is
installed in the future. In tltis connection, conferences with other
Government agencies and departments for the purpose of obtaining
the benefits of the experiences of their engineering staffs have been
held. Careful consideration has been given to the standards of the
leading professional engineering societies. The results of these
studies are reflected in some measure in the Rules and Regulations of
the Commission, now undergoing revision and codification and they
will be further re/lected in the Standards ofGood Engineering Practice
for ship stations in process of preparation.
AUTOMATIC ALARMS
There arc now 1,150 automatic alarms of tentatively approved
types installed on vessels of the United States registry, 29 of this
number having been reported as installed during the past year. A
study of the operation of these devices under service conditions aboard
vessels of the United States and in certain field monitoring stations
of the Commission has been in progress during the past 2 years and
will be continued for at least the greater part of the next year.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNIOATIONS COMMISSION 67
imately half-way between New York and Bermuda, encountered con 
ditions which caused a forced landing at sea. Distress signals were
transmitted from the plane and relayed to aNew York coastal tele 
graph station which transmitted the autoalarm signal. Auto alarms
on 53 American vessels responded to these signals and as a resnIt of
the response of the autoalarm installed on the American tanker
steamship Esso Baytown, 10 of the 13 persons aboard the plane were
rescued.
The effectiveness of the transmission of the alarm signal by a ship
was demonstrated when the American tanker steamship Bullock
.caught on fire after an explosion while this vessel was in the Gulf of
Mexico on October 6, 1938. The explosion rendered the radio inoper 
ative and the fire which followed the explosion spread so rapidly that
the men were forced to abandon ship immediately. The steamship
Bernuth was within sight of the burning ship and transmitted the alarm
signal wbich caused autoalarms on 15 vessels within the immediate
vicinity to respond. The steamship Bernuth rescued all the erew,
.except one man who had been killed by the explosion, but other vessels
on which autoalarms had responded were in a position to bave
rendered assistanee if it had been neeessary.
Special marine safety radio watehes are established in the field
offiees of the Commission at Baltimore, Md., and Portland, Oreg., for
the purpose ofsecuring information in the marine radio service. These
-statIOns are manned on a 24-hour basis by trained experts and are
.equipped witb special marine receivers, autoalarms, and frequency 
measuring apparatus. The personnel of the stations is charged with
the duty of observing the conditions prevailing in the marine radio
·service, particularly during the periods when ships are in distress,
whether or not any undue interferenee is eaused hy other stations
that prevents the speedy handling of the distress calls or the messages
relating thereto, interference to hydrographic, medico, or other urgent
messages, occupancy of the various ship-freqnency bands, the meas 
urement of the exact freguency used, performance of autoalarms, and
,general adherence to the mternational procedure in the marine service.
The special marine safety watch established at Baltimore, Md., haB
in one instance been able to secure phonographic recordings of the
transmissions made during a period of one distress case. Aceurate
data of the transmissions made during all the distress cases within
range of both the marine monitoring stations were made. TheBe data
were used in corroboration with the information abstracted from the
original ship radio logs received from vessels within the vicinity of
-the distressed vessel to complete the studies.
ENFORCEMENT
In regard to enforcement of the reqniremente for merchant ships,
the Commission has found that its policy of lenieney until sueh time
as vessel owners and masters become familiar with the various aspecte
-of the law was fully justified. We have noted a desire to cooperate in
meeting all requirements, and an increased interest and responsibility
on the part of the masters in seeing that their radio stations are
properly maintained and operated. Nevertheless, two eases were
pending at the end of the year which seemed to warrant proeeedings
-.to wlleet forfeitures.
66 REPORTO~'THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
The perform.ance of the automatic alarms on board vessels bas been
discussed with the manufacturers of such equipment and certain
modifications of the tentatively approved types have been proposed
by representatives of the Commission as being highly desirable in the
light of the results of the studies made as a result of which further
research and design work has been undertaken by the respective manu 
facturers of the two types of automatic alarms tentatively approved.
The Commission, on November 9, 1938, ordered that tentative
approval of the two types of automatic alarms designated as Radio
Corporation of America, model AR-8BOO, auto alarm, and Mackay
Radio & Telegraph Co. auto alarm, type 101~A,manufactured by
Federal Telegraph Co., until December 31, 1938, be extended until
Mareh 31, 1939, in order that further study and analyzation of the
data already accumulated may be completed before consideration of
these devices for final approval. On February 7, 1939, the Com 
mission ordered a further extension of the period of tentative approval
of these automatic alarm devices to March 31, 1940, for the purpose
of further studies of the equipment under service conditions.
The further research and design work undertaken by one manu 
facturer has resulted in the development of an improved model
which, by order of the Commission on March 20, 1939, was tentatively
approved.
RECORD OF SEA DISASTERS
Twenty-nine safety communications studies have been made of
distress cases involving the use of radio distress signals during the
12-month period covered by this report for the purpose of investi 
ga,ting all phases of the safety problem to obtain the maximum effec 
tiveness from the use of radio and wire communications in connection
with safety of life and property. A master record of each study is
maintained by the Commission. The investigations and studies have
disclosed certain methods by which improvements can be made to
increase the effectiveness of the use of radio in connection with safcty
of life and property. Confercnces with other departments of the
Government whose duties concern the safety of life and property at
sea and with representatives of the major licensees of ship radio
stations have been held for the purpose of correcting and improving
distress procedure disclosed as a result of the Commission's studies of
these cases. A number of new rules have been promulgated to reduce
interference and increase safety in the maritime mobIle service. In
general these rules establish priority of commwlications for both ship
telegraph and telephone services on any frequcncy based upon inter 
national regulations and provide for the transmission and repetition
of distress and auto-alarm signals. Certain facts disclosed by these
studies which involve ship stations and stations of foreign countries
have been brought to the attention of representatives of the foreign
governments involved. The interest and cooperation received has
been most gratifying. The communication studies have also brought
out important subjects for discussion at future radio conferences for
the drafting of international rules and regulations for the safety of life
and property at sea.
There were several disasters at sea wherein the lives of persons
were saved by American vessels as a result of the transmission and
response to distress signals. The outstanding case occurred on Janu 
ary 21, 1939, when the British Imperial airplane Cavalier, while approx-
68 REPORT OF THE FEDERAl, COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
4. AVIATION SERVICES
The increasing use of radio communication in the field of aviation,
the many outstandmg improvements in radio facilities contributing
materially to air navigation and orderly operation of aircraft, and an
mcrease of more than 30 percent in the number of aircraft radio 
equipments licensed by the Commission, were among the most
significant developments in the entire field of communications during
the ye"r. The growth of the service made necessary the revision of
the radio regulations governing aviation communication. New fre 
quencies have been made available to the aviation service, and techni 
cal advancements in the art have justified licensing on a regular hasis
classes of aviation stations heretofore authorized for experimental
purposes only. Some of the problems with which the Commission
was confronted in tbe revision of its rules to meet the changing condi 
tions and increased demand arose in connection with-
(1) Air navigation aids such as instrument landing systems find
radio marker beacons.
(2) Transpolar intercontinental flights.
(3) Transoceanic flights.
(4) Public correspondence from transport planes in flight.
(5) Instructional services and motorless flights.
Each had the customary frequency allocation problem in an al 
ready overcrowded radio spectrum. The important task of revision
of the regulations require,l tile united effort of several groups for the
formulation of provisions to meet present needs and to anticipate
future requirements. Numerous conferences with the Civil Aeronau 
tics Authority were held iu a spirit of closest cooperation and har 
mony. Conferences were also held with representatives of the air 
craft industry and operators.
One of the complex problems present in the aviation communica 
tion services is the change from the present airport control frequency,
278 kilocycles, to a more suitable ultra-high frequency. Because the
characteristics of radiocommunications over that part of the radio
spectrum embodying frequencies above 100000 kilocycles (less than 3
meters) are unusually favorable for the purpose, equipment used in
connection with instrument landing systems, airport control, and
public correspondence should operate in that range. The more ob 
vious and important features ure-
(1) The signals between aircraft and ground stations are more
reliable over an appropriate distance rauge on the ultra 
high frequencies.
(2) The signals have the ability to penetrate clearly through
bursts of static during severe thunderstorms unaffected by
such conditions that ordinarily render radiocommunications.
impossible on 278 kilocycles.
(3) The signals follow the generalline-of-sight rauge which is also
favorable for repeated assignments of the same frequency
and reduces the number of channels and complication re 
quired in designs of aircraft transmitters.
(4) The dimensions of ultra-high frequency equipment are gen 
erally smnll and the units compact and conducive to light 
weight construction which again is favorable for aircraft.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 69'
(5) Ultra-high frequencies will he kept clear of interference from
other assignments on the same and adjacent channels which
is not the case on 278 kilocycles.
The frequencies immediately ahove 129000 kilocycles have been al 
located to aviation, as appropriate for the needs described; but the
equipment re'luired for operation on these frequencies is not fully
developed and is not therefore in general use on aircraft. The prob 
lem is further complicated by the development of the frequency modu 
lation system which, from present indications, bids fair to render more
dependable service, if applied to instrument landing units.
It is apparent that the economic problem in connection with chang 
ing from existing equipment operating on the airport frequency 278
kilocycles to new ultra-high equipment will require time. The formu 
lation of a safe and fair plan agreeable to all concerned was not easy.
The solution finally decided upon is set forth in the regulations wherein
it is required that after January 1, 1941, applicants for renewal of air 
port control station licenses must specify an ultra-high frequency in
addition to 278 kilocycles and eontinue to provide serviee on 278
kiloeycles until ltn ultm-high frequency is designated as lI, substitute fol'
278 kilocycles. For the time being, stations using either frequency or'
amplitude modulation mllY be ltuthorized on any of the ultra-high
frequencies listed, until sufficient informl1tion is l1vl1ill1ble to enable the
approval of a system for universal use. It is expected, at the writing
of this report, thllt ultm-high frequencies for l1irport control and in 
strument Iltndings can be specified lwd additional frequencies can he
made available by Jl1nuary 1, 1940.
INTERCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS
The picture of intercontinental flights during the fiscal year is a
varied one resulting from many years of intensive development and
interuational competition. The 20,000-mile shake-down flight of the
Ohina Clipper across the Pltcific, ltnd return, WllS successful after the
establishment of a complete radiocommunication system 1110ng the
route. Tmns-Pacific scheduled flights have been established on a
regular basis.
Similarly, before attempting the shake-down flight over the Atlantic,
a coordinated communicating systenl was set up between operating
bases in the Azores, Portugul, Frl1nce, England, l1nd Icelllnd. The big
four-motored seventy-four passenger Yankee Clipper depl1rted Ml1Y 20,
1939, on the firnt successful airmail flight to Europe. Then on June 17,
the Atlantic Clipper inaugurated the first scheduled passenger and mail
trans-Atlantic flights.
Much remains to be worked out on the extensive subject of public
correspondence between planes in flight and a ground system of
stations placed at regular intervals along the route. To facilitate
the regulation of this proposed service, two new types of stations
were found necessary: (1) Public-service aircraft st,l1tions, and (2)
pub]ic-~erviceaeronautical stations. The fonner serves to handle
the two-Wl1Y conversation of a passenger on board the phwe in flight,
and the latter may be a series of ground stations feeding the radio
signals into the telephone-wire system at points nearest the plane
192443--40----6
POLICE STATIONS
70 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
along the flight path. In this manner, the passenger in flight across
the United States may talk direct with his fllJllily at home. This
public correspondence service is a reality in SOllie foreign countries.
The ultra-high frequencies are believed to be more appropriate for
the development of a domestic public aviation radiotelephone service.
Public service aircraft stations on transport planes engaged in inter 
·continental service may be authorized to operate on frequencies avail 
able to shiptelephone and shiptelegraph stations for the handling of
public correspondence in the same manner that they are available to
ships of the United States. Communication facilities available for
aircraft flying transoeeanic air routes are therefore in the same cate 
gory as those of oceangoing vessels.
There has been a very insistent and inereasing dCJnand for instruc 
tional facilities and radio equipment for motorless flight activities.
Therefore, in the last revision of the rules and regulations, provision
was madc for this new type of service under the heading, "Flying
School Stntion." Students in flight may now carryon two-wny
comrnunication with the instructor on the ground or in another ship.
If the student activities nre in the vicinity of an airport having an
·airport control station, tho airport control operator is given direct
break-in microphone connections on the flying school station fre 
·quencv to order the students in flight to clear the air prior to the
arrival of commercial aircraft. Traffic on the uational aircraft calling
frequency 3105 kilocycles is generally congeste!1 and, especially at
busy airports, the importance of complete supervision by the airport
control operator cannot be overemphasized. Student communica 
tion on 3105 is therefore prohibited. Ultra-high frequencies appro 
priate for such needs have been mnde available for this service.
5. EMERGENCY SERVICES
At the beginning of the past fiscal year the Commission was engaged
in bringing into the emergency services n large number of stations
devoted to the promotion of safety of life and property which there 
tofore had been licensed on an experimental basis.
The adoption of the new emergency service rules shortly before the
beginning of the year brought about marked increases in the number
of stations operating in this servico, i. e., State, municipal, zone, and
interzone police stations, marine, fire, forestry, and special em.ergency
stations. An added factor in this developmcnt has been the recog 
nition by the Commission of the value of the ultra-high frequencies
for providing reliable short distance communication between low
power mobile units, nnd extended and cooperative use of the ultra 
lllgh frequencies has permitted rapid growth. During the year there
have been 557 new police stations and 247 new forestry stations
licensed, and it should be noted that "station" as used under the new
emergency service rules means not only a fixed transmitter but may
also include a large number of mobile units operated in conjunction
with the fixed station as a coordinated emergency communication
system.
The new frequencies have been of particular utility to municipal
police departments and for this reaSOn the Commission n!loeated 25
'Such frequencies for use by these agencies. The reassignment of
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNIOATIONS COMMISSION 71
municipal police equipment from the four overcrowded experimental
frequencies to the new allocations permitted a large number of cities
to have a frequency separate from those used by other municipalities
in the same geographical area. The resulting freedom from inter 
ference has allowed an increase in the number of installations to in 
clude most of the police cars and trucks. Several cities are now
operating close to 100 mobile transmitters.
The ultra-high frequency police equipment had previously been
operating under experimental authorizations, and the Commission on
July 1, 1938, started accepting applications for regular municipal
pohce licenses covering these units. By Oetober 1, the expiration
date of the experimental lieenses, most of the 2,500 experimental
stations had been regularly relicensed. The number of authoriza 
tions issued for these units was considerably reduced by ineluding in
the fixed station lieense all of the mobile transmitters operated hy
one licensee.
The growth in the number of new munieipal police stations au 
thorized in the past year has been particularly noticeable in the ease
of small communities. This is especially true of towns adjacent to
large cities where efficient intereommunieation by radio had led to
more effective policing of these areas and closer eooperation between
the law enforcement agencies involved.
As a result of the experience gained in the administration of the
emergency service rules, the Commission on February 27, 1939,
approved certain modifieations. One such change provided for the
licensing of low-power portable paek transmitters as part of a coordi 
nated system. Tins means that licensees may by authorization from
the Commission keep several battery-operated sets on hand to be
used by ill_en on foot during emergencies such as riots, or organized
searches for escaped criminals. 'fhe provisions of the new rules
permit these units to be licensed on the same frequency as the car
transmitters. Thus, the individual will be in constant communication
with the whole communication system and may summon immediate
assistance whenever necessary.
FORESTRY STATIONS
While various forest protection agencies have previously applied
radio to the solution of their eommunication problems, it was not
until this year that stations were authorized on a regular basis for
this purpose. Previously only experimental authorizations were
issued for the operation of radio equipmCl,t by these organizations.
However, with the availability of 10 ultra-rugh frequencies for forestry
stations, as conta.ined in the new emergency service rules, it was not
long before several States made application for their use. A few such
States have at the present time outstanding authorizations to con 
struct considerably more than 100 forestry stations.
The Commission on January 16, 1939, allocated three frequencies
in the 2,000 to 3,000 kilocycle band for use by forestry stations.
These facilities were made available as a result of a conference held
with forestry officials on June 29, 1938. It now appears that these
frequencies are successfully supplementing the ultra-rugh channels in
providiug communication facilities for the protection of forest areas.
This is pa.rticularly evident in mounta.inous a.rea.s where the ultra-high
frequencies ha.ve very limited applica.tion.
72 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
SPECIAL EMERGENCY STATIONS
In addition to the classes of emergency stations authorized for use
by instrumentalities of Government, special emergency stations have
proved of great value in maintaining communication during periods
of stress. Authorizations in this class are issued only to (a) organiza 
tions established for relief purposes in emergencies and which have a
disaster communication plan; (b) persons having establishments in
remote locations which cannot be reached by other means of com 
munication; and (e) public utilities. Their purpose is to maintain
communication in emergencies dUling which normal means of com 
munication are interrupted or are inadequate.
The widespread interest in the past year by power and communi 
cation companies in the use of special emergency stations hasun~
doubtedly been due to the fact that public utilities were definitely
included in the emergency service rules among those eligible to receive
authorization for such stations. Such companies have heretofore
made use of two channels in the medium frequency band, but it
remained for the assignment of the 10 ultra-high frequencies to permit
needed expansion of their operations. These facilities permitted the 
public utilities to request their use for handling communications from
mobile repair units. Generally speaking, immediate communication
with such units is of vital important in those cases involving broken
power, telephone, and telegraph lines as well as disasters involving 
widespread areas.
CHAPTER VI
Licensing
1. INTRODUCTION
2. COMMON CARRIERS
3. EXPERIMENTAL SERVICES
4. ALASKAN STATIONS
5. COMMERCIAL RADIO OPERATORS
6. AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS
7. MISCELLANEOUS RADIO SERVICES
8. PROSECUTION OF UNLICENSED ACTIVITIES
73
[ Page 74 in the original document is intentionally blank ]
I. INTRODUCTION
In addition to the licensing functions of the Commission which
have already been discussed, growth has been equally rapid in the
common carrier, experimental, Alaskan, amateur, and miscellaneous
radio services. The increased availability and use of the ultra-high
frequencies and technical advances have created a substantial increase
in the applications presented to the Commission and have required
unusual attention. The past year has witnessed numerous realloctlr
tions of the frequencies in these services and a revision of the rules
governing them. Certain classes of stations heretofore authorized
on an experimental basis are now regularly licensed in other services.
The discussion of the common carrier services contained in this part
relates solely to the licensing functions of the Commission, and the
regulation of these stations as common carriers is considered elsewhere
in this report.
Since the Territory of Alaska is geographically separated from the
rest of the United States and since its communication problems are
peculiar to it, for convenience the discussion of all classes of stations
in Alaska, other than broadcast and amateur, is included in this
section of the report.
2. COMMON CARRIERS
The licensees in the fixed public radiotelephone and radiotelegraph
services are engaged as common carriers of radio communications.
As such the Commission has the duty, in addition to the licensing
function, of regulating their rates, practices, classifications of services,
and tariffs, and of supervising their accounts. The following discus 
sion, however, is concerned only with their status as licensees of radio
facilities.
The fact that this service is highly competitive, and yet is neces 
sarily limited both by the state of the radio art and by economic
demands, requires that the Commission have before it full informa 
tion prior to Its determination upon any application. Consequently,
many applications for authorizations in these services, other than
those requesting renewal of licenses or technical changes in existing
stations, can be finally acted upon only after extensive hearings.
All of the licensees operating radiotelegraph or radiotelephone
stations in the public or fixed radio services (with the exception of
Alaskan stations and one licensee in the agriculture service in the
United States) are engaged in radio communication offerinl' a general
message service to the public principally in the international field.
At the close of the fiscal year, there were 15 radiotelegraph companies
operating in the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico,
7 of which offer direct circuits to 56 foreign points of communication,
4 radiotelephone companies with direct circuits to 30 foreign points,
and 1 company in the fixed public press service offering a limited press
communication service to 40 foreign points and 98 domestic points.
As a practical matter, American radio common carriers in general
75
76 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
'offer a communication service to practically every point throughout
the world through their own facilities (either direct or indirect circuits)
or through the facilities of associated or connecting carriers.
On June 30, 1939, there were licensed a total of 371 point-to-point
radiotelegraph stations (an increase of 23 new stations during the last
year), 68 point-to-point radiotelephone stations (an increase of five
new stations during the last year), and 69 point-to-point radio 
telegraph press stations (an increase of 8 new stations during the last
year). Within the period covered by this report there were no new
common carriers licensed to enga!?e in the transmission of public com 
munications nor did any of the eXlsting companies retire from business
as some did the previous year, The number of applications for in 
struments of authorization for point-to-point telegraph stations re 
ceived and acted upon was 1,200 as compared with 853 for the previous
year or an increase of approximately 40.7 percent. As a result of such
applications the Commission issued a total of 974 instruments of
authorization, In the point-to-point radiotelephone service a total
<>f 416 applications were received and 357 instruments of authoriza 
tion were issued as compared with 336 applications and 313 instru 
ments of authorization for the year 1938.
During the fiscal year several important changes were effected in
the rules and regulations governing the public radio services. As
the consequence of a petition filed by Press Wireless, Inc., the sole
licensee in the fixed public press service, the Commission on December
20, 1938, held an informal conference on a proposed revision of rule
241 (a) which governed the transmission of multiple-address press
service. This service is used largely by broadcast stations and news 
papers both in the domestic anel foreign field anel has expaneleel rapidly
since its inception in April 1936, until, at the time of the conference,
approximately 70 percent of the tot.! paid press traffic hanellcd by
thIS company was in the multiple-address classification. It was
proposed by Press Wireless, Inc., that the transmission of multiple 
address press messages be authorized on a primary basis instea,d of on
a secondary basis as containeel in the existing rule. As a result of
the facts presented, the Commission on February 20, 1939, adopted
a revision of this rule which placed the transmission of such traffic
on an equal footing with point-to-point messages destined for primary
points of communication.
On May 8, 1939, the Commission revised its rules and regulations
governing fixed services. The new rules became effective June 9,
1939, They incorporate many previous policies and practices with
respect to licensing and operating, point-to-point telegraph and tele 
phone stations which heretofore were not set forth in specific rules.
Among the noteworthy chnnges is the requirement thnt all licenses
hereafter shall specify not only the point of communicntion but the
name of the organization, agency, or person operating the receiving
end of the circuit. The effect of the adoption of this rule gives the
Commission more information concerning radio circuits to foreign
countries, pnrticularly those circuits which may be inactive or where
a change has occurred in the organiza.tion operating the receiving end
of the circuit. or where a change has occurred in the effective control
of such organization.
Commencing July 1, 1939, all licensees will be required to submit
quarterly reports set,ting forth the estimated volume of paiel message
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 77
traffic transmitted during the previous quarter on each frequency
licensed for public messap;e traffic. A complete analysis of the use of
all frequencies for each common carrier will be made from the reports
submitted. Such analysis will be valuable in determining future re 
quirements for additional frequency assignments which heretofore has
not been available. In addition, it will furnish t.he Commission with
information as to the propagation characteristics and the usefulness of
frequencies over long distances during the various seasons of the
year and different hours of the day.
Additional frequencies above 30000 kilocycles were mnde available
to the fixed services by the COlllmission in rendering its decision on
Mnrch 13, 1939, in connection with the protests to Commission order
No. 19 by the licensees of certain expcrimentnl stations. This de 
cision further amended order No.1 9 insofnr as it nllocated frequencies
above 30000 kilocycles and became effective April 13, 1939. It is
nnticipated that many more applications for facilities will be re 
ceived by the Commission ns technical developments in the radio art
progress, particularly in the frequency bnnds above 300 megacycles.
FIXED PUBLIC RADIOTELEGRAPH SERVICES
Although t,he majority of the point-to-point radiotelegraph stations
in the fixed public and fixed public press service are licensed for, and
operate principally in, the international and overseas service, several
common carriers operate domestic radiotelegrnph circuits between 11
principal cities of the United States. In addition, point-to-point
radiotelegraph circuits are operated by certain companies between 13
cities on the Great Lakes which are used principally in connection
with the shipping industry during the navigation season from April
until November each year. All of the stations serving the Great Lakes
are licensed to operate on frequencies below 200 kilocycles. In the
southwestern portion of the United States public radio communica 
tion service is available between 6 cities. However, these cities are
located in or in the proximity of oil producing and distribution centers
and the traffic principally relates to activities in the industry. With
the exeeption of 1 licensee in the agricultural service, a limited radio
communication service for the transmission of agricultural market
news only in the State of California.
All licensees except the ligrieulture service lImy transmit only public
eorrespondenee pursunnt to tariffs on file with the Commission and
service messages which are incidental and necessary to the expeditious
movement of this traffic. Included among the various classes of
traffic handled as public correspondence in conformity with established
tariffs are addrcssed program material to and from overseas points
for rebroadcast by broadcast stations, facsimile and photograph serv 
ice and addressed press service to one or more fixed points for reception
principally by newspapers and broadcast stations.
During the year the Globe Wireless, Ltd., cireuit between Hono 
lulu and Shanghai, China, was opened for the first time for general
message traffic. Heretofore due to its eontract with the Chinese
Government, only traffie relating to the Robert Dollar Steamship Line
could be handled between these points by Globe Wireless, Ltd.
All licensees have continued their efforts to modernize and improve
their transmitting and receiving equipment so as to keep abreast of
78 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIOl<S COMMISSION
the latest developments in the radio art, meet the demands of traffic
conditions, and provide a highly efficient service to the public. These
improvements have consisted mainly in constructing additional facili 
ties, replacing obsolete equipment with that of modern design and
capabilities, and reconstructing transmitters which have been in
service a number of years.
FIXED PUBUC RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES
Radiotelephone service from the continental United States is
rendered to practically all points throughout the world through the
facilities of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. located at
three primary distribution centers, namely, New York, Miami, and
San Francisco. Telephone service to points in Europe, Africa, South
America (except Venezuela and Colombia), and the Near East is
handled via New York while that for Asia and Oceania is routed
through the facilities at San Francisco. Messages destined for
Central America and northern South America are transmitted from
Miami.
In Puerto Rico service is rendered by the Radio Corporation of
Porto Rico at San Juan and in Hawaii by the joint facilities of the
Mutual Telephone Co. and the RCA Communications, Inc.
Since its inception in 1927, the transoceanic radiotelephone traffic
has grown rapidly. During the year of 1927 the number of paid
telephone calls in both directions was only 2,296. In 1930, the num 
ber of messages had increased to 14,639, in 1937 to 34,938, and during
the calendar year of 1938 to a peak of 51,389 radiotelephone calls.
During the first 6 months of 1939, &pproximately 27,966 messages
had been transmitted.
Additional facilities have been made available during the past year
in order that the increase in traffic loads might be expediently handled.
Of primary importance is the development of twin single side band
transmission on the trans-Atlantic circuits. This development has
provided two voice channels where only one existed heretofore. As
advances in the art have made possible the practical usc of twin single
side band transmission, it appears likely that additional channels will
become available in the future, thereby utilizing the frequency space
now occupied to its fullest extent. In addition, the establishment of
a new short wave receiving radiotelephone station at Manahawkin
(N. J.) has been completed. This station employs the newly
developed multiple unit steerable antenna which is expected to improve
the quality and efficiency of the radio circuits.
Pursuant to authority of the Commission granted June 28, 1938,
the Radio Corporation of Puerto Rico has opened to public com 
munications a new direct radiotelephone circuit between San Juan,
P. R., and Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
On December 20, 1938, a direct circuit between the United States
and Australia was placed on commercial service. Prior to this time,
radiotelephone calls destined to Australia were transmitted via the
New York-London circuit. The establishment of the direct circuit
from San Francisco resulted in a reduction in cost of the radiotele 
phone calls and a more efficient and expeditious service to the user.
On June 1,1939, radiotelephone service via Bandoeng was extended
to Malaya. This service had also been previously rendered via the
New York-London circuit and connecting carriers from there on.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNIOATIONS COMMISSION 79
New direct circuits to Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), and Berne
(Switzerland), have not yet been co=ercially established.
3. EXPERIMENTAL SERVICES
The past fiscal year witnessed the transition into other services of It
number of stations theretofore authorized on an experimentltl bltsis.
This group includes, among others, the police and forestry stlttions
which now opemte in the emergency service on a regul'lr bltsis.
The rules Itnd regullttions governing the experimental service have
been substantially revise(lltnd broadened with It view to encouraging
scientific research. The new rules became effective for all new experi 
mentltl stations on May 23, 1939, the old rules remaining in effect for
existing licensees of general and special experimental stations (other
than experimental stations in the broadcast service) until October 1,
1939. The experimental service is a service conducted by stations
enl(aged in research and experimentation for the advancement of the
radio art.
The new rules, effective May 23, 1939, insofar as they apply to new
authorizations, eliminate the former general and special experimental
licenses and provide for three classes of experimental stations. Class
1 experimental stations are licensed for general or specific research
or experimentation for the advancement of the radio art along lines
which are not specifically directed to any proposed or established mdio
service. Class 2 stations are authorized to conduct research and
experimentation in radio directed toward the development of a new
or proposed mdio service or some phase of an established mdio service.
Class 3 stations are licensed to individuals interested in radio
technique solely with a personal aim to conduct an experimental pro 
gram on their own behalf, requiring the use of radio for a limited tlllle.
Classes 1 and 2 are now differentiated on the basis of the experi 
mental program contemplated, whereas the former classifications
of general and special experimental stations were based on the fre 
quencies employed. Class 3 stations are granted to individuals
for a limited period to permit actual tests of specific ideas with respect
to some phase of the radio art. These authorizations will not nor 
mally be renewable and will be issued only under such limitations and
restrictions as are found necessary to avoid interference Itnd com 
mercial exploitations.
During the past year the Co=ission has issued approximately
1,000 authorizations permitting experimentation in various phases
of the radio art. These authorizations included such research pro 
grams as developing, testing, and calibrating radio equipment; funda 
mental research in connection with scientific theories; and the devel 
opment or extension of such important services as aviation, meteoro 
logical, coltstal and ship harbor, police, forestry, geophysical, and the
fixed point-to-point services.
The experimental program of research being conducted by the
Department of Forests and Waters of the Commonwealth of Penn 
sylvania furnishes a typical example of the efforts being made to
improve existing service. The present plans provide for the installa 
tion of a number of experimental stations, seven of which were author 
ized by the Commission on March 6, 1939. The final objective of
the experimental program of research in this instance is the develop-
80 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COl\Il\IISSION
ment of a State-wide emergency communication network for flood
control and forestry protection. The present plan contemplates the
installation of a number of unattended stations at strategic points
within the State. These stations will serve as relay or repeater sta 
tions and will be actuated by small manually operated sets licensed as
forestry stations and located in the immediate vicinity. Information
relative to weather conditions such as precipitation, stream heights,
dike and dam control can be collected and correlated. It is antici 
pated that such information will be vital in the prediction of flood
crests and will be an important factor in the safety of life and property
particularly with respect to communities in the areas adjacent to the
main rivers which have been subject to considerable loss of life and
property during recent floods.
An important instrument being developed for the aviation service
is the radio altimeter. As this instrument operates on frequencies
above 300000 kilocycles, the practical application has been delayed
pending the development of vacuum tubes having sufficient power
output to render the system feasible. 'Vith the recent advances in
the vacuum tube technique, the problem of obtaining a reliable alti 
meter appears to be rapidly nearing a solution.
In addition to the development of equipment for the needs of
specific services and the application of such equipment in the service,
continuous observations have been made in the physical phenomena
directly affecting propagation of radio waves. There are a number
of stations actively engaged in the measurement of the height and
intensity of ionization of the Kennely-Heaviside layer. A compre 
hensive knowledge of the manner in which the ionization changes
over long periods will no doubt aid materially in future radio regula 
tions and the adjustment of the services to conform to the optimum
conditions for each service.
4. ALASKAN STATIONS
The licensing function of the Commission in respect to radio COlll 
munication in Alaska presents a problem entirely different from that
of the continental United States. Due to the difficulty of tra.nsporta 
tion, the remote location of many communities, and the inaccessibility
of wire lines to many persons, radio provides the only means of com 
munication throughout much of the Alaskan territory.
There are approximately 300 point-to-point telegraph and tele 
phone radio stations in Alaska, many of which operate without
charge and without filing tariffs with the Commission. There are
also more than 150 coastal stations for communication with ships in
Alaskan waters.
Pursuant to the new rules of the Commission governing radio
stations in Alaska (other than amateur and broadcast), which were
adopted by the Commission on December 5, 1938, any station in
Alaska, regardless of the class in which it is licensed, is permitted to
transmit messages concerning matters relating to the safety of life
and property where there is no other established means of com 
munication, and provided the service is rendered without charge.
The monntainous terrain combined with the heavy snows and long
winters has emphasized the importance of radio communication in the
Territory in connection with air travel. On a per capita basis, the
REPORT OF THE }'EDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 81
air passenger traffic in Alaska is in excess of sixteen and one-half
times greater than in the United States.
The importance of radio comnlunication for aviation had not been
fully realized in the Territory until about the begiIming of the fiscal
year. Extensive freight, express, and passenger traffic to the various
portions of the Territory has been handled principally on a non 
scheduled basis by a numbel' ofindependent aircraft operators. Many
remote mining arcas are served by aircraft and radio that could not
be reaehed by unv other means. Sueh keen competition has de 
veloped among the operators, that it has seemed impossible for tbem
to organize among themselves the coordinated communications sys 
tem so nee-essary for suce-essful airways operation in the Territory.
Such a system is made necessary by the increasing demand for the
limited supply of frequencies in the radio spectrum. Unfortunately,
the frequencies available are not adequate for present demands and
the individual.11.""ignnlents desired by each operator, t,he1'e£o1'e, can 
not be made. There are approximatcly 70 aeronautieal point-to-point
~tationsnow operating in the Alaska aviation service.
'Vith a cool'diun tf'G eOInllllluications sYstem similar to that in suc 
cessful operation in the aviation service over the entire United States,
eomplete and impartial eommunications could be furnished promptly
to all on a nonprofit pro rata basis. In an effort to bring about an
understanding of this important problem, a general hearing on Alaskan
aviation eommunieations has been ealled for the fall of 1939.
The fiscal year witnessed the expansion of the communications
system in eonneetion with extended lanes of passenger and mail
services generully on weekly flight basis. Plans for regular mail and
passcnger service between Seattle, Wash., Juneau and Fairbanks,
Alaska, have been formulated. Likewise tentative plans have been
considered for transpolar flights from Alaska to Europe. Channels
for transpolar eommunicRtions have been designated by international
agreelnent.
The Commission through its established office in Alaska functions
to a large extent in conjunction with the AIRska Communications
System, a division of the Signal Corps of the Army, which has for a
number of years operated the communications system in Alaska.
All applicatIons for service in Alaska are submitted to the Alaska
Communications System for its recommendations prior to lwtion by
the Commission thereon.
5. COMMERCIAL RADIO OPERATORS
During the past yoear the Commission completed its study of the
Rules Governing Commercial Radio Operators. An informal hearing
held before the Chief Engineer of the Commission on July 11 and 12,
and September 14 llnd 15 afforded all parties interested in the subject
of radio operators IUl opportunity to participate with respect to pro 
posed rules then under consideration for adoption by the Commission.
Under the revised regulo,tions, six classes of commercial operator
lieenses hllve been established. An operator is permitted to hold
separately a radiotelephone and radiotelegraph class lieense. Previous
regulations required endorsement of radiotelegraph class license to
indicate grunting of radiotelephone privilege, thus making it necessary
-,to issue as many as 18 different license combinations. By elimination
82 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
of license endorsements an improvement in licensing procedure will
be obtained.
Of major importance to the aviation, police, and ship-harbor service
is the establishment of the restricted radiotelephone operator permit
which greatly simplifies the licensing requirements for operators in
these services. Because of the nontechnical nature of the examination
for this permit, the operator is prohibited from making any adjust 
ments that may result in improper transmitter operation and any
required maintenance or servicing of the equipment is performed by
a radiotelegraph or radiotelephone first- or second-class operator.
Under this policy a large number of stations employing personnel
having specialized knowledge pertinent to a particular class of service
are provided with licensed operators as required by law without in
any way impairing the techrucal operation of the station. To facili 
tate examining members of police and other governmental agencies
where absence of the applicants from their post of duty would jeopard 
ize the safety of life and property, provision has been made to
conduct by mail the examination for the restricted radiotelephone
operator permit.
The adojltion of a new type of examination for commercial operators
and specific rules respecting procedure and qualifications is probably
the most outstanding change in the operator regulations. The new
examination procedure will enable an applicant to complete the
examination in much less time than formerly and reduce the time
required in grading papers, thus permitting the Commission's in 
spectors to devote additional time to other duties.
Provision has been made whereby renewal of operator licenses
and permits may be obtained on the basis of employment as radio 
operators during the license term as a substitute for reexamination.
Credit for service has been extended to operators employed on vessels
and stations of the United States Government as well as to operators
engaged in the maintenance and servicing of radio transmitters..
Under the new regulations, the license term has been extended from
3 to 5 years.
During the past year there were received a total of 17,626 com 
mercial applications consisting of 17,566 applications for radio·
facilities, and 60 applications for either telephone or telegraph wire 
certificates. A total of 15,208 authorizations for radio facilities and
57 wire certificates were issued.
For comparative purposes there is tabulated below the number of
commercial applications received and authorizations issued for the 
preceding 5 years.
Percent
I""
1""
I""
1038 1939 In"""""
1"'9-'"
---
---
---
Applications received. ___ . __________ ..____ _..~8,221 9,70Sl 12,192 16,51S 17.62Yl II
Authorizations granted. ___ . __ ...._. ______ .._~i,772 8,427 11,834 14,463 16,265
The Radio Service Bulletin has been prepared semimonthly for
official notification by the United States to the Buren,u of (,he Inter 
national Telecommunication Union at Berne, Switzerland, of am
commercial and government radio stations, and registration of radio.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 83
frequencies to be included in the international radio lists published in
accordance with the International Telecommunications Convention,
Cairo, 1938.
6. AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS
A very liberal policy has continued in licensing radio amateurs and
their transmitters. During the fiscal year the Commission issued
nearly 50,000 licenses for amateur stations or their operators. The
number of individuals holding such licenses grew at increased pace
to a total exceeding 53,000 and their applications for new licenses,
renewals, or changes exceeded a hundred per day.
Such figures illustrate an attitude toward the radio amateur char 
acteristic of democracy. In some countries the amateur is prohibited,
in many curtailed by various fees, taxes, or other special restraints
that are strange to the American amateur and experimenter. In aU
other countries combined the number of authorized radio amateurs is
1ess than half those licensed by this Commission.
Holders of the Commission's amateur license are scattered through_
out the States, Territories, and possessions from Alaska to Puerto
Rico and from Maine to American Samoa. Some of the first air
clippers over the Pacific carried radiomen to man new island posts,
licensed amateurs taking with them their amateur equipment that
enabled them to continue their experiments and keep in touch with
licensed amateurs in the States. Wherever the flag flies are likely
to be found radio amateurs maintaining communication that may
become vital in time of emergency or local disaster.
The liberal policy toward the radio amateur extends to the nature
of his privilege. The licensed amateur may use one or more trans 
mitters at the location fixed in his lieense or may operate temporarily
at other loeations. He may use his portable equipment at other
points or take it to and from moving vehicles for operation in motion.
Under general limitations he may alter or replace his equipment,
leaving maximum freedom for his initiative and invention. He may
use radiotelegraphy, radiotelephony, or experiment with other types
of emission. In short, he has considerable latitude in ehoosing Or
changing his location, equipment, sehedule, frequency, power, Or
emission, subject to the limitations or general provisions of treaty,
statute, and regulations.
These provisions limit the amateur radio privilege to citizens of the
United States and the amateur may not locate his station on premises
controlled by aliens. He may in general eommunicate only with
other amateur stations and if with such stations in other countries
that permit, the communication must be in plain language and of
unimportant nature. At all times he must select and maintain his
operating frequency and power within assigned limits and comply
with other requirements in the Commission's regulations. The
portion of these regulations governing amateurs was revised during
the year, mainly for improved technieal standards.
Sinee the licensed amateur is authorized to place a radio trans 
mitter on the air largely on his own resources, with opportunity t<>
cause undue interference to other radio services if he is not properly
prepared, it is important that he have a measure of special qualifica_
tion. The United States has agreed by treaty to qualify all its ama.
teurs in the International Morse Code and the tests of applicants in
84- REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
sending and receiving code are supplemented by written examinations
to prove their familiarity with the governing provisions of treaty,
statute, and regulation, as well as their knowledge on the technical
side. During the past year such examinations, given at many points
throughout the United Stlttes Itnd outlying areas, exceeded a thousand
monthly. More than a third of the applicltnts fnlled on first appenr 
anee, many returning and passing the tests after better preparation.
The control and regulation of the operating amateur is further
accomplished by means of monitoring, inspection, and occasional
action of other special nature. While numerous amateurs are cited
for infrnctions of technical standards it has been comparatively rare
that the Oommission has found it necessary to revoke or suspend an
amateur's license, there were only seven such instances during the year.
The Oommission completed a special study of the amateur service
during the fiscltl year, resulting in revised rules beeoming effect.ive
December 1, 1938.
7. MISCELLANEOUS RADIO SERVICES
In line with the geneml revision of all Oommission rules nnd regu 
lations whieh have taken plaee during the period embraced by this
report, the Oommission on Deeember 12, 1938, adopted chapter XI,
Rules Governing Miseellaneous Radio Serviees. This group is eom 
posed of certain serviees, whieh while providing safety communieations,
are mainly established for use during limited periods under certain
speeifie eonditions. The stations whieh mllY be authorized inelude
geological, mobile press, reluy press, motion picture, and provisional
stations. .
Geologieal stations operating in the Geophysieal Serviee are used
primarily in the investigation of physical eharaeteristics of the surfltce
and subsurface strata of the earth. Mobile press and relay press
stations are authorized in the Special Press Service, a limited rndio
communications service for the transmission of news items and related
material between fixed and mobile stations. The Intermittent
Service now contains two classes of stations, motion picture and
provisional, for use during limited periods of time or at irregular
intervals where other faeilitios are unavailable or their use
impract.ieable.
Licensees in the Miscellaneous Services must coordinate operation
with other licensees in order to llvoid interferenee and make the most
effective use of alloeated frequeneies, none of whieh are assigned
exelusively to any station or a.pplieant. There were 300 stations
operating in these services on June 30, 1939.
Included in the new rules are provisions relating to the author 
ization and use of relay press stations. Such stations may be assigned
a total of 11 ultra-high frequencies usable for the transmission of
news or inquiries concerning news to or from points where other
communication facilities are not available. Inasmuch a.s this is very
reeent development only a few stat.ions have been established and,
therefore, little ean be said eoneerning the results of their operation.
Provisional stations are of particular interest since this is a new
type of station heretofore not authorized exeept. on an experimental
basis. A definite need for this authorization has been reeognized by
the Oommission. As a result nine ultra-high frequendes were made
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 85
",vailable for use during limited periods in connection with projects
.affecting public welfare in situations involving safety or where radio
communication is of practical necessity. Several stations of this
nature have been authorized in conjunction with a large bridge being
built in the northwest part of the country.
8. PROSECUTION OF UNLICENSED ACTIVITIES
Many cases of alleged unlicensed operation of radio stations were
investigated during the year. Because of the apparent necessity, in
criminal cases, of affirmatively proving the interstate characteristics
·of the transmissions, the investigation of these cases frequently presents
a most difficult problem. There were some 20 cases, however, in
which the proof was satisfactory and in which the other circumstances
seemed to warrant reference of the case to the Department of Justice.
A conviction or plea of guilty was obtained in 7 of the cases,althou~h
probation was granted in each instance. Indictment was refused in
2 cases. The remainder are pending.
19:.!4!3-4Q-..--7
[ Page 86 in the original document is intentionally blank ]
CHAPTER VII
Recommendations to Congress
87
[ Page 88 in the original document is intentionally blank ]
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS
.A serious handiea,p to the Commission in its efforts to obtain ade 
quate and reliable heo,ring records has been its inability to hold
hearings in the field due to lack of personnel and travel appropria 
tions. All too frequently it has been compelled to make findings
based on deposition evidence, in the taking of which it has not been
possible for the Commission to pa.rticipate. Such depositions often
constitute mere unsubstantiated ex parte statements.
Also, the Commission is without adequate means of developing
facts through field investigations bearing on issues involved in hear 
ings, unlicensed activities, and violations of law and regulations. Its
experience has been that at least a small staff of trained investi 
gators, supplemented by the placing of attorneys in key field offiees,
is necessary if the Commission is to carry out in any effective way the
enforcement and regulatory responsibilities with which it is eharged
under the statute.
It has not been possible with the staff available to do more than
scratch the surface of regulating the vast telephone industry. The
Commission invited the special consideration of Congress to this
situation in a request for deficiency appropriations made during the
year.
In order to keep abreast of its work-eonstantly inereasing in
difficulty, variety and volume-hours of overtime by the staff have
been unavoidable and excessive, with resulting loss of efficieney.
The Commission reported 2,062 days of overtime for the fiseal year
ended .June 30, 1938, and the daily figures eontinued to mount higher
in the past year during which a total of 5,11.5 days was aeeumulated
in Washington and in the field.
Reorgauization of staff units and simplification of proeedure have
been among the steps taken to remedy this situation arising from
understaffing and overload, but these measures alone cannot be a
complete solution. Among the iuescapable additions to the already
heavy overburdening of the staff has been the increasing importanee
and volume of litigation conducted in the courts, which was one of
the Commission's outstanding activities during the year. Issues
arose in several casos, the final determination of which will affect, in
a far reaching and fundamental way, the future conduct of the Com 
mission's proceedings in broadcast cases. The 42 appeals and other
proceedings pending before the courts during the year were sub 
stantially in excess of any previous total.
These proceedings were complex in character and required sub 
stantial additions to the work assignments of the staff. In addi.
tion, flowing from this litigation, there was a very substantial increase
in the number of petitions and procedural steps which had to be
passed upon within the Commission.
89
$1, 103,093. 28
454,680.89
37, 4S5. 64
3,988. 52
5,378. 50
15, 78t> 60
21,279. 52
1, 187.50
3,417.59
1,630.20
4,083.28
12,454. 78
3,635.55
1,334.42
25,300.72
5,263.01
90 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939, there was appropriated
$1,745,000. This sum is accounted for as follows:
Personal services, District ofColumbia~~_
Personal Bervices, field. . . • . _
Supplies anrl materials. .
Gasoline and oiL __~_
Storage a.nd '!are of ':ehicles~__, _
CommumcatlOll servlce~_
Travel expenses .~. _
Carfar6 _
Transportation of things~~_
Stenographic reporting .. _
Heat, light, power, and water _
]Rents~_
Repairs and alterations • _
Special andmisccl1aneou8_~~~__~_
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment _
]ReBerve •~_
TotaL_____________________________________________ 1,700,000.00
Allotments
Printing find hlnding.~~. • ..._~.___ $25,000. ()()
Study of radio requirements, sbip t;t8\'igatlon. inland waters • •__ •• __ •. 20,000.00
I":-.:pended
8M ooli 
G"at-ed
$21,200.26
19,.879.20
At the close of the fiscal year, the Commission had 421 employees
in Washington, and 193 in the field.
Appendixes
91
[ Page 92 in the original document is intentionally blank ]
APPENDIX A
LEGISLATION
At the request of various Congressional committees, the Com 
mission commented on the following listed bills and resolutions
during the fiscal year:
H. R. 234. To provide an adequate method to obtain da.ta to determine the
aocial and economic effects of power in excess of 50 kilowatts for broadcaststations,
etc.
H. R. 7188. To remove certain restrictions on the character of international
broadcaats and, specifically, to nullify the provisions of section 42.03 (a) of the
Commission's Rules.
H. R. 6695--H. R. 5791. To amend the Communications Act of 193460 as to
prohibit and penalize the unauthorized mechanical reproduction of music and
other wire and radio-program material
S. 261l-H. R. 5756. To authorize the Federal Communications Commission
to purchase a site and erect a building in the State of MaBBachusetts for use as a
radio-monitoring station, and other purposes.
S. 2466-H. R. 5508. To amend the Communications Act of 193480 as to prevent
monopolies and to prohibit excessive duplication of broadcast programs in any
area..
H. R. 6114. To authorize Postmasters in the Territory of Alaska to administer
oaths or affirmations required under acts of Congress, and for other purposes.
S. 517. To amend the Communications Act of 1934 by prohibiting the adver 
tising of alcoholic beverages over the radio, etc.
H. R. 4684. To amend section 307 Cd) and (e) of the Communications Act of
1934 so as to provide an increased term for broadcast station licenses, and for
other purpoaes.
S. 1970. To eliminate certain oppressive labor practices affecting interstate
and foreign commerce, and for other purposes.
S. 2058. Relating to promotion contests carried on through the use of the
mails or the facilities of interstate or foreign commerce.
H. R. 2536. To prohibit future trading in commodities through the mails or
by any means or instruments of interstate commerce.
H. R. 2545. To amend section 13 of the act of March 4, 1915, known as the
Merchant Mariut: Act, so as to provide in part for the exemption of radio operators
from the provisions for the issuance of certificates of service by the Bureau of
Marine Inspection and Navigation of the Department of Commerce.
S. Res. 95. To authorize an investigation of the telegraph industry in the United
States by the Interstate Commerce Committee of the United States Senate.
H. R. 2721. To authorize the Secretary of the Navy to construct and maintain
a Government radio broadcasting station, and for other purposes.
S. 94. To authorize the Committee on Interstate Commerce of the Senate, or a
Bubcommittee thereof, to make an investigation of several matters relating to the
Commission.
H. R. 4425. To provide for reorganizing agencies of the Government, and for
other purposes.
H. R. 4798. To prevent and make unlawful the practice of law beforeGoverll~
ment Department,s, Bureaus, Commissions, and their Agencies by those other
than dUly licensed attorneY8 at law.
S. 1520. To amend the Communications Act of 1934, and for other purposes.
H. R. 978. To amend the Rural Electrification Act.
S. 635. To require licensees of broadcast $tations to set aside regular and
definite periods forulicen~oreddiscussions of social, political, and econonlic
problems, and vest in the Commission the power to appoint an advisory committee
of disinterested citizens to make recommendations with regard to carrying such
provisions into effect, etc.
93
94 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
S. 636. This bill would add new scetion a15 (a) to the Communications Act,
requiring maintenance by licensees of records showing all applications for time,
all rejected applications and reasons for rejection, and all additions and changes
requested in programs on public, social, political, and economic issues and on
educational subjects.
S. 637. This bill would repeal the last sentence of section 326 of the Communi 
cations Act.
H. R. 3582. To require informative advertising of imported articles.
H. R. 4224-8.1268. To amend the Communications Act of 1934 so as to create
a· Federal Communications and Radio Commission to be administered by a
Board composed of three members.
H. J. Res. 127. Would authorize and direct the Federal Trade Commission to
make An investigation with respect to alleged efforts of privately owned public
utilities unfairly to control public opinion concerning municipal or public owner 
ship of electrical~eneratiugor distributing facilities.
S. 1095-H. R. 3752. To amend section 30S of the Communications Act.
H. R. 94. To amend section 317 of the Communications Act, so as to require
that personal endorsements of articles by radio be accompanied by a statement
that the endorsement is paid for.
S. 550. To amend section 303 of the Communications Act.
S. 2407. Would amend section 303 (e) (intended as an amendment of 303 (1)
of the Communications Act.
S. 1352. A bill to amend section 801 (b) of the Merchant Marine Act.
APPENDIX B
LITIGATION AND COURT DECISIONS
Broadcast cases in litigal2'on during fiscal year
DIRECT APPEALS 1'0 UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
Name or ease
Adlnmdack BJoadcastlng Co., Inc., v, FuItral Communication! Com 
mission.
A880ciattd BrIM.dca8ttTS, Inc. (KSFO), v. Federal Communications
CommlMlon.
Colonial Broadeutu8, Inc., v. FederaL CommullkatiOlll1 Commission
Columbia Broad,·a.sting System of caU/ornia, 1m., v. Federal Com 
munications Commission.
Courit:'r Post PU,/Jli&lIlng Co., The, v. Federal Communications Commis 
sion.
Crrolet; Corporation, The (WLll'), v. Federal Communicatios Com·
mhs/on.
£1 Pil'(l Broadcasting Co. v. Fedtral Communkation8 Commfsslon~
E~t1ngtticalLutheran Synod oj Missouri, Ohio, and Other Stafes, Rto.
R. }(rplzachmtr, C!mtFlwJn, BPa,d of Control of QmeurdJo &mlnarll
(KFUO) v. Fedtrrtl Commanicafio1l8 Commluton.
FMke, Arthur, v. Federal Communications Commuslon. . _
Florida BrooacQstlwJ Co. v. Federal Communications .G>mmi88ioll. _
Gallatin Radio Forum v. Federal Communicaliom Commiuioll._. __ . __
Gentste Radio Corporation v. Fethral CommU1llcatiolls Commlssion _
Grtaier KampHka Radio Corporation, The, v. Feanat Communications
Commhslan.
Jacobs Broaricast£ng Co., Dr. Wiiliam States v. Federal C011/mun{ca·
tlons CommiSsion.
Liners Broodcasflng Stalion, Inc., v. Federal Comfflu1licatlo'IU Com 
Mission.
Ma8sachnsetts Broadcasting Corporation (WCOP) v. Federal Com·
munlcatiolls Comm£s310n.
North3ide BroadcfUting Corporation v. Fldtral.CQIJ1lfflunicatlonJ Com·
11liuiO'n.
Pulltur Publishing Co. (KSD) v. Federal Communications Commf,,·
Ilion.
&l'flda8 Brothers Radio Statfcm v. Federal Communicati01l8 Commission_
&rlpp,,-J-lQward.Radlo, Inc., v. Federal Communications CommU8ion._
Soulhland Inrt'U8tr/es, Inc., v. Federal Communicatiom Commfssloll _
Stuart, W. P ..... Federal Cammunlratlom Commiulon. .~__~_
Tlmes.Di3palrh Radio Corporation (IVRTD) v. Federal Communka·
ti01l3 (\Jmmi6ti01l.
Trl-Cilu Broaacastlng Co., Inc•• v. Federal Communkatlol'M Com 
mluloll.
Tn·Citu Broadcasting Co., Inc., v. Federal CommunicatlO1l$ Com·
mis3ion.
Trl·StateBroad~"(lstlngCo., Inc., v.Fed~alCommunications CoJ1l"'
mission.
TTl-State Broadcasting SV8tem. Inc. (J{TBS), v. Fedsral Communica 
tions C01nrnlll8ion.
U1litt>d Statts Broadcallting Corporation v. Federal Communlcatltm.
Commission.
Vo1re oj Brooklyn,lnc., v. Federal Communications Commf&rion__ ••__
War", J. T. (IVLAC) v. Frderal Communicat/On8 CommiMfOll. _
WOHO, Inc.• v. Federal Comllluuicatiom Com11lfsslan ..• ••
Woodmen of the U'orld LiJe Insurance &lefety v. Federal Communica·
lIMS CammMston.
Yallkee Network, Inc. (WAA1:l), v. Federal CommunIcations Cammis·
don.
Status at end of fiscal year
PendIng,
Do.
Commission affirmed.
Pending.
Commission reversed.
AP~aldismissed.!
Pending,
Commission affirmed.
Appeal dismissed.
PenrHng.
Appeal dismissed.
Pending.~
Do.s
Appeal dIsmissed.
Do.
Pending"
Do.
Ap~aldismissed.
Commission reversed.1
Appeal-'dblmisBed...
Do.
Do.
Do.
Pending,'
Do.
Do.
ApPeal dismissed.
Do.
Do.
Pending,
no.
Appeal dismissed.'
Pending.-
---------------'--------
1 Petition for writ of certiorari pending in Supreme Court when this report went to printer.
I AJlpealdlsmi~sedon Oct. V, 1939.
'Commission affirmed on Oct. 16, 1939.
I Dismissed on Oct. 2"03, 1939.
I Petition (or writ of certiorarI filed In SuPftme Court Nov. 2, 1939•
• Dismissed on Oct. 14, 1931J.
, Petitlon for writ of certiorari darned Oct. 9, U139.
I Dismissed on Aug. 24, 19"39.
95
96 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
BrQadcast cases in litigation during fiscal year-Continued
ORIGINAL PROOEEDINGS IN UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE
DISTRICT orCOLUMBIA
Name of case Status at end of fiscal year
Co";:~':ro:08tPubllshing Co., The, v. Federal Communication" Com- Pending.
Heitmeyer, Poul R., v. Frank R. McNinch, Norman S. ClUe, T. A. M. Do.'
Craven, George Henry Payne, Frederick I. ThIJmpllon, Thad J-I.
Brown, and Paul A. Walker
PotUDilk Broadcasting Co., The, v. Federal Communicatiom Commi,,- Writs of prohibition and man-
sion. damus granted.lO
01\ SES INSTITUTED IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR 'l'HE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Black River Valley Broadcasts, Inc., v. Frank R. ltfcNinch et ai, as
Federal Communications Gbmmk8ion.
Heitmeyer, Paul R. v. Frank R. McNinch it ai, a8 Federal Gbmmunica 
lions Gbmmi8sion.
Supreme Court refused to review
decision of Court of Appeals
which had affirmed District
Court's dismissal of bill for in 
junction.
Court of Appeals reversed decision
of District Court granting in 
junction.
PETITIONS FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI
Gr0ll8, IIarold F" and Edmund C. Shkld8, v. Saginaw Broadcasting Co __
Red River Broulkasting Co., Inc., v, Federal Communications Com 
mis8ioll.
Certiorari denied to review judg 
ment or Court or Appeals dig 
missing appeal.
Do.
• Certiorari~rant.edby Supreme Court on Oct. 16 to review judgment of Court of Appeals entered on
Iuly 12 granting writ of mandamus.
10 Petition or writ of certiorari granted by Supreme Court on Oct. 19, 1939.
COURT DECISIONS
DECISIONS OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR 'I'IIE DISTRICT OF COLUM·
BIA IN BROADCA8T CASES AND PRINCIPLES ENUNCIATED THEREIN
Black R£t'er Yalley Broadcasters, Inc., v. Frank R. iYfcNinch, E1/gene O. Sykes,
Norman S. Case, et al., 101 F. (2d) 235
This was an appeal from a decree of the District Court of the United States for
the District of Columbia, dismissing appellant's injunction suit against th6
Commission. The decree of the lower court was affirmed.
The appellant had applied for a construction permit to establish a new station
at Watertown, N. Y. Watertown Broadcasting Co. had also applied to establish
a station in that city. 'I'he Commission granted appellant's application and the
Watertown Broadcasting Co. petitioned for rehearing. The commission granted
the petition for rehearing and designated appellant's application for a hearing
de novo, together with the application of the '\Vatertown Broadcasting Co. and
two other applications which were iHed after appellant's application. Appellant
thereupon filed a bill of complaint in the district court to enjoin the Commission
from holding the de novo hearing (No. 64232, Black lliver Valley Broadcasts, Inc.,
v. McNinch, et al.). That court dismissed the suit, whereupon Black River ap 
pealed to the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia.
The court of appeals held that "Tatertown filed its petition for rehearing in
conformity with section 405 of-the Communications Act of 1934 and that the
petition required final action and determination as a matter of right. The court
also held that the Commission was fully empowered to order a hearing de noyo
and to join new parties and determine such issues as will be necessary to make a
proper finding of public interest, convenience, and necessity. The court said,
referring to the appellant's suit:
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 97
IIThis attempted blockade of the duties of the agency which is entrusted by
statute to determine matters of which this is one, shows clearly that plaintiff is not
entitled to relief under general equity powers by the issuance of the highly dis 
cretionary writ of injunction. It being necessary to receive an administrative
determination before the judicial remedy prescribed by statute inures to the
benefit of an applicant, it becomes very clear that this cause is entirelyuncog~
nizable in equity." .
Sanders Brothers Radio Station v. Fede'l'al Cornmun'icationtt Commission, 106 F.
(2d) 321
(See discussion on p. 55 of this report.)
The Gogrier Post Pu.bli8hing Company v. Federal Communications Commis8ion,.
104 F. (2d) 213
The Commission denied the application of the Courier Post Publishing Ca,
to establish a new station at Hannibal, Mo., on the ground that there was no
need for the service proposed, and from this order Courier Post appealed,assign~
ing as error the findings that there is not a public need in Hannibal for a local
broadcast station. The court took the view that the affirmative evidence in the
record was such as to prove that there was need for a local station in Hannibal
and that no station presently filled this need. The court held:
, "That the appellant has sustained the burden of proof that there is a. public
need for a loeal station in Hannibal; that there is no substantial evidence in the
record supporting the finding of the Commission that no such public need exists;
and, that the finding by the Commission that the public convenience, interest,
and necessity would not be served by granting the permit for a local station is in
law arbitrary and capricious."
The Pottsville Broadcasting Company v. Federal Communicntions Commission, 105
F. (2d) 36
(See discussion on p. 55 of this report.)
Frank R. llfcNinch, et al., v. Paul Heitmeyer, 105 F. (2d) 41
This ca8e arose in the following manner: In 1935 Heitmeyer applied for a
permit to construct a new radiobroadcast station at Cheyenne, Wyo. Theap~
plication was denied on the ground that Heitmeyer was not financially qualified.
He appealcd, and in December 1937, the court reversed the Commission(Heit~
?neyer v. Federal Commnnicalions Commission, 95 F. (2d) 91). The Commission
then entered an order directing that the Heitmeyer record be reopened for further
hearing and consolidated with a hearing de novo upon the subsequently filed
applications of Frontier Broadcasting Co. and Cheyenne Radio Corporation.
Heitmeyu's request for stay of Commission action was on three occasions
denied by the court of appeals. Heitmeyer brought suit in the United States
district court asking that thE: Commission be enjoined permanently from granting
any constructionp~,;rmitor license to any other applicant for a radio station at
Chevenne until after t.he Commission had rendered a decision on the record as
made at the original hearing (No. 76291, HenmfJyer v. klcNinch, et aI). The
Commission moved to dismiss the bill of complaint on the ground that the distriet
court had no jurisdiction in the case for the reason that it involved the discretion
and judgment of an adminh,tretive body authorized by law to act in the premises.
The Commission's motion was denied and a special appeal was allowed by the
court of appeals. The court of appeals stated that the rule in the Pottsville case
(see discussion on p. --) was controlling in this case "and that the order of the
Commission for a hearing on a new and different record and placing new parties
on a parity with appelJee is erroneolls." The court stated that Heitmeyer could
make application lito us for mandamus if-in view of what we have said-such
application is necessary for the protection of his rights." Heitmeyer then filed
a petition for writ of mandamus in the court of appeals which was pending at the
end of the fiscal year.'
• Subsequently the court of appeRls~rantcdthe writ of mrmd:lffiUS; the CommL'lsioD applied fol' writ of
certiorari which was~rantedand the case was awaiting oral argument in the Supreme Court when this
report went to the printer. On October 16, 1939, the Supreme Court b'Tanted a petition for certiorari.tlled on
behalf of the Oommlssion in this casC'.
98 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Woodmen oj the World Life Insurance Society v. Federal Communications Com 
mission, 105 F. (2d) 75
This case was an appeal from a decision of the Commission granting the applica. 
tion of WKZO, Inc.• to operate with 250 watts power, unlimited time, on the
frequency 590kilocycle~,using a directional antonna. The appellant was the
licensee of Station WOW, located at Omaha, Kobr., which also opcrat£'s on the
freqw.mcy 590kilocych:,~,using 1 kilowatt power night and 5 kilowatts day.
The court pointed out that the appellant contended it was aggrie\'ed Rnd
advcrsdy affected by the action cf tho Commission in granting the WKZO
application and summarized the case as follows:
"We have, therefore, a case in which the Commission after 5 years of study and
investigaiion, and after having twice granted and twice revoked the permit, set
the application down for final hearing to be considered on the conrlition that tho
applicant would agree that in the event the p:rn.ntWll~made the transmitting
equipment I3hould be designed and constructed in accordance with theCommis~
sion's specifications as required by Commission's new rule 131. These conditions
were accepted by WKZO, and appellant was forehandC'd with knowledge that tho
grant, if made, would be made on specifications diffcrcflt fromtho~eset Ollt in the
original application. With notice {Jf the changed specifications, it not only failed
to offer any evidence showing interference with its station, but on the cross-cxam 
ination (If its own witnesses objected to evidence showing that under thc!'le changed
conditions there would be none. The whole course of the hearing indicaws that
appellant was afforded opportunity to show thatint~rferencewould result, hut
preferred instead to rest its case upon a wholly technical objectionba~cdon
procedure. To approve its position in this respect, would involve denial to the
city of Kalamazoo of night radio service on a r£cord whichprepondcratin~)y
shows that this can be had without rcsulting in objectionable interference to WOW
or any other station."
The COIU t ruled that Station WOW had due notice, but that there was stlhst.an 
tial evidence in the record that no damage would ensue and appellant had failed to
show the contrary: and consequently the appellant was not a person llaggrievcd or
whose intercsts are adversely affected" by the Commission's decision. The appeal
was dismissed.-
Colonial Broadcasters, Inc. v. P'ederalO~mmun£cati01l8Commission, 105 F. (2d) 781
The Commission~rantedthe application of Arthnr Lucas to establish a new
radio-broadcast sta.tion at Savannah, Ga. The appellant, who had filed anappli~
cation after the Lucas application wa."" filed. to establish a new station in the same
city, took an appeal from the Commission's order granting the Lucas application.
The court said:
"The main question on this appeal is whether the Commission acted unlawfully in
failing to consider and decide appellant's application, contemporaneollsly and on 8
comparative basis, with the application of Arthur Lucas, which had been filed and
set· for hearing prior to the filing of appellant's application."
The Commission contended that the appeal should be discussed or the Cammi& 
sion's decision affirmed not becausE:' the Lucas application was filed first or(b~ig­
nated for hearing before the Colonial application was filed but becn.usc the Com 
mission had discretionary power to conduct its procecding:s as done in this case.
The court set forth the Commission's rule relating to the fixing of dates for
hearings, and said that this rule means no marc than that where two applicatIOns
are filed fOJ: the same faerlities and neither haS' been designated for hearin1;, the
applications will be consolidated and heard together; but where by reason of
previous filing, one of the applications has been designated for hearing, theappli~
cation will be heard in turn and not necessarily upon a comparative basis. The
court also declared that there is no inconsistency in adhering to this rule and yet
permitting the later applicant to intervene in the proceedings on the firstapplica~
tion to show proper cause, if he can, w.hy it could not be grantccd. In affirming the
Commission, the court summarized its deciRion as foHows:
II In the instant case Lucas was first in the field. His application was filed and
designated for hearing more than a month before appellant's application was even
filed. NotWithstanding this, appellant was permitted to intervene and to show
cause hefore both the examiner and the Commission why Lucas' applicatIOn
should be denied. The Commission, upon a fair hearing, reached the conclusion
1 Oil October 9, 11)39, the Supreme Court denied a petition for certiorari filed on behalf ofStation WOW
itltbis case.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 99
that the aervice was necessa.ry and that Lucas h:\d qualified himself in all respects
as capable of furnishing it, and on this basts granted the license."
W. P. Stuart v. Federal Communications Commission, 105 F. (2d) 788
Appellant ana Southwest Broadcasting Co. each applied to the Commission for
permits to construct new broadcast stations at Prescot.t, Ariz. The Commission
granted the applicat.ion of Southwest Broadcasting Co. and denied that ofal,pel~
Iant. The appellant thereupon appealed and the Commission moved to dismiss
on the ground that section 402 (0) of the Communications Act requires the reasons
for appeal to be stated and that the reasons given in this case were purelyargu~
mentativc and mere abstract propositions of law, which failed to satisfy'the ro- 
quirements of the act, and accordingly the court lacked jurisdiction to entertam
the appeal.
The court said that the statement of reasons for appeal required by the statute
serves the purpose of an assignment of errors and must therefore set forthwith
particularity the errors on which the appeal is based, and held in dismissing the
Case that llappellant's statement in this case is merely a general assignmentwith~
.out designation of particular errors upon which it is based. COOl:lidered from the
most liberal standpoint, it wholly fail.:J to meet the test of t·he rule which wo
have laid down and to which wo lntend to adhere." The court discussed theevi~
dence and procedure and ruled that the appellant in any event "has no case on
the merits."
The Crosley Corporation v. Federal Communications .commission, No. 7351
(Not yet reported. See page 56 of this report.)
Evangelical Luthern Synoe! v. Federal Communications Commission 105 F. (2d) 793
This was an appeal from an order of the Commission denying appellant's
application to increase the hours of operation and the power of Station KFUO.
Station KFUO) operated by the Evangelical Luthern Synod) and Station KSD
(operated by the Pulitzcr Publishing Co.) are each located in St. Louis, Mo., and
operate on the frequcncy 550 kilocycles under a time-sharing agreemcnt Whereby
KSD has about 80 percent and I(FUO about 20 percent of the broadcast tiJiw.
KSD applicd for unlimited hours of operation, which would result in the deletion
of KFUO. KFUO applied to increase its hours to one-half time, with the conse 
quent partial deletion of KSD, and at the same time aprUed to increase its pnwer
to 1 kilowatt night and 5 kilowa.tts da.y. The Commission denied both applica- 
tions and from this order RFUO appealed.
The court held that "The Commiflslon's decision that the pubHe interest will be
served by maintaining the status quo, rather than by swit.ching time from one
station to the other, is supported by substantial evidence and is not arbitrary or
capricious." The court said that it cannot substitute its judgment for the COhl 
mission'a as to the relatIve public importance of the different types of programs
offered by KSD and KFUO and that the public interest does not necessarily
demand that all stations become commercial or that none be supported by
'religious bodiCS.
DECISION OF THE 8UPREM:& COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
Rochester Telephone Corporation v. United States of America and Federal Communi 
cations Commission. 307 U. S. 125
(See page 32 of this report)
APPENDIX C
PUBLICATIONS
The following material has been printed and placed on sale by the
Government Printing Office:
Federal Communications Act of 1934 with Amendments and Index Thereto
(revised to May 20,1937).
First Annual Report of the Federal Communications Commission to the
Congress of the United States, for the Fiscal Year 1935.
Second Annual Report of tho Federal Communications Commission to the
Congress of the United States, for the Fiscal Year 1936.
Third Annual Report of the Federal Communications Commission to the
Congress of the United States, for the Fiscal Year 1937.
Fourth Annual Report of the Federal Communications COillI1lission to the
Congress of the United States, for the Fiscal Year 1938.
Federal Communications Commission Practice and Procedure Promulgated
Pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, effective December 19, 1935.
Federal Communications Commission Reports-Volume 1: Decisions, Reports,
and Orders of the Federal Coulmunications Commission of the United States,
July 1934 to July 1935.
:Federal Communications Commission Reports-Volume 2; Decisions, Reports,
and Orders of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States,
July 1,1935, to June 30,1936.
Federal Communications Commission Reports-Volume 3: Decisions, Reports,
and Orders of the Federal Communications Commission of the' United States,
July 1936 to February 1937.
Federal Communications Commission Reports-Volume 4: Decisions, Reports,
and Orders of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States,
Mn.rch 1937 to November 15 1937.
Federal Communications Commission Reports-Volume 5: Decisions, Reports,
and Orders of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States,
November 16,1937, to June 30,1938.
Proposed Report, Telephone Investigation.
Report, Telephone Investigation.
Uniform System of Accounts for Telephone Companies, Issue of .June 19, 1935,
Effective January 1, 1937.
Umform SYstem of Accounts for Telegraph and CabIe Companies, Effective
January 1, 1914.
Tariff Circular No.1, Issue of July 31,1935~llulesGoverning the Construc 
tion, Filing, and Posting of Tariffs Relating to Interstate and Foreign Wire or
Radio Communications, by Carriers Subject to the Communications Act of 1934,
Excepting Connecting Carriers as Defined in Section 3 (n) of the Act and Except 
iJlg Carriers Operating in Alaska.
Ship Radiotelegraph Safety Rules, Effective May 21,1937.
Rules Governing Classification of Telephone Employees, Effective July 1,1917.
Mimeographed material.-The following material has been prepared
in mimeographed form and is available at the offices of the Com 
mission:
Rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commisl'3ion governing
the various radio services.
Periodic reports of broadcast and other applications received.
Reports of action taken by the Commission a,t. its weekly Iheethlgs.
Reports of statementsof facts and grounds for decision in all formal cases decided
by the Commission.
Uniform system of accounts for class C telephone companies, etfectiveJanuary 1,
1939.
100
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 101
Radio station lists, arranged by services (not all services included).
Radio Service Bulletin.
Descriptive list of Berne publications. (World lists of radio stations are pub 
lished by the Bureau of the International Telecommunications Union, Berne,
Switzerland.)
Selected financial and operating data from annual reports of telephone carriers
for the year ended Decemher 31,1937.
Selected financial and operating data from the annual reports of telegraph,
cable, and radiotelegraph carriers for the year ended December 31,1937.
Summary of monthly reports of large telephone carriers in the United States.
Operating data from monthly reports of telegraph carriers.
Salary report of telephone and telegraph carriers, 1937.
Telephone hand set charges and changes since January 1, 1938.
Summary of responses of networks and broadcast stations showing fina.ncial
and operating data for 1937 and data concerning program service and personnel
for week beginning March 6, 1938.
Selected financial data from annual reports of holding companies.
Intercorporate relations of carriers and controlling companies, 1938; and an
index to companies.
APPENDIX D
FINANCiAL AND OTHER STATTSTICAL DATA RELATING TO TELEPHONE AND
TELEGRAPH CARRIERS AND CONTROLLING COMPANl£S
The ,arious tables and charts in this appendix containing statistical
<lata pertaining to communication carriers and controlling companies
are assembled in the following groups:
(A) Statistics from annual reports of telephone and telegraph carriers and
holding companies are shown on pages 102 to 143;
(E) Statistics from monthly reports of telephone and telegraph oarriers are
shown on pages 144 to 163;
ee} Statistics concerning intercorporate relations are shown on pages 164 to 170.
(A) STATISTICS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH CARRIEIl8
AND HOLDING CO:dPANIES
General arrangement.-This $ection of the appendix contains tnbles and charta
relating to telephone, wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers and controlling
companies, which filed annual reports with the Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1938. The statistical data were compiled from returns shown in
the annual reports unless otherwise noted. The tables and charts are arranged
in the following order: (a) Those pertaining to telephone carriers, (b) those per 
taining to telegraph carriers, and (c) those pertaining to both telephone and
telegraph carriers. The references to holdlnJ( companies in this appendix are
given only in tables XII, XXIV, and XXXVIII.
Bell System.-Those telephone carriers that report on an annual basis to the
Commission and that are subsidiary to the American Telephone & Telegraph
Co. ill a direct line of control (in a few instances involving intermediate companies)
as measured by the holding of a majority of the voting capital stock, are considered
in this appendix as Bell System carriers.
Geographical grol1,pings.-For statistical purposes, the United States has been
divided into threedistTict~,which have been subdivided into nine regions. AU
telephone carrierI'! that operate in the United States and file annual reports with
the Commission have been assigned to these geographical regions, as indicated
in table I. A description of the geographical regions is given following cha.rt 1.
EASTERN DISTRICT
New England region.-This region comprises the following States: Connecticut,
Maine,Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Middle Atlantic region.-This region comprises the following States: Delaware,
Kew Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Great Lakes region.-Thisr~gioncomprises the following States: Illinois,
Indiana. Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Chesapeakereg~·on.-Thisregion comprises the followiJlg States and District:
District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Southeastern region.-This region comprises the following States: Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina
J
and Tennessee.
WESTERN DISTRICT
North Central region.-This region comprises the following States: Iowa, Minne 
sota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
South Central region.-Thisre~!;ioncomprises the following States: Arkansas,
Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma
J
and Texas (except EI Paso County).
102
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 103
Mountain rcgion.-This region comprises the following States: Arizona, Colo 
rado, Idaho (south of Salmon River), Montana, Nevada, Ne\v Me>;:ico, Texas
(EI Pa.<;o County), Utah, and Wyoming.
Pacific region.-This region comprises the following States: California, Idaho
(north of Salmon River), Oregon, and Washington.
Names of telephone carriers.-A list of the names of the telephone carriers that
tiled a.nnual reports for the .rear ended December 31, 1938, is shown in table 1.
!i'
•
~
]
,
:.
Ii
.
1-
i'1
.lJ
"0
o~
f
]
'"~
<1')
J!
'"
of
<5
There were three telephone carriers which filed reports for the year 1937 but which
did not file reports for 1938, as they were notified that under the provisions of
section 2 (b) (2) of the Communications Act of 1934 they were subject only to
sections 201-5 of the. act. Four ca.rriers simila.rly classified have voluntarily con 
tinued to file annual reports for statistical purposes, as indicated in table I. The
gross operating revenues of the carriers which filed annual reports for the year
1938 and whose data are included in the fol,lowing tables and charts constitute
104 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
approximately 97 percent of the gross operating revenues of all telephone carriers
in the United States.
TABLE I.-List of telephone carrie1's reporting on an annual basis to the Commission
for the year 1938, showing classification and geographical region to which each 
carr1"er hus been aS81"gned for statistical purposes J
Name o(carrier
American Telephone Co ., . " _
·American Telephone & Telegraph Co . _
tAllhtabulfl. Telephone Co .. __ . ••• • " . __
·Bell Telephone Co. of Nevada... • • • • _
""Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvanm •• _
Bluefield Telephone Co~~~. _. _
Carolina Telephone & Telegraph Co_.~••~__._~__~_~~~~__ ,~_
Central Kansas Telephone Company,Inc~~__~_~~~_
Champaign Telephone Co.~~~~_~~~~~_~~~__
·Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co._" __~~~~.~_~._~__~~_
·Che.<;apeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of Baltimore City_. __~_
·Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of Vlrginis~~_
·Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of West Virginia__ . , _
·Chrlstian-Todd Telephone Co. . __ "~~~_
Cincinnati & Suhurban Bell TelephoneCo~_~~_~~~__ •~_
CQlu.~aCounty TelephoJ:1e Co .T~~.~~~_
·Crown Point Telephone Co _
Cuban American Telephone & Telegraph CO.I . _
·Dako a Central Telephone Co.. .
Del lUo& Winter Garden Telepbone 00 • _
·Diamond State Telephone Co .. ". _
·Enstern Telephone & Telegraph 00. (Maine) .. _. _
Eastern Telephone & Telegraph Co. (New J"rsey). _
Greenville Telephone Co . •~_
Home Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Indlana) _
Home Telephone &Tel~aph00. of Virglnia _
·IIlinois Bell Telephone Co . " . __
Indiana Associated Telephone CorporatJon > _
·Indlana Bell Telephone Co + _
Inter-Mouutain Telephone 00.__ --------------- I
Interstate Telegraph Co • _
Interstate Telephone Co __ "~_
Kansas State Telephone Co _
Keystone Telephone Co. of Philadelphla _
t~:t~,~r:~iio~:I~Q~~~~_~~~_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~=~~=~~~~~~~~~~=~~=~~__
tLincoln Telephone &Tele~raphCo + ,. • _
Michl~anAssociated Telephone Co • _
·Micbi;!<ln Bell TelephoJle (10.~----~_
Middle StatesUtilitie.~Co. of Iowu _
Middle States Utilities Co. of MissourL____ _ _
·Moosehead Telephone & Telegrflph 00 . • _
·Mouutain States TerephOlle & Telegraph 00 _
MutU!l.I Telephone 00.(Hawaii)~_
Nebraska Oontlnental Tei.epholle Co . _
Nebraska Continental Telephone Corporntion 3 _
"'New England Telephone & Telegraph 00 " • .
·New Jersey Hell Telephone Co .._~_
New Jersey 'relephone 00 ._____________ _ _
·New York Telephone Co _
·Nfcollet·Oount,y-Telephone &Tele~aph00 _
Norfolk & Carolina Telephone & Telegraph 00. _
North-West Telephone 00 _
North-Western Indiana Telephone CO.l _
tNorthern States Power Co~_
·Northwestern Bell Telephone 00 _
Ohio Associated Telephone Co • . _
·Ohio Rell Telephone Oo~__ •~_
Ohio Telephone Service 00_____________________________ _ _
Otegon-Washinll;ton Telephone Co .,_
Oxnard Borne Telephone Co • , • _
Ozark Cent,raJ TeJephOlle 00 _
·Paciflc Telephon{> & Tolegraph 00 + • _
Palestine Telephone Co + _
Pllnnsylvania Telephone Corporation _
Platte Valley Telephone CorIJ{lrlition._
PUblic Utilities California Corporatlon_ , . _
Rochester Telephone_Corporati0lJ.~. , _
San Angl'·lo Telephone Co~~'_ • _
Santa Paula Home Telephone Cr)~_
Southeast Missouri Telephone 00 . . . _
·Southern Bell Telephone &Tel~aPh00 , _
·Soutbern California Telephone ..,0 .. " _
Southern NewF~nglandTelephone Co__ . _ _ .
See footnotes at end of table.
Class of
carrier
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
Geographical region
South Oentl'81.
Middle Atlantic.
Great Lakes.
Mountain.
Middle Atlantic.
Chesapeake.
Southeastern.
South Central.
Great r.akes.
Che.<:apeake.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Southeastern.
Great Lakes.
Pacific.
Great Lakes.
Unas~igned,
North Central.
South Centro],
Middle Atlantic.
New England.
MIddle Atlantio.
South Central.
Great Lakes.
Chesapeake.
Great Lakes.
Do.
Do.
Southeastern.
Pacific.
Do.
South Central.
Middle Atlantic.
Do.
ChesapeakE'.
North Central.
Great I,ak83.
Do.
North Central.
South Cl'ntral.
New England.
Mountain.
Unassii!;ned.
North Central.
Do.
New EnglsrJd.
Middle Atla.ntic.
Do.
Do.
North Central.
Southeastern.
GreatLake~.
Do.
North Central.
Do.
Great Lakes.
Do.
Do.
Pacific.
Do.
f:outh Central.
Pacific.
South Central.
Middll.' Atlantic.
North Central.
Pacific.
Middle Atlantic.
South Central.
Pacific.
South Central.
Southeastern.
P'lcific.
New England.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COl\fMUNICATIONS COMMfSSION 105
TABLE I.-List of telephone carriers reporting on an annual basis to the Commission
for the year 1938, showing classification and geographical region to which each
carrier has been assigned JOT stattstical purposes--Continued
Name 01 carrier
Southwest Telephone Co. (Kansas). ••~_
Southwestern Associated Telephone Co ,, _
·Southwestern Dell Telephone Co. _
Tri·State Associated Telephone Corporation,, . ._
.Tri-State 'felephone & Telegraph Co . _
Two States Telephone Co . . __ ..• _
Union Telephone Co. (India.na). . _
·United Telephone Co.(Kansa~P, _
United T1'\lephone Co. (Missonri) . . _
United Telephone Co. (Texas) . _
United Telephone Companies. Inc _
United Telephone 00. of Penllsylvania •~_
West Coast Telephone Co _
·Westerly Automatic Telephone 00 . _
Western Arkansas Telephone 00 _
.Western l\ew Enj!"land Telephone 00 _
"White River Valley Telephone 00 • _
.Wisconsin Telephone 00 _
Class or
carrier
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
A
Geographical region
South Central.
Do.
Do.
Middle AtlanHc.
North Central.
South Central.
Great Ln1!.es.
South Oentral.
Do.
Do.
Oreat Lakes.
Middle Atlantic.
Pacific.
New England.
South Central.
New En1land.
Do.
Great Lakes.
'Represents carriers included in Bell system.
tRepresents carriers, suhject only to the provisions or sectiou.s 201-205 of the Communicattons Act of 1934.
,,"hieh file reports lor statistical purposes.
I Telephone carders tHing annual reports arc classified as follows: Olas" A carriers are those having average
annual operating revenues exeeelling $100.000, Class B carriers are those having average anIlual operating
revenues exceeding $.;0,000. but not more than $100,000. 'l'elephone carriers having average annualopera~
fug revenues not exceeding $50.000 are not relll1ired to file annual reports.
I Figures not included in United States totalS.
I Propeny solll to Nebraska Continental 'relephone 00. as of April I. 1938.
t MajlJI' J}OrtlOll {\{te~phOlleproymoty 5O\d to ImHana AMQciated Telephonfl COrpDration as of Decembet"
1, 193i, and balance sold to Illinois Hell Telephune Company as of Jllne 15. 1938.
I Merged with 8ollthwe:;tern nell Telephone Co. as of December 31, 1\138.
Telephone financial a.nd operating data by geographical div£sions.-Tho statistical
<Jata shown in table II were oompiled from annual reports filed by 73 class A and
17 class B (soo footnote 1 to table I) telephone carriers operating in the United
States, and by 2 class A telephone carriers operating outside of the United States,
the latter 2 being the Cuban American Telephone & Telegraph Co. and the
Mutual Telephone Co. (Hawaii). Duplications of financial data, owing to
intercorporate relations, have not been excluded. This summary includes data.
for the period of operations for a portion of the year 1938 of 3 class A carriers, a8
.explained in the footnotes accompanying table I.
TADLllI n.-Statistic8 of telephone carriers, reporting on an annual basu to the Commis8ion, classified by (/eographical divisions
[Year ended Dec. 31, 1935]
All carriersB~11Systomc:lrri~rs
o. Item
Unas-
Eask'rn dis· Southern Wesli'rn dis·
signed J
Eastorn dis- Southern Western
United States
trlct I district trlct
United States
trict district district
Number of carrfurlL_ ••___ •_______________ ••
00 38 I2
••
2 38 17
•
10
Investment in telepbone plant:
1
Tcllmhone plant in !lOrvlt'6. ____________ •
$4,720.701.1170 $3, 121. 343. 363 $433, 02t827 $1,165,433,480 $D, SOl, 263 U, 431, 523. 000 $2,896.624. 131 $122.311,104 $1,112,587.8-11
2 Telephone plant undor construcUon_. __ 36.306.932 21. 3!J.1. 025 3.9W.581 10.976.326
-----------
33. 29J, 932 18.712,203 3,704.202 10.82.1,527
3 Property hphl for futuretclellhon~use_. 12....m,93L 9.20(9,117 710.340 2. 595, 47.1 _._-_._._-. 12.2..~.465 9,013.930 719.340 2,5501,195
•
Tolephone plant acquisition adJustmtmL 19.720,302 5,6H, illS 4.357.938 9,7.17,599
---.------
15. 114,592 4.516,IM 4. 23t 092 6.3&l.334
,
Total Investment In telephone plant-.. 4. 7SD, 292. &15 3. 157.5~7.270 4.11.942. G8G 1.188,7.~2.Si99. 5o'H. 2ti3 4.·un,215,O.'l5 2.928, 8M, 410 431,018. i38 t, 13:,329,887
Investment., other than telephone plant:
,
Investments in affillatpd oompanies___ ._ 2,410,168,245 2. 201. 7H. SSI 836,717 147,619.917
-._--------
2,403,569,900 2,261, 229. Ot6 836,717 146, .'lO4. 143
7 Advances to affiliated oompanics __ ._. __ 178.064,932 144,741.716
-.-3:35S~993
33. 323,2J()
·-'-73:435
175,492.419 142,292.615
---
3:sOB: Q8.i -
33,199,804
8
Miscellaneous investments____ •________
103,809,IM 83.723, tlO 16, 730. 032 99. 70s. 390 82. 772,2G3 13,688, lH3
•
Total invcstmGots other than telc·
phonG plant_____~__________________
2,692. 042, 362 2,490, 176,407 4.192.710 197.673,245 73. 435 2,683.830.715 2. 486, 29,3. 924 4,144,801 193,391,990
==============
10
OMh ________________~_______________.~__~__
93.006. 420 83.395. 175 3.973.8.14 ll. 637. 411 172,936 92.211,4U7 78.469,952 3.8112,811 9.878.624
II
Material and supplies___~__________________
51. 301, 519 34.967,711 4,0&1.453 12. 26i, 355 274.808 47.228.016 32,281. 365 3.909,184 11,037,467
12
Total current assots ________________________
316. 303, 060 2U 700. 575 20, 106,916 62, 404•.569 614.764 297,878. iM 230,591.91l 19,570,900 47,715,894
I3
Capital stock____ •_____ ._.___ ._••_•• _. ___~__
4,287,169,374 3,297. 4S7, 206 2H,781.5OO 747.900.668 5,265. ()()() 4, 150. 952, 236 3,192,426.965 236,157.40[1 722,367,871
14
Fundorl debt. ______________________________
1,0.12,572.615 R03. 570. 735 40.813.000 J79.188,&'lO 932.000 9.H. 7R2, 03S 746, 1AA, Ill5 49,.000.000 150,594.000
I'
Totallon~·termdebL ___ •__________________
1,33t444.639 945.4.~7,lSI 97.001.610 291. 98!i.878 932. 00l) 1,247.525.6-13 882.311.0"1 9j, 991. 2115 269.19J,412
16
Tolal current Ilabllltlcs___ •• _. ___~•• ___ •___ .
98.269.163 li3, 586, 068 J I. 7r,2.683 22,920,412 002.396 85,872.221 53.328, 092 10,9i7.815 21.568,314
17
Taxes accrued ________ . __________ •__________
81, HI8.45S 62, 945, 071 6,438, SOL 21,814,883 131.664 7i,101,312 49,804,59.'i 6,193,670 21,103,047
18 Unmatured interest, di\ddcnds. and rents
accrued __ •_________ • ___~__________________
56,108.804Jil,6..~.3:JtSM. 003 3,863.410 17,037 53.875.5!JO 49.840.140 516. 2';8 3,519,152
19
Dt·predationl'(l~erVIL_________~_._.____ •• _.
1,318, 15ZJ192 890. 593. 637 98,Oi5. 570 329. 483. 485 3,305. f,(j.1 1,2.50.442. 114 838,723.975 D4,450,527 317.267,612
20
Amortizallon r6Stlrve __ •___________~________
3.53~,IS9 ], 440. 402 OU.357 t. 144,370 .. 003 :\.507.576 1.465. D30 917,219 1.124.397
21
Total surplus_____ •__~__ ._._________________
363,097. ii8 31B. 410. 644 J4. 458. 4H 30. 2'>-8. 787 342,091 347, 301. 387 306.317.!J.13 13,433.692 27,549.752
O{X'ratlnlt revenues:
--
22
₯~Wl~~~[,rdc~___:::::::::::::::::::::::-::::
758. ROI. Mol 4<l7,42.U7fJ 77.166. 120 191. 210. 348 1,680.016 713.512.758 451.500.846 75.2:).1.411 186.668.501
23 32.1. 69:). ,is 218.412.905 28. 7S2. 300 7i. ·165. 513 4:U.613 311.849.4110 210.3;)7. ISO 27, 579. 475 73, 96,l,805
24
Miscellaneous __________________•••••___
62. 9u3. 499 45.831. 3f\ll 4, 9i8. 899 lZ. (),j:l. 234 42. 142 60.423. i93 43,900.131 4.896.920 11,617,742
26
Unoollectiblu--Dr_____________••_._ •• _.
5. 320, 261 3.621.570 46-1,811 1.233.880 ..... 5. lIB. 763 3,486,443 448, 575
1,183. i45
-
2. 2Jl. 2)3 I
-
28 Total operating revenucs••__ •••~_._._1.141.0;5,000 74R 128. 177 110.40~.508 282.485. Zl5 1,081), 067. 248 702.320, 711 107.281,231 271, 005, 303
N
$(i6.144.(m $m,WJ.4'n $26. 47fi, ()52
27,25,~.489 4, 036, 172 10, 979, 083
93,399, 568 14.3().~,6i5 37,455. 135
29 7101. 244 19.3"8. ;22 3.442, 003 G. 003, 519 38. gfl2 28.000.431 18. lO.'t 97/1 3. 335,1171 0, OM. 7f10
6;/,3'(\.7'2l 85,8~.nl.l 4,'2~.~:""",12, al\}. 813 00, T.H 4'1}, 7;.\,. So'll 33,3'6i~4'~'1"~.'~.oo,1'2,197, i47
80a.233 3iO.727 .,., ...Ill 'H9.5.iO 3,2R7 810.23.1 u. "' .,., 0 42.\ 349
20;, 730 132. i75 1U,944 li3,Oll 421 196, 744 124,051 JD,8!ll 02,812
:::-1--::-:::-":'::-1----::-:=
83.100,9'28 rm, ftW. 6m 7, n'2, 4:l'2 1':), "il. R';}3 D8.:8:U 78. &17. 265 liJ.OOO,I'lj2 7,595. OD5 1\),330. 698
4,318.358 1.888,212 099,784 ],730,362 ]4,883 3.824,274 I,OOO,4i1 6.56,171 ],507,632
1--8~'~.~....:;.:.-286::.:-1--8~'~.=.18.:;.:.-R~I-:-81=;8~.~'.~2~1:'~!~::~2;I~.~.\~o::,t.~""=~::\~,I,~:Il~'"t~7~I~'~.!~::;8~;.=~::7~1\1=.~.,=,;9;11:::63.~t,~2~I.j04~~8:!::8;j2~8~.;~I~66;::I~:I2I\S~'~38,i~':::':-o
497. 962 1 200.37.~I ... 1261 23?,461 I 1,4551 4Ul,840 I lG9.0,;'2 , 49.81t I 182.977
,==.;12~"'.;12;,===88~.'=73= 9. 010 28,'2\)===".;7",==~1J.;8;;'.;;"';.===8.;1.;;';"';.,.=..;8;;.92.;;';. ==..,;";;';2"~
Miles or wire In alblo:
61 AC'rlaL r __ •••_ ••• ••••• •••••
.'i2 Unrterground. •• ••
63 Burit'd. __ .•_._. <. .._. • _
M Submarine. _. _. __ ••••• ••••_•••••••_
M Totl\l mik's of wm in o.ble. •• •
M Miles of aerial wiro. .• . __ ••.
67 Total m lies of wire..__._. ._. _
I=~....~:==~=
68 MIlC'S of polallna. • • _
69 Miles or underground conduit (sinilc duct)
,.,
"
.7
48
"
..
See footnotes at end of ta.ble.
TABLE It.-Statistics of telephone carriers. reporting on an annual basis to the CQmmiS8ion, classified by geographical divisions-Continued
,643,168,960,89,97, 8
All carriers Bell System carriers
Unas-
No. Item
signed I
United States
Eastern dis- Southern Westcrn dis·
United States
Eastern dis- Southern Western
~rictI district trict trict distriet district
Central offices-types of switchboard:
60
Magneto-manual___________ •__ •__ •• ___ •
3,761 1,220 56. 1,981 24 2,855 931
54'
1.384
61
Common battery·manual_______________
2,987 1,264
'"
1,~------.----
2,577 1,085 482 1,010
62
Auto-manuaL ____________________ ••••__
14
•
---------405- ---------,.-
, ,
----_..- --- I
63
DiaJ (automatic) system______ •• _____ •__
1,860
.,.
48. 1,666
".
313 434
64
Total central offices_____._.__ ••••____
8,622 3,459 1,488 3,675 31 7,024 2,860 1,335~829
66
~~~c:trl;~I~E~~s~~===== ====== ==== ====:= ==
17,097,166 10,114,082 2, OSa, 165- 4, 933, 5193~206 15,777,546 9, 145, 596
1,977,974 4,653,916
,.
290,391 45,868 40,475 2M, 048 777 248, 833 38,125
38, 528 172, 180
67
Private line telephones _________ ••______ •___
82,411 61,914 6,807 24,750
3"'
19,613 49,380 5,779 24,454
68
Total telephones______ • _____ • __ ••___ •
17,470,628 10, 2]], 864 2, 096,447 li, 162, 317 33.287 16, lOS, 992
9,233,101 2, 022, 281 4,850,610
69
Other stations_____ •________________________
23,447 16,939 1,732- 5, 776
,
22,915 16,438 1,732 5,74.5
Company telephones by type of switch·
board;)
,. Magneto-manual_______________________
669,548 317,470 101,896 250, 182 6,617 518,769 246,290 98,759 170,720
71
Common battery-manual_______________
7,615,515 4,420,697 1,084,172 2,110. 646
--- ------"
7,002,065 4,004,687 1,035,627 1,961,751
72
Auto-manuaL .•__________________ •_____
16,075 12,893
----'&ii:007
3,182
--
-25,-ss,g-
4,31101 4,282 36
73
Dial (automatie) system______~_________
8, 7{l6, 602 5,362, W6 2,569,509 8,2.5-5,368 4,890, 311
-----M3,'h88-
2, S21, 469
Company telephones by type of customer:
74
Business_______ , __ •___________ •____ •____
6,617,279 3,973,700 814,912 1,828, 667 14,244 6,154,142 3,623, 345 788,043 l,742,7M
"
ResidentiaL ___ , ______ . _______ , __ •______
10,480, 487 6, 140, 382 1,235, 2.53 3,104,852 17,961 9,623,404 5,522,251 1,189,931 2,911,222
Company telephones by class:
76
Main__________~__ ,.___ •______~_________
12,122,986 7,026,259 1,448,186 3,648,541 23,267 11,112,743 6, 315, 982 1,390,381 3,406,380
77
P. B. X ___ • ___~__________________ • _____
3,192,170 2, (}lS, 088 364,949- 779,133 ti,639 3,025,487 1,900, oro 359,041 763,443
78
E:xtension _____, _______ •_____________.~_
1,782,610 1,039, 735 237,030 505,845 3,29ll 1,639,316 926, 61I 228,552 484,163
Average number or calls ociglnated
p,,,
month:
79
Local calls____________________ -.__~_____
2, 488, 1163, 112 1,2.~9,087, 324 397,428,674 832,447,114 8,901,224 2,291,412,367 1,122,368,672 382,671,IH6 7M, 372, ()7g
8ll
Toll calls _____________________ •_________
73,052,594 00,121,105 5, &17, 455 11, OilS, 034 139,381 68,014,839 46,470,497 5,501,126 16,0-13,216
"
Average number of company and service
telephones___ • _____________ ._4 _________ •__
17,114,212 10,044,134 2, 027, 002 6,043,016 32,005 15,765,539 9,076,926 1,954,635 4,734,078
Private·lIne service revenues:
4
Commercial:
82
BroadC1l.Stlng ______~___ ._•••••_••_••
$1,897.617 $6,962,139$223,~5$711,843 $3,450 $7,848.41'16 $6,914,4.12 $222,986 $711,078
Migcellaneous:
"
Telephone___ ••____~•••_
------ .
5, 51n, 987 5,436,848 36,598 118,541 27,606 5, 520, 602 5,3M,468 36,193 1111,941
84
Morse____________ • ____
------
4 211 964 242 3168
718.
--------
4
, ,
3 4
so
Teletypewriter____ . _________ • __
4, 39t, 267 4,Om,092 .,344 311,831 I 2,717 4,387,643 4,066,468 9,344 311, 881
86
Other_______ •.__________ •
-----
45.421 36,265 7, 72'& 1,433 -.-_.------ 35, 390 31,783 2,690
'"
87
Government ._. _______________________ .
1,256,123 1,214,884 33,090 8,149
---------.-
1,255,922 1,214,683 33,090 8,149
88
Press________________________ ₯ _____ • _4 __
4,078, 482 3, 9a2, 494 140 145, 848
-----------
4,078,213 3,932,494 140 145, 579
8. Total prlvate·line-servlC6 revenues.___ 28,2~3,015 26,616,964 313,688 1, 3Q2, 363 33,773 28, 094, 926 26,489,187 307,601 1,298,138
-
Te~graphsta.tions:
Private-line Morse:
90
Number____ ••__________ •___________
3,083 2,696
,
383 .6___------ 3,065 2,689 3 373
.1
Revenue. ___________________________
$5,492,704 $5, 083, 510 $89,918 $319,276 -----_._--- $5,458, 318 $5,071,033 $81,348 $299,937
Prlvate·lino teletypewriter:
., Number____________________________
7,170 5,899 2.55 1,016 13 II, \168 5,746 '54 958
.3
Revenue_____________________
-----
$10,755, 163 $8,762,544 $242,202 $1,750,317 $1,188 $10,638,323 $8, 66.5, 527 $239,009 $1,733,787
Teletype.... riter-exchange service:
94
Number________________ "_____
----
13,231 7,333 1,476 4,423
-,---------
12,882 7,003 1,475 4,404
.5
Revenue_____ . _____________________
$6,824,241 $4,833,547 $405,643 $1,585,051
-----------
$6,723,344 $4, 738, 195 $405,643 $1,579,506
., Telephotograph-service rO\'OnU6 ________
$493,810 $383,617
$'"
$109,875
--------_.
$493,810 $383,647 $288 $109,P.7S
.7 Other telegraph-service revenue________ $:196,857 $103,238 $4,666 sm,953
-----------
$3i8,996 $80,877 $802 $267,317
Radiotelephone service:
'fotal chargeable calls:
.8
BetwooD fi'l';edstations_. ____________
51,3SI} 51,3sll
---------378----·-~--·3:964-
-._---_...- &1, '389
51,389
---
-----378- --------3:964
"
In m00ile service _____ "_____________
14,377 10,035
---..------
14, 377 10,035
100 Land·Hne chan;es----('ontioental United
States (gross) ______________ ...________
$103,069 $101,208 $177 $1,684 ---._..-..- $103,069 $101,208 $117 $1,684
101 Radio-link charges (respondent's por-
tion) ___ ••••_______ •••••••______ . ___ •.
$997,007 $991,027 $118 $5,562
'-'--
..._- $997,007 $991,027 $418 t5,562
02 Numher of emplo}'OOs at close of June_____ 2')6,954 172, \76 33,884 8Il,894 647 267,738 159,184 32,622 75,932
0'
Male employoos________ ..__
---------
111,006 69,021 11,872 30,113 440 103,1)15 63,719 11,426 28,470
04
Female employees____________
-----
175,94.8 103, Hi5 22,012 50, 7S1 2fJ7 IM,l23 95,465 21,196 47,462
05 Number or employees at close of year_
----
286, liH 171, R.'l4 34,300 79,997 659 267,2110 159,065 33,071 75,154
06
M;de employees_______ ." _____________ ._
Ill, 197 69,009 12,144 30,044 43. 103,826 63,656 11,717 28,453
07 Female employees ______ --_._-
-------
174,984 102,1'75 22,156 t9,953 220 163, 464 95,409 21,354 46,701
08
Total compensation ror year________________
$502, 064, 285 $328, 561, 167 $48,407,019 $125,096,099 $998,330 $476,038, 127 $308, 288, 724 $47, 197, 008 $120, 552, 395
09 Compensation chargeable to operllting ex,
pensos_______ w •••~_____W4~________________
$12S, 413, 476 $283,280,505 $39,007,395 $106,125, .176 $169,881 $4.07,2\4.,984 $266,866,076 $3%,OO8,IM $102, MO, 744
Benefits:
10 Numher of cases bandIed during ;yeat___ 51,500 33,430 6,660 It, 410 ----_....-. 48,926 31,207 6,562 11,157
11
Amount paid during ye>\L ____________
$7,993,400 $S, 370, 657 $8.50, 157 $1,772,586 ---------_. $7.644,171 $5,067.570
$)j29,345 $1,747,256
PemHons:
12 Number of cases being paid at end of
year________ ••••____ •__ •_____ •• _______
8,4it 5,810 828 1,833 13 7,998 5,395 81' 1.784
13 Dis.burs.ements {rom \16mi{\n fund _____ $5,951,213 $<1,32&,17'3 $«9, ;S14 $1, lSI, 725 $9,841 $5, 705, 340~103,5M$442,602 $1,159,154
14 Relief an(l pension charges toopcratin~ex-
peoses________ ._ . __ ._. _______ ,. ___________
$20,563, 1i68 $13. 588, 569 $1, 8S3. 531 $5,141. 468 $41,~2$19, 1}72, 361 $12,~22,037 $1,781,800 $;5,068,518
15 Dalance in pension rund at beginning of yern $IS'l, 22!). 705 $121,685,476 $15,3118.497 $43, 146, 732 $.558.801 $17f;,6XO, 140 $118,921,834 $15, 189, 090 $42,569,216
16 Balance in pension lund at end of year____ c_ $19S, :m, 589 $133,793,996 $16,826,608 $47,753,985 $Oli9.761 $191,319,129 $127, tioa, 033 $16, 573, 605 $47,14.2,491
~eefootnotes at end of table.
t'ABtm it-Statisiics oj telephone carriers, reporting on an annual basfs to the Commission, classified by geographical divisions-Continued
Ea.~tcrndistrict Southern district Westorn district
No. Item
New Middle Qr('.at North South
Enl!"land Atlnnllc Lakes
Chosnpeake Southeastern
Central CUlltral
Mountsln Pacific
reglon region I region
rc;:-iun region
region region
region region
Number of carrlers_______ •••••_••••••••_
7
"
18 7
,
10 18 2
Investm(,llt in tet('phone plant:
$1, fl22. 300. 492 $891, 1li9,4rt3 $16," 322, 169$26..~,GOO. (iSS $UIO. 612, 225 $382,110,118 $480, 22O,OlS1
T('1l'phono plnnt in wr\'ice__________
$-107, 864. 408 $112, 4S2, 119
2 Tclejlhonc pl'lOt under constructlon_ 5, 31t}, ()(i5 11,824,342 4,219,618 1,623,262 2, 317, 319 1,044, 310 4, 143,333 1,181,319 4,607,36i
,
Proporty held for ruturo tel('phouo
lL~O.__ • ___ • _________ • _. ___ ._. ______
1,071,499 4,021,363 3. 256, 2M 317, GIl) 401,721 93,003 778, 673 261,113 1,458,785
•
TC'lephono plant acquisition adJust-
ment__ ••_......._________________ •
1-83,327 2, 045, 743 2, 757,841) 1,530,993 2,820,1)4.'$ 6OS,271 3,952,137 tlO2, 102 4,584,900
•
Total investment in telephone
planL_____ • __________________ •._
414. 1r)..1, 145 1,8-12.000,940 001,433.185 171. !lOO. OU 271,142,&t.1 Un.3liB,712 390, 993, 201 114,529,743 490,871,163
-
Invl!!ltmonts other than tck'phonp pl<mt:
501,567 836, 717 1,017.2746 Inve)ltment)l in aflilialL't1 compan!es_ 9G1, 11m 2, :!fl!, 3OS. 3l:-l _..__ ._...._.- 16.644.147 74.58:> 129.88~.946
7 AtlvnncPs to nl1iUaltld eompllnil's. ___ &15.243 143. 90S, ,'$73 900 ..-~~---_._-- _._------ 16,403,902~00220, IlOO 16.891,412
8
:MlsccllllncolI~'Invostment!L _________ 4,833, IllI 69,221,171 9, 60S, 778 273,MG 3,0,7,137 2, S:!3, 1M 8, 931,038 303,800 4,900,088
•
Total Invf'$tments other than
telepbone Illunt..••______________
6.5OO,5G4 2,473, 435.~9810,I71,2t5 278,R56 3,913,854 35, 681, 2039,\).~,214400,352 m,737,446
-
==
10
Cash __________ ._. ___ ......._____________
3,135, 195 60.697,921 13, ,">Ij2.o.S9 GfIO. lifll 3. 2!l.1. 143 1,312,."00 5, 1111.708 3, 221. 514 1,986.680
11
Matl'rial and supplics__ • _______________ .
3. SOB. 451 21, 5SO. 023 9. 7>ID, Z\, l,G2fl.813 2. t3li. 6tO 2,510,2M 3.261,011 1. 2.'iO, 971 5,215.014
12
Total current assets____ • _________ ._••. _.
18,7fi2,213 177,109.IU8 47,921,439 7.077,303 13.029.613 8, 33t. 006 18,224,809 6. 757, 59.5 19,088.139
l'
CapUnl stock___________________ ._ • _____ .
1,4,323, 5(1.'1 2, Sfl4, 899. 30:1 638, 2H2. 338 96,452,100 1t5, 329. 400 U8,U'~l\.3.'$1 182,29.'$,6'14 52,890,700 39-l, 5.17.013
I'
Funded dpbt. ___ . ____ ••_••__ .•._________
122.140,300 626. 788. 7'35 51.6:12,700 4,225.000 4.">, 5'*1. 000 5.4t3.00u 82.624.300 30. om. OOIJ 01,121,500
l'
Tot.allong·term dcht.______________ • ____
137,792. 83571f~fi3O,013 91,O:l4,27:J 30.61l,759 66,389.851 48, 718, 572 97,445, 7M 30,10.\ 280 11.5.716,276
10
Total euwmt Iiabllities.__________ •._••. _
5, .149.235 36,21.'$.607 21, R21. 136 4,758,832 7,003.851 4.246. o:l!l 8, 633. il8\) 1,837.309 8,303, 675
17
Taxes accruod_________~_______ . _____ .. __
2,553, HiS 26,I2U,6-B 24,271,259 2,330,163 4, los, 338 4,463.382 7,473, 003 2, 300, 349 7,568, 249
l'
Unmatured interest, dividends, anti
ronts accrued. _______________ ••••______
J, :lnG, 859 48, 428, 173 1,900.359 46, 28li 509,717 3110,400 ar.s.ROO 936,4H 1.643.583
19
Dcpr('ebl.tion reserve ___ ••.•__ • ___________
Ill. 2'J9, r)..'i2 542, 6SS, 808 236, t.i95. Ii7 3",761,420 63,314.150 6.5,699,669 los. 585, 066 32,920,606 135, 278. 144
20
Amortization reserve____________________
~-2'J, 893Z09.~I, 21iO, 607 l -10,;'00 953. 1Z3~-22.3S6 020.477 i-lr~012262,291
21
Total~urplus---.----___ ._••____ • ___ • ____
to. 659, 979 262. 74", OOS 45. Oos, 900 10,818,OUI 3.6-10,428 4,899.406 18, o IS, OOS 975,639 6,305,6'34
22
Ope~~~fs:~~~~_e~:._•.~••___ • __________
67,212, 9iO 23.'>,070,216 16;'\,103.29Il 33. 601, 002 43.5&1,158 31,418,261 62, 512, ilrtl} 16, SSR. 003 83, 302,8:g
23
Tollscrvico_~_._.___~______ ._••••__ •.
22,580, 7tl 1.52, 226, 9'Jol 43,635, 230 8, 114, OOU 2IJ,66S, 270 11,351,62327.~2737,083,157 31,448,4 .
....
....
o
-
-
-
21,490,5003,436,m15, 887, 2665, 130. 14110,357,3127,117,959
35,813,552
8,681,102
843..952
216, 6'S, 6iO
33.78~.134
2,385. B3l
438, ,0.1.-e5~
218, 539, 423
8,417.130
391,787
9:?!HO,~
10,842,208
24 MlsC<'llaneous . • •
25 Uncollcctiblc-(Dr.l . _
1-,:-=--=I---::-:c:-:-c:::-+~=-C::-
26 Total operating revenues~_.
1=='==1=='=='=
Operating expenses:
ZT Maintcnance . • . 21,796,831 85. 124, 103 40.333.956 7. 189. 760 11.443.430 8, 948,liOO 16. $43, 646 4, 2S4. 118 23.269.678
28 Depreciation and amortizatlon_______ I I, 4fH, l)11 Co2, a15. 023 31. 178.056 6. fiOO. 361 10.049, -eM 6,724,105 14.014, 835 3.792, 232 18,310,433
2\) Trafflc ._. .______________ ]6,584,306 6.\229,646 34.695.300 8.0.3.6016 11.265.278 7.050.433 14.716,192 4.4li8.707 18,246.787
30 Comtoorel.'Sl;L .__ 7.2fH.4753~,312.&oii17,495,189 3,1)36,362' -e,81J2.424 3,016,558 7,605,062 2,340,382 9,692,-486
31 OClleral office and salaries and
32Ofl~fre_~~~:=:==~=::~==~:::==~~==::~I_---':~:~~,G_;:~~~:i:..~:~:l~~~1~:~::ii:g~~:~~:~&t~~~:n~~r::,_I__:~:~;;~1~:~=65~7_~:1~:~~I+_~~~:~:3:l~:gs:23:·
33 Total operating expenses. _____ __ _ 1__':"='~'3~7.:':O~7.1_~':09:.=03:1~.:1l86:::..1-'~.:3.:4:":.:""':.:..1-~"':::.7:1:'.:1J.\:'=-1_4:~~88=2:.7='":"1_3:1~.:"='~'833=+..::..:'.:2O.I,:::.34=7_1_.....:':7.~44:.:.:080:::..1_.....:79:.:040::.:74:'
34 Operating ratio (percent)_.,1~~=~74~.~..~I===;7~O~.44;;'1===66:;;;,'2;5;+==~...;;,;;,.~1,~=~..:·;88~1~="";;..~·~27;;",1=~,,,,;;..;;;,;·.~'~I"~=;...:;;;,88;:;'"I~~=~.~l~.'~'
Operatlrtg taxcs:
36 OthcrthnnU.S.Governmcnt $6,074,020$~0,312,939$22.761.139 $3.713,334 $6.913,124 $3.948,r.oo $8,]91.836 $2,756.710 $12,S99,1S67
36 U. S. OovernmcnL • ._____ 2.500,U8 18,602,1}{/9 8,085,700 1,001,3612.51~19'1: 1,627,369 4, 2'l2, m gW,68\) 4, 7M, 126
1---::---=-1--,:--,-1 -11---'-1---'--'
37 Total operating taxes ••1~~8~.•~64~.~7~3S:;"I=~68~.~8;"~.~03~'+",,;;30~.~84~ti~·.~OO~5;,1~~~'~.3~7~•.~..~'~1,~~.~.•~3~'.~3~'~6,1~~5~.~67~5~.•~1~.+~'~~43~3~.86~5ol=~3:.;586;~.~390~I~-=i-17~.~'03~,693;;;:
38 Netoperatingtncomo__ ,._. __._~._ 15,04.(\,909 70.8SS,l>29 42, 'l.'H, 801 S,4U5.,if>3 la,W6.WW S,200,lUi2:{},~,1834,408,400 20,848,942
39 Dividend income •__ .___3~,213 150, IM,454 288,8H 20,58S 190,856 74.001 427.008 6, 4-t9 9,829,778
40In1ere~'-incomc • ..~~.32.').67010,6~.169rot,022 149,Sffl 81,745 800,fi98 486.863 102.904 911,407
41 MisccllaneousinC'ome .____ 10:1.706 76.1,675 70.44i )7,400 8.110 30.928 54,278 10,610 11,S,800
42Mi.~('('t1anoousd~'du<:tiutls(ruminCUm~L_\181'.791 7\i7. 'lin 324,3\3 62,M~S~.f& }44,8W 200.'d~g62, 900 lolO,31P
43 lntcre<:tonfuorfeddcht________________ 5,004,841 25.009,847 2.027.561 ]80.467 1,483,290 223,006 2,-e12,181 5.')1,309 2,107,675
44 Other interest dPduetions.~_565,508 4,027.385 2, 228,M2 1,323,73-1 1,61 .... 919 2,085,976 738,732 St8,HI8 2,177,036
4S MiscellanCOusfiS.edehargcs._"._~____J65.598 35R.433 33,51711,~8106,869 12,706 34.20t 2.120 16.416
46 Net lnoome. ••~_. • ___ ___ ___I_.....:.~'""::.~7:20::.1_~202::.:"':~::.::":1~1--.:3S:.~50:'~.~15:':.1--~1~.O~7:6.~03:2=-1__'=O~.G82=••~03=51_~o.:73:.::~~22.>=_I_.....:18:.:16=~~606::.:+_2:.:3='~::81='+_=21~.:"=."':':1
Dividends declared:
Commun stock~.~•
Rate percent or amount per
prefcr~~ar:t(;e-k::~~:=:===~::~:~~=~~:~:~~==~:~:~:=:=------1;844;56s- ------700;507" -- -----19;008- ---- •• -92; 50S' -.-- --355;iiM - -_·-1;376,-616-=:~:=:::==~=:=-----6,-iOO;705
Rl\te percent or amount per
""IU'O -- -- -- -- ------ -- ----- -- --- --1;'--;;';;;-;;;--;;;--;;;--;;;--[;--;';'--;';'--;';'--;';'--;';'--;;;--;;;--;1;-;;;-;;;";';'--;';'--;';'--;';'---;1;-;;;--;;;--;;;--;;;--;;;--;;;--;-1 ;,;,---;,;,--;,;,--;,;,";;;--;;;--~-I;,;--;;;--;,;-;,;--;,;--;,;,--;';'--1;;--;;;--;;;--;;;--;;;--;';--;;;-F--;';'--;';'--;';'--;';'--;';'--;';'--;I;-;';--;';--;';'--;;--;;---;;';--
MHos of wire In cable:
~~T3~t.~itroun(C::~:~~~~:::~:~:~::~~:~;g~:~~~~:~~:~;,~]~:~~~:~~t~~:gi:~:g~1l,m:~~~:~~:lli~:~~~~n:=
~~~b~~rfno~::::=~~~~:=~~==:~~~~~~=~!__.....:i~::~r:5~:_I_~__2:~~:::if:~:,I.__:~:::;2=og=-I-=~~::.~'7:,'1__-=i~t~:=;_I1I~"~';":4:~+_,-27~:=:~~i":1+--~-~-~--~-2=-I~:~~~:'-C-I_,-:-::f':,.=:r~5:,g
56 Total mileS of wire In eablo__ .. 6,971,"'03 ;11,488,4.33 17,190,767 3,046,IM 4,686,277 2.803,776 7,000,770 1,397,882 8,574,466
See footnotes at end of table.
4.
'"
47
..
TABLE II.-Statistica of telephone carriers, reporting on an annual basis to the Commission, classified by geographical divisions--Continued ......
......
Nl
Eastern dlstrict Southern district Western district
No. Ite",
New
I
:Middle Great North South
gJ
Chesapeak Southeastern Mountain Pacific '"d
England Atlantic Lak'"
reglOn region
Central Central
region region 0
region region region. region region
~
,.
Miles of aerial wlre __________
----------
245,392 1,051,359 581,481 151,634 MS,I50 443,145 635,183 2WI,918
365, Il6
0
'"
51
Total miles of wire. _____
---------
7,216,795 32,049,792 I 17,772,228 3,197,789 5,234,427 3,246,9:31 7,6.15,953 1,684,800 8,939,581
..,
58
Miles of pole line_______ • ________________
33,747 82,522 93,106 14,650 41,476 79,315 76,653 40,103
36,390
~
5lJ :Miles of underground cooduit (single
'"
duct) ___~________________ . _____________
10,682 48,848 29.043 4,187 4,823 .,142 8,499 2,00914,O~9
'"
'"
Central offices-types of switchboard; I:l
60
Magneto-ma.nuaL _______
---_._----
"'"
308 546 76 4M 618
"'"
,..
467
'"
61 Common battery-manual
-----------
'"
559
4"
lil 352 265
""
218 268
~
62
Auto-manual. _. _______ . ___ . _________
---- -- --- -ii2-
1 8
-.---- ------
- -·--------253-
-----------_.- 2 ----------- ". 3
63
Dial (automatic) system__________.__
497 351 152 123 137 21 208
'rotal central offices_. _. ___ •• ______
727
1
c
.. 1,365 1,367
'"
1,089
00'
1,32Q 503 ... 0
66
Company telephones. __~_._________
1,580,325 4,767,174 3,766,583 843,838 1,206,327 911,372 1,608,270 506,263 1,007,61t
::::
----
J<:
"
service telephones__________________
----
1,601 19,427 24,840 9,425 31,050 62,332 711,140 15,051 47,525
67
Private-line telephones____________
-----
5,637 30,836 15,441
3, ""
1,814 3,235 5,766 1,318 14,431
q
"I
68 Total telepbOlwL___
------- -----
1,587,56.1 4,817,437 3,806,864 857,256 1,239,191 976,939 1,693,176 522,632 1,969,570
~
C
"
Other stations. _. ____ , ___________ .. _______
1,784 9,213 4,942 625 1,107 556 1,537
..,
3.128
i:3
Company telephones by tYM of switch-~
board: 3 0
7. Magneto-matmaL_" _______
--------+
106.554 80,139 1::10,777 19,906 81,990 76,005 103,659 26,973 43,545 "I
71 Common b:lttery-manual __ ...
"":::1
786,164 1,849,566 1,784,967 443,245 640.927 411,694 659,977 317,759 721,216 'fl
72
Auto-manuaL ___________ .. ____
-----687,-ii07"
89 12,804
------38i>:687
--. ... -------------- <I.
---·-~.i6.i,-531-
2,732
C
7S
Dial (automatic) system _____ "___ . ___
2,8.17,354 1,838, (},15 483, olIO 423, 673 844,184 1,140, 121
0
Company telephones by type of eus-
i':tomf'r:
74
Busines~L,___ • ___________•• __________
551,274 2,051,320 1,371,106 323,835 491,077 291,361 599,147 198,515 739,644
::::
"
ResidentiaL __ . _> _____ • __ •• _________
1,021,0.51 2, i'l6,854 Z,S'Jlj,477 lj2(J,OOJ 71.5,200 62Q,Qll 1, ()()9, 123 .'-W7,748 1,167,970
~
Company telephones by class:
'fl
'fl
76
Main._________________
-------------
1,175,858 3,106,483 2,743,918 545,850 902,336 714,939 1,210,201 376,249 1,347,152~
71
P. B. X _____________________________
230,\H4 1,125,717 691,427 188,441 176, .'i08 116,346 225,113 76,155 361,519 0
78
E~tension_________________ . _________
173,523 534,974 331,238 109,547 l21,4S3 SO,087 ( 172,900 63,869
198,94a !2l
Average number of calls ori:;inated pcr j
month:
79 Local call5________ ____________ 1 204,242,399 566,181,912 488,663,013 119,727,354 277,701,320 ISO, 936, 692
329,632,4.84 78,969,837 272,908,101
30
Aveia~~~al~~herofco-m-pan~:'a-n~f~r\'~-
9,711,416 28,524,527 11,891,162 2,250,303
3,587, J52 2,253,104 4,590,833 I,4HI,746 8,824,351
81
ice telephonc:; ___~__ . ____________ . ___
1. 580,133 4.739,518 3,724,483 828,080
1,198,982 963,402 1,660,1;26 508,897 1,910,591
f:l
==-== =----=====
Priv~~~~:r~~~~~_e~~venue:>·.·
'0
0
82 Broadcastinll;_ $71,388 M,616,307 $274,444 $70,545 $Ui3,090 $122,320 $131,015 $58,147 $400,361
i:l
Miscellaneous:
83 Telephone 170,964 5,011,125 254,7:i9 5, .')31 31,0{i7 35,271 64,904- 9,667~699
0
84
Morse____________
1,947 .t, 954, 995 7,300
3,1,'';8 75
._------------ "'8
4,345
..,
"'
Teletypewriter__ 52,682 3.974,311 43,099 5,667 3,677 17,1U2
5,098 289, om
..,
30
Other. _____
64 22,189 14,Ot2
2,690
----387-
744 302
II<
"
Government__ •...____ I, 2t4, 239 645 6,725 26,365 1,248 3,169
.--- ---. 3;732-
-·-----i4fi;fi79
'"
88
press..____ .. _. _______
------- .._- 3,932,494
140 269 -------._--
Total private line service revrmues
..,
89 297,04.') 2."i, 72.5, 660 594,259 91,158 217,497 1&9,570 216, \134
76,942 848,917
'"
Tele~aphstations:
t;i
Private line Morse:
~
00
Number____
132 1,929 535 2 2
25 m 63 188
91
Revenue______ . ______
$27,189 $4,650,627 $405,694 $31,370
$58, .')48 $3.1,951 $8O,3iJ6 $35,743 $I{\9,186
Private line teletvpewritE'r
---I
C
92 NlJlIl-ber____ : ___ "...._ 586 3,971 1,342 138 117 110 20. 30 672
0
93
Revenue__ . __ . __ ... _. __ . _____
$298,344 $7,358,687 $1,105, til3 $94,006 $147,2Q6 $58,543 $247,293
$235,856 $1,208,625 IS;
'feletypewriter exchange service:
IS;
"
Numher________ ...______ . __ ..
1,06/\ 3,313 2,9M 485 990 456
1,216 472 2,279
95
Revenue__________ . ________
$255,305 $3, Hil, 181 $1,427,061
$122,11\8 $283,475 $140,21J2 $31\1,045 $124,102 $959,702
c::
.. Telephotoll:rallh servicil revenue 130 370,723 12,744 288 ---- ----_.- 1,396 23,2tH 85,218 21
97 Other telegraph service reveIlue 7,178 64,075 31,985 802 3,864- ------_._---- 3,212 10,898
274,843
~
C
Radiotelephone S('rvioo; I
:>-
..,
Total chargeable calls:
~
98 Between fixed stations_____ • ___ . __ 51,389 _..._---~---_.
---- -- ---~----
_.4 ____ 0
99 In tlIobile service 1,214 8,791 --_._---,._-_.
---------·378- 4 ___ 4 ____ • __
-_.---
-----
----3,-964
2i
100 Land-linech3rges::.=.coriiin~rit81-\
m
United States (gross) _______ .. ___ $590 $100,1118
-------_.-----
$177 $1,684-
C
101
R~~~~iO~)~._~~~~~~s._~~~~.~~~~_t~~I
0
1,622 989,405 418 --------_.-
5,562
IS;
102 Numb/'r of employees at close ofJune 25.971 89,4&"i 56,720 12,705 21,179 13,969 27,774 8,109 3t,042
IS;
I
103
l\:laleemployf('~___ .
--
9,621 38,237 21,163 4,356 7,516 5,200 9,477 2,911 12,429
~
m
104
Female employel\s___ ..___________
16,350 51,24S 3.5,557 8,349 13,663 8,673 18,297 5,HI8 18,613 m
105 Numher o(~mDl<lYM:'>at clooe of yeM_
I
26,163 88,749
56, \)'72 I
12,684 21,616 13, MIt> 27,973 7,860 30,578
~
106
Male employees. ______ . __________
9,887 38,161 ro,961 I 4,397 7,747 5,179 9,743 2,840 I 12,282
0
]07 Female emplo:rl\es. _.. I 16,276 i 5O,li8R 36.011 8,287 13,869 8,407 18,230 5,020 18,296
!2i
See footnotes at end of table.
...
...
’:>
TABLE II.-Statiatiu of telephone carriers, reporting on an annual basil to the Commi'3ion, clasaified by geographicardivisima-Continuod
Eastorn district Southorn district Wcstern district
No. ltom
N,w Middlo Grcat North South
England Atlantic Lakes
Chesaponko SouthCMtern
Central Contral
Mountain PaMtlc
region region region
region region
region region
roglon region
108 Totsl compensation for ye8l'_____ ._•••••• $46, 4i'D, 542 $180,977, J39 $95, lIZ, 486
m, "'" 005
nJ,724,014 $20,. 673, 213 $37, 94l'i, 586 $11,2&3,576 $5l'i, 223, 724-
100 Compensation chargeable to operating
expenses_•....•.•.•..••.........._. __ 39,oro,3M ]61,~69.81~82.760,337 16,847.314 22, 100,081 17,406.348 32.628.,834 9,351,380
46,739,014
Beneflts:
110 Number ofcascs handled duringyear.
4,'"
]9.081 9.352 2,008 4.652 2,128 3,501 94. 4,8W
l1J Amount paid during year••••••••___ $800,653 $3,120,371 $],399,633 $200,207
1559,050 $283,557 $620,048 $189,139 $779,842
Pensions:
112 Numbero(C8SElS being paid atondor
1:.1"............................... ],120 8.197 ],484
""
.'29
435 588 145
"'.
"'
D bursemE"nts (rom pension fund ___ $764,309 $2,633,378 $928, 486 $186,523 $262, 791 $270,54li
$346,833 $90,389 $473,959
114 Rellef 8Dd pension charges to operating
expenses__________ . _. _._ ._.______ . _____
2,723,318 7,481,093 3,364,158 822,Oll 1,031,520 72ti,406 1,287, 'iOO 401,624 2, 726. 732
115BalaIl,~In pension {und at beginning of
y~ar____________ , ______________________
13,823,249 74. r....8. 5.52 36, 213, 675 6,264.345 9.134. Hi2 7,994.]91 J4.323.043 4,094,320 16, 735, 178
116 Bal8ilCO In penslon fund atend of year __
1.5,667,839 79, 386,. 361 38,739,700 6,982,293 9,844,315 8,519,834 15,663,819 4,368,174 ]9,202, 158
J Data concerning tho AmericanTeJ~phone& Telegraph Cn. havo bron inclurli>d in
the Middle Atlantic region and the Eastern district inasmuch 88 only aggreg8te figures
aro reported.
! 2 carriers located outsIde the continental limits of the United States. Not included
in UnitedS~8testotals.
I ExclUdes 26 telephones oftha American Telephone &:Te1el!Japh~Oo.which were not
con~edwith exchange offices.
4Rl'p1"t'8Cnt.~,01"ccpt In minor Instances, gross revonue billed (nr interstate sen'ices
lurnishl'd to customers, and includes data (or intrastate lines used In interstate com'
munication.
~Deficit or other revctse item.
....
....
~
REPORT OF TIlE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 115
Proportion of the telephone industry covered by annual reports.-A comparison
of the data compiled from the annual reports filed with the Commission by
elass A and elass B telephone carriers for the ycar 1937 with the figures for all tele 
phone system!3 and lines in the United States (shown in the "Census of Electrical
Industries, Telephones, and Telegraphs: 1937") is given in table III. This
table also shows a similar comparison of the data for 1938 for the same group
(including mergers and consolidations) of carriers reporting to the Commission
with the data. obtained from the Commission and unofficial sources for all elMS A
And cla.s!'l B carriers. Although the number of telephone carriers reporting annu 
ally to the Commission represents less than one-fifth of 1 percent of the total
number of systems and lines, it will be observed that they handle practically
all of the telephone business in the United States.
TABLE IlL-Comparison of-data concerning telephone carriers shown in the report
of the Bureau ofthe Census, and reports filed with the Commission and data'secured
from unofficial source8
Federal Communioo· Federal Communica.
tion, CommisSion, lions Commission,
"'"
Total cJasses
"18
[-
Census fig· A and B
ures, 1937
Per-
carrten,
cent of
1935 1 Per-
Amount Amount cent of
.,.-
total
ft."""
Number of systems and
lines_. _______ •• ___ ._ •____
ro, ""
Il3 Q18 240 00 37.60
Investment in telephone
plant. _.._. _. ___ . __ •••_..
$.'i, Oot. 803, 335 $4,685.231.383 93.67 $4.983, m. 102 $4, 789, 292. 835 96.11
Operating re"enues________
$1, 180,028.372 $1,139,534,334 96.57 $1, 180, 690. 933 $1,1-11,075.960 00.64
Central offlOO!!. ____________
IS. 937 8,623 .5.46 10.647 8.622
SO."
Tatal teleph<m«l______~_._.19,453.401
17,047.&86 '07.63 18,614,33l) 17,4;0.628 93.86
Number oreml)loyoos_____ . 325,943
295.774 00.74 (') 2R6,181 _...._-
Total compensation.••_____$..~16,640, 009 $489, 420, 830 94. i3
(') $502,064,285 -......
I Data secured from annual reports filed. with the Commission and from unofficial sources.
J Data not available.
DefJelopment of class A telephone carrt"ers from 1926 to 19S8.-Sclected data
relative to class A telephone carriers for the years 1926 to 1938, inclusive, are
.hown in table IV and the trends reflected in chart 2. The difference in the
number of carriers reporting to the Commission in 1938 in comparison with
prior .years is caused by merf{ers and consolidations. The investment in tele 
phone plant in.reMed from $2,973,932,711 in 1926 to $4,783,082,079 in 1938,
while the net income during this period increased from $247,371,069 in 1926 to
$323,489,437 in 1938,
116 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
I
•
192.6 ..... 19:58
iELEPHONE PLANT INVESTMENT
(IN BII.l.IO"'5 OF DOI..l.ARS)
C"AIIT .a
3
,
o
~VMe~ROF TIELEPHONE,}
(,,. H'L\..IO"r;j
onll,>.~llfYu.\lf.s.OO[R"'T'.{,UPE"~ES.AllO"nOI'£MTIlIf>_E
(II' "'''1..1..1<)''5'' DOI.LAR')
IT
I'
"
I,
'"
'"
..,
..,
TElEPllOItE EMPlOYEE:>
('Ii TMOU5ANU)
1080
'"
..,
T"
'00
,aD
'"
."
,,,
I
'00
'35
'"
'05
"
"
OPEP.ATING TAAEG
('N '"LUO''' OF I>OLL....S)
TABLE IV.-Selected data showing the deveiopment through the years 1926 to 1938, inclus-ive
J
oj class A telephone carriers which reported jor
the year 1938 1
Capitn,lizaUon
Ratio of
I
Number Inve.'ltment in
Depreciation
deprecia-
Uatio of Total sur·
Interest on
Dividends
Y"'"
ot car- telephone
reserve
tion to
debt to plus
funded
declared
riers plant invest· Total capitali- debt
ment
Capital stock Funded debt
mtioll
total cap-
italiza-
tiOIl
Percent Percent
1926 _______________
-----
140 $2,973, %2, 7U $f>Ol, 481, 350 'lJJ.23 $2, 583, 283, 669 $988,246,141 $3,571,529,810 Z1.67 $344, 539, 547 $49,010,892 $189.752, lZ1
192L ______
.. 146 3,215,271,7.53 624,614,2..'iS 19.43 2,863, ooel, 791 974,594, 895 3,838,561,686 25.39 477, fill, 166 48,804,397 211,056,375
Un8 __~___________
-----.
142 3,481, 213, 250 674,727, 230 19.38 3, 181, 105, 824 973,665,048 4, 154, 770, sn 23.4.3 MS,400,ZW 48,916,IW 234,303,419
19211. ______ , ______ , ____ < __
139 3,862,241,317 724,413,173 18.76 3, 32a, 379, 615 1, 143, 540, 703 4,463,920,318 25.62 631,643,528 52, 341, 709 258,372,149
Ul30_____________ . ________
136 4,217,710,052 762,345,270 18.07 4,090, 105, 534 1,094,811,355 5,184,916,889 21.12 638, 094, 295 57,212, 814 293,84.7, ,')Bli
193L _.'___ . ______
------
109 4,384,958.152 814,241,821} 18.67 4, '270, 921), 121 1,021,222.053 5, 298, 148, 180 19.2S 639,37.5,809 M,23I,OI3 333, M4, 383
1932. _____,_______
-------
91 4, 423, 855, 828 846,151,536 19.13 4; 217, 783, 773 994,714,437 5, 212, 498, 210 19.08 689, 495, 032 W, 229, 270 336, 005, 596
1933 l _ _~.________________
83 4,433,207, 365 929,495.100
20_97 4, 2M, 146, 109 987,797,508 5,241,943., 617 18.84 522, 947, 692 4.9,008, S24
321, 51l5, OOS
1934___________ .•"~_______
84 4, 442, 414, 118 1,007,750,873 22.68 4,273,574,149
984,991,823 5, 258, 565, 972 18.73 4,59,605, 230 49,340,883
308,510,650
1935_~.___________ •___~___
83 4, 460, 066, 270 1,102,225,RP6 24.'71 4, 2IJ, 95.5,436 I, 013, 702, 525 5,287,657,961 19.17 411,901. 270 49,603,M2 314, 308,414
1936_____________ ••___ • ___
79 4, 536. 600, 007 1, 187,400.944- 26.18 4, 3G5, 034., '626 971,773,400 5, 276, 807, 72& 18.42 386, 450, 880 47,259,881 346,625, 791
1937 ,___~_____________ . __
73 4,674,627,528 1,261,070.772 26.98 4,275,062,632 939,852, 080 5,214,914,712 18.02 389,869,290 38,376, !)to 350, 1163, 890
19'38_________________ . __ 4_
73 4,783, 082, 079 1,316, 367, 516 27.52 4,284, 792, 921 1,031,567, 735 5,316,360,6.56 19.40 362,922,201 38,933,819 338,175, S41
Miles of wire B
Year
Loeal-service Toll-service Operating Operating Operating Operating Net operat-
Net income
revenues revenues revenues expense ratta
tax., iug income
Cable Aerial Tots!
Percent
1926________ . _____________
$598,352,797 $261,547,874 $879,503, 186 $589, 236, 728 67_ 00 $7::1,293,571 $211,596,266 $247,371,069 49,493, 901 4,944,238 54,438,139
1927 ___ • _____ . ___________
639,452, tOO 286, 628, 340 948, 205, 721 637,159,692 67. ZO 79,493,783 225,828,392 314, 2(}1, 683 55, 323, 855 5,(}90,946 00,414,801
1~._____________________
680,667,029 325, 790, 281 1,032,113,717 690, 998, 145 66.95 84,838,233 249,835, 341 308, 61B, 856 60,556, 041 5,269,692 65,825,733
1929__________ • ___________
730,089,175 372, 718,~61, 132, 732, 200 766, 062, 199 67.63 87,126,337 272, 177, 500 346, 388, 980 67,975,087 5,675,618 73,650,705
1930.4'___ ' __~___ . ______ ._
165,752,625 367,594. %.'\ l,Hill,4.47,2A3 SOa, 857,137 "'.W 89,759,879 2@,580,358 341, 126, 045 74,676,564 5,846,637 BO. 523, 201
193L__.~____ ._.__~.______
758,395,087 34<1,984,781 1, 136, 464. 163 768,117,829 67_ 59 93,948,255 265,276,505 347,649,908 78,645,817 5,643,127
84,288,944
1932_________________
----
iOl, 200, 352 278,852, 510 1,010, 513, 593 689, 776, 938 68.26 89,602, 772 217,903,208 289, ()2(},387 SO, 4.79, 859 5,388,24.9 85,868,103
1W3~_________ .._, _______
642,930,92" zao, 909, 943 932,787,485 666,427,361 7l. 44
87,836,849 178,422,173 266, 745, 812 71,706,9J3 4,495,919
82,202,832
1934 __ ._._________________
633, 509, 683 266, 284, 006 944, 172, 583 665, 188, 994 70.45 92,530,845 f86,364, 115 251,383,631 77,653,905 4,423,711
82, 077, 616
1935______________________
667,626,265 281, 689, 597 99(\,6.10,5ns 702, 091, M3 7{l.4.5 98,917,4.00 196, 5M, oKl6 218,212,728 78,087,848 4,339,261 82,427,109
1936____ • ______________ . __
706,406,478 318,149,537 1,075,902,427 721,514,563 67.06 121,260,531 233, OBO, 771 302,403,616 78,888,064 4,300,464 83,188,528
1931 1__ • _____ ------- ----- i47, 151.241 334,428,318 1,137,279,373 773, 954, 020 68.05 142,067,080 221,258,433 363,582, 760 81,123,993 4,.321,733
85,455, 726
1938.____________________ .
757,841,542 324,344,687 1,139, 7'J1, IllS 783,964,418 68.78 151,692, 583 204, 052, 989 323,489,437 83,101,869 4,293,374
87,395,243
See· footnotes -at end of table:
TABLE IV.-Selected data ,howing tM de"elop1M1lt through. the year8 1986 to 1938, inclusive. of claS8 A telephone carriers which reported Jor
the year 1938-Continued
Telephones
Average number of calls
Number of
Average
MUesofpo}e
originated pet month
employees Total COlD·
oompenss--
y"",
110, at close
J)6nsatlon
tion par
emploYee
Company Service Private Une Total Lo<aI Toll
of year
per annum
1926•••••_____ ••__________ •_______
614, 419 13, 963,380 340,195 68,347 14.371,922 2, Olij, 708, 881 76,236,937 322,626
l:l
---~-_..'-..
1927. ____•••••___ •••___ ._••___ • ___
53,736 14, 7fU, 424 3M, 129 75,481 :15,191,034 2, 073, 997, 8M 82,639,153 327,839
---._..._---
1928_••_••______ • __._••_._~_••_. __
551,967 15, M9, 748 363,134 8Z, 116 16, 035,1i98 2, UH, 900, 849 00.656,284 350,OOS
f)
---~..__....
1929_ ••__ • ___ ._.___ •___ ••_~_____ ._
576, 989 16, 5ZJ, 871 361,178 93,541 16,978,590 2, 354, 593, 215 98, 532, 631387,~
(:~
._-~._..----
1930______•••_. ___________~_______
585,927 HI, 645, 729 347,715 95,397 17.088,841 2,3..';5, 187, 583 88,91\7,215 346,312
---~--_.-.-.
1931_. __ •______ •_______••••____ ._.
592.699 16, 3M, 030 338, 259 99,495 16,7\11.784 2, 312, 053, 095 82,070,752 314,727 ('j---~--_.__.-
1932________ •••_____ • __ • ___ • ______
686,003 14,592, 210 298,887 88,505 14,91'9,002 2, 163, 67i, 876
66.:J:473
284,450
(.)
---~··ii:382
U!33 1.______ •••__ ._.____..._____-....
613,411 13,913,18.'\ 286,4:l2 93,634 14,293,251 I, 996, 900, 490 50, ,139 2&7,129 $369,130,~
19M_. __ •______ • __ ••______~__ ._••_
510, 048 14,230,124 28.1, 070 06,829 14,618,023 2, 047, 545, 412 62,421.097 267,674 385,755,421
1,441
1935__ •••__ .•••______ ._.__~___ • ___
....,oso 14,726, 245 287,995 97,625 15, Ill,865 2, 136. 383, 682 6-1,749,630
264,873 401,849,306 1,517
1936._.____ • __ •____ ••_____~••_____
497,292 15,663,180 2llO, 908
83, ""
16,037,622 2, 200, 569, 41» 72.616, 128
280,ll85 433, 066, 028 I,MI
ID3'11___ ._••____ • __ • ____._.__ ••••_
496,378 16, 608, 048 288,750 84,007 16.981,705 2, 429, 225, 217 73,947,702 294,821 488,423,528
1,657
1938_. _•••_____ ••• _____ ._.__ ••••__
m,531 17,061,520 287,363 82, 470 17,4:l1,353 2, 483, 731, 922 72,857,647 285,550 501, 504, 752
1,756
1 Includes, for the entire period, carriers consoIldated andm~rgedin prior years fOr
which annual report data are avalla.ble. Intercorporate duplications bave not boon
excluded.
2 In comparing data. in this table, consideration msy be given to the minor effect of the
revlslons of the uniform system of accounts, first revised issue, and the issue of June 19,
1935. as amended, resulting In certain changes in and rearrangements of both thebalan~
shEl€St and the income stat(jment.
I The doorease reflected in data shown for thG year 1933 Is due mainly to the fact that
prior to that year the total or wire jointly owned with other companies was included
whereas from 1003 on only the respondent's portion of jointly owned wire W88lnclUded~
6 Data not reported.
NOTll.-Class A telephone carriers sre those carriers having average annual operating
revenues exceeding: $100,000.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 119
Radiotelephone service.-There are shown in Table V statistical data concerning
radiotelephone service during the year 1938. This information was obtained
from the annual reports received from the six telephone carriers that hold licenses
1;0 operate radiotelephone facilities. A total of 65,766 radiotelephone calIs were
handled during the ycar with gross revenues as follows: (n)Land~linecharges
(continental United Stiltes), $103,069, and (b) radio-link charges (respondent's
portion), $997,007. In additioD
t
$37,185 and $13)53 were received from foreign
program transmission service Wla foreign private-line service, respectively, during
the year.
TABLE V.-Radiotelephcme service reported by telephone carrierlJ 1
[year ended Dec. 3J, 1D38J
OrO&'! revenues
Class of service
Nnmberof
cbargeable
""",,
Land·Une Radio-Jlnk
charges- charges-
continental respondents'
United StaWS portion
A. Calls between fixed stations:
1. In Ov('rsellS srrvlce:
Bermuda and trans·Atlantic. 4 ••__.~~_.__~a5.934 $4.2,&76 $1M,661
Centralaud Sonth American andCaribbean~4__9,622 27,370 IH.41ft.
6~h::~~:~~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: .__.__..~~_'.4_'._~~~~_.~.4.__4~~~~
TotaL _'_._' '_••' '. 4._ ..•_. __'.4_~'._61,389 97,098 IM3,470
2. In other than overseas service:
IntrastaU'.. Interstate, tntr&territ<lry, and Intr&--
~:E~:~~;:·:::~~~~~~:~~~:~~::~~~~:::~=:~~::::::::::=::::::::::::::=::::::~::~::::::::::::
TOtllL
4
• ._. _•.._._4 •••._.~__ • _.4._.~_~_~_~_. __~•• __~~• •__ •__
Total ealLs between fiJ:ed statloDS._._._•.••.__ 61,389 97,098 943,470
B. Calls in mobile service:
1. In ship telepbone service through land etatlons
located on:
Atlantic aod Gnlf of Mexico coasts:
Dispatching service..•_..•...•._•. _•.._..... 866 2: 641.
P8C1~~b~~vice_4..•__ 4••_•••_.•._.••4•••_.••_ 9,497 4. 006 46, 720
DispatchJng servioo.•••_. •._••_••..
4
••__ 69 •••.•.•_._ .•~_40
Other SCl'vioo._ •..~_._~•._~••_~• ._ 30m 1,933 $.136
Great Lakes and Inland waterways:
8:fFe~t:c~~~.~~i~:::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::
Other land points:
8~h~~~~~~~I~::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::
2. In othert~~~tifp·teiepiion(lseivice.':::::::::::::::~_~__._~~~~:?__.~_~~~~__.~_~~~.~~~
TotalcaIlslnmoblJeservice•. 4 ••••_4••• _ ••__~14,377 6,971 63,687
Total calls In fixed and mobile servlce..~..•••. G4 766 1m. 069 991. OOT
Revenues frolD: foreIgn f:i,gTam ttammission service••.•_~••~_.••~••_._ ••_.~•."._•._._•••_~_._.~__$37,18~
Revenues~md0!Dest f.progra~transmissIon serviee••.•••_._ •.•••••_•.•.•.•••4~.__~__••••_~_~~__~.~
~venuesIn prlVate IDe servlCe-torelgn._._._.••_._ •._. ••• __ •.~••_.~.~•••.•__._~~~4..'.'." 13,161
~
Veesels with radiotelephone service:
~~:~~~~~:t~-S:::~~_'vesseis:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::84~
Total vesse)s.._.~~.__ ..__ •••.__•.••~.~••_.~._•• •__ .•_.•_._•...• ._••.•••• 4 ••• _ ••4 ••••_.
I Six telephone oarders ofter radlotelepbone service.
120 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
lI-fembership dues and contributions.-Data compiled from the annual reports
filed by all telephone carriers reporting to the Commission for the year 1938 with
reference to membership dues and contributions paid to noncommercial organi 
zations are shown in the following statement. Approximately 75 percent of the
total was expended in connection ·with boards of trade, chambers of commerce,
and other businessmen'$ organizations.
Number
Item
:Boards of trade, chambers of commerce, a.nd other businessmen's
organlzations _
Social, athletic, and otber clubs___________ _ _
ASSOCiations of telephone compames __ _ _
ProfeSSIOnal and SCICntific orgamzatlOns_ __
Othcr orgamzatlons. _
TotaL~_~••••_. • • • _
Organiza- Member-
t10ns ships
4,. 7201
'92
96
279
133
5,
624
1
Amount
Names and selected statistics of telegraph carriers.-Thc names of the 15 wire 
telegraph and 19 radio-telegraph carriers that filed annual reports for the year
1938 are given in table VI. :Fina,ncial and operating data pertaining to these
carriers are shown in table VII. Hearst Radio, Inc., discontinued radiotelegraph
operations as of December 31, 1937. The Northern Telegraph Co. discontinued
filing annual reports with the Commission in 1938, as it was notified that, under
the provisions of section 2 (b) (2) of the Communications Act of 1934, it was
subject only to sections 201-5 of the act.
TABLE VI.-List of wire-telegraph and radio-telegraph carriers reporting on an annual
basis to the Commission for year 1938
------- ..._--- ------
Name of carrier
All America Cables and Radio, Inc.' , _
Canadian Pacific Ry. Co.. , __ . _
Central Idaho Telegraph & Telephone Co _
Centml Radio Tt'leg-raph Co _
City of Seattle, Harbor Department _
Colorado & Wyoming Telegraph Co _
Commprcial Cable Co... _
Commercial Pacific Cable Co . _
Continental1'clegraph Co _
French Telegraph Cable Co _
Globe \Vireless Ltd .. . _
Grt'at North Western Telegraph Co. of Canada
Interstate Telephone & Telegraph Co. _
Mackay Hadio & Telegraph 00. (Cali!ornia) _
MackRI; Radio & Tcleb'Taph Co. (Delaware) _
~~~~~aT~ic~~~~r8g~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~=====~========:~:~:=~
Michigan Wireless Telegraph Co. _
Minnesota & Manitoba. R. R _
Mountain Telegraph Co _
Olympic Radio Co ., _
Pere Marquette Radio Corporation. _
Postal Telegl'aph-Cable Co. (land-line system) _
Prt'-SS Wirelpss, Inc .________ _ _
R. C. A. Communications, Inc _
Radiomlrine Corporation of America _
South Porto Rico Sugar Co. (of Puerto Rico)
Southern Radio Corporation 2._ . _
'l'jdewater Wireless Telegraph Co. _
Tropical Radio Telegraph Co _
United States-Liberia Radio Corporation _
Wabash HadlO CorporatIOn _
'Ve..<;tern RadIO Telegraph Co__ _ _
Western Union Telegraph 00 _
I Formerly AlI America Cables, Inc.
t United States operations C%Sed May 31,1938.
Type of carrier
Ocean cable and radiotelegraph.
Land-line telegraph,
Do.
Radiotelegraph.
Do.
Land-line telegraph.
Ocean cable.
Do.
Land-line telegraph.
Ocean cable.
Radiotelegraph.
Land-line tekgmph.
Do.
Radiotclt'grnph.
Do.
Do.
Ocean cable.
Radiotelegraph.
Land-Une telegraph_
Do
Hadiotelegrapb.
Do.
Land-linetel~raph.
Radlotelegrapb.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
D~
Do.
Do.
Land-line telegraph and ocean cable.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
121
TABLE VII.-Statist2'cs o/wire-telegraph and radio-telegraph carriers reporting on an
annual basis to the Commission, classified by kinds of carriers
[Year ended Dec, 31, 1938]
Telegraph Cable car-
I
Radiotele-
Total car-
No. Item graph car-
carriers riers
riers I
riers
Number of carriers __________
'10
,
19
"
1 Investment in plant and equlpmenL ______ $416,948, 185 $88,301,547 $32. 593, 840 $537, 843, 572
2
Other InveBtments___________________ . _____
19, 26i, 851 33,761,894 10,131,495 63,155,240
3
Cash ____ . ____ . ____________________________
9,240,656 5,534, IlS 1,656,392 16,431,166
•
Material and supplies_____________________
7,637,285 1,171,170 833,765 9,542,220
5
Total current assets___________________ •____
29,992,623 29,643,680 6, Il8, 768 65,755,071
6
CapItal stock______________ . _______________
104,704,053 52,675,831 7,809,957 165, 189, 841
7
Unmatured funded debt___________________
89,218,000 20,000,000 1,808, 210 llJ,026,210
6
Total long-term debL________________~____
146,151,505 20,270,000 11,608,873 178, 030, 378
9
'I'axes accrued _________ . _. _________________
4, 808, 041 491,200 459,712 5,759,019
10 Unmatured interest, dividends, and rents
accrued. ________ . _____
------------------
1,331, 892 92,636 1,677 1,426,20S
11
Total current Iiahilitie:L __________________
36,912,271 10, 0li8, 043 5,357,8,19 52,338,153
12 Reserve (or accrued depreciation_________ 93,830,879 55,322,866 17,398,834 166,552,579
13
Total corporate surplus________ ._ 57,104,634
7,002,350 3,087,102 67,194,086
Telegraph operating revenues:
14
Transmission-telegrapb______________ . _
97,564,514 4, Il6, 634 101,681, 148
15
Transmission-cable_________. __________
6,196, 212 10,331,970 5,267,713 21,795,895
16
N ontransmission _____________ •________
10, 5Il, 533 Il5,120 977,536 Il,604, 189
17
Contract-Dr__________________________
1,430,886 1,430,886
18
Total operating revenues____________
lI2, 841, 373 10,447,090 10,361,883 133, 650, 346
Teleg-rapb operatinp; expenses:
19 Depreciation and extraordinary depre-
ciation _______ "_________________
10,114,721 880,353 1,418,717 12,413,791
20
All other maintenance____~___ . ________
14,493,267 1,842,898 576,096 16,912,261
21
Conducting operations_________________
72,787,518 4,777, 344 5,581,962 83,146,824
22
Relief department and pensions _______ 2,649,487 550,630 67,265 3,267,382
23
All other gencraL_______._~__
2, 617, 403 001),563 1,210,122 4,337,088
24
Total operating expenses____________
102,662,396 8,560,788 18,850,998 3 120,074, 182
25
Operating ratio (percent) _________
90.98 81.94 85_ 42 30.84
26 Other operating revenues__ $523,567 $523,567
Z7 Other operating expenses___ 606,260 606,260
Operating taxes:
26 Other than U. S. Government $6, 010, 810 $358, 477 248,791 6, 618, 078
29
U. S. Oovernment" ________ 002,777 136,365 298,451 1,337,593
30
Total operating taxes________________
6,913,587 494, 842 547,242 7,955, 671
31
Operatin~income_______________________
2,873,113 1,375,160 861,468 5,109,741
32
Dividend ineomo_____________
---~-------
1,045, 208 310,837 28,686 1,384,931
33
Interest income_. _____ . __________~______~__
426.216 98, 829 60,371 585,416
34
Other nonoperating ineome__~____________
145,503 74,225 144,079 3fi3,807
35
Interest on fundPd debt. _______________
4,143,377 800.000 51,675 4,995,052
36
Other interest deductions._____________
2,858,889 140,218 559,579 3,558,686
37
Other deductions ________________
3,180,065 649,928 229,202 4,0.'19,195
36
Net income___________________
-----------
f -5,692, 291 268,905 364,348 4 -5, 169, 038
Dividends declared:
3ll
Commonstoek_~______________________
~------- ---
247,710 294,500 542,210
'"
Rate percent or amount per share__
------------~-------------- -------------- -
..
Preferred stock____________________ . ___
-------------- -------------- -------------
"
Rate percent or amount per share __
------------ -------------
Mfles of wire in cable:
"
Aerial ____________ • ______ •_____________
lI8,778 381
---.---.-.----
119,159
..
Underground________________~_________
333,540 3,416
--------------
336,656
..
Submarine__________~___~_____~___~__
43,309 72. 267 ---------_._-- 115,576
..
Total miles of wlrain cable__________
495,627 675,764
--------------
1571,391
"
Miles of aerIal wire_________~_______ • __~___
1,848,664 8,100
._------------
1,856,854
..
Total miles of wire__ • __ •___________ •
2,344,291 183,954
~-----------
62,428,245
I In comparing data shown in this table with .prior years, consideration should be given to theeffect~of
certain changes in the reporting requirements embodied In a circular letter dated Jan, 4, 1939.
t Includes one telegraph carrier engaged in land-wire and ocean-cable business.
3 Total reflects discount of $3,164. ...
4 Deficit or other reverse item.
I Includes 59,380 nautical miles of wira.
122 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE VII.-Statistic8 of wire-telegraph and radio-telegraph carriers reporting on an
annual basiB to the Commission, classified by kinds of carriers-Continued
Telegraph
oarriers
No. Item
Cable car. I Radiatel&-
rlersgraR~rscar.
----1----1-·-
Total car 
riers
19,200
18,924
867
8,903
g,~
613,193
17
•
"",,388
6,239
122
123
"
21.
263
3,462,972 100,157,091
4,588,511 14,4~5,974
779,581 779,587
,--~--
8,831,070 205, 382, 652
120,638,723 309, 81S, 436
9,737,891 9,737,891
$1,778,140 $101,027,354
6,955,740 21,411,366
835,365 835,365
8,569,245 123,274. 085
3,161 60,572
3,074 65,573
$.'i, 375, 769 $82, 793, 030
$4,663,527 $75,315,9tH
$67,265 $3,267,382
$757,258 $11,237,9IlO
$822,358 $11,398, 204
107
'09
"24'
248
2,021
12'
202,276
5,4\15,548
18,971
18,692
783
8, ....
9,~~I
611,688
17
2
248,347
6,114
10.5,201,038 9,003,802
59,698 3,713
68,936 3,563
$72,841, III $4,570,150
$66, 129,Oi3 $4,523,424
$2,649,487 $5ro,630
$8,032,263 $2,448, 469
$8,034,378 $2,541,468
186,491,843
4,361, D15
83
84
85
Amount of revenuo;
Domestic • . ____ $99,004,805 $244, 409
Foreign__ ._________________________ 6,IU6,233 G,259,393
Mobile ._. _. •• _. ••• • _._. _
Total revenue_. __ ----. _-- _----- _1=;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;I~~;;;;;;;;;;;;,I~~;;;;;;;;;;;;+,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Number of employees:
79 Close ofJune_._~_.._•• •• ••__
80 Close of year ._._._._.__ •• _•••
81 Total compensation for year__ ••• __ .•_~_.__
82 Compensation chargeable to operating
expenses _•• •_. _••• _••••• _••• •I::;;;;;;;;;;;;:;;;"I=;:;;;;;;;;;;:;:;,I~;:;;:;;;;;;;;;;;,+;::;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Pensions:
Relietand pension charges to operating
expenses • _
Balanoo in pension fund at beginning
of year • ..•_. • •
Balance in pension fund at end of yelU'.
40 Miles of pole UDe~._._._
ro Miles of underground conduit (single duct).
Service equipment turnished [roo to cus 
tomers:
Averagenumher:
61 Telegraph printers. _
52 Telegraph printer tie I1nes ••••
63 Morse tie lines .••• _
M Telephones ••••••__ ._. _
66 Telephone tie IInes•• _._. ••
66 Pneumatic tubes. ••• __ ••
67 Call bOx8S. • _
68 Automatic transmitting apparatus.
69 Othor _
Leased wire revenues:
Commercial:
60 Broadcasting ._ $13,896 ••••••••_•• __ •••• .._. $13,800
61 Mlscellan60us_._._. • .__ $907,159 •••_._._.__ $1,562 $908,721
62 Government. __ ••• ._. :F3,061 ••_._. • •• :f'3,OOI
63 Press_ _______________ _1=~$;;6;;<3;;,;;81;;3+,';;';;'';;';;'';;'';;';;'';;'1;';;'';;';;'';;';;'';;';;'';;',;I~=;;IIl43;;;;.;;8;;13
Te)&graph offices:
United States: e
M Independent . __._~,._._•. _._ 6,704 106 6,819
65 JoinL ._______________________ 18,81U 2.'i 18,836
Foreign:
66 Independent ._ .•• _. • • 45 137 30 212
67 Jolnt. ._. •
I
,--_'-1-__ 2 •••• __ ._______ 11
68 Total offices. _. _._._ •••~._•••1===24;;,;;56~81.~~~~';;";;1~===1~6~1~1~=~2;;4,;;87;;;8
Telegraph revenue messages transmitted:
Number of messages;
Domestic • _
Forelgn_._•• _
Mobile. __ • • • _
"
76
77
78
73
"
..
7.
71
72
• Includes terrttorlos and posse.<JSlons or the United State::; except the PhUlpplne Islands and the Canal
Zone.
Development of telegraph indu8try from 1928 to 1938.-Selected data relative to
the wire-telegraph carriers for the years 1926 to 1938, inclusive, are shown in
table VIII, and similar data applicable to radio-telegraph carriers are given in
table IX, One of the larger radiotelegraph carriers included in its gross operating
revenues substantial amounts reported as nontransmission revenues covering
miscellaneous sales, rentals, service fees, etc,
TABLII VIII.-SeZected data lfhowinl1 development through the years 1928 to 1998, inclusive, of wire-telegraph carriers which reported for the
year 1938
1
Capitalization
Ratio of
Num. Investment
Depreciation
deprecla·
Ratio of Total oorpo· Operating Operating Operato-
Y .., berof in plant and
reserve
tiOD to
debt to rate surplus revenues OX,,"""" ing ratio
"""',,'
equipment Invest- Capital Funded Total capl.
total
mont stock debt I talization
capital·
ization
Perccnt Percent Percent
192tL_._. _. __________ "_
15 $393,083,112 $102, 507, 728 20.08 $175,752, 1\0 $117,058,158 $292,810, 268 39.98 $124,227,461 $180,226, Ii80 $145,608,452 80.79
1927••_._~_•• __ •.•.••••
14 412,165,755 108,366,719 26.23 175,922,587 96, 637,000 27:.l, 559, 587 35.46 135,520,299 177,541,362 142,245, 364 80.12
1928.._._ •.._....._.._.
16 42S, 664, 940 113,411,262 26.46 178, 630, 559 97,137,000 275,817,559 35.24 143,570,668 185, 113,182 149,146,646 SO. 57
1929._...__ . __ ..__ ...__
15 441, 184,432 1I7,OHI,933 26.52 178,631,327 97,025,000 275. 65G, 327 35.20 141,365,333 196,380,082 100,291,373 81,62
1930.••______ • ______ ._.
16 48.'i, 7il3, 229 107,943,056 22.22 178, 6:13, 558 132,005,000 310,638,658 42.49 137,737,762 176,628, 107 151,167,961 85.59
193L__ • _____ . __ ..___ ._
14 497,487,506 97,519,319 Ul. (i0 170, 780, 379 128,980,000 299,760,379 43.03 130, M7, 055 148,492,484 129,732, 270 87.37
U132___________________
14 499,673,753 105,950,274 21. 20 170,146,310 ] 27 , 955, 000 298,101,3\0 42.92 108, 168,939 114,983,934 103,182, 383 89.74
1933~_________ • ________
14 500,714, 383 106, 136, 738 21.20 170,265,060 127,916,000 298,181,060 42.90 108, 524, 605 114,296,11l8 96,711,979 84.61
1934.••_._._. _. ___ ." __ .
"
501,417,24,) 106, DOll, 555 21. 14 166, 136, 223 J26, 564, 000 292,700,223 4.1.24 107,055,093 118,994,572 102,758, i73 86.36
1935._____ ••__ . ________
15 500.803.779 105, 603, 802 21.09 H\6, 139, 708 ] 26. 2;17, 036 292; 376, 744 43.18 105, 251, 293 122,153,439 102, 1i:l2, 426 83.94
1936___________________
15 601,666,031 1011,027,495 21.14 166.037,003 114,2W,913 280,337,1:116 40.75 109,560,023 ]32,638,598 109,945, 703 82.89
1937____ • _____ • ___ • ____
15 503,911,684 I 144,922,577 28.76 163,863,756 Ill,161.000 275,02·1. 7561 40.42 68,983,785 135, to:!, 816 117,375,505 sa 62
1938_ ••••••_•••••_••___
I'
505, 249, 732 149,153,745 29.52 157,379,884 109,218,000 1 266, 697, 884 40.97 64, lOG, 984 123, 288, 463 111,223,184 90.21
I Miles of wire
Number 01
Number of
Average
Operating
Total
Divtdends Total com·
compensa-
y"",
Operating
interest Net income
revenue
employees at
tlon per
taxes income
declared messsges
close of June
IJensation
deductions
In cable Aerial wire
transmitted
employee
per annum'
1926_______._._~___ •••••••
$6,963,507 $27,055,956 $3,508.065 $22,004,532 $14,839.005 374,517 1,751,817 i 190,804,004 87,175
('l
_._-_._--.--
1927••••_~__~••••_________
7,O20,5l12 27,672,782 4,779,357 23,184,476 14,343,583 393,310 1,855,710 197,114,180 83,027
~;)
~~_._---_._-
1928.••___ • _______________
6,818,088 28,609,851 4,817,449 24,028.285 15,015,519 417.352 1,9:)9.402 226,090, 133 85,350 ..-..~.._..-
1929____________________ ••
6,058,048 29, b16, 762 4,804,649 25,395,002 22,312,498 453,019 1,952.275 213, 558, 426 95.024 (.) ------......
1930__ • ________._~_•••••~.
5,239,275 19,733,874 7,057,065 13, 2.'i0, 738 23,664,491 471,982 1,954,110 188,776,653 92,658
!:l
------------
193L______ • ___~____ • _____
4, S07, 849 13,829,396 7,452,536 5,518,017 11,6.'>2,325 515,718 l,877,878 148,024, 462 79,519._~._~~._---
1932_____.~___ • ___________
4,417,730 8,6M,01l 7,716,658 8 -2.437.630 4,445.026 526.629 1,853,831 130,404,619 67,089
(.).~_...__.._-
1933.________________~_.~.
4,431,938 12,2H,904 7,789,755 4,033,006 2,800.000 531. 260 1,854,717 147,324,549 64,16.1
(.)
------ii:0061934_____________.~.~~_••_
4,351,890 11,012.044 8,734,576 1,043,058 1,780,742 542.627 1,853, .509 160, 5S3. 221 68,570 $73, 096, 228
1935__ . __ • __~_••_~__ ••••__
4,384,278 14,417,914 8,801,4fi7 4,2~0,i27 4,800,275 546.893 1,8(;0,830 183.640,589 66,122 72,138,256 1,091
1936.••_____ ••_. __________
5,235,630 HI, 80S, 187 8,470,020 6. il14, 305 1,837,157 570.335 1,852,657 200,344,531 69,951 78,449,915 1,121
1937______________________
6,946,765 10,718,477 8,070, fi37 1,293,649 3,082,022 067.711 1,858,127 212,489,845 73,350 85, 190,848 1,161
1938_________ • __~••••_____
7,408,429 4,248,273 7,942,484 6 -5, 423, 386 247,710 5iI,391 1,856, 8M 196, 551,582 63,411 77, 417, 261 1,221
I Includes for the entire perIOd, carrIers consolidated and merged 10 prior YC!\rs for which
annual report data are available. Intercorporate duplications have not heen excludcu..
I Excludes "long-term advances payuble" reported by Postal Telegraph-Cable Co.
(lBnd line system) WI due affiliated compIIDies.
• Includes:rlOOO transferred to depreciation reserve fram II1J'Plus as a temporary
adjustment Bted by revaluation.
t Rcpresonts total compensation {or the year divIded by the number of employees at
the close of June.
6 Dllta not reported.
6 Detlcit or other reverse item,
TABL:m IX.-Sslected data showing development through the years 1928 to 1938, inclusive, ofradiotelegraph carriers which reported Jor the year 1938
......
CapitalizatiQn~
Number of
Investment
TotBI corpo- Operating Operating Operating
~
Year in plant and Ratio of
carriers
equipment Capital Funded Total capi· debt to
rate surplus revenues expenses ratio
'"
stock: debt ta/iza·tiou total capi-
0
talization
i'l
Percent Percent
0
1921L __________________~___________~__~_
•
$15. 809, 630 P)
f)
P) (')
t
$5,484,019 $4,462,796 81,38
'"
1927 ___________~~_~.~______~_____ . __ ._._
•
17,160,127 P) ')
('l
(')
:l
6,013,408 4,977,059 82.77
"'
1928_~_____~____~__________~____________
•
19,426,847 P) P) (' (') 6,853,624 Ii, 212, Z77 76.05
~1929____~,_______________ • ______________
D 21,927,678 $14,875,162 $150,000 $15,025, 162 1.00 $1,162,265 7,431,426 6,634, lI8 89.27
'"
1930_________________ ••________~_____~__
I'
26,181,619 15, 970, 512 151,824 16,122, 336 ... 1,077,713 7,127,071 7,103,550 99.67
1931, __ • ______~_________________________
16 27,883,288 15,982,512 228,163 16, 211, 275 1.41 1-85,890 6,631,415 6,498,657 98.00
'"
1932____________________________________
I'
28,322,246 14,007,512 233,514 14,241,026 1.64 1,091,64S 6,082,007 6,258,158 102.90
'"
1933 ____________________________________
17 28,311,110 6,756,157 204,283 6,960,440 293 4,525,853 6,560,135 6,488,911 98.91
"
1934 _______________~_. ______________ . ___
1D 30,708,155 7,464,857 3,664,000 11,128,857 32.92 4,661,465 7,926,419 7,377,487 93.07
'"
1935_____._~~___________________ .._. ____
19 31,182,737 7,665,757 3,649,457 11,315,214 32.25 2,829,345 8,450,256 8,083,718 95.66
~
1936______________________~_____________
ID 31,004,814 7,694,757 898,127 8, 592,884 10.45 3,189,755 9,384; 233 8,428,685 89.82
1937 _. ______________________________~~._
19 32,254,211 7,784,467 3,519,737 11,304,194 31.14 2,536,077 10,719,708 8,898,611 83.01
1938 3_________________ • __ • _______._~____
19 32,593,840 7,809,957 1,808, 210 9,618,167 18.80 3,087,102 10,361,883 8,850,998 85.42 C
0
~
Number of
Average~
Operating Operating Total interest Dividends revenue
Number of
Total com-
compensa--
c:
Year Net jncome employees at tion per
Ztaxea income deductions declaredm6SS3~S
close of June
peusation
emploYee
transmitted
H
per annum C
,.
"'
1926. _______________________________ • ___ , _____~_*••
P) $1,009,045 P) (') C') 3, 585, 758 1,270 (')
H
------------ 0
1927~__ ._.__________________~____~______ , __________
('l
1,014,604 P) (') (') 3,792,295
1, ""
(')
------_._---
Z1928__ . ___________________._~______________________
(' 1,568,073 (') P) (') 4,364,806 1,583
~')
,~----~~-*--
rn
1929__________~_______________________~_,_____ • ____
$242,779 715,338 $8,622 $87.5,014 $375, lJOO 5,000,492 1,883 ')
------------
1930______~.___ .._________________~_____ , _____ ._.__
185,328 1-6,121 130,695 160,345 5,182,795 2,147 (')
------------
C
1931 __________________________~____________________
181,638 72,207 278,499 9,009
------300;000-
4,922,366 1,838 (')
-.----~~-._-
0
1932______________._~_________________ • ___________ •
158,961 I -289,260 428,012 J -594,371 300,000 4,543,956 1,876 (')
------------~
1933___ . _______________________~______ ._,_____ . ____
245,971 z -128,535 551,259 1-325 526 3,600,000 4,984,539 1,869 (')
~1934____________________________________~__________
274,798 233,720 770,995 J -72>41 300,000 5,083,409 2,362 $3,710,985
------$1;571
H
1935____________________________________~__________
211,181 66,251 795,244 I -9In, 192 1,400,000 6,718,804 2,803 4,163,988 1,4&l rn
lOOlL _______ • ____________ , ______________ • ______ .•__
380,596 513,447 702,391 199,113 542,637 7,969,971 2,984 4,499,570 1,508
rn
H
1937___ ••_______________________________ , __________
639,765 1,132,005 680,058 1,245,596 1,399,792 9,545,943 3,116 5,f33,645 1,648
~
19383. ___________________ ,.___~_________~_~.__ • ____
547,242 861,468 611,254 2M,348 294,500 8,831,070 3,161 5,376,769 1,701
J Data not available, as radiotelegrapbtl.~res,in some instances, cannot be segregated
from those applicable to other business actlvities.
J Deficit or other reverse item.
.. In comparmg data shown III this table for the year 1938 with prior Years, consideration
should b(l given to the effect of certain changes in the reportingrequir~mentsembodied
in a cirCUlar letter dated Jan. 4, 1939. . ..
, Data not available.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOMMUNICATIONS OOMMISSION 125
Revenue messages handled by telegraph carriers.-A tabulation of data relating
to revenue messages handled by wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers com 
piled from annual reports for the year 1938 is given in table X. The message
data are segregated into the following major groups: (a) Domestic-telegraph;
(b) foreign-cable and radiotelegraph; and (c) mobile-including marine. The
average revenue per message for transmitting "full-rate messages" in the domestic
group during 1938 was $0.54; "full fate ordinary messages" in the foreign group,
$2.18i and "full-rate messages" in the mobile group. $1.31.
-------1--·1---1·-----------------·1---1-----1---1--1-
TABLE X.-Revenue mnaage3 trammitted, showing number of meaaGI183, number of word8, and amount oj revenue., by class", as reported by
wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carrier8
[Year ended Dec. 31, 1938J
10·64
.61
.8'
.f7
.48
.os
.31
.00
.64
.29
.95
1.03
.4S
.06
.19
.63
Aver. Aver-
age sge
- po<
word~~
Message revenue
Amount
Total all carriers
Number
or
m""",,",
Number
Of
words I
RadIotelegraph carrierll
Numbor Amount Number of Number Amount
of of dr of of
messages revenue wor 8 me&lages revenue
Ocean cable carriers I
Number
or
words I
Land-wire telegraph carrIers
Number
or
words J
Class of messages
FOfeoign-cable and tadiotele-
il'spb: l
Commercial messages:
Full·rate urgent messages_ SO,480 5,360 27,248 109,691 7,890 41,429 155,517 8, 13' 39,574 345, 688 21,389 108,2111 $0,81~06
Full-rate ordinary IDes-
429,030 3,31.'5,524 206, 019 386,771
sages_.___.,~____________
2,931,449 201,6.51 4:44,400 2,407,173
171,191 8,6M,146 578, 761 1, 260, 21
,"
~18
ODE urgent m89Sa88S __ ._ 1,661,465 273,218 374,460 1,039,459 166,304 200,229 451,873 6-tJ,772 63,387 3, 152, 797
,..,,..
.... 076 .20 1.26
CD E ordinary messagos__ 14, 773, 067 1,321,012 1,440,761 25,880.391 2, 2M. 378 3, 476,3SS 18, 271, 902 1, 649, OM 1, 723, 58d 58, 925, 360 5, 134. OM 6,640,732 .11 1.20
Domestic-telegraph: 1
Commercial messages:
Full-rate messages_ ____ __.. 85, 260, 616 $46, 697, 000 __ __ __ __ 85, 151i $111, 117 1,131, 783 $607, 360"~_.86,477, 554 $41, 415, 4:77 _
j;~:fe~~~~~===========:========= 18,5~;~16, 5Y::~~=::::====:-~:~~~~:b~~:::==:===::=80[~270,:M ===:======= 18,9~:~~I6,J:;~====--
Night letters " 19,634,232 9, 128, 176 5O,5S8 56, 753 . "__ 240, 703 113,936 ._____ __ 19,925, 493 9,298,865 _
Serial service (sections) _~~___ 8, 556, 657 4, 159,845 ___~.~__682,43G 274, 111 __~_ 9,239,093 4, 434,:;56 __~_~_
Tlmed wire servi<'e ._____ 2, gOO, 840 2,856,408 21,624 19,182 __~_,______2,922,464 2,815,590 ._
Mobile messages (domes-
tichalll)~_488,047 189,381_ 815 931 100,784 21,29{\___________ 688,Ma211,608_~_
Foreign messages (domes-
ti.ehaul). . __ .• __ 5,178,483 3,1l4,1:l:l 686,262 378,720 6,864,145 3,.492,853 _
Money-order messages __~4,003,191 2,551,672 1,973 2,5.5.1 4,005,164 2,654,225 _
Greeting messages _ __ 16,363,169 4,708,112 __ .~__1,878 1,088 __ 3 1 16,365,050 4,709,201 _
Miscellaneous messagos___ __7~610697,746 22,873 12,679~748,483 710,420 . ._
Stock and oommercial news
messagos .__ 4,333,974 4,456,600~__ .______ 4,333,1114 4,466,606 _
U. S. Government messages:
Ordinary messages~___2,682,195 1,233,010 1. 235 2,655 __ 46, 685 17, 915_~. 2,730,715 l,. 253, li80 __ , _
Weatherreports__~4_~__5,942,177 376,877 .____ 503~5,9~3,280376,877~.
Press messagos . . _ _ __ 11,789,424 2,245,618 .__ 10,454 8, 178 _,__________ n9,246 61, lOS~__11,919, 124 2, 314, 904 , ._
Total domestic~~~• 1186,491,843 '99,004, 80S «__ 202,276 244,409 3, 462, 972 1,778, 140 3100,Hi7,091 3101,027,3.54 _
Delened messages___ •__ ._ 20,049,034
1,302,971 1, 484, 770 :2,607,246 4602, lIM 2,:m, 108 I1,1&J, 679 1, 2M,87S 1,146, 284 00,443, {J;58 .,169,804 4,8B8,768 .OS 416
~ttermessages (DLT
and NLT)._____________ 34,969,748 9U,346 1,821, 027 31,292,924 828, 10. 1,967,949
24,472,734 689,444 1,063,603 90,735, 406 2,4ti8, 897 4,852,679 ...
1. "
Greeti~messages (GTG
and LT)__. ___________ 1,097,951 lOS,08(. 8O,54\J 865,338 78,080 tJ8,367
905,827 68, 161 34,086 2, 869, 116 251,327 169,002 .06
.'7
Misoollsnoousmessage3______._~_____ • ___ •.••••• _••_. __________________ • __ ._.___ •
6,521,922 199,029 510, liB 5,521,922 199,029 510,514 ...
U7
Government messages
(Unlted States and foreign)_ 1,643,665 27,885 88,470 4,921,217 117,266 326, 530 3,06.1,726 60,602 189,821 9,628,608 205,763 604,821 .06 ,...
Press messages.•____ . _________ 11,363,548 183,486 448,539 11,482,620 258,574 546, 529 46,677,574 433,156 632,143 69,523,748 925,216 1,627,211
.0'
1.76
MeteorologicaL _______ •_____ • _____ •__________ . _____ ._.__ . __ .__ 3,212 803 237
15,445 1,747 1,393 18,687 ',550 1,630 ... .64
Total foreign•••• __ . _________
88,570,407 4,361,915 6, 196, 233 100,609,306 5, 49S, 548 9,259,393~120, 638, 723 4,588,511 '5,791,163~309,818,43614,445,974 J2J, 246. 789 .m 1.47
= -- =
Mobile-Including marine:
Commercial messages:
Full-ratemessag6ll_. . ._•••• •• • ._••~2,800,04 220,015 288,lH 2,600,040 220,01.') 288,.5] .J] ].31
CDE messages ... • • , . ._ 478,020 60,828 28,990 478,020 66,828 28,900.06.43
Letter messages •• • . • .. .__ 00,803 3,009 6,210 90,803 3,669 6,210 .07 1.69
~\~~f!:~t~Je~=:~::::::::::: :::::::::::: ::::::::::: ::::::::::: ::::::::: :::::::::1,=:i~~~:~g~8~:~~l,~1~~:~:J::~:~1:~~
Government messages:
United States ,_••••.~• •. •__ ••_. •• + 868,526 43,650 28,374 858,526 43,650 28,374.03.65
Pus~%~~ges:::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::: ::::::::::: ::::::::::: ::::::::: :::::::::11t:~1,37~2,H~In:~1,37:2,H~·'·:02t~
Meteorologicalmessages__~.__ . . .• ._•• • • .•~._____189,707 28,945 18,008 189,707 28,945 18,008.00 .62
TotaImobile .__________ ___ •.•__ . • .. .• ._ 89,737,891 '779,587 1835,866 89,737,891 j77P,587 8835,365 .09 1.07
Grand total'__ •. ...•_•• 190,853,758 lOS, 201, 038 _.... 5,697,8249,500,802 . 8, 831, 07 8, 40-1, 668_~_.2OS, 382, 65 123, 100, 508 • .60
I"DomestIc-telegraph" includes international messages (primarily Canadian and
Mexican) transmitted in accordance with carriers' rules governing domestic traffic.
, Data not reported In connection with "domestic" classification.
• The number of messages is not known In conncctlon with unclassified revenues
amounting to $693, included in the total.
~ExclUdes number of words not reported for 5,067 foreign messages.
I ExclUdes$16~,5nrepresenting adjustments in connection with (oreign exchange and
"cable interruption" traffie.
• Includes 3,013, 476 full·rate, 557,392 ODE, 71.850 letter, 135,696 greeting Bnd gift, and
297,000 mlscellanoous words which were elCc!uded from the number 01 such words shown
above for t be reason that the re\-enues derived therefrom were not cllllJSified.
7 Inclu<lcs 251,123 rull·rate, 69,674 ODE, 2,874 letter, 16,962 greeting and gUt, and 29,766
mis<:ellaneous messages which were excluded from the numoor of such messages shown
above for the reason that the revenues derh'ed therefrom were not classifted.
! Includes $-114,383 applicable to the messages and words specified in footnotes 6 and 7
and Dat r-eportad separately for eaeh class.
t InclUdes domestic haul 01 mobile and fONlign messages, shown under "Domestic 
telegraph."
128 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Selected statistics oj telephone and telegraph carriers and controlling companies,
1938.-Selected data compiled from the annual reports received from all tele.
phone, wire-telegraph, and l'ooiotelegraphcarriers for the year 1938 are shown
in table XI. Similar information relative to the controlling companies that
have large interests in carriers engaged in wire or radio communication is given
in table XII. The total investment in plant and equipment of all telephone,
wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers reporting to the Commission for the
year ended December 31, 1938, amounted to $5,268,046,505, and the gross oper 
ating revenues were $1,276,937,519. The total number of employees at the close
of the year was 352,413, and the total amount of salaries and wages paid during
the year was $585,855,645.
TABLE XL-Summary of selected data from annual reports of all telephone,wire~
telegraph, and radiotelegraph car,.iers reporting to the Commission
[Year ended Dec. '31, 19381
Item
Numher of carriers _
Investment in plant and equipment. _
Capital stock , _
lfunded debt _
Depredationre.~ervc< _
6'0ta1 s!Jrplus --- _
perlltmg" revenues .. _
Operating expenses _
Operating taxes:
Other than U. S. Oovernment _
U, S, Oovernment _
Total operatinR taxes _
Net operating income . _
Dividends declared. . _
Mile.'l of wiro " _
Number of employees (Dec. 31) __ +. _
Total compenstltlon lor year _
Wire-tele-
All telephone
graph carriers Radiotele-
(land line graph Total
carriers 1
and ocean carriers *
cable)
92 15 19 126
$4, 730, 202. 933 $5Oii, 249, 732 $32, 593, 840 $S, 268, 046, 505
4,292,434,374 157,379,884 7,809,957 4,457,624,215
1,033,504,535 109,218,000 1,808,210 1, 144, 530, 745
I, 321, 458, 355 149, 153, 745 17,398,834 I, 4&'!, 010, 934
363,4:19,869 64,106,984 3,087,102 4.'30,633,955
1,143,287,173 12.1,288,463 10,361,883 1,276,937,519
786,457,139 lll, 223, 184 8,850,998 906,531,321
107,248,531 6,369,287 248,791 113,866,609
44,863, 490 1,039,142 298,451 46, 201, 083
152, 112, 021 7,408,429 547,242 160,067,692
204,600,908
4,248,
213
1
861,468 209,800,649
338, (ill, 220 247,110. 294,500 339,153,436
87,592,000
2,428,
245
1------------
90,020.245
286,840 62,499 3,074 352.413
503,062,615 77,417,261 5,375,769 585, 855, 645
I Includes data from two earners located outside the contmentallumts of the United StatE's.
, In comparing data shown in thjg table with prior years' data, consideration should be given to theetJect
ofcertain ehanges in the reporting requirements for radlotolegraph carriers embodied In a circular letter dated
Jan. 4, 1939.
TABLE XII,-Summary of selected data from annual reports of holding companies
having large interests in the communications industry
[Year ended Dec, 31, 19381
:_-'----------,----
Item Amount
I $375,267,539
*196,967,466
12,187,885
·8,396,643
145,445,410
378, 675, 998
196. 769, 230
32,934,570
77,564,438
'21, flW, 810
12,323,335
7,194,387
7,407,376
1,222,338
Number of companics ._. 0_. ,•• _. • •__I~~~~~;,;24
Investments in securities:
Affiliated companies:
Communication earriers • ••_. • _
Other companies. . _ _
NonaftiliaUd companies:
Communication carriers._. • _
Other companies. _. . __ . . _
bnfl~ei~~T;t~~~~~~~_c_e_s_~~_~~~i~_~~_~~~~~~~~~~~:~::::========:==========:::::=============
Funded debL . __ . . . _
Advances from affiliated companies. • + _
Total surplus + __ • • _
Dividend and inte.rest income. • ._
Interest charges __ . _ _ ____ _ • _._. _
Net income . • _
Dividends declared •• . • • _
Operating taxes. ._
I Includes forelg-n mvestments amountin!(' to $101,440,071.
2 Ineludes{orei.~ninvestments amountiu'il to $l5,8\1,1,OO7,
I Includes fore[g-n investmcnts-amounting to $1,175,646.
• Includesforei~ninvestments amounting to M37,103. The reduction in this item compared with pfC'ood·
ing year includes $43,101'1,926 due to reorganization of PostalTeJe~raphand Cable Oorporation,
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 129
Stock voted by proxies.-The voting rights of stockholders of all telephone,
wire-telegraph, and radio-telegraph carriers reporting to the Commission for the
year 1938 are shown in table XIII. The table also includes data from holding
companies having large interests in communication carriers. There were 1,066,297
stockholders entitled to 77,082,594 votes, of which 74,020,916 were based on
common stock and 3,061,678 on preferred stock. During the year, 60,163,377
votes were castat meetings for the election of directors of which number 58,950,638
Yotes, or 97.98 percent, represented shares voted by proxy.
TABLE XnI.-Statement showing the voting rights of stockholders in communication
carriers and controlling companies jor the year 1938, and the number of shares
voted by proxy
Company groups
Number of
companies
Number of
stock 
holders
hBving
voting
shares
Number of votes to which all stock 
holders were entitled
Total I Common Preferred
75 692,192 49, om, 750 47,915,958 1,154,801
17 684 164,529 164,520 • _
9 30,932 1,009,420 1,069,420 _
5 829 803,226 80.1,226
17 90 131,912 131,912
24 341,570 25,842,748 23,935,871 1,900,-877
U7 1, 006,2~777,032, liM \74,020,9161 3,001,678
TotaL . •• __
Telephone carriers (class A) _
'felephone carriers (class B) _
'l'elegmph carriers_ . _
Cable carriers . __ . _
~~rj?~~]~~~~~~nci~~ri~~s.-:.-:.-.- .-.-.-.-:.-: ==== =:. 
1---:-::-1-;-;:;:;-;;::+;:;;'=:--;;::-+:==1-----:'-'=:=-=
Company groups
Number of votes to which 30 largest IVotes casta~most
stockholders were entitled~:o~n~rJi~c~to:~r
Total Common PreferredTot~rotes
Shares
voted by
proxy
Telephone carriers (class AL ______________
29,413,183 28,605,736 807,447 40, 477, 420 40, 214, 697
Telephone carriers (class B)_____ • _________
147,366 147,366
------------
172,9·1,3
75,872
'l'elcgra\)h cll-uicrn
-----------~-----_._----
198,3U:! 198,303
-----._----- 584,682 575,2J7
Cable carriers _. ____________ . ______________
587,226 687,226
------------
686,2a7 626,770
Radiotelegraph carriers____________________
131,901 131,001
----683:46.5-
161,661 129,511
Holding companies I~__ • _____~_____ . ____•.
6,961,899 6,278,434 18,080,434
17,328, 561
TotaL __ • _____~________• ___~_______
37,439,878 35, 948, 966 1,490,912 60,163, 377
58, 950, 638
I Represents companies baving luge interests in communication carriers.
Statistical averages and ratios relating to telephone and wire-telegraph carriers. 
The averages and ratios shown in table XIV relate to the data compiled from the
annual reports filed by all telephone and wire-telegraph carriers for the year 1938.
The average investment in telephone plant, less depreciation, per compa.ny
telephone at the close of 1938 was $203.02; the average amounts of local revenue
and toll revenue per company telephone for the year were $43.43 and $18.58,
respectively, The ratio of depreciation and amortization expenses to investment
in telephone plant of telephone carriers was 3.5 percent, whereas the ratio of
depreciation and extraordinary depreciation to investment in plant and equipment
of wire-telegraph ca.rriers wa.s 2,18 percent. The operating ratio of telephone
carriers and that of wire-telegraph carriers were 68.79 percent and 00.21 percent.
respectively.
130 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE XIV.-Averages and ratiQ8 01 selected data 01 all telephone and wire-telegraph
carrier8 1
[Year ended Dec. 31,1938)
Item
TELjC,PHONE CA.RRJEllS I
Investment in telephone plant:
i:::~~':iePho-ne~::=::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
R
er company telephone Oess depreciation)~_••••••• _•••_. .•_. __ ••.••• •
at!o of operating revenU08 to investment in telephone p18Dt. •••.••percent__
RatIO ofde~reciatlonreserve to investment in telephone plant..••_•••••••••percent._
~~:l~ft'~a:;rce~er:::~::ses~:1:?leR~~ne_.""" _.....-- ---.-.....-...-. --.".---- -__ A -_ ••
RF~~:r~~~~~=g::::l!Egg~:~~::::~:~:~~:=::~:::~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~:~:~~
D
tlO 0la0P,eratlllg expense5 to operating revenues_ •••••••• _.~_._._.._._ ...__ percent-_
eprec t on and amortization expenses:
:!lt~oto lnvest!?ent In telephone plant..__ ._. • •.•••••••. .. perooot __
npe~t~~:~E~;:l~~~~~~:~~~~:::~~~-..--_.:--.~..~'..:.~.:-:.::::-.:::-:~:::::::::::~:~:~~::
Ratio to investment In telephone plant ._._._•••••••••••_._ ..._.peroont_.
Net~~~:i~~y~:~::revenues_ -.--- ,- ----.--•• -•...•.-.•-•••••••.•.•_•••••••••percenL
Ratio to Investment In telephone plant • ._._•••••••.••••••• .,.__ percent..
RatIo to operatlng revenues ._. ._ •.•_. _. ._._. ._•••••_percent••
Wire mileage:
~:~~~:e~rral~f:~.l~~:::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.::::::::::::
Oalls originated per telephone Per month: S -
LocaL •••••_•••••_._ •.•_._._•.•. •••.••••• _._. ._ •.•••.• ._•• ...... _
ToIL . •.•••• • . __ . ._ •••••..• _._. •••.••••• ._. ._.__ • _
Employees at close or year, percent or total:
Male_._ ••••.__ . ._. ..•.•_•••••.. .,••••••• ._._._••••••__ ._.__ ••••••__. _
Felnale ._. • . . ._._._.__. __ ._••••• .•••_•••• . •••
Average compensation per employee per annum_. •.• • ..._._ .•• _
com~ensatloncharjtooble to oPerating expenses;
R:~i~~~~g:~:n~:~~~:~~:~.-_~~~'.-_-::_-:"-.._-__:__::_~~:::::::::::::::::::::::~:~=t:
WIRE.TELEGRAPH CA..&RlER3 I
(Land JIneand ocean cable)
Investment In plant and equipment:
Per mile of wire. • . ••.••__ .•__ •• , • •__ •__ •.••• _
Ratio of operatin!!" revenues to Investment In plant and equlpment__ ••• percent __
Ratio of reserve for accrued depreciation to Investment in plant and equipment
percent._
Ratio of operating expenses to operating revenues_ ••• ••••••.• ._P6rcenL_
Depreciation and extraordInary deprecIation:
Ratio to investment In plant and equipment__ ._ ••• ._ •••_. •••__ percent._
Ratio to operating revenues .•• .._••.••• ••• _. " •• _percent-.
Ratio to operating expenses . _•• • w. ••• _••••• ._ •• percent__
Operating taxes:
Ratio to investment In plant and equipment. ••.• _._._ •••••_. •• __ percent._
Ratio to operating revenues__ .. _. ._. ._. ..••••••• _. __ •• _•__ pereent..
Opernting income:
Ratio to Investment in plant and equipment. •__ ... ••••••_. ._.percent..
Ratio to operating revenues_. ••• ._ , .••__ ._. _. _._. _._ .•.••••_. _. • __ vercent_.
Wire mileage:
Percent wire In cable •__ .._. .••... •..• ._._•••••_. ••• _._ ••.__ •• __ .• __ ._
Percent aerial wire..__ ,,_, ..• _+ •• • _ •• • ._ ._••• _ ..._ ••• _. _
Average compensation per employee per annum. •. ._•._.• . ••• • __
Compensation chargeable to operating expenses:
Ratfo to operoting revenullS . +." • __ • _ • __ • _. __ • __ •• vercent..
Ratio to operating expenses__ ._. _.•• ••• ow •••_._•• _ •••••• ._.percent••
Amount
$54.16
$280.11
$'Z03.02
23."
27.52
$43.43
$IB. 68
$65.31
$44.93
68.711
3.60
14.67
21.33
3.17
13.31
'.27
17.90
".M
....
145.t3
4.27
38.86
61.14
4 $1,154.:J6
37.54
64.58
$208.07
2U)
29.112
00.21
2.18
8.92
9.811
1.47
6.01
.S<
3.45
23."
76.47
l $1,238.70
67.31
63.52
I For basic dataunderlyin~the computations in this table, see tables II and VII.
SData for 2 carriers located outside thecontinentallimit~of the United States not Included.
I Oompany and service telephone datil. _
~Represents totlll compensation for the year divided by.thenumber or employees as of the close of the year.
I Excludes radiotelegraph carriers.
Analysis 01 operating data pertaining to commun-ication car1'ier8.-There is shown
in chart 3, which follows
l
an analysis of the operating revenues, operating expenses,
and net operating income of the telephone, wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph
carriers reporting for the year 1938. The data were compiled principally from the
annual reports, but include also figures for 42 telephone carriers that are subject
only to the provisions of sections 201-5 of the act. These carriers file monthly
reports of revenues
l
expenses, a.nd capitalchang~svoluntarily for statistical
purposes, but do not file annual reports with the Commission.
CHART :s
OPERATING REYENUES, OPERATING EXPEt'SES, AND NET OPERATING INCOME FOR THE VEAR 1'38
OF ALL COMMUNICATION CARRIER':> REPOP.TIKG TO THE FE\)£.RA\. COMMUNiCATION$ c.OMM1$S'OK
!
(
,-
oPERATING OPE.RATING NET OPERAJIN.G
\
: REVENUES EXPENSES INCOME
\
; ''''-BELL SySTEM CARI\IERS $L080,667,248 $744,943,391 $190,564,2SZ
"
\--'--OlHER \'HAN BEll SYSTEM CAR\l..\E.PS
\.
\
87,440,8:32- 57.059,Z25 20,44&,224
\,
"',
All TELEPHONE CARRIERS 1,168,108.080 802,002,616 211,010,501
,
'---·--·W1RE-TElEGRAPH CARRIERS 122,93!5, 91:3 111,267,595 4,255,615
-"-----••---.RADIOTELEGRAPH CARRIERS 10,34;3,401 8,850,'198 861,468
All TELEGRAPH CARRIERS 1:33,278,:314- 120,118,591 5,117,083
ALL RE PORTING CARRIERS 1,301,386,394 nZ,12.1,2.07 ZiG, 1Z7.5CJO
132 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
The gross operating revenues during 1938 of all reporting carriers were
$1,301,386,394, of which $1,168,108,080, or 89.7& pel'cent, were reported by 134:
telephone carriers :filing annual or monthly reports; $122,935,913, or 9.45 percent,
were reported by 16 wire-telegraph carriers; and $10,342,401, or 0.79 percent, were
reported by 19 radiotelegraph carriers during 1938.
The "uncollectible operating revenues" under the uniform system of accounts
prescribed for telephone carriers are deducted from the gross operating revenues
before the latter amount is transferred to the income statement; while under the
provisions of the uniforlo system of accounts prescribed for telegraph carriers the
"uncollectible operating revenues" are deducted subsequently from the "net
telegraph and cable operating revenues" in the income statement. The operating
revenues of wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers, however, have been ad 
justed in chart 3 by the exclusion of the /luncollectible operating revenues" (which
amounted to $428,230 during 1938) in order to make the figures comparable with
those of the telephone carriers.
Distribution of operating revenues 0/ communication carriers.-The distribution
on a percentage basis of the operating revenues of class A telephone carriers and
aU wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers reporting during 1938 indicating
the principal groups of operating expense accounts, operating taxes
1
other deduc 
tions, and the net operating income, is shown in table XV. The aistribution of
each $100 of operating revenues 011 a similar basis is shown in chart 4. These
compilations show the class A telephone carriers paid 13.3 percent of their oper 
ating revenues for taxes, whereas wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers paid
6.0 percent during the year.
TABJ,E XV.-Distribution of operating revenues showing operating expenses, operat 
ing taxes, and other dedzwtions, and net opp.rating income of class A telephone,
wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers
[Year ended Dee. 31, 19381
Percent of
Amount operating
revenues
$1,139,737,155 100.0
219, 108, 613 19.2
167,210.503 14.7
170,153. Wi 14.9
89,962,682 7.9
64,393,023 5.7
20,554,071 1.8
52,582,320
'.6
783,964, 478 68.8
106,977,890 9.•
44,714,693 3.•
161,692,583 13.3
27,105
0'
204, Ori2, 989 17.9
133,660,346 10IlU
12, 413, 791 9.3
16,912,261 12.7
83,146,824 62.2
3,267,382
2.'
4,337,088 3.2
120,074,182 89.8
6,618,078 5.U
1,337,593 1.0
7,955,671 6.0
510,752 .4
5,109,741 3.8
Item
TELEPlIONE CARRIERS
Operating revenues ••~.• ••••• • _
Operating expenses:
Maintenanoo _
Depreciation and amortization _
Traffic__ _ _
CommerciaL _____ ___ ___ _ • _
General office salaries and expenses-- _
Relief and pensions _
All other _
opera~~:~=~atingexpenses~_··········~•I=~~~~~~I~~~~;;;
Other than U. S. GovernmenL. • •••• •. _
U. S. Government .•~• _
Total operating taxes_ - -- -----••••-•••••~••-- ---- --- --- •- ---- ---- -- --1=~~"'=~~=I~~=;c~;;;
Other deductions before net operating incomo. _
Net operating incomo • • • .
WIRE-TELEGRAPH AND RADIOTELEGRAPH CARRIEflS2
Operating revenne5-_. __~_. •~_. _
Operatinll: expenses:
Depreciation •••••• _
Ali other maintenance • •. _
Conducting operations.~.~_
~~I~fh~~Pga:~~:L~:~_~~_e_~~i:_~~-_~==~~==~~=~~~~=~~=~~~~~~~~~=~=~~==~==~
I-~~:I-~
Total operatingexpenses~- -- ---•••-•••-•••.••--------.------------ -I~~.;;,;;;;~;;;;~l~~~~;;;;;
Operating taxes.: I"
Other than U. S. Government~• ••_. __
U. S. Government . •~~__ •• I__--,;""""~I--;;:~
Total operating taxes •~••••_.~.__ •I=~~;;;;~:;;;+~~~;;;
Other deductions before operating incomo.__~.•• _
Operating income __ . _
1 Less than ;10 of 1 percent.
I Wire-telegraph carriers comprise land lines and ocean cables.
NOTE.-Olass A telephone carriers are those carriers having average annual operating revenues exceeding
$100,000. Data of 2 carriers 10Cllted outside the continental limits of the United States not included.
REPORT 01<' THE FEDERAL COlVLMU1HCATIONS COMMISSION
DiSTRIBUTION OF EACH HUNDRED DOL.L.ARS OF OPERATING REVENUES
5HOWING OPERATING EXPENSES, OPERATING TAXES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS,
AND NET OPERATING INCOME
TELEPHONE CARRIERS
133
I_I I
... ····QPER...TIHo& [l(PEliSE5·· ··-oPER ...TING TMES···
MAlIIl[NAN4:E OlPI',E" ....TION TAAFflC toMMEIICI"'L SALARIES 5- RELIEF AL.lOTIlER OTIiEIl nlAN 1.1. S-
AND HPEMSU .0,040 0.5. ;onIlNMENT
A~Ollnz"'!IONP1! ..SIONII ;oVEIINMENT
(",",~D._,,,,,,. ""ou~'T...~".."~."'~... not.~o...n _ I•••th~ntOn unto)
Wl~E.-TEL.EGRAPHAND RADIOTEL.EGRAPH CARRIERS
:1:
,
'"
OP£fUlTIMG
INCOME:
OEPRECIATION
&iliUo
OPERATING EXPENSES.. ···-oPERATING TMES···
ALL OlliER CONDIiCTI04G RELIEF AL.L O!NER OTHER Tt\IolI u.s.
I'lAINTEtlANa: OPE:R ...TIONS OEP...IITMUrr GEl'IEl'lAL u. S GO'iERNMEIlT
11 PEl'ISIOIlS GO'iERl'IMEtlI"
OTMt-R OPERATll'IG
DEOlKTIOl'lS INCOME
IIEf'OR[
OPER.INC<»lE
192443--40----10
134 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Tax accruals by Stat8.s.-The operating tax accruals reported by class A tele 
phone ca.rriers for the year 1938 are shown in table XVI. This table indica.tes
that the amount accruing to the Federal Government was $44,714,693, or 29.48
percent; and $106,976,890, or 70.52 percent, to State governments and sub.
divisions thereof, including $27,390,969, or 18.06 percent, to NewYork; $11,382,271,
Of 7;50 percent, to Illinois; and $9,239,481, or 6.09 percent, to California. The
amount of excise taxes collected by telephone carriers from persons using telephone
service is not included in these figures.
TABLE XVI.-Operating tax accruals by States and the Federal Government, ojclasB A
telephone carriers reporting on an annual basis to the Commi8sion
[Year ended Dec. 31, 1938]
---------,----;;;-----------,--
State Amount State Amount
I 106,976,890
44,714, 600;
I 151,691, 5113
Alabama•• •••••_••_. _
Ari.zona • •__ • ••_•._. _.•_•._
Arkansas._••_._ ....__•.••••••_•• _•..
Callfornta. __ .•_•.•••• • .•.•••_.
ColorOOo. __•••.••_•.'_'_'._._"" _..
Connecticut....._•.•_•• _••• _._ ...•._
Delaware_ •..•.••••._•.... __ .•.•_._.
Florida • ._.__ ._ •• _
?de:~~~~~:~~:~:~:~:~~:~::~~::~:::::~:
Illinols_ ._ ••• ._._._._. _
1ndiana . •.••~•.•..
Iowa •__ • • _..•.•_. _
Kansas..._••~__ • ._. _•. _. . _
f~~i~~:t~:::::::~::::::~::::::~~:~
Maine •.• • _
MarYla!)d__~. ._._._••_.• _
Massachusetts ._ •.•._._. _
~l~~~~~a~:~:~:::::::::::~:~~~:~:~~
~i~~s~~r~i~~-.~::~:~::::~::::::::::~:
Mootana • ._. _.• _
NelJraska__ •.•_••••_._ •. ._.
Nevada. _. ._._•••••
New HampshIre__ ••••••__ • _
$609,874
448,234
454, 697
9,329,481
1,039,339
918,881
H3,226
719,152
902,281
304,189
H,3HZ, 271
2,468,641
1, US, 853
1,081,406
816, {j94
1,273,554
434,573
1,638, 004
4,4M,077
3,642,409
I,629,9'JI
619,564
2,282,817
363,404
876,530
177,218
419.076
New Jersey ._._.______________ $1,878,629
New Mexioo•••• _••• .•.•_•.••_ 155,619
New York_.~~~•.••__.. •. 27,390,969
NorthCaro1ina~••••••••__ • .__ __ 1, 014,19~
North Dakota. ..••_.___ 248,441
Ohlo ._. ._'."_._________ "', 9iU. 427
Oklahoma. __ ._ •__ ._._____ __ __ 1,318, 971
Oregoll ._. •.••••_..._ 1, 107, 563
PennsYlvania __ • •• 3, !H5, 780
Rhode lsland~.•_~.._ 315,250
South Caro!JmL • .____________ 495,391
SouthDakota_._~.__ " • . 305,553
Tenness66. .,__ .... ._ 1,178,719
Texas. . • _._ __ 3,295,660
Utah._~__~••• •__ • . 401,075
Vermont.__ • •~_.••• 132, 153
~~~h~~~ion~~::::::::::::::::::::~:~1,~~:~5~
West Virginla ••.• __676.o.~
Wisconsin_.. _.._~. 1,844,040
Wyoming . ._... __ __ 15",352
District of COlumbia_._. I7_0~_'_883_
Totnl oUier than U. S. Gov·
ernment t8xes .~__ .
Total U. S. Government taxes.
Total operating taxes. _
I Excludes $1,000 Canadian taxes.
NOTll:.-Class A telephone carriers are those carriers having average annual operating revenues exceed1Dc
$100.000. Data for 2 carriers located outsIde the contfnento.ilimits or United States not jneluded.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 135
Aggregate amount oj operating ta:t accruals and excise taxes.-An analysis of the
operating: tax accruals and the excise taxes collected from persolls using the com 
munication services of all telephone, wire-telegraph, andradiotele~raphcarriers
reporting to the Commission for the year 1938 is given in table XVII. The prin 
cipal kinds of taxes accruing to the Federal Government are shown separately.
The total amount of taxes, inclUding excise taxes accruing to the Federal Govern 
ment, was $68,152,444, or 36.56 percent; Bnd the amount accruing to other than
the United States Government was $118,241,668, or 63.44 percent.
TABLE'"1XVII.-OperaUng tax accruals and excise taxes collected from persons using
communication service, a8 reported by all telephone, wire-telegraph, and radio 
telegraph carriers which filed annual reports with the Commission
(Year ended Dec. 31, 1938)
Kind of tM:
Telephone
carr!flr9 '
Wire-tele-
graph carriers Radio 
Oand line telegraph
and OC6Bn carrier
cable)
'J'otl\l
Operating taxes:
Othflr than U. S. Government 1$107,071,829 $6, :'169, 281 $248,191 $113,689,007
[--'--[---1
IT. B. Government:
Incolne. __________ 0 ______ '" .,____....._. _. _.
35,835,198 83,421 130,625 36,049,850
Capital stock __ 44.,.,,__._. ____ • ____ ••• ____ ._
2,768,110 81,646 26,821 2,876,677
Social security_4'.0.4.' _'_4. __ ' _'44 ___ ' ______ 5, 875,832 874, 06.5 140,720
6,800,617
Misoollaneou'L. __ . __ •. _. _____________________
36,490
,
28. 36,m
Una.'\Slgned_ ....-._--.-.- -_....._,_. __ ..,.- 245,400
. __ .--_.__ .-
245,400
Total.~.,.O.O___ '._._. 44,761,630 1,039,142 298, Mil 46,099,223
Total operating tales__ 1151,833,459 7,408.429 547,242 159, 789, 130
EXl.'136 taxe;; collected from persons using communi·
cation service:
Other than U. 8. Oo\"ernmenL. __ . ____ . ___ . ____ .
4,461,999 87,237 2,525 4, 551, 761
U. S. Government_
--
.. _.._--.-.. _-- -,,---.-.-- 16,702,659 5, 230, 727 119.835 22,063,221
Total excise taxes collected...___ ...._ 21,164,658 5,317,964 122, 360 26,6Ot, 982
'l'ot81 taxes accounted for during the year:
Other than U. S. Government__ .._... 111,533,828 6,4,56,524 251,316 118, 241, 668
U. S. Government .. _._ .._ _.. ---_ .._ .. - 61,464,289 6,269,869 418,286 68, 152, 4'"
Orand total --.---_ ...... ...-.-.--.-- a 172,998,117 12,726, 393 669,602 186,394,112
1 Data for 2 carriers located outside the continental limits or the United StatM not lncluded.
t Includes $1,000 Canadian l;aX(l5.
Advertising e.xpenses.-The distribution of advertising expenses for the year
1938 of class A telephone carriers and of wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph
carriers is shown in table XVIII. A total of $6,624,562 was spent by class A tele 
phone carriers during the year, of which $3,775,255, or 56.99 percent, was used for
advertising in newspapers and periodicals. The expenditures for advertising
reported by wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers amounted to $589,607
during the year.
136 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE XVIII.-Distribution of advertising expenses of class A telephone carriers
and wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers for the year 1938
Item
CLASS A TELEPHONE CARRIERS
Salaries and wage3 _
Publicity and advertisements:
Newspaper sad poriorlieal advortising:
Advertising space, nowspapors, regular . __ ... _
Special newspaper advertising space and all other periodicals _
Preparation cost __
Total newspaper and periodical advertising _
Booklets, pamphlets, and bill inserts_ _ _
'Vindow display, exhibits, postors, and placards
Motion pictures . _
Other publicity and advertisements:
Genern! press service and special news stori83__ _ _
Lectures, demonstrations, radio, contral offico visits, otc_
Miscollanoous _
'l'otal other publicity and advcrtisements _
Total pUblicity and advertisements
Other expcnsos _
Orand total---elass A telephone earriofS _
WIRE-TELEGRAPH .AND RADIOTELEGR.APU CARRIERS 1
Newspapers __ ._._.~. . _
Periodicals . _
Radio advertising . _
Oontributions and donations charged to advertising _
Advertisin~department, salaries and e:<panses.. . _
All other advertising expenses _
Grand total-wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph car1'iers. 6 __
Amount
$904,014-
$2, lfJO.417
1, 2f16, 801
348,034
3,775,2M
3-11'1.936
172,154
55,659
27.561
1, OfJtl, :{8:!
97,657
-----
1,194,600
-----
5,546,604
1,3,944
6,621, .552
39,528
28,282
lIS, 750
1, {O3
175,897
230, Hi
-----
5S9,607
1 Wire-telegraph carricrs comprise land liuc., and oooan cables.
NOl'E.-Ch~ssA telephonee~rriersare those carriers having average annual operating revenues exceeding
$100,000. Data for 2 carriers located outside the continental limits of the United Statos not inclnded.
Number and compensation of telephone employees.-The number of employees at
the end of the year, classified with respect to character of service rendered and
according to rate of compensation per week, reported by class A telephone carriers
is shown in table XIX and illustrated graphically in chart 5. There were 110,996
male employees as of December 31, 1938, of whom 63,114, or 56.86 percent,
received weekly compensation ranging from $36 to $59.99 per week. There
were 174,554 female employees at the close of the year, of whom 26,369, or 15.10
percent, were in the $15-to-$17.99-per-week class; 56,899, or 32.60 percent, in the
$18-to-$23.99-per-wcek class; and 62,071, or 35.56 percent, in the $24-to-$35.99- 
per-week class.
TABLE XIX.-Number of employees of class A telephone carriers classified with respect to character of service rendered and according to rate of
compensation per week, at Dec. 31, 1938
Number 01 employees classified according to rate 01 compensation per week at close 01 year
Number of emploJ eas at
$12 to $14.991
close 01 yoar
Less than $9 $9 to $11.99 $15 to $17.99 $18 to $23.99 $24 to $35.99 $36 to $59.99 $60 and over
Class of employees
!:l
I
F,-
Male
F,-
Male Female Male Female Male Male Male
F<-
Mal'
F<-
"
Male Female Total Male
mal'
male
Female Female
male male
e
----~--------------
--
-----------------
--
---
--
;'l
General officers and assist- e
ants_______ . _______________
71'
20 739 20
-------
•
-------
7
--------
3
--------
11 14 67 8
'"
12
""
Operating officials and assist-
I
"'
ants_______________________
7,825 440 8,265
------ ------- ------ ------- ------ -------- ------- --------
3 81 98 1,681 306
',060
37
~
Attorneys and right-of·way
agents_____________________
624 2 526 1
------
1 2
,
218 292
'"
Engineers ___________________
5,023 20 5,043
------- ------ ------ --------
3
'"
1,347
----ili-
3,622
-----4
~
DraftsJIIOn, surveyors, and
student engineers__________
2,509 121 2,620
------- ------ -----g-
4
•
29 4 113 15 470 34 1,428 62 465 10 tl
Accountants_________________
1,379 29 1,408 1
---i26-
1 2 1 1 2 1 34
•
370
,
970 2
'"
Clerical employees___________
10,542 42,961 53,503 31 42 206 104 1,283 3111 3,575 697 11,298 1,604 22,9Il 6,432 3,494 1,271 68
~
Local manngers. _____________
2,288 181 2,469 1 7
,
1 25 3 34 33 84 174 25 1,262 1 814
-----2
Commercial agents __________
4,457 128 4,585 2 26 5 35 126 14 134
,
140 21
92'
17 2,696 4 430
Experienced switchboard
Q
operators__________________
163 119,974 120,137 3B 2,662 22 3,232 17 10,084 22 21,209 35 43,685 13 36,850 14 2,116 2 135 e
Operators in training._______
1 3,740 3,747 1 692 800
1,4~
658 142
---r ---391"~
Service itlspectors___________
"
1,801 1,857 1 1 7 112 1, 2M 17 38 2
~
Supervising foremen _________
1,327 2 1,329
-------~------.---- ------- ----
•
42 228 2 1,050
Central office installation q
and maintenance men_____
21,109 30 21,139 3 2
•
3 30 2 252
•
1,4M 18 15,143 3 4,21)1
Z
Line .nd station construe-~
tiOD, installation, and
Q
maintenance men_________
34,336 34,337 48 33 168 247 1,419 4,503 23,950 3,878
P-
Cable and conduit construe-
"'
~
tion and maintenance !lUln. 7,732 7,732 1
--'iwY --239-
---408-
21
----546-
69
----g70-
0«
--i;.535-
1,941
----827-
4,370
---258-
786
-'---i
e
All other employees_._______
11,006 ',098 16,104 514
418 520 948 4,222 3,921 224
Z
---
------~------- -- --------- ------- en
Total employees_______
110,996 174,504 285,MO 661 4,161 350 4,695 861 13,420 1,422 26,369 4,217 56,899 15,647 62,011 63,144 6,659 24,694
230
Q
IlECA.PI1'ULAnON = = = = = = = =
---
= --= =
e
Bell System carriers:~
1<'ull-time empJoyees_____
102,875 155,382 258,257
•
2 106 1,603 662 10,241 1,170 23,371 3,251 53,240 13,599 60,257 60,193 6,402 23,899 26'
~
Part-time employees_____
886 7,982 8,868
J;04 2,886 122 1,609 81 1,500 44
'"
47 862 23 191 42 28 23 1~
OtJ:1er than Bell System car·
en
en
rlers:~
Full-time employees_____
7,143 10,690 17,833 97
'86
118 1,381 11. 1,620 201 2,000
'11
2,839 2,022 1,622 2,908 229 i70 13 e
Part-time employoos_____
92 500 592 54 287 5 102 12 59 7 33 8 18 3 1 1 2 Z
Total class A carriers;
Full-time employees____ .
nO,018 166,072 276,090 103 988 223 2,984 768 11,861 1,371 25,371 4,162 56,079 15,621 61,879 63,101 6,631 24,669 27'
Part-time employees_____
978 8,482 9,460 568 3,173 127 1,711 93 1,559
"
098 63 820 25 192 43 28 25 1
....
"'"
NOTE.-Class A telephone carrIers are those having average annual operating rovenues excooding $l00,{lOQ. Data{or 2 earrierslocated ontside the continental limits of the United
"'"States not included.
....
A
DISTRIBUTION OF MALE AND FEMALE EMPLOYEES OF CLASS A "ELEPHONE CARRIERS ACCORDING TO WEEKLV SALARY RATES~
U6UtlT. n:n CHART 5 ...,..,
REPORT OF THE FF.DERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 139
Number and compensation of telegraph empIQyecs.-·Tbc various classes of employ·
ecB of wire--telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers at the end of June and December
1938, together with the aggregate monthly rates of compensation at the close of
the year, are shown in table XX. The total Dumber of employees in service
decreased from 66,572 on June 30 to 65,573 on December 31, 1938, or a difference
of 999 employees, of whom 912 were employees of wire-telegraph carriers, and
87 were employees of radiotelegraph carriers.
TABLE XX.-Number 01 employees of wiretelegraph and radiotelegraph camera
classi.fied with respect to character af serlfice rendered) together with theaggrega~e
monthly rate oj compensation by classes of employees
lYear ended Doo. 31, 193&1
Wire-telegraph carriers I Radiotelegraph Total
Number 01 Aggre- Number of Aggre- Numberot A.....
employees g.te employees ga', employees gate
OlaM of emp}(lyees monthly monthly monthly
rates 01 rales of rates of
compen-
D,-
comfoen.
Do-
comf:in-
June
Decem- satlon
June
""m-
sat on
June ",",,-
sat on
bor at close
bo,
at close
bor
at close
of year of year of year
General officers and 5tatr____
14'
143 $95,131 101 96
$22, ""
2'" 23. $J18,034
General office clerks_________
1,151 1,142 2H,4fJ8 126 129 ]8, 168 1,277 1,271 232, 626
Other officers Bnd staft______
"6
'"
144,1I65 32
••
14,689
''''
""
1ss.9M
Other o&oon' clerks_••_____
1,717 1,595 25S, 514,
"
71 ..... 1,792 1,'" 264,1lO4
Managcrs______ •____________
,,'68
4,304 603.008 134 132 34.787
',602 4,436 637,795
BoJicltolS______ •____________
'"
''''
76,425 62 OS 10.600 636
608 87,031
Cbl(lr operators. ____________
1,716 1,731 324, 606 141 120 12.237 1,8.57 1,851
33~'"
QPlltatOI1L.______ • __________
16,062 16,253 1,789,700 730
7""
113,755 l rl,792 16,001 1,003,513
Office clerks________________
9,062 9,214 906,744
'"
'00
38,236 9,477 9,614 944.980
Other ottire employees._____
1,396 1,405 ]36, 338 228
22'
24,248 1,624 1,630 160,586
Messengers_________________
20,664 19,660 9i9,296
'04
388 18,587 20,968 20.048 997,882
Testing and regulatlDlt force_ 1,674 1,699 308, HI
".
192 31,865 1,863 I, j91 339,976
Equipmcnt and power men_ 723
'"
115,117 109 104 l.'i,014 832 ... 130,131
Section IinE'mcn and fore-
men of construction and
malntenance______________
1,881 1,936 306,935 81
"
18, 916 1,002 2,015 325, 8.50
Linemen, laborers, team-
sters, etc_____ •_______ ••_._
003 008 99,4;2 SO
"
9,661 Il83 987 109,133
Otbera.~_______ •__ ._.__ . _. __
1,00; OJI 00,610 2M 2M 37,4.27 1,25U 1,186 131,O'U
----------------
66,
572
1
65
,6i3
---
Total__ •______ ••_•____
63,411 62,499 6,454,949 3,161 3,074 430,328 6,885,271
) Wire-telegraph carriers comprise land lines and ocean cables,
Relief and pension statistics,-The data in table XXI pertaining to relief and
pensions have been compiled from the annual reports tiled by class A telephone
carriers and by all wire-telegraph and radIotelegraph carriers for the year 1938.
The gross charges to operating expenses for relief and pensions amounted to
$23,821,453. A portion of these charges, together with interest on funds, was
added to benefit and pension reserves and to pension funds held by trustees.
During the year, 58,213 benefit cases were handled at an expenditure of $8,697,532.
At the end of 1938, the carriers reported that 11,566 persons were receiving pen 
sions and that the amount paid for pensions during the year was $8,140,045.
140 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE XXI.-Summary of relief and pension data oj class A telephone, wire 
telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers
[Year ended Dec. 31, 19381
3
2
566
5
1
583
53
Z3
2
Wire-tele-
Class A tele-
graph
Radlotele-
Item
carriers
graph Total
phone carriers (land line
carriers
and ocean
cable)
Benefits:
Number of cases bandIed during year______ 51,467 6,731 (') 58,21
Amount paid duting yur. ________ ._._.____
$7,mn,847 $68&,4'.» $21,191 $8.m7,5a
Pensions:
Number of eases being paJd at end of yOM. 8,469 3.004 3 11.
Amount paid during year. _________________
$5,957.213 $2,177, lSI $5,651 $8.140,04
Benefit and pension reserve at end of year_____ $1,362.020 $10,575,846 $148,285 $12,086.15
Pension funds held by outside trustees_________ $198, 698, olO
----
--.- $674,073 $199,372,
Relief and pension charges to operating ex·
penses 2•• _______________ , __ , _________________
$20, 554, 071 $3,200,117 $67,265 $23,821,4
Total number 01 employees ____________________
285,550 62,499 3,074 351.1
Total compensation for the yelU'________________
$SOl, 5(J.1, 752 $77,417,261 $5,375,769 $584,297,78
Total operating rovenues_.________ • ___ • ________
$1,139,737,155 $123,288,463 $10,361,883 $1, 273, 387, 501
I Complete data not available.
! Consists of charges to account 672, "Relief and pensions," for telephone crlrriel'll, and charges to account
649, "Relief department and pensions," for telegraph, cable, and radiotelegraph carders.
NOTE.~ClassA tt>lephone carriers are those rarriers having average annual operating revenues exceedIng
$100,000. Data lor 2 carriers located outside the continental limits of the United States not included.
Accident statistics.-Information relative to the number of employees and
persons other than employees who were killed or injured in accidents during 1938
18 shown as follows: (a) Data reported by class A telephone carriers, in table
XXII; and (b) data reported by wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers,
in table XXIII.
TABLE XXJI.-Persons killed or injured in accidents occurring in connection with
the activt·ties of class A telephone carriers
{Year ended Dec. 31, 1938]
Employee.'! and other persons killed or injured
during year
Class of employees
Number of persons killed Number olpersons injured
Total M ale Female TotalM ale I Female
-----------I--~i------------
,
6
494
6
4
4
143
14
"
4'"
18
14
4
37
4
464
18
13
1
119
2 , _
3 3
6
4
3
24
14
41
49412
12 _
General officers and llssistants____ _ " "
Operating officials and assistants~• _
Attorneys and right·of-way agents •• _
Engineers "___ ___ __ __ 1 _
Draftsmen, surveyors, and student engineers _
Accountants • .__ _ _
Clerical employees~._
Local managers. _
Commercial agentlL " _
Experienced switchboard operators _
Operators in training .__________ _ _
Service inspectors______________ I
Supervising foremen______________________________ 4
Central office installation and maintenance mcn_ _ 37
Line and station construction, installation, and
maintenance men. . _
Cable and conduit construction and maintenance
Ann~rhe-r-empioyeei~~~~~~~~~~:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~------3- ---.- 3~~----·--971~
------------------------
Totfllforempioyees~___16 16 768 719 1.487
Persons other than employees_________________ 58 20 78 1,580 1,057 2,637
Grand total, employees and other perE.ons - -"7:\ ----20 --\i4T2."348 --1,776 --4~i24
NOTE.-Class A telephono carrIers are tho':le carrion! hWln\C~verall:eannual opcntingrevenuc~exceeding
$100,000. Data for two carriers located outside the continental limIts of the Uiliterl States not included.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 141
TABLE XXIII.-Employecs killed or injured in accidents occurring in connection
with the operations of wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers 1
[Year ended Dec. 31, 1938}
Number of employees
Item
In plant
work
In opera 
tion
Othorwise Total
3,183
279
~682
'2
255
287
246
Killed:
Malo_________________________________________________ 1 1 7 15
Female --- ._-------- ------- --- _--- -- _--- _---.-~::.~:.-:.-:.::':':::':'::::"::'::":'1:'-::'-:':':::':::":: =:..-.:=::.:
Total • .______ 7 1 7 15
Injured:
Male _
Female _
Total • _
246 642 2, 774 3,562
1 ",ire-telegraph carriers comprise land lines and ocean cables.
Receiverships and trusteeships.-Statistical data from reports"'filed by"holding
companies which were in the hands of receivers and trustees during 1938 are
shown in table XXIV. Information concerning the intercorporate relations of
these companies is given in table XXXVIII. Among the telephone, wire 
telegraph, and radio-telegraph carriers filing reports on an annual basis there
was none in receivership or trusteeship at the close of the year,
TABLJII XXIV.-Summary showing statistic3 oj holding companies in the hands of receiver. or trWltees
[Yenr ended Dec. 31. 19J81
night Dec. 31, 1937. Raymond C. Kramer was appointed temporary trustee Sept. 8, 1937,
which appointment was made permanent Oct. 5,1937.
~Includes $25,441,250 book lIabliity for 1,017,500 shares of common stock without par
value.
7 Data not reported.
i Includes $3,099,350 book liahility for 36,178 shares of common stock without par valne.
i Norman B. Pitcairn appointed receiver Oct. 19, 1933, to succeed Walter S. Franklin,
resigned.
I Represents companies which directly or indirectly control communication carriers.
I Norman B. Pitcairn appointed receiver Oct. 20, 1933, to succeed Walter S. Franklin,
resigned.
I Date oCtemporary appointment made permanent July 23, 1938.
t Includes $105,100,524 book liability for 1,174,060 shares of common stock without par
vuIue.
6 Date of temporary appointments of Alfred E. Smith and George S. Gibbs made per 
manent Jan. 27, 1936j resignation of Allred E. Smith as trustee was accepted as of mid·
Norman B. Pitcairn~lldFrank O. Nicodemus, Jr.________ Receivers _
George S. Gibbs and Raymond C. Kramer __ . Trustees _
Henry A. Scandrett, Walter J. Cummings, and George ._do _
1. Haight.
Georgo S. Gibbs and Raymond C. Kramer • do _
William C. A. Henry . . •••__ Trusteo _
Norman B. Pitcairn and Frank C. Nicodemus, Jr . __ Receivers _
Matured
funded dehl
Funded
debt
$9,164, 341 $200,200
--4M:iiis.-ng- ----i4:S70:663
50,670,180 _
--i27:9ii9;s26' ----22:1(18:994
662,092, 576 37,179.857
Capital
stock
$7,250,000
90,408,400
t 224. 407, 824
G5;\ 970, 750
8 11,952,350
138, 120, 767
528, 110,091
Date of
appointment
Dec. 4, 1931 !
June 21, 1938
1
Jan_ 1,1936
Dec. 24, lQ355
(')
Dec. 1, 1931 8
1--'----'--·1-'--'---1-'---'-,--
TitleName of receivers or trusteesName ofcompany
HOLDING COMPANIES \
Ann Arbor Railroad Co., Ths • _
Associated Companies, The _
Chicago, Mllwaukoo, St. Paul & Pacific R. R.
Co.
Postal Telegraph & Cable Corporatlon _
Gnited Telephone & Electric Co., The Wa 
bash Ry. Co.
TotaL • _
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 143
Railway telegraph and telephone operations.-The operating revenues derived
from telegraph and telephone service performed by class I steam railways during
1938, together with the plant mileage operated, are shown in table XXV. This
information was compih:d from annual reports fikd with the Interstate Commerce
Commission. The revenues shown in this table represent amouuts received
incidentally for telegraph and telephone service rendered to the general public,
as the communication facilities are used principally in connection with the opera 
tion of railways.
TABLE XXV.-Telegraph and telephone revenues received and wire m.ileage operared
by clas8 I steam railways
(Complled from annualrcport.~flIed with the Interstate Commerce Commission for the year ended Dec.
31, lU38]
Operating revenues (account
138)
Mileage operated
Name of railway
Tele·
graph
Tele 
phone
Total
Pole
line
Tele 
graph
wire
T('le 
phone
wire
---------1---------------
3i,342
1&682
17,689
M23
21.400
1~802
817
42,586
16,575
26,294
1,206
28,190
2,665
15,7994,100
13,308
5, TJ9
8,691
'"
7,803
4,525
45, 736
$324,430
60,151
134,462
81,581
106, 090
44,689
$324.430
60,151
134.462
1,885
100, 090
44,689
Atchison, Topeka &: Santa Fe Ry. Co~
Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Co~_
ChicuKO, Burlington & Quincy R. R. Co-_
Duluth. Missabe & Iron Range Ry. Co _
OrcHt Northern Ry. 00 _
Louisville &: Nashville R. R. 00 _
Minn<'apolis, St. Paul &: Sault Boo. Marie
Ry. Co_ __ _ _ __ 45, 736
New York, New Haven &: Hartford R. R.
Co .~._ _ _ 32, 109 32, 109 1,844 503 26,241
Northern Pacific Ry. 00__________________ 76,574 76.574 5,SGa 12,846 17,938
Pennsylvania R. R. Co._~•~_103,42,j " 103,425 9,424 7,373 170.753
Southern Pscific Co_. . 358,198 32,002 390,200 8,388 23,694 19.2'98
Texas & New OrleansR. R.Co • •__ 32,823 1,800 34,623 4,362 7.832 10,6-1$
Union PacHlc R, R. Co_.~._.________297,899 297,899 9,312 24,745 23. 771
Other class I swam rallways 1__ .•• ••_.. 215,176 ---17;148 232,324 136.324 302.1192 383, 6lK
--------------------
Total, UnitedStates l,833,647 130,6461,964,293 220,254 513,300 772,598
Copper Ri\'"er &: Northwestern Railway
Co. (Alaska)____________________________ 2,124 2,124 194 241
Oahu Railway &: Land Co. (llawaii).~186 _.________ 1M
Grand 1otal.. 11'833'647 132,7iO 1.966,4171 220,634 513,300 773,025
If I Represent!! returns (rom 68 class I steam railways In the United States, each having gross annual tele 
graph and telephone revenues less than $25,000, and 55 clB..'>S I steam railways which did not report any tel& 
graph or telephone revenues.
The major class of employees engaged in telegraph and telephone service and
their compensation, as reported by class I steam railways, are shown in the fol 
lowing statement. These data were compiled from the annual reports filed with
the Interstate Commerce Commission for the year 1938.
Class of employeC3
I
Average
number of
employees
l
Totalan~
nual com·
pensation
Station 8f!Cnts (telegraphef!l and telephoners) •__ • ._•• _••__ •••• 14,471 $27,604,183
Chler telegraphers and telephoners or wire cblers • •~• m 2, 103, 284
Clerk-1elegrapbet!l andclerk-telephoners~••__ •••••_. __~._._._._~__ ••_.__ 7,657 15. 339, 433
Telegraphers, telephoners, and tOwl!rmen *. • .I_-,l=~~2=..=-1--::2::_7.~171~::::-""'=
TotaL_••~~.__~_••_._•••__~_~_~__••_••~*_.• * ••• •• * ••• 86, 126 72,1~2(l8
1 Based on 12 mlddiEH:lf-month counts.
144 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOMMUNICATIONS OOMMISSION
(D) STATISTICS FROM MONTHLY REPORTS OF TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH
CARRIERS
Telephone carriers reportingmonthly.~Thenames of the large telephone carriers
filing monthly reports with the Commission and the geographical regions in
which they are located are shown in table XXVI. All telephone carriers in 
cluded in the Bell System are marked with an asterisk. The carriers marked
with a dagger have been notified that they are subject only to the provisions of
sections 201-5 of the Communications Act of 1934, but have continued voluntarily
to file monthly reports for statistical purposes.
TABLE XXVI.-List of large telephone carriers reporting on a monthly bas1"s to the
Commission, shoUYing geographical regions to which the carriers have been assigned
for statistical purposes
Name of carrier
American Telephone Co 0 • •~_
-American Telephone & Telegraph 00 _
l
Ashland Home Telephone Co ₯ _
Associated Telephone Co., Ltd__ . _ _ _
-Bell Telephone Co. of Nevada__ __._____________ _ _
-Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania__ _ _
Bluefield 'relephone Co . .
tCalifornia Water & 'I'elephone Co _
Carolina Telephone & Tpl,grapb 00 . _
-Chesapeake & PotOill&C Telephone 00••• __ .-._._. •• _••.•.•.•._... _,
·Ch6.-~peake& Potomac Telephone Co. of Baltimore Clty _
-Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of Virginla _
-Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of West Virginia _
Cincinnati & Suburban Bell Telephone Co •
tCitizens Independent Telephone Co ======:=:=
tCommonwealth Telephone 00. (Pennsylvania) _
tCommonwealth Telephone Co. (Wisconsin) . _
"Dakota Oentral Telephone Co _
tDeKalb-Ogle Telephone 00___________ _ . _
"Diamond State Telephone Co _
t~~fiSt~~~P~I~~~o~-eco~=:==: =:==::=::::::::::::::::=:=:::==::= ::::=====:==== =
Home Telephone & Telegraph Co_______ _ . _
-Illinois Bell Telephone Co_ _ _ _
tIllinois Oentrol Telephone Co _
tminols Commercial Telephone Co •~_
tDllnois Consolidated Telephone 00_ _ _
tIllinois Telephone 00 • _
Indiana Associated Telephone CorporatIon _
-Indiana Bell Telephone Co______________________ _ _
tlndiana Telephone Corporatlou_________________ _ _
Inter·Mountain Telephone Co~_
Interstate Telephone Co_ ___ __ _ __ _ _ _~_
tlntra State Telephone 00_______________________________ _ _
f
lown State Telephone 00 _
Jamestown Telephone Corporation----~_
Keystone Telephone Co of Philadelphia__ _ _
l
Kittannin
g
Telephone 00 _
La Crosso Telophone Corporation_______ _~₯_
l
Lexington Telephone Co __ . __ , 4 _
Lincoln 'l'elephQlle & Telegraph Co _
t~~~~fiJt~~~;~o~~co~:~=:=::::::::::==::::::__ _ __ _ _
•~!~!ganAssO?)."tedhTelephone Co _
1C 19an Dell elep one 00________________________ _ _
1Missouri Telephone 00 _
Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co. _
Mutual Telephone 00__ . _
Nebraska Continental TelepllOne Co _
"New England Telephone & Telegraph Co _
"New Jersey Bell Telephone Co____ _ , _
'New York Telephone 00 _
1~~~~:_~st~~OB~jl~~~~to~~-c-o~=::=:::::=::::::=::==:=:=:===:==========~::===
Ohio Associated Telephone Co___________________ _ _
·Ohio Bell Telephone Co . . _
tg~~:etac~~~~~j~~?~:e~o:_-_==:~=~=====::::=:=::::::::::=:=~::=::===::===::=
·Paciflc Telephone & Telegraph 00________________ _ _
fPeninsular Telephone Co~_
Pennsylvania Telephone Oorporation_ _ _
tPeoples Telephone Corporation •~_
tPortsmouth HOlUe Telephone Co~__~_
Rochester Telephone Corporation 0__________ _ _ *~_
San Angelo Telephone Co ._ .• • _
tSanta Barbara Telcphone Co_______________________ _~_
Southeast Jl.Iissouri Telephone Co_________________ _ __
See footnotes at end of table.
Geographical region
S011th Central.
Middle Atlantic.
Southeastern.
Pacific.
l\-fountain.
Mlddlt' Atlantic.
Chesapeake.
Pacific.
Southeastern.
Chesapeake.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Great Lakes.
Do.
Middle Atlantic.
Great Lakes.
North Central.
Grt'at Lakes.
Middle Atlantic.
Great Lakes.
South Central.
Great Lakes.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Southeastern.
Pacific.
Great Lakes.
North Oentral.
Middle Atlantic.
Do.
Do.
Great Lakes.
Southeastern.
North Central.
Great Lakes.
Do.
Do.
Do.
South Oentral.
Mountain.
(1).
North Central.
New England.
Middle Atlantic.
Do.
Great Lakes.
North Central.
Great Lakes.
Do.
Do.
Middle Atlantic.
Pacific.
Southeastern.
Middle Atlantic
Do.
Great Lakes.
Miu(Ue Atlantic.
South CentraL
Pacific.
South Central.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 145
TABLE XXVI.-List oj large telephone carriers reporting on a monthly 'f.as1·s to the
Commission, showing geographical regions to which the carriers have been assigned
for statistical purposes-Continued
Name of carrier
.Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Co. _
·Southern California 'relephone Co. _
tSouthem Continental Telephone Co. _
Southern New England Telephone Co _
tSouthwest Telephone Co.(Texa~).. _
Southwestern Associated Telophone Co. _. ... _
"Southwestern Bell Telephone CO,I_
tSouthwestern States Telephone Co _
tStar Telephone Co . _
Yfexas Long Distance Telephone Co _
tTexas Telephone Co__ . " _
tTri-Oounty Telephone 00 . _
·Tri-State Telephone & Telegraph 00 _
Two Statcs 'l'elephone 00 _
tUllion 'l'elaphone 00 _ _ _
Umted Telephone 00 ("MISSOUri) .. _
United Telephone Compames, Inc.
United 'rclephone Co. of Pennsylvania_
tUpstate Telephone Corporation of New York _
tWahash Telephone Co _
tWarren Telephone 00_,,_. _
West Coast. Telephone Co . . __ . _
tWestern Light. & 'l'elephone 00 . _
·Wiscollsin Telephone Co --- ---- _--- -- ---- __ ---- _----------------- --- ---- --- _I
Geographical region
Southeastern.
Pacific.
Southeastern.
New England.
South CentraL
Do..
Do.
Do.
Great Lakes.
South Central.
Do.
Great Lakes.
North CentraL
South Central.
Great r.·akes.
South Central.
areat Lakes.
Middla Atlanti.
Do.
Great Lakes.
Do.
Pacific.
South Central.
Great Lakes.
• Rapresents carriers included In the Bell System.
tRepresents carriers subject only to the provisions of sections 201-205 of the Communications Act of 1934,
which file reports for statistical purposes.
t Located in Hawaii. Figures not included in the following summaries ot monthly reports of large tele 
phone carriers in the United Rtates.
2 The United 'l'elephone Co. (Kansas) was acquired. by the Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. as of
December aI, 1938.
NOTE.-"Large telephone carriers" comprises a group oHIO carriers, each ha.ving annual operating revenues
of approximately $250,000 or more.
Afonthly operating data from telephone carri"lrs.-The following table XXVII
shows statistical data pertaining to December, and cumulative figures for 12
months ended with December 1938, as compared with returns received for the
corresponding periods in 1937. This information was compiled from the monthly
reports filed by large telephone carriers. The net operating income during the
month of December 1938 was 9.06 percent larger than during the same month
in 1937, while for the 12-month period in 1938 itwa~7.51 percent less than for
the corresponding period in 1937. For the 12-month period in 1938, the operating
revenues increased 0.29 percent and the operating expenses increased 1.33 percent
over the same period in 1937.
TABLE XXVII.-Summary of revenues, expenses, and capital changes from monthly
reports of large telephone carriers
MONTH OF DECEMBER
Incrt\aso or decrl'sse
-------------------------
Item
Number of company telephones in sorden at oud
of month__ • •__
1938
17,701,2'32
1937
17,195,471
Amollnt
608,761
Ratio,
percent.
2.96
2.39
-.M
-4.60
4.29
-4. 77
.33
3.53
.33
Opo:ating fm-oillles:
S:lhscribors' sts'ion rc\-enueB. . $63, 109, 500 $60, fl!"J\},036 $1,450, 514
l'ublictelephoU'lrOVenlll's ._________ 4,078,114 4,07[l,780 -1,666
·Misoollane{lus local servic6 revenues.. 9tH,992 1. 011, 523~4fl.531
Mcssa'!e tolls_. .. _.__ ._ ... 2l},5911, 714 25,497.144 1,093,570
MiSCflllanenus toll service revenues._________ 2,722,664 2. 8r,g,06~-136,399
Revenues from general services and licenses__ I, 256,I8~1. 2.52, 104 4,079
Sundry miseellaneous ravonnos_ 4, 2l7, 7tH 4, on. 868 143, f!96
Uncollectihle operating revonuos-Dr 387,99-1 3%,704 1,200
I---;~cc=cl---::-:--::-ccc------
Operatin~revenues-__ • _. _••••_••_••••••I~"I;O~[~..~'.'~1~.9~'~7"1"~9~9~.~O~"~.~8~14~1~~2~,~50~'~,~17~':1"~~;2~.;;;53
146 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE XXVII.-Summary of revenues, expense8, and capital changes from monthly
reports of 'large telephone carriers-Continued
MONTH OF DECEMBER-Continued
Increase or decrease
Itom 1938 1931'
Amount
Ratio.
percent
OIJ9latiul!' expellS68:
DllpreclaUoD Bud amortization expenses._. _._ $14,370,240 $14,529,910 -$159,670 -1.10
All other malntenanoo_______ ._.,•._••••.•__ ._ 19,441,2SS
20. 270,9"~8-829.683 -4.09
6~mffi~e~rai~S~nses-.~~~~-~~~:~~~::::::::::~=
15.035,471 16, 183,248 -147,777 -.97
8,177,728 7,91.5,472 262,256 3.31
Ooncral offiC€' salaries and exponses ___________
Ii, 762, 155 5,794,616 -32,461
-. '"Relief andpon~Joml-__________~______________
1,85,5. 786 1,778, 913 76.873 4.32
General sorvices aud IIcenses.•.______________
1,229,582 1,225,756 3,826 .31
All other operating exvensss__ •__ ._._.____ 3,571,91t 3, 41S, lI8 163,826
'.50
Operating oxpenses_______ . _______ .•__
69,444,161 70,116,971 672.810 -.96
=
Ineome Itpms:
Net operatiultrevenues_~.•_•• ___________ •._..
32, 107, 826 28, 928, 843 3,178,9S3 10.00
Rent from lease of operating propertY'________
473 732 -259 -35.38
Rent tor lease 01 operating property__________
903 HO 763
"'.00
Net operating Income before tax deduction. __ 32, 107, 396 28,929,435 3,1'77,961 10.99
Operating ttU6!L •__.~.____ ._.____________ ., __ .
13,272,000 11,659,123 1,612,877 13.83
Net operating Income ___ "______~_.____ . ____
18,835,396 17,270,312 1,565,084 9.06
Ratlo ofexIX'n~estorevenues_~~_._._~__ percent-_ 68.38 70_ 79 -2.41
Changt>lIln ca(lltalltl!ms:
Incrpl'lSe during month 1n "telephone plant" ,_ $11, HW, 93·1 $5,928, lIt
._.._------..- ---_ .._---
IncroaseduriR~month in "capital stock"____ $29,lI'i8,O~$338,748
--.~..~------------_._--
Increaso during month In "funded debt" __ •. $288, 387 -$11, 131,084
-_._--~-------------_..-
12 MONTHS ENDED WrfH DECEMBER
2
'"
8
,
7
69
1
3
3
'"
20
7
7
01\
"3
8
OperatinJ; revenul'.s:
Subscribers' station rovenues•.••~_.___ ••••••_ $718, 336, 1iS6 $705, 100, 447 $13,236,139 L
Public telephone revenues. ___~._~__~._••••~.~45,133,371 40,138,452 -1,005, OlU -u
Miscellaneous local service revenues.._•••__~_11,680,4
9
4 12,314,407 -633,983 -5.1
Message tolls__ ..• ___________________~_••~_____
296, 020, 948 304,154,612 -8, 133,6tH -2.6
MlsceIlaneoUll tollllflrvice re\'"onues. ___ •______ 32,IHS, 201
34,005,695 -1,987,494 -,.
Revenues from general services and lIceusos._ 14,605,392 14,516,137 89,2M .6
8nndry misoollaneousrevenues~_.~._._._••_._ 48, 792. 290 45, SOl, 937 2,990,353
6.'
Uncollectible oporating revenues-Dr••••_.~_6.435,553 4.226,672 I. :;m,SSI 28.6
Operating revenues________ ••••~._.___ • ____
I, 162, 051, 659 I, 158, 706, 015 3,345,644
Operating- expenSl'S:
Depreciation aud amortization expenses______ 171,052,362 174, 892, 854 -3,840,492 -,.
All other maintenanoo__..___ ._.___~.__~__ . ___
222., 808, 604 217,428,889 6,379,715 -H
Traffic expenses. ____.~__ . _.~~_•••_______ . ____
172,916,712 170,406.709 2,510,003 1.4
Oommflrclal expenscs_________~____ •.•_.~~_~_.
91,410,001 89,562,997 1, &17.oo-t 2.
General office salaries andexpenses_~._.__~.__ fll),~12,890 64,157,986 1,654, !lOt
•Relief andpenslons~________________._~~_____
ai, 713, 278 19,777,912 935,366
'.7
General services and Ilcenses__________•.•____
14,296,840 14, 2Ui, 743 81,097 .57
All other operating expensos______ . _. _________
38, '18.1, 222 36.874.022 1,009.200 5.l
Operating expenses____ •••••~•••••__ ••.. _. _. 797, 7IJ3, lJOO 787,317,112 10,476,797 1.33
Income items:
Net operating revenues_. ______ • _____ • __~_.. __
3M, 257, 750 371, 388, 903 -7,131,153 -1.9
Rent from lease of operating property. _______
6,484 6,434
'"
.7S
Rent for lease of operating property__________
3. ""
1,703 2,157 126.66
=
Net operating income belore ta:tdeductlon~.__ 304, 260. 374 371,393,634 7,133,260 -1.92
Operatingtaxes.~.__________ . ____ . ___.~_.____
1M, 4-86. 678 144,579,252 9,907,426 6.85
Net operating InOOD16_._~.._____ ._.________
209, 773, 696 226,814,382 17,040,686 7.51
- =
Ratio or expenses to revenues_. __ •___ ••.percent._ 68.60 67.95 0.70~..._---
Changes in capital Items:
Increase during period in "telephone plant" 1_ $118, 348, 481 $143, 993, 677 -------_.. _--- _._---_.
Increase during period in "capital stock"_____ $12,178,885-S~,106, 758
------_._._---
_..._...
Increase during period in "runded debt"•. ___ ${l3,280,461 -$30, 741, 245 --_.._.~----_. ......-.-
1 'fhe figures for "Telephone plant" include II crellSOS in "Telephone plant in service," "Telephone plant
under construction," "Property held ror future telephone use," and "Tolephone plant acquisition adjust·
ment."
J Returns In this column reflect depreciation adjustments on property in Nebraska.
NOTEfI,-"Large telephone carriers" comprises a group ofOOcarriers,each having annUMoperating revenue
of approximately $250,000 or mote.
DMh (-) indicates deficit or other reverse item.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 147
Proportion of the telephone industry covered by monthly l'eports.-Statistical data
rela.tingto large telephone carriers reporting monthly to the Commission farthe year
1937 are compared in the following Btatement with figures shown in the "Census of
Electrical Industries-Telephones and Telegraphs: 1937" for aU telephone systems
and lines in the United States. The gross operating revenues for the year 1937 of
the 91 large telephone carriers reporting monthly to the Commission amounted
to $1,158,706,015 and covered approximately 98 percent of the revenues of all
telephone carriers in the United States.
Item
OeD8tlS of electrical industries:
W,:ltlO systems and lineB __~.• ••••__~A ••••__ • __~.
91 carriers reporting to the Commission_••••••~_.••~_._
Percent of census totaL_••__ ••••••__•••••.__ . __._.~.._••~••••••_._.__ ._..••.•
Total operat. Number ot
Ing revenuOO telephoneg
for year 1937 Dec. 31.1937
$1, ISO, 028, 371 19,453, 401
1,168, 706,01~I 17,196, 471
98.19 88. 39
1 Includes all telephoneg except private·lIne tfllophones and telephones of connecting lines for which local
or switching servtoos are rendered.
Monthly 1Jtatistics of telephone carriers from January 1933 to June 1939.-The
operating revenues, operating expenses, and net operating income of the large
telephone carriers that reported on a monthly basis from January 1933 to June
1939, inclusive, are given in table XXVIII and the trends reflected in chart 6.
During the period from June 1933 to June 1939, the monthly operating revenues
increased from $80,428,967 t-o $102,118,913; the monthly operating expenses
increased from $55,999,132 to $68,184,097; and the monthly net operating income
increased from $16,144,719 to $20,027,371.
Approximately $16,000,000 in refunds to Chicago coin-box subscribera, in
repayment of collections that had been made covering an ll-year period, were
deducted fmm operating revenue·' during June 1934 by the Illinois Bell Telephone
Co., but have been restored in chart 6 in order to preserve the consistency of the
trend. The revised uniform system of aceountk for telephone carriers that became
effective January I, 1937, had only a minor effect on the operating returns.
TABLE XXVrU.-Monthly telephone operating statistics showing revenue8, expenses, and net operating income as reported by large telephone
carriers from January 1933 to June 1939, inclusive
$67,280,618
64, HiS, 197
68,456,IIl6
65,683,453
68,982,872
68,184,097
4{}2, 742, 433
601,755,902
1939
$99, 233,789
96,003,633
101,609,891
100,083,374
102,646, 302
102,118,913
797,793,909
1938
$66,589, no
63,906,167
66,6L1,821
65,379,122
66,323,069
65,096,223
65,504,748
66,238,646
67,030,396
67,633,790
67,434,056
69,444,161
$96, 2S7, 455
92,297,164
97,138,307
95,911,787
96,289,146
96,305,464
94,954,498
96,482,355
96,724, 500
99,607,641
98, ,531, 355
101,551,987
1,162,051,659
Operating revenues
1933 1934 1935 1936 1937
$79,449,395 $81,350,361 $83, 230, 504- $88, 361, 976 $94,779,883
75,790,288 78,320,835 I 79.608,659 86,953,032 91,765,272
7R,662,241 82,401,739 82,982,488 90,514,624 97,552.76G
77,783,3S9 81,574,187 83,938,786 90, 31H, 484 \)(1, ll57, 58.3
80,522,404 83.128,231 85,211,685 90, &15, 259 96,931, 88.1
SO, 428, 967 166, 384, 381 83,589,582 91,334,901 97, :IDS, 606
79,144.340 80,315,541 83,889,282 91,621,342 95,894,942
79,077,956 81, OM, 655 84,201,767 90,0(-'5,959 95,904,902
78,338,834 79,805,693 84,526,140 91,164,857 96,614,793
80,115,279 83,377, 342 88,193,336 94,474,691 99,156,085
78,970,252 81,341,489 I 87, 209, 620 92,888,832 97,196,486
80,409,359 182,17l,Om 188,041,,772 97,136,780 99,045,sa
948, 692, 704 1961,176,521 ( 1,014,626,621 1,095,713, iS7 1, 158, 706, 015
Operating expenses
$58,023,014 $56,660,588 $58., 919, 333 $60,455,792 2 $61, 761, 759
55,371,291 54,644,868 1 56,498,039 58,603,461 00,601,384
57,198,070 57, ll2I, 102 58, 398, 74,5 60, 572,:~5865, IllO, 035
55,467,873 56,284,375 58, llI2, 389 60,540,293 64,273,685
57,107,246 58,425,666 60.170,503 60,591:1,618 65,350,866
65,991:1,1,32 141,203,6.52 58,566,170 60,791,556 66,084,114
55,301,474 58,638,170 60,820,407 62,441,016 67,000.600
M,M7,SI4 58,46.1., 602 59,382,059 60,261,329 66,682,231
55,091,537 56,822,773 58,5.11,657 61,215,138 00,040,651
56,026,901 59, Hill, 699 60, ,530, 810 62, 2C6, 508 66,513,657
56,584,655 58,138,980 I 60, 8\H, 797 61,668,420 67,108,159
58,788, H4 150, 004, 837 I 61,877,215 64,266,379 2 70, 116, 9il
676,477,751 1676, 078, 312 1 713,202,124 l 733, 681, 873 2787,317,112
TotaL_~~_
TotaL_~_.~~.~_
January~~~..~_._
February~_
March . _
ApriL_______________ _ .
May _
June _
July •••__ • . _
AugusL __ 44~~_
September~_"_
October _
November~~_
Decemoor__~~_
I---=-=-::c::-
Month
January~~_
February~~" _
March • _
ApriL_____ _~_
May •~~~_
June _
Jt11y_~_
AugusL~_~_
september~_
October _" _. • __
November _
December~__.,~_~__~_
1------'-----'-1------'-----'-1
Net operating income
1These returns reflect adjustments covering estimated refunds.
I These returns reflect depreciation adjustments on property in Nehraska.
NOTE.-"Large telephone Cllrtiers" comprises a group of 90 carriers, each ha.ving aunual operating revenues of approximately $250,000 or more.
$18, 526, 976
18,437,86.5
19,478,665
20,575,979
19,832,318
20,027,371
U~~~a~~~v~mm~n~g61~91~~2N~_m
13,044,592 1,'i,742,OOli I 14,754,980 18,220,342 19.219,424 15,634,441
~~m~5m~1~~7m~8Z1,m~IW,m1~~~
1'~,~~3~m~nl,m1~~m~~~I~Ml,E
1~~ml~l~IW1~~~1~~M4~~~l~mm
16,144,719117,411,909 16,568,547 1I9,741,809 19,077,687 17,752,080
1~8~~~,~nzlim~~,mml~l~m~_m
1~31~5~~~m~5..1&~m1~I~ro2·l~_~
l~mm~1~4511~~,ml~.,~~1~5%~~~
1~_~I~W,ln~O~~~m_~5~lWl&_MI
14,950,379 15,645,0.15 il7,935,997 21,4J3,818 17,557,402 IS, 945,718
15,376,226115,3~,906118,042,773 23,895,867 217,270,312 18,835,396
I--=~::::+--:-:-:c--::=c-I-_:_:=:_=-I--::-:::_:::::_::_:c-I-----··--=_::::::_:=_I--_=__=_::::
'l'otll1 ._.~_______ _ 182,91)4, 285 1191,063,624 1200, 825, 050 2238, 650, 712~226, 814, 382 209,773,696 116,879, 164
,.. JllJ1uary •~• __ • _
<.0 February ••~_
:;:. March.. ._. • . _
"'" ApriL • . . .
Cf Ma}' c • _
J.. June .------.-------------.----------------.-
c July-.-------.--------------.----~-----__ .--------
J
~=;bir_~=~~===============-----------.-------
October • .w c.
:: Novemher _
December. . _
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CHART NO. 6
1937 1939 1938
JSOMJSCUJ
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I.. 1936
lIJi4MJSOU
JFAAMUJAeOH~JFAAMUJAEONEJFA
TELEPHONE STAT1ST1CS BHOWIN.~~E8.OPERATING EXPIII:NSES. AND NET OPERATING INCOME
Aa~.,.....,.LAAGE TELEPHONE CARRIERS
1933 1934
MJ$DMJSD
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REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 151
Mon.thty total and daily average ·message t·oUs.-The message tolls reported by
large telephone carriers on a monthly basis from January 1933 to June 1939,
inclusive, together with the average amount per day, aTB shown in table XXIX.
The revenues received from "toll private-line services" and "other toll service"
aTe not included in this summary. The total monthly message tolls increased
from $19,807,346 in June 1933, to $26,923,361 in June 1939. During this period
the daily a\'erage toll message revenues increased from $660,245 in June 1933, to
$897,445 in June 1939. The trend during the period from January 1933 to June
1939 of the daily average amount of message tolls is shown in chart 7.
TABLE XXIX.-Summary showing monthly total and da'ily average message tolls oj
large telephone carriers from Jantw.ry t9SS to June 1939, inclusive
I
1033 19M 1935 1936
Month Average IAverage Average Average
Message message Me&Sll.ge message Message message Message
m....'"
tolls tolls per tolls tolls per tolls tolls per tolls tolls per
day dll}' d'Y day
-----------
----
---
JllnUllJ'Y _________
$16, 994, 165 $548,199 $19,629, 721 $633,211 $20, 116, 509 $648,920 $22, 190, 303
$7U,81l}
Febmary________
15,4~,724 553,169 18,311,989 654 UOO 18,258,7ll 652,097 21,570,225
743,801
Marcb__________
18,133,417 584,949 20,480,088 660;648 20,378,115 657,378 23,765,567
766,63J
ApriL ___________
\1, 423, 1m5 580,100 l'J,805,8.{;1't £tID, \94 2O,14\6,57l) fim,219 23,613,804
787,121
May____________
19,478, 575 628,341 20,767,992 669,935 21,594,346 696,592 23,796,211
767, IJ22
June_______ ._,__
19,807,346 660,245 20,30.5,817 676,86l 20, 9'25, 023 697,501 24,443, l78
814,7i3
July_________.~__
20,135,960 649,547 20,139,894 649,674 21,882,664 705,892 25,500,391
822.787
August. _________
20,261,511 653,597 20,964,208 676,265 22,558,102 727,681 24,791,0"28
799,904
SeptembeL _____
19,174,859 639,162 19,541,690 651,390 21,782,681 726,089 24,196,9-19
806,56.5
October_________
19,185,590 618,890 20, fi97, 693 664,44Z 23,05t,IH4 143,607 25,080,140
809,037
November______
18,393,599 613,120 19,333,804 644,400 21,591,993 719,733 23,939,495
71n, Q83
~mber~___,~_19, %9,'88~·63&,384 20,251,714
65.'3, 281 22,714,300 732,719 26,439,617
852,891
TotaL____
224, 266, 700 614,429 240,130,416 657,892 255,771,428 700,744 289,338,968
790,544
1937 11138
I
1939
Montb Average Average
Averoge
Me~sfl.geill('ssage Message mcsshge~:lesslige
message
tolls tolls per tolls tolls per
tolls toll!! per
day day
day
1anuary__________
--------- $24,519,237 $790,943 $23,533,358 $759,141 $2<\',730,8-13 $7\'17,1i'l1)
::~1Jh~~================= ==:_
22,754,772 812,670 21,588,677 771,024 22,953,591
819,771
26,250,877 846,802 24,649,376 795,141
26,498,389 854,787
AprU ___________
-------------
25,371,200 845,709 23.849,134 794,91 25,274,520
842,484
May_______________
------- 25,397,947 819,289 24,132,468 ?i8,467 27,100,696 814,216
June__________________
------- 25,836,669 861,:t22 24,576,923 819,231 26,923,361 897,445
July________________ . ______
26,076,333 841,172 24,799,742 799,992
------------ ----------
August________~______________
26,401,979 851,677 25,984, 14'1 838,198
---------~--- ---------.
Sepw-mDeY _______
------ -----
25,887,1\)7 8&2,904 25. 42h,288 847,610
-------------- ----- ----
October .. ______ , __
-------._--
25,860,549 834,211 25,928, .4J 836,411
------------ - --------_.
November____________
24,300,738 81O,02ii 24, !)59, 382 831,979
----------- -- ---------.
December____________
~~~25,497,144 822,489 26,500,714 857,765
-------~~
~~
---------.
TotaL ______ ._
---------
304,151,612 &13,300 296, 020, 948
811,
016
1______________
----------
NOTx.-"Large telephone carriers" comprises a group of90 carriers. each huvingannual oporf\tingrevenue
of approximately $250,000 or more.
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1933 1934 1935 1.936 1937 1938 1939
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CHAin' No.7
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REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 153
Telephones in service.-The number of company telephones in service at the end
of each month from January 1983, to June 1939 is shown in table XXX, and the
trend during this period is reflected in chart 8. The number of telephones in
service increased from 14,286,795 in August 1933, to 18,072,020 in June 1939, or
26.49 percent.
TABLE XXX.-Number oj telephones in service in the United States as reported by
large telephone carriers, by monthstfrom January 1933 to June 1939, inclusive 1
Month 1933
I
1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939
January___ . _______
14,940,458 14,400,043 14,744,353 15,295,692 16,315,289 17,229,895 17,734,613
February_________
14,820,220 14,439,183 14,782,483 15,368,397 16, 4Ui, 216 17,261,509 17,808,350
March_. _________
14,693,079 14-,496,906 14,837,216 15,455,192 16,532,224 17,301,824 17,897,364
ApriL____ •_______
14,596,401 14,563,647 14,893,258 15,641,044 16,6055,031 17,336,387 17,973,761
May______________
14,506,025 14,600, Q07 14,946,396 15, 6Zl, 0577 16,762,873 17,365, /532 18,055,011
June_______
------
14,400, /533 14,583,393 14,936,756 15,650,630 16,800,336 17,343,739 18,072,020
July______ . _______
14,314,697 14,0547,163 14,1'114,281 15,699,574 16,829,994 17,334,621
AugusL__________
14,286,795 14,557,0-.17 14,943, 768 15,773,584 16,891,361 17,372, 770(::~::::::
September_. ______
14,345,350 14,626,161 15,048,005 15,914,147 17,002,295
17,465,101 ___________
October_______
---
14,360,902
14, 662, 525115' 117, 838
16,033,442 17,084,607
17,528,279 ________ • __
November ____
---
14,365,801 14,682,005 15,174,9\\7 16,114,79'2 17,141,6.18
17,592,Ml 1--------.--
December______
14,376,947 1<1,703,888 15,231,070 16,221,582 17,195,471
17,704,232 ________ • __
l Includes an t(l,I(',phones eXc(l,}}t-pri.vat~.ljn\';\.elt>:phones nndteI~-pbonesof counecting line {or wbicb \0001 01'
witching services are rendered,
NOTE.-"Largetelephone carriers" comprises a group of 00 carriers, each having nnnual operating revenues
of approximatGly $250,000 or more.
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NUMHR OF TELEPHONES IN SERVICE AS REPORTED SV LARGE TELEPHONE CARRIERS
1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 11;39
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REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 155
Operating <ll1eTages per telephone per day.-The average amount8 of operating
revenues and operating expenses per telephone per day, arlanged by geographical
regions, and based on reports from large telephone carriers filed on a monthly
basis are given in table XXXI. Data. applicable to carriers of the Bell System
and to carriers not affiliated with the Bell System are shown separately in
this table. The returns from the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. were
excluded from the averages for the geographical regions, as the operations of the
long-lines department of this carrier cover the entire count-q; but these returns
were included in the separate total for the United BUttes. The grOSB operating
revenues and expenses are used in computing these averages. They have been
computed on the basis of 325 days to the year, which is the basis used by the
Bureau of the Census in similar computations.
The average grose operating revenues per telephone per day for the United
States were $0.2141 for Bell System carriers and $0.2055 for all reporting large
telephone carriers. These amounts compare with average gross operating expenses
per telephone per day of $0.1476 for Bell System carriers and $0.1411 for all
reporting large telephone carriers;
TABLE XXXI.-Average8 per telephone per day oj the operating revenues and
operating expenses of large telephone carriers, by geographical regions
[Year ended Dcc. 31, 19381
ALL LARGE TELEPHONE CARRIERS
Averages
Total operat- Total operat·
Average
Operating Operating
Goograpblcal grouping.& number of
lDg revenues lng expenses
telephones
re",mues expenses
per tele-
r.' tel,-
phone per p one per
dey d,y
New England reglon__~~__ •• ____~_____
$1l2, 336, 420 $68, i31), 628 1,565,842 $0.1814 $0. 13lil
Middle Atlantic fIlgion 1_______________
337,171,521 230, 3i5, 348 4,766,739 .2176 .1487
Great Lakes region__________________
227,322,284 150,459,818 4,01O,2Q7 .1744 ,11M
E8.Stern district l ________
-.-----
656, 830, 225 449,574,794 10,342,788 ,11154 .1337
Ohesapeake regioo_____ ._. __
----
43,288,RI9 29,518,818 815,749 .1633 .1113
Southeastern rogion______
._---- .. _-
70,451,351 45,787,657 1,248,614 .1736 .1128
Southem district __
"------ ..
I13,740,liO 75,300, '175 2,OM,3t>3 .lB\}5 .Uz.I
North Central rell:!on_. ___________
-.--
44,899,070 31,094,422 903,697 .1529 .1059
South Oontralregion____
--~--------
95,577,529 62,063,279 1,611\ 110 .1821 .1182
Mountainregion_,~________
"--------
25,441,fil)3 17,446,589 494,434 .1583
.10"
Pacific region ----, -._ ... _--
-------
122. 188, 911 82,417,412 1,982,652 .1896 .1279
Western district. ____
--------
288, 107,073 193,021, ;02 4,995,893 .1774 .1189
United States 1__________________
1,058,677,468 717,902,971 17,403.044 ,1872 .12611
United States 1___ • ____________________
I, 162,051,659 197,793,009 17,403,044 .205.5 .1411
BELL SYSTEM CARRJEHS
New England region _________________ .
$74,200,427 $55,524,442 1,224,453 $O,J867 $0.139/5
Middle Atlantic region 1_______________
324,319,824 221, 8S2, 209 4,41:IO,7OS .2227.1.~24
Great Lakes region ___________ •____
199,753, 185 133,383,291 3,326,047 .1848 .1234
E8.Stern district 1____________
598,372, 436 410,789.94,2 9,031,208
.200'
.1400
Ohesapeake region _________ . ____
42,810,476 29,202,197 806,326 ,1634 .1114
Southeastern regiou________________
64., 264., 139 42, UI6,64t 1,100,322 ,1183 .lHO
Southern district ___ • ____
107,075.215 71,398,838 1,916, &18 .1720 . H47
North Control regioD __________
41,453,6\4, 2S, 722,@6 81\},M\} .15H
.1"'"
South Oentral region _____ , ___ • 89,216,038
58,001,226 1,W3, 280 .1876 .1220
Mountain region" -._----.---- 25,441,563 17,446,589 494,434 .1583 .1@l6
Pacific region 114, 895, 38f 78,004,165 1,799,96S .1964 .1""
Western district___ 271,006.601 182,174,606- 4, 56S, 219 .]825
.1227
United States 1______
----- 976,454,252 664,363,386 15,515,075 .1936 .VH8
Unlted States 1___________ •
1,079,828,443 144,254,324 15,615,075 .2141 .1476
I Excludes figures for American Telephone & Telegt;apb Co. Inasmueh 8.S its operations are not confined
to geographical region.
t Includes figures for AmerIcan Telephone & Telegraph Co.
156 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE XXXI.-Averages per telephone per day of the operating revenues an'i
operating expenses of large telephone carriers, by geographical regiQns-Contd.
OTHER THAN BELL SYSTEM CARRIERS
Averages
Gecgraphic.s.l grouplng3
Totaloperat· Totaloperat 
Ing revenues ing expenses
Average
number of
telephones
OIll'lrating
revenues
per tele 
pholle per
daY
Operating
expenses
per tele 
phone per
day
New England region. • _
Middle Atlantic regJ<m. _
Great Lakesregion_~• • _
Eastern distrlct • •• __
341,389 $0.1626
Uu, 001 .1382
684,160 .1240
1, all, 580 .1371
9,423 .1562
139,21:12 .1367
148,715 .1379
93,157 .1138
151,830 .1289
Monthly operating data from telegraph earriers.-Statistical data compiled from
monthly reports filed by large wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers for the:
month of December 1938, and for the 12 months ended with December 1938, ar€:
shown in table XXXII. The Southern Radio Corporation discontinued filing
monthly reports inasmuch as its radiotelegraph operations in the UnitedState~
ceased May 31, 1938. The gross operating revenues of the 17 wire-telegraph
and radiotelegraph carriers reporting on a monthly basis were $132,494,224, of
which the sum of $112,857,694 or 85.18 percent, was reported by three wire 
telegraph carriers.
TABLE XXXII.-Summary of revenues, expenses, and related items from monthly
reports of large telegraph carriers
FOR THE MONTH OF DEOEMBER 1938
Name or carrier
Total
operating
revenues
Total
operating
expenses
Operating
lncome
N,t
Income
Northern Telegraph Co ___~____________________ •_______
$5,125 $3,992 $608 $66lJ
Postal Telegraph-Cable Co. Oand-line system) _______~__ t 1,916,967
1,870,858 -35,230 -282,134
Western UnionT~legmph00__________________________
1I8,630,62O 7,349,787 803,016 386,82ll
Total, land-line telegraph carriers ________________
10,552,712 9,224,637 768,394 105,355
All America Cables and Radio, lnlL ___________________
495,971 333,056 157,382 146,092
Commercial Cable Co. (New York and limited)_______
344,909 304,244 84,006 -17,579
Commercial Pacii'w Cable 00_______________________
75,753 64,172 10,265 19,801
French Telegraph Cable Co___________
-------- --------
26,605 37,653 -11,630 -l1,93e
Mexican Telegraph 00__________...____________________
33, Ull 22,757 8,927 6.010
Total, ocean cable carrier!l__ •__________ •__________
976.429 761,882 248,950 142,388
Globe Wireless Ltd____ , _______________________________
44,860 35,546 8,311
~""Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co. (California) ___________ 96,675 77,511 15,751
'52
Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co. (Delaware) ___________
711,606 69,270 5,162 -22,542
Mutual Telephone 00, (wireless department-Hawaii). 4,945 8,146 -3,168 -3,168
Press Wireless, Inc_____________________________________
38,055 39,185 -1,130 -1,130
R. C, A. Communications, rD(L__~____________________
450,620 387,900 17,967 75,882
Radfomarine Corp, of America____ • ___________ • ________
90,577 94,343 -6,624 -6,597
TropIcal Radio Telegraph Co ________________ •_________
65,650 62,685 -14,779 -9,713
United States-Liberia Radio Corporation___________~._
7,549 5,289 1,879 1,879
Total, radiotelegraph carriers __ ._••______ • ___ • ____
878,537 769,875 23,369 43,507
Orand total _______________ • _________ • ___________ •
12,407,678 10,756,394 1,040,713 291,260
See footnotes at end of table.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 157
TABLE XXXII.-Summary of revenues, expenses, and related items from monthly
reports of large telegraph carriers-Continued
FOR 12 MONTHS ENDED WITH DECEMBER 1938
Name of carrier
Total
operating
revenues
Total
operating
expenses
Operating
income
N"
income
Northern Telegraph 00______ "______________________ • __
$56,198 $44,409 $7,342 $8,360
Postal Telegraph-Cable Co. (land-line system) _________ 121,089,095 21,061,816 -1,067,409 -4,042,518
Western Union Telegraph Co________ __ •• v __ • ___ 191,712,401 81,506,663 3,974,730 -1,637,879
Total, land-line telegraph carriers ________________
112,857,694 102,612,888 2,914,663 -5,672,037
All America Cables and Radio, Inc_________ . 4,732,962 3,644,711 685,399 544,231
Commercial Cable Co. (New York and limited)______ 3,789,381 3,172,086 652,865 -622,071
Commercial Pacific Cable Co __
--------------
720,081 741,639 -40.240 75,478
French Telegraph Cable Co
------------------------- --
367,940 371,451 -12,128 -15, 803
Mexican Telegraph Co__
"----------------------- --
373,691 268,659 88,666 53,649
Total, ocean cable carriers______
-------.---------
9,983,955 8,198,546 1,274,562 135,478
Globe Wireless Lt<L ___________________________________
457,245 455,656 -15,976 -16,890
Mackay Radio & 'felegraph Co. (California) __________ 1,060,590 929,076 87,999 -92,894
Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co. (Delaware) ___ 990,856 968,850 -9,654 -340,374
Mutual Telephone Co. (wireless department-Hawaii)_ 62,111 51,265 4,686 4,686
Press Wireless, Ioc__
-----------
494,768 456,632 28,186 28,186
R. C. A. Communications, Inc_____ _______________
4,701,128 4,340,751 -72,047 443,764
Radiomarine Corp. of America________________________
1,154,379 932,351 154,721 155,142
Tropical Radio Telegraph Co. _________________________
659,030 599,862 37,840 96,918
United States-Liberia Radio Cotporatioo______________ 72,468 61,708 7,488
7,488
Total, radiotelegraph carriers_____________________
9,652,576 8,700,151 223,243 286,026
Grand totaL ________________ +
. 132,494,224 119,607,585 4.412,468 5,250,533
1 Includes revenues from telephone operatIOns amounting to $55,765 for December 1938, and $675,929 for
the year 1938, respectively.
2Indudes "revenues from tnmsmission-eable" amounting to $569,668 for December 1938, and $6,196,212
lor the year 1938, respectlvoly.
NOTEs.-"Large telegraph carriers" comprises aland-line telegraph carriers, 5 ocean-cable carriers, and 9
radiotelegraph carriers, each having annual operating revenues of approximately $50,000 or more.
Dash (-) indicates deficit or other reverse item.
Telegraph operations of large telephonec-arrier8.~In table XXXIII, the revenues
applicable to the telegraph operations of 225 large telephone carriers are shown for
the month of December 1938, and for the 12 months ended with December 1938,
in comparison with the corresponding periods in 1937. Only items that are readily·
available from the carriers' accounts are reflected in this summary_ It includes
data from 223 carriers in the Bell System and from the Cincinnati & Suburban
Bell Telephone Co. and the Southern New England Telephone Co.
The cumulative fip;ures for the year in this summary indicate that the volume
of telegmph business reported by the large telephone carriers decreased from
$26,080,068 in 1937 to $23,831,705 in 1938. A large portion of these operating
revenues was derived from private-line teletypewriter and teletypewriter exchange
service, and $5,468,357 was derived from private-line Morse service.
158 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE XXXIII.-Summary of monthly reports of telephone carriers relative to
available data concerning telegraph operations I
December H!38 December 1937
Item
Ol"EItATING REVENUES
Subscribers' station revenues .
Public telephone revenues __ . , __
Miscellaneous local service revenue,.o; .
MessaK6 tolls . _
Miscellaneous toll service revenues _
Revenues from general~rvi.cesand lI00n\leiL __
Sundry miscellaneous revenues_ __
Uncollectible operating revenues-Dr.
'rotal. _. . _
Item
Amounts Amonnts
Totaloperat-
applicable to
'l'otaloperat-
applicable to
respondents' respondents'
iug revenues
telegraph
lng revenues
telegraph
operations t operations I
$58,325,457 $21,470 $56,967,896 $18,161
4,024,663
--------------
4,025,806
---
900,557 219. OOS 948.149 226,874
25,486,913 602.500 24,398.740 558,7,"7
2,691.877 1,141,255 2,810,689 1,288.662
1,2fi6,.&l5 --_.- 1,2M,fAO -_.
4,029,868
'10 I
3,892.469 425
363,0&1 6,464 369,323 1,409
96,355,149 1,918,285 93,956,066 2,091,460
1 1938 cumulative ttgur\.\S 19:1.7 \illffiulati..e figure:!>
I I Amouut,
Amounts
I Total operat-applicab~u:
Totaloparat-
applicable to
lng revenues respondents
lug rcvenues
respondents'
telegraph telegraph
operations~operations~
$204,051
-------------~
2,739,499
6,788,515
16, 3M, 941
-------------~I---I-~-I----I·---
OPRRA.'CINQ REVENUES
SubscrIbel">' station revenues _. _ _ . $673,66.'3,593 $229,003 $662, HI, 424
Publictelephonereveoues. "___ __ 44,530,002 _._ 45,522,456
M lscellanoous local service revenues _ 10,922, 618 2,613.353 11,565,416
Messujl;e~lls282,021,016 6,785,3\14 2OO,770,OU
Miscellaneous toll servIce revenul'S_ _ .__ ::___ 32, li27, 454 14,220,590 34,645,813
Revenues from generfll services nnd licenses_ __ a, 593, 058 "_____ 11,508,580
Sundrymlscellaneousrevenues. .. _ 46,681,103 5,243 43.793,875 5,694
Uncollectible operating revenues-Dr __ . __ ___ I 5, 149, 063 22,778 3,960, 185 13,632
Total.~.•_ •__ .ll~,~IOOC:::-,=79='~,'=8~'+""23=,=83='-,,=0=,-lo
1
,=1111l1=-,=,.=,=,,o,=.+-,.c:::-,=080::-,008'"
I Comprises 23 Dell S}'stem carriers and the Cincinnati & Suburhan Bell Telephone Co, and Soutbern
New England Telephone Co.
I Reflects only items which are roanil)' availahle from carriers' accounts.
Monthly statistics of telegraph carriers from July 1934- to June 1939.-The
operating revenues, operating expenses, operating income, and net income of the
large wire-telegraph and radiotelegraph carriers, which reported on a monthly
basis from July 1934 to June 1939, are given in table XXXIV, and the trends
during this period are shown in chart 9. There was a loss in 1939 in SPite of a
Bmall increase in operating revenues over the period from July 1934 to June 1939.
This 1088, however, was not as large as that of 1938. This unfavorable trend
bep;an in 1937 when the net income was only aboutone~thirdof that of 1936.
It reached its lowest ebb in 1938 and was followed by an upward trend in 1939.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 159
TABLE XXXIV.-Monthly operating statistics showing revenues, expenses, operating
income, and net income as reported by large telegraph carriers from July 1934 to
June 1939, inclusive
Operating: revennes
MontL
193-1 1935 1936 1937
1938 1939
--'._-~~----
January. ________ ._ •..__ .._
._. $10,362.033 $1O,911,8\)7 $12, 136, OUS $10,541, 024
$10,549,103
February. _____________ . ____ ._
9, fill, 350 10,585.071 11,364-,374 11,973,041
9,987.040
March___ •__ . _____ ._. _____ ','_
to, i29. 707 11,726,246 13.250.314 II, 598, 330
11,577.244
ApriL _______ ._._________
lD,878,367 11,542,789 12, ;no, 802 10, !I:;O, 911 H,Oll,762
May__ . _________ . ____ . ___
1l,111,853 11,,~74,330 12,194,855 to,IBO.Il!7 II, 7:{S, 134
June__________ . __ . ____
$iii;2ss,243
10,798, ,ssa 12,128,173 12,510,566 1I, 231. 782
11,720,9M
July.._____________ .
--------- lO, 710, 003 12,193,309 t2,IHI,073 10, 61,'}, \l84
AugusL ____________
10.3813,673 11,085,297 11,708.672 12,137,157 11,092.365
_________w __
September_________~__________
10,178,062 10,897,978 11,958,495 12,187,289 11,549,524
------------
October. ________ . ____ . _______ .
10,725.812 It, 533, 9,19 12, 290,67\'1 11,909,809 11,156.127
----._------
November__________
9,933,054- 10,006,676 11,505,224 to, 995, 002 10,751,2,'\8
-----~--~_.-
December_________"_~__ .
ll, 004, 971 Ii, 92.'i, 57l 13,900.521 12,696,183 12,407,678
._------~---
TotaL_ 63,016,815 130,613,37tl
142,023,409 145,733,4f19 132,799,541 66,581,188
Operating expenses
January. _.. __ ..._. _______
---_._----- $9,120,390 $9,420,527 $10,224,172 $tO,014,191 $9,816,459
February_.~_~__ . _________
--- ----------
8,686,579 9,1.19,483 9,812,4M 9,328,764 9,318,883
March_____~•• _. __ . _______
--- -_._---- 9,153,476 9,651,658 10, M,3, ItS 9,978,339 10,031,020
April. _. _____________ •________
----------_.
9,1:10,371 9,534,459 10,457.912 9,963,8rJ3 0,808,871
May.._. _____________ • ___ • __
9,376. III 9,681,113 10,79(1.104 10,071. 443 to, 2R9. 234
June.. _____ . ______ . ___ . ___ . ___
9,160,096 9,901,625 to,873,625 9,M3,181'1
IO,142,2S6
July____ . ________ ..._..____ ...
$9,275,142 9,2&1,67\ to, 089, 727 10,762, &>09,856,8~
------------
AugusL__ ____ . _____ .
9,326,337 9,314,022 9,961,601 10, ,'103,183 9, 93,}, 398
--._._-._--~
September______ . ____
9,028,709 9,027.054 9,9H, 1;-12 10,414,202 1l,8f!8, n;;
October_______________________
9,225,020 9,392,086 9,965,431 10,431.137 9,903,121)
--------_._-
November____ . ______ . ____ . ___
9,019,603 9.179,022 9,0(;9,800 9,949.959 9. !:l91, 477
._---------.
Dectlmber_____.~_________
9,458, lIO 9,720.0,')3 II, 290. 617 10,957,719 10,7,~6,394
._----------
Tptal _...._._ ..._-- 55,332,92t 110,551,944 lI8, 300, 173 125, 736, 142 119,602,068
59,406,753
Operating income
January _.•.____ ....
I
$778,067 $981, 459 $1,218.792 -$196,210 $15,308
February_. _________
._----- ..._- 470,181 919,278 879,582 -51,025 -t6,931
March__ . ___ . __ ._
--------- ..-
1,115,485 1,562.679 1,962,427 8S0,453 814,020
ApriL___ .. __ . ____________ . ___
1,280,193 1, 503, 698 1,156,443 2.'i1l, 890 512,377
May_____~________________ . __ .
1,537,331 1,385,1:18 712,793 130,8l!8 698. 901
June._________ •.____________ ._
$5i7:300-
1,179,070 1,720,742 916.378 601,066 886,039
July. _. _______~_.___
969,419 1,614,552 642,317 41,105
• _______ 4_04
August_-_____________________ .
1,074,209 1,314,M7 1,255,078 MO,157 431, 007
__________.w
September._____ . __________ 0_
60S, 071 1,418,137 1,494,735 1,079.106 952,883
________ 4W __
October____ ..._. _____________
1,07,'i,143 1,682,661 1,698, fl30 700,687 558,202
-.---~------
November____~_
-_._---_._._.- 438,859 1,039,152 1,332,094 420,779 68,467
________.~.4
December___
1,330,026 1,734,304 1,887,073 1.116.307 I, MO, 713
_________w __
TotaL. ... --_._._--_. 6,113,617 14,518,097 17,355,156 lI, 875, 768 4,717,479
2. 909, 714
Net income
January___ .
._._.....--- -$60,911 $131,091 $408,473 -$1,061,:103 -$881,468
February___ . _. ______________
----------
-463.888 -24,895 41, 5S3~948,951 -933,000
MArch___ •____ . _______________
200,972 622,838 1,248,585 70,810
'DO
ApriL ____.~__ • _______ . ___ . ___
-_._---. __ . 433,OOt 691.179 424.790 -559,813 -381.429
May_______ ._. ___________ •• __ .
637,004 442,004 -135, 726 -753,993 -229,328
June_______ •_______~_______ ._.
-::"::$2)2, 781
248,659 834,273 203,369 -185,822.~...
July__________ . _________ . _____
l~~,721 726,813 -36,395 -7f12.2'U
---_. -----.-
August________ .._. __
244,478 391,400 395,400 95,591 -408, 028
-----------.
September.______
-169, SolO 523,848 6'30,833 344,257 199,328
---.-.--_._-
October._. ___ . _. ______
318, fJ98 828.207 005,059 -9.300 -356.488
-.---------~
November___ . ______ ._. _.• ____
-396,241 85, 27d 475,974 -413,539 -774,370
------------Decen1her_" _. ________ . _______
-2fJ7,065 996,780 I, 3M, 729 359,312 291,250
_______••www
Total_______ •. __
442,751 3,956,073 7,135,304 2,533,901 6,249,564 2, 391, 786
NOTll~8.-..Large telegraph carriers" comprises 3 land·line telefraPh carriers, 5 ooean-eable carriers, andi
rlV'llotel~aphC1\rrlers, eAch having annual operating revenues 0 approximately $SO,OOO or more.
Dash -) indicates defl.cit or other reverse item.
160 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
I
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The index numbers oj operating revenues of telegraph carriers.-The index num 
bers of the operating revenues of large wire-telegraph amI of radiotelegraph
carriers, based on returns shown in the monthly reports filed with the Com 
mission, are given in tables XXXV and XXXVI, respectively. The monthly
returns received during 1929 from wire-telegraph carriers have been used as a
basis in computing the index numbers for subsequent years. ·While the returns
{or June 1939 show that the operating revenues decreased to 67.51 percent of
the 1929 figure, a slight improvement is shown in the returns for April, May,
and June 1939, when compared with the returns for the similar period in 1938.
In view of the fact that the revenue figures of the radiotelegraph carriers for
the years 1929 to 1933, inclusive, are incomplete, the index numbers have been
computed on the basis of the monthly returns filed during 1934. Effective
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 161
January 1, 1939, changed requirements in the reporting of operating revenues
by radiotelegraph carriers caused a higher level of the monthly index numbers
for 1939 than for prior months. An increase of approximately seven in the
amounts of the percentage relatives results therefrom.
TABLE XXXV.-Index numbers of monthly operating revenues oj large wire-telegraph
carriers from January 1930 to June 1939, inclusive
[1929=loo}
,
I
I
Month 1929 193. I 1931 1932 1933 1934 19351~61931 I 1938
1939
I
,
--
----
--
-I---
Pd. Pd. Pd. Pd. Pd. Pet. Pd. Pd.
M.I Pd.
Pd.
January. _____________
100 95.47 SO. 77 63.84 IH.22 61.9.9 61. 01 64.13 71.39 61. 30
61.19
Febrt.l8ry_____________
100 98.61 81. 96 67.34 52.96 63.09 61. 65 67.46 72.34 62.77 63.06
MBrch__ .•_____ ._._._,
11)0 92.62 79.84 65.23
5£17 63.13 60..13 ..66 63.80 63.73 63.69
ApriL ______ . _________
100 00.31 81. 79 60.97 54.22 60.97 63.35 67.29 71. 06 62.78
63.13
May__________________
100 92.71 76.69 57.73 60.27 62.17 63.75 64.65 67.76 60.42
64.6D
June_________________
100
".90 SIl."
61,38 65.04 64.23 62.88 70.62 72.23 64.49
67.61
July_________ •___ , ..__
100 87.80 75.05 61. 37 61. 78 57.85 60.40 68.76 66.97 59.35
-'-_."
August- ______________
100 84.10 69.32 55.36 58.58 59.68 60.90 64.18 65.60
60·i9 --.-...
September______ ". ___ .
100 88.29 73.30 58.27 59.6257.~962.02 6S.02 68.41 65.36
--.--..
October ______ ..•_____
100 82.11 67.27 50.85 54.09 66.33 60.46 84.38 61.00 58.15
November_._.._"._. _ 100 82.63 69.59 55.84 60.79 60.83 66.29 70.20
66.72 I 651 2()~=~~=~:
December._ ._-- _ 100 87.89 72..56 56.36 61.54 62.65 67.98 79.03
!::"'~I70.24 .:..:::..:.:..:
For year_____
100 90.00 75.64 58.56 68.22 60.84 62.46 ffl.82 69.06: 62.80 1__ . ___ .
NOTE.-"Large wire-telegraph carriers" comprises 3 land-line telegraph carriers and 5 oooan-cable carriers
each having annual operating reveuues of approximately $50,000 or more.
TABLE XXXVI.-Index numbers of monthly operating revenues of largeradio~
telegraph carriers from January 1935 to June 198,9, inclusive
[1934""I00j
Month 1934 1935 1936 1937 1936 1939
Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percem
January • ._____ 100 111.54 120.35 132.60 126.39 100. is
February ._______ 100 10_2.07 122.77 134.32 127.18 129.&3
March_. •. 100 105. 72116_.~9142.48 136.43 143.81
ApriL___________________________________ IOU 113.78 118.84 145.90 133.Q.5 141.41
May____________________________________ 100 no 10 III 97 12766 Il6.68 130.77
June . ._____ 100 1<0432 llZ.OJ} 13704 124251 13206
t~~~~~~:~~~-~-~~~-~-~~~~~~~~~--~~~~-~I!~1~~t?~.:Hl~I}gg:~~:~~~~~~~~
October. __-------~~~~=:=~:~~~~=~~~__. i 100 11037 118.95 1.27.92 ll503
November JOO lOS. 67 12249 12((05 123 721 _
Deoomber._ ------------------------.-~_~~128.79~-E!!~=..:.:.:....:.:
Foryear__ 100 100.42 IJ8.06 134861 121771--- _
NOTE~.-"Largeradi{ltelegraph carriers" comprises 9 rndiotelegraph carriers, each havIng annual
operating revenues 01 approximately $50,000 or more.
In comparing the index numbers in thts table, consideration shoUld be given to theelfect of certain changes
in the reporting requirements effective on Jan. I, 1939, embodied in a circular letter dated Jan. 4, 1939. This
has rtlsulted in an abnormal increase of approximately 7 in the percentages for the months of 1939.
Employees and their compensation.-Labor statistics relating to large telephone,
wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers are shown in table XXXVII separately
for each gl"Oup of carriers. The table shows data for the year 1938 in comparison
with those for 1937. The information relates to the carriers that filed monthly
reports with the Commission, but the data were compiled from annual reports
and correspondence. The number of telephone employees decreased from
301,771 in 1937 to 293,429 in 1938, \"hereas their compensation increased from
$496,694,574 to $510,242,789 dnring this period. The returns from wire-telegraph
and radIOtelegraph carriers indicate that, for those carriers, the number of employ 
ees and theircompeh~ationdecreased from 72,68,1) and $90,254,217, regpectiyely,
in 1937 to 65,476 and $82,725,616, respectively, ill 1938.
A comparative analysis of the number of employees of large telephone, wire4
telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers for 1937 and 1938 iH shown in chart 10 and a
similar comparative analysis of t.he total annual compensation of employees in
service is shown in chart 11.
TABLE XXXVII.-Compenaation ojemployeu, by monthB, and number ofempwyeea in service at the end ofthe year, as reported by large telephone
...
and telegraph carriers for the years 1937 and 1938
0>
to:)
Telephone carriers Telegraph carriers
!:l
Month Grand total '0
Bdl System
Other than
Total
Land-line
Ocean cable
Radiotele-
Total
0
Bell System telegraph grapb ..
..,
0
1937
."
January_____
$35,853,512 $2, (135, 913 $38, 489, 425 $6,512,297 $383,432 $385,601 $7.281.390 $45,770,8105
..,
February_______ .
----.-------
j
34,389,272 2,539,06.5 36,928,337 6,163,950 383,098 384,142 6,931,190 43,859.527
March___________
--------------
37,881,721 2,724,094 40,60S,815 6,823,033 382,264 394.862 7,600,159 48, 2M, 974~
~:#~:::::_-----
37,541,880 2,681.022 40,322.902 6,683,976 387.100 399,444 7,470,519 47.793,421
'"!
38,294,031 2,678.914 40,972.945 6,922,887 391,195 405,674 7.719,756 48, R92, 701
til
June. ____________
-------------
1
38,815,382 2, 756, 037 41,571,419 6,933,800 381,412 412,405 7,721,707 49,299,126
July_____
10,049,502 2,852,987 42,902,489 6,994,610 389,938 432. 235 7,816,783 SO, 719, 272
"
August. ________
--------------
40,013,677 2,835,819 42,849,496 6,749,981 383,812 429.166 7,562,959 SO. 412, 455
'"
September_______
40,093,102 2, 826,006 42,919, lOS 6, 674,554 384,875 422,478 7,481,902 50,401,010
~
October__ 39,448,009 2,803.393 42,252,302 6,623,365 393,026 427,044 7,443,4.15 49,6%,737
November__
I
39,987,440 2,817.561 42, 806, OO! 6,428,831 400,405 429,214
7. 2"">8. 4SO SO, 06.1, 451
December__ 41,088,761 2,986,574 44,07,~,335 7,018,981 399,419 541,567 7,959,967 52,035,302
C
TotaL_ 463,557, 189 33,137,385 496,694,574 80,530,354 4,659,976 5,063.887 90,254,217 liS6, 948, 791
0
~
Number of employees in service Dec. 31, lQ37_
I
275,306 26,465 301,771 65,8SO 3,738 3,077 72,685 374,456
~
c::
tll38
I
zJanllary ______
$39,232,671 $2, 788. 4.55 $42,021,126 $6,041,552 $387,969 $441,905 $6,871.516 $48, 800, 642
~
Februacy _____
-I
37,025,947 2,658,259 39,684,206 5,522,208 391.324 428, 786 6,342,318 46,026,524
C
Marcb ---I 40,182,306 2,880,415 43.062,721 6.026,086 385, 491 444,661 6,856, 238 49,918,959
~
~rlL.
::I
38,540,606 2,8-14.687 41.385,293 6.103,512 391,080 437,405 6, 931, 997 48, 317, 290
• ay_~9,832.976 2,882,095 42, 71li, 071 6,135,386 379,498 438,206 6,953,090 49,668.161
~
0
June______
39,227,4to 2,859,526 42,086,936 6,021,272 375,778 441,3li6 6,838,436 48,925,372
ZJuly_________ ::::-
39,330,502 2,857;684 42, 188, 186 6,008,378 382,216 447,439 6,838,033 49,026,219
w
August ____ . _____ .
--------_.-
----j
40,480,683 2,946;885 43,427,568 6,058,573 369,315 446,546 6.874,434
"',~,OO2
September_______ ._~~~~~~~~.
--------._-
--I
40,712,959 2,984,1H0 43,697,599~022,348364,601 445,176 6,832,12.5 00,5 ,724 C
~e:~~~~:~~=~:~=~:~=:====~~=~:~~:==:~=~===!
40,402,987 3,087,057 43,490,044 6;040,697 378,775 440,00lJ 6,859,481 M,349,525 0
40,149,709 2, 865, 003 43,015,612 6,099,587 373,823 436.501 6.909,91149,9~,523
is:
40,623,681 2,944,746 43, 468, 42'l 6,767,150 aw,28O 460,607 7,618,037
61.~4M
is:
Numb::~~:~;:;=-;':;;;~;~-~~;-;;,;~~:_:1
475,642,437 34,600, ,352 510,242,789 72,846,749 4,670, ISO 5,308,717 82,725.616 592, 968. 405 Sl
w
266,884 26,:545 293,429 58, IlO6 3,563 3,007 65,476 358,905
~
0
Z
NO'1'E.-"Large t'tllephona carriers" comprises 8 group of90 canlers, each ha.vlngannual comprises 3 Iano-line telegraph carriers, .Ii ocean-cable carrll'rs, and 9 radiotelegraph
uperating revenul'S of approximately$2,~n,OOOor IDGN!. "Large tell'glaph carriers" C8fners, each bavlng annual operating revenues of approximately $50,000 or morl'
NUMBER 01" .MPLOYEES IN SERVICI: 01" ALL LARGE REPORTING COMMUNICATION CARRIERS AS OF DECENBIER ai, 18a7. AND DECEMBER al. 18a.
CHART NO, 10
KEY
293,42:9
26&,884
26. 545
:>8.906
...,
3.001
........ .......H c ..""'",,•
_"" ......H _ """"''' c""",,,,,.
"LL a LII"..o.." """",,,,,•
L4MD L''' 0" c""",,,_
_ .. C.." CJUtlt1u.
.....,o",.u:c:"""" C ,.".
.. "0 UN" ....LEo DC""'..
..... , LJi:.".."H C , ..
"LL _ ' ..0 e .." ..' .
1.00%
.82 "0
301,711
onta" TH"N .a.........-_ c.."''''_
....N.. UN" T"LEG"""" CJUt",a"a
0CIU01O ""ilL" C ......,.....
ItADJ01'1ILl"....." ..
27~,306
28,4e!o
65,850
3,158
3,011
EMPL.OYEES
1937
• "LL 10 c""",,,,,.
0""." au. C.."", .
...... LA"O L O.." c ,,,..,,
LA". u ... T.LEO".._""""'~".
0CIl.... ""aL" c""",,,.
""DlO1'1tL"O"""" C.."..,....
...... LAND u ..~T ..L8G...." ... OCIl....
eA 1tA..'OT"L........"H ""..",,, ..
..u._~,..o C......, .
TOTAL ANNUAL COMPENSATION .OF EMPLOYEES IN SERVICE OF ALL LARGE REPORTING COMMUNiCATION CARRIERS FOR ntS YEAH 1.37 AND 1938
CHART NO. II
0.77%
0.90%
82725616
592968405
COMPENSATION
$47~642,437
34.600,352-
$510.242789
72.64a.749
4.5TO.150
5;306.717
1938
.....O'OT" " c 'u•
... ,,1: " L'''" TELE" ac,,"'''
c I: O'OT".."'O C ,"'..'"
... ""....IlPO , ..o c " ..'"...
."L" $""''''' C"''''''US
0"''''''' T Il .... SUTE" c ..." ..,,, .
""L COIl TE.."'....O .." c....",,, .
LAND 1,.'"'' Til..""........ CA""'"''''
.,,1,.1,. .v...".. c ......,t.."
OT"". T""'''."L~.TU." c ......,,,...
$496694 574
80~03!)4
4 659 976
5 063 887
90 254 211
see 948 791
COMPENSATION
$4635$7189
33 137 385
1937
.".....VSTE" C .......,,,..,,
OT""" T ....... atELL U ..U" C ... " ..,,,,,..
....... LA""1l TE.." " .." CIl""'"''''
LA"O ....." T".."" CA""'Il".
OCU" c " CIl""'"''''
....O'OT...."" c u ..
"'''L LA."" 0 LI"" TELIlG.......... "c.......
c.......Il. s n"'O'OTEL""U"" C"''''''IlU
........ LJl""" "":t'on,.." ..,.......,,,,,.
KEY
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 165
(el STATISTICS CONCERNING INTERCORPORATE RELATIONS
Intercorporate relations of telephone and telegraph carriers and controUing com 
panies.-The statistical data shown in table XXXVIII relate to the intercorporate
relations of all telephone, wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph carriers, and con·
trolling companies fiUng reporte with the Commission for the year 1938. The
independent or top companies are arranged in alphabetical order and are shown
flush WIth the margin. Each subsidiary is indented beneath the controlling
company to indicate the intercorporate relationship at the close of the year.
The showing of the intercorporate relations between the carriers and the can·
trolling companies is based on ownership of more than 50 percent of the voting
capital stock. An alphabetical list of all the companies is shown in the index
following this summary. The number shown in the first column of the table
preceding the name of each company corresponds with the reference number
shown in the index.
The operating revenues of all telephone, wire-telegraph, and radiotelegraph
carriers reporting for the year 1938, together with system totals, are shown in the
fourth column.
TABLEXXXVIII.~SummarysMwing the intercorporate relations oj communication
carriers and the controlling companies reporting to the Commission ,for the year
1938
No. Name of company
Type of company I
Operating
revenues of
carriers
,
6
7
8
,
10
11
12
"
H
16
l'
17
"
l'
"
21
22
'"24
25
26
27
28
29:
30'
31
32
33
1 American Telephone & Telegraph Co:__________________________ Telephone(A)_~__$103,374,191
l! Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania). The do_____________ 68,568,521
3 Cbesapeake & Potomac Telephone L:o., The AO •
j
11,379,850
4 Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone 00. of Baltimore City, do.-
I
16,079,088
Th,. I
Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of Virginia, The 00.____________ 9,958,7:1.'3
Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Co. of W€l:lt Virginia, do.. 6,392,806
D~~~ndState Telephone Co., The. do_. 1 2, 308, 744
Illinois Bell Telephone Co~•• d<L
1
&7,186, &70
Crown Point Telephone Co., The Telephone (B)____ 61,464
Indiana Bell Telephone Co Telephone (A)_ 13,120,905
Michigan Bell Telephone Co~do 1 40,116,216
Mountain Stat\\s Telephone &: 'l'el\\graph Co., The do_____________ 24,300, &02
New England Telephone & TelegraDh Co .. do 1 74,200,427
Eastern Telephone & 'l'elegraph Co. (Maine) do_" . , 128,971
Moosehead Telephone & Telegraph Co • Telephone (aL II 91,059
Westerly Automatic Telephone Co 'l'olephone tA)____ 147,972
Wootern New England Telephone Co Telephone (B) .I 90,560
White River ValleyTel~honeCo .do_" j 54,072
New Jersey Bell Telephone 0 Teleghone (A)_ ---I 48,523,103
~~~~~~e~liPe~tT~I~~iione-Co~~~~~~~~~=~~~:~~~~~~~~=~~=~~~~~~dg~::~:~~:~:~::~;~~:~
Dakota Central Telephone Co .. .do_____________ 1,226,786
TrI-8tate Telephone & Telegraph Co., The • do~__6,343,880
Nicollet County Telephone & Telegraph Co Telephone (B)____ 58,702
Ohio Bell Telephone Co., The______________________________ Telephone (A)_ 41,669,721
Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co., Tbe__~.do________ 68,363,290
Bell Telcph0I!-e Cq. of Nevada__ ------------------------ Ao________ __I 1,000,761
Southern Callforma Telephone 00_____________ ,do _ _ 46,632,096
Southern Bell Telephone & 'l'clegraph Co -, do -- ---- I 64,264,739
Christian-Todd Telephone Co • do .___ 206,016
Southw<\stem Bo:lUTelephoneCo do____ __ 87,484,300
United Telephone Co., 'rhe (Kansas)I________________ ,_ do 1,731,699
Wisconsin Telephone Co , do , 17,659,673
I~i.~~J~,,~:~I·:~~
The.' !
41 . Minnesota &: Manitoba Railroad, The 7~do .! 6,628
" ICanadian Pacific Railway Co. (lines in United States) .do . 1 5,189
43 Carolina Telephone & Telegraph Co Telephone (A) I 1,595,724
44 Central Kansas 'l'elephone Co., Inc_, The 8 Ao____________ J.l6,879
46 Champaign 'l'elephone Co., The Telephone (B) ' 79,734
S\'(\ footnotes at end of table.
192443--40----12
166 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABI,E XXXVIII.-Summary showing th.e intercorporate relations of communication
carriers and the controlling companies reporting to the Commission for the year
1938--Continued
-72;466
--i:798
GS31, 075
--240;35i
75,273
1,362,847
11,235
10,296,991
-1'-912'-500
181,644
Operating
revenues of
carriers
Type of companyNamo of company
Cheeapeake & Ohio Railway Co., The.c~. __ Holding(N)~.• ••
Pere Marquette Railway Co . Ao...._._ ...~_
Central Land Co. .. .. . do.lo • __ ._ ••• _
Pere Marquette Radio Corporation_. Radiotelcl!Illph__ _ $10;172
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. (in Holding (N) . _
trustoeshlp).
Oontmental Telegraph 00__________ _ Wire-telegraph __ ._
Cmcmnatl & Suburban Bell Telephone Co., The_____ _ Telpphone (A) _
C,tlzens Utilities Co _ _ __ _ Holding (N) _
Public Utilities California Corporation----___ Telephone (A) -------iii3;843
City of Seattle, Harbor Department- _._ RadlOtelegraph____ 4, 626
Colorado Fuel Iron Corporation__ .____ Holding (N)I.. _
ColuC~~I~a~~itt:y8:1~_~:r:~~~~~~~_~~~,_~~~~:_====:=:====~==:Wire-~~)graph---- --- -----i2:s07
Interstate Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Oregon)i_.__________ Wlre-telegrffih _ . '·---(3)------
Colusa County Telephone 00 . Telephone ( )_ 56,832
Oommerclal Padfic Cable Co.l0___ Wlre-telegraph.___ 720,081
CubaD American Telephone & Telegraph 00.11 Telephone (A)____ 176,947
Del Rio & Winter Garden Telephone 00__ • . do______ 262, 286
Dollar Co., The Rohert__ • .____ Holding (Nl . _
Globe Wireless Ltd.___________ Radiotelegraph-.___ 465;255
Firestone Tire & RUbber Co., The_ _ Holding (N)f
Firestone Plantations 00. __ . . do . . __
United States-Liberia Radio Corporation. Radiotelegraph _
Flrst-Chicap:o Corporatlon . Holding (N)f _
North-Western Indiana Telephone Co., 'l'he 11
1
Telephone (A) _
French Telegraph Cable Co., The 13 Wi e-teIE'graph _
General & Telephone Investments, Inc. __ Holding (L)f_
Gary & Co., Theodore . . do _
TeleB:~~~~~~?~I~~~~~~~-O=:====~~:==::=:~==:=::===~~~~-3~~.
Nebraska Continental Telephone CO.H . Telephone (A)_
Nebraska Continental 'relephone Corporation It ..do _
Home Telephone &Te1e~raphCo., The (lndiana) . do_ __ __ I
Imperial Securities Co. . . Holding (L) "-1_
'l'elelt~~~:0~;~\~~to~Ci5o._of-pi-liiadeipiilil_~:==:::-TeJe~~one(Ai:~:~
Eastern Telephone & 'felegraph Co. (New do ... _
Jersey).
No.
..
"
..
..
50
"
"
"
54
65
'"57
'"..
60
61
62
62
64
"
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
16
76
77
76
'"80
81
82
System totaL_ 3,772,621
----847;623
1,247,257
1,235,771
1,522, Q21
738, fl8Q
2,371,883
I=~=
Oeneral Telephone Corporation_ - - _.. --------.-----------'-TH,"II,d~ioOI'go~n('~!(A~.).. ----1
Genera11'elephone 'I'd Corporation 16_ _ _ .
Interstate Telephone Co_____ _ _
Michigan A!lSoclaterl Telephone Coo. __ . . __ .________ .. _do___ _!I
Southwestern Associated Telephone Co.___________ __ _do..
Indiana Associated Telephone Corporation __ . __ __ __do_ _ ,
Ohio Assodated 'fell:lphone Co. ...-----.- -------. do_ __I'
Pennsylvania Telephone Corporation__ . do . __
United 'Telephone Co. (Delawarel ._.______ Holding (L)_. _.
Tri-Stato Associated Telephone Corporation Telephone (B)-~-ll-~--:_'COcl.cOO--:O
SystemtotaL________ 8,006,374
Greenville Telephone Co., The . .__ _ Telephone (B)___ 105,565
Home Telephone & Telegraph Co. of Virginia .do____________ 119,952
Huron Portland Cement Co. ..__ • Holding (N)f . __
Huron 1'ransportation 00 • ... ._ __ .._do __ . . _
Michigan Wireless Telegraph CO,l7_ Radiotelegraph _
Inter-Mountain Telephone Co .. Tr-iephone (A) _
International 'l'e1ephone & Telegraph Corporation_________ HolrUng (L). _
All America Cables & Radio, lnc)l. . ._ _ Wire-telegraph____ ---4'-732,-962
Postal Telegraph & Cable Corporation (in trusteeship). Holding (Ll _
Associated Companies, The (Intrusteeship)I~.-do . . _
Commercial Cable Co., The . Wire-telegraph -----3.-789:381
Commercial Pacific Cable Co. IO . . _
Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co. (Californla)_______ Radiotelegraph___ 1,000, 691
Postal Telegraph·Cahle Co. (land-line system)______ Wire-telegraph____ 21,089,095
Interstate Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Ore- _. do .__ (6)
gon).10
Radio Communication Co., Inc.lI .. .• • Holding (L) •• __ • _
Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co. (Detawnre) Radlotelegraph._.. 9DO,856
System totaL • ••••••••••••••__ •••••••••••_••_. 31,662,8&1,
83
64
..
66
87
88
89
90
.,
92
93
"
"
"
97
..
..
100
101
102
U"
U>I I
105 I
106
lill
800 footnotes at end of table.
REPORT 01' THE~'EDERALCOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
167
TABJ,E XXXVIII.-Su?ntnary showing the intercorporate relations of communicat£on
c~rrier8and the controlling -compQ.f!.ies reporting- to the Commi8sion for the year
1938-Continued
No. N8ID6 of company Typo of company
Operating
rovenues of
carriers
i77;gi-i
887,596
3,013,332
----iag:s5o
147,6i9
189,603
I,m
217,892
74.589
170,500
78, 381
Investments & Utilities Corporation_._.. . .._._.. Holding (L) .• .
I.lo\'eland & Co., Ltd___ _._ _ . .do . •
West Coast Utilities Corporation _. . .do ._ ..
West Coast Telephone Co. __ . _ _.. . __ Telephone (A). $1,411, mol
In"ep1~ITeT,J~iPe~°!f~I?;hon~-boiporaifo-n~·.__ __₯~l~~~~:lA)~~== -- ---.-229: 373
Kansas State Telephone Go., The___ __ _ . __ . __ Telephone (B)____ 48 633
Kittanning Telephone Co., Thea __ Telephone (A)____ 256: 724
Lee Telephone Co __ _ • do____________ 142, 733
Lmcoln Telephone & Telegraph CO.,1'he (Delawarep___ _ _._.-do____________ 2,666,315
Mayor and Clty.(Collncil of paItiltiore, Md_ .__ Radiotelegraph____ 4,351
MiChigan Alkali Co _ __ __._ Holding (N)i _
Wyandotte Transportation Co ._ _ __ ..-do . _
Michigan WirelOO$ Telegraph Co.IT___ Radiotelegraph _
121 Mutual Telephone Co.t, __ . . __ l'elpphone (A)_ 2, 004, 266
122 Nevada-California Electnc Corporation, The._. ._. Holding (N) _
123 Interstate Telegraph Co . . . Telephone (A) _
124 Norfolk & Cl\l'olina Telephone &- 'l'elegraph Co., The • .do _
125 North·West Telephone Co_. __ ., " do . __~_
126 Olympic Radio Co . .__ Radiotelegraph _
127 Oregon-Washington Telephone Co_ Telephone (A). _
128 Oxnard Home Tolephone Co. Telephont: (B)_. __
129 Ozark Central Telephone Co . . •__ • • Telephone (A) _
130 Palestine Telephone Co _ _ • ... ._____ Telephone (B)__ ••
131PbIl1i~Petroleum Co __ _ _ .Boldin~(N}______ ._
132 \, estern Radio Telegraph Co___ __ •. ._ Radlotelegrapb. ·- ----33: 4is
133 Prl3SSWlreless,lnc_.______ __ •• .do__.______ 482,490
134 Radio Corporation of America _ _ HoldlDg (L)_ _ • _
135 R. C. A. CommUniCations, Inc _ _ _ -.•- _. 1 RadlOtelegraph____ 6,367:053
]36 Radiomarlne Corporation of America_ _ do 1,154,379
System totaL_ _ _ _ • •• .____ 6,521,432
l~:ao~~~e:IJ'Tl:fe~~~~~trt.~~~I~~~---.-~~~~=~==::~~=~====_~_~l~_~~~~~~~===li,~:~
139 Santa Pauls Home Telephone Co Telepbone (B)__ __ 56,817
140 Socony-Vacuum Oil Co., Incorporated Holding (N) __ ._. • _
141 Magnolia Petroleum Co . . do ..~.. .
142 Magnolia Radio Corporation . .Radiotelegrapb_~__4:868
143 ISout~PortoRI~Sugar Co. (!few Jerse;r) .._,_________ Holqlng (N) ._. __
14'1' South Porto Rico Sugar Co. (of Puerto RICo) ._____ RadlOtelegrapb____ 7,190
145 Southeast MIssouri Telephone Co . ._._. __ . _. _.. ,__ . Telephone (A)_ 758,318
146 Southern New England Teleghone Co., The__ .~do .________ 18,036,003
147 Southwest Telephone Co., T e (KansllS) . .. __ . do . 179,780
148 Standard Oil Co. (New Jersey) _. . .'_' ._._. . __ Holding (N)l_._. . _
149 Southern Hadio Corporation fl_._ •• _._ •• _._ • Radiotelegraph____ 19,765
150 I Standard Power & Light Corporation •.• Bolding (N)i _
151 t Standard Gas &- Electric Co ... . .do.~__ . _
~~'INor~:th~::t~a1~,tie~~~b~~~~~:>e6Ota'3=~~========·Teie~<t~ne(A5~===ii2;97i
1M Tidewater Wireless Telegraph Co~. ._ Radiotelegraph___ 4,514
155 Two States Telephone Co_ ___ Telephone (A) _ 323, 104
156 United Fruit Co______ __ Holding (N)._~_
15i I 'l'ropicll.1 Radio 'l'elegraph Co_ Radiotelegraph___ 659,030
1681 (lnlted Staks Ru1;lber Co , . Holding (N)'__ .. __ ••_~. __
109 Central Idaho Telegraph & Telophone Co.t! __ .___ Wire-telegraph____ 873
160 I {TnitedStatesStoeICorporation .. . .. Holding(N)t -~__~__ • _
161 I Bradley Transportation Co__ • . - ------.----- -- -- -- ---- _do_ .. - --~--.. - -------- - -.--
162 Central Radio Telegraph Co__________________________ Radiotelegraph __ . 5,937
163 ' United Telepbone & Electric Co., The (in trusteesbip)J$_ Holding (LL _
164 New Jersey Telephono Co___________________________ Telephone (A)._ 162,769
Hi5 United Telopbone & Telegraph Co., The_ __ Holding (L) _
166 American 'l'elepbone Co" Tbe___________ Telephone (A)____ 457,849
167 United Telepbone Co., The (Missouri) do. .. . 377,780
168 Cnited Telephonll & Telegraph Corporation __ ,______ Holding (L)~__~_
lOO Interstate Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Indiana)_ _ do . __
170 I Ohio Tolephone Service Co . _ Telephone (A) 232,394
171 ! United Telepbone Companies, Inc . _.do. " 727,041
172 i United Telephone Investment Corporation, The Holding (LL__ .
17311 Union ToI081100e_!JJ}. (Indiana} .. Telepbone (A)_
174 unitedTolephonc o.of Pennsylvania, The. ._____~_-do
I System total... ------------
108
109
UO
III
112
113
114
115
JlO
117
U8
JlO
120
~l'l'footnoteB at end of table.
168 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE XXXVIII.-Summal'Y:~howingthe intercorporate relations of communication
carriers and the controlling companies reportin(J to the Commission for the year
1938-Continued
No. Name of company
I
Type of "mp,ny I
Operating
revenues of
carriers
'"176
177
178
179
United Telephone Co., The (Texas) Telephone (B) _
Utilities Holding Corporatioll .___ _~.-. IIolding (L) . _
Middle States utilities Co. (DeJaware) .. .do _
Middle States Utilities Co. of Iowtl . __ . ._._ Telephone (B)_
Middle States Utilities 00. of MissourL~.__ Telephone CA).
System totaL_
$97,293
232,955
4,14:5
180
181
182
183
184
18'
186
187
Victor-American Fuel Co., The____ Holding (N) _
Mountain Tek-grllph Co., 'l'hIL __ . .___________________ Wire-tclegraph. __
WabllSh Railway Co. (in receivership) . . Holding (N)
Ann Arbor Railroad Co" The (in receivership) . .. do_ ___
Wabash Radio Oorporation .. • . Radiotelegraph__ 12,066
Western Arkansas Telephone 00 ._ Telephone (BL 78,140
Western Union Telgraph Co., The ._. " ._ Wire·telegraph.__ 91,712,401
Great North Western Telegraph Co, of Canada, The il •• do____________ (6)
Mexican Telegraph Co • Ao_.__________ 373,691
System totaL. __ .~.1~-::92~,~085,c:::-"=2
I Symbols in parentheses indicate:
(A) OllIS:> A telephone carrier having average annual operating revenues exceeding $100,000.
(B) OlllSs B telephone carrier having average annual operating revenues exceeding $50,000, but not
more Ulan $100,000.
(L) Holding company having large interests in carriers ongaged in wire or radio communications.
(N) Holding company having nominal interests in the communications industrv,
I Merged with Southwestern Bell Telephone 00" Dec, 31, 1938, •
• Subject only to sections 201-2(15 of the act.
, Files no report, Inserted to show intercorporate relation ofsubsidiar~'compaoies,
'UlllSerl by Westtlrn Union Ttllcgraph 00. (No. 186) .
• None·reported. Leswr company.
TTelegraph facilities knsed to and operated by the Canadian Nort}lCrn Ry, 00.
I Formerly The Kansas Telephone 00., which company was reorganized and its namil chaogcd to The
Oentral KansflS Telephone Co., Inc" Jan, 1, 1938, Subject only to sees, 201-205 of the act.
t LClISed by the Postal Telegraph-Cable Co, (laud-lioe system) (No, 105),
l~The Cornmerci!ll Pacific Cahle Co, is closely affiliated with The Associated Companies.
11 The Ouban American Telephone & Telegraph Co, owns and operates telephone cables between Havana,
Ouba, and Key West, Fla.
Ii Purchased by the Indiaoa Assaciated Telephone CorporationD~c.1, 1917, with the exception of 3 toll
circuits, which were pllrcha-red by the Illinois Bel! Telephone 00, JUlie 15, 1938, OeasCld operations Juno lil,
1938.
13 Operating revenues for the New York City office, as shown on the December 1938 monthly report, are
$367.940.
II The Nebraska Oontinental Telephone 00. acquired and operated, Jan, 1, 1938, part of the property, and
on Apr. 1. 1938, the remaining property ot the Nebraksa Continental Telephone Corporlltion,
II TheNebra.~k:aContjoental 'rclcphone Oorporation ceased operations Mar. 31, 1938.
16 SueooSS<lr to the Indiana Central Telephone Co,
17 Oontrolled joint.ly by the Huron Transportation Co, (No, 96) and the Wyandotte Transportation Co,
(No, 120) through ownership of the entire capital stock, each company owning 50 percent,
18 Formerly the All-America Oables, Inc" which companyehan~edits name Aug, 24, 1938,
if Formerly The Mackay Companies, wbich company changed its name Jan. 4, 1938, due to reorgani'£a-
tion,
2ll Operateed under lease by the Postal Telegraph·Oable Co. (Ialld-line ystem). For control see No, 59,
~lInactive company; tiles no report, Inserted to show intercorporate rolation of subsidiary carrier.
i1 'rhe Mutual Telephooe Co, Is located in HaWAii.
!l Bell interosts own 33.5 peroont of the COmm'lll voting stock, 1.47 p:}f(l<lllt of the first preferred nonvoting
stock and the entiro second preforred stock, which has equal voting power with the common stock, but
cannot vote for election of directors or th(J adoption or amendment of bylaws, uoless or uotil there is a default
in the payment of dividends on the second preferred, in which event it shall have full voting power,
H Operatin.e; revenues cover full year period, although United States operationscea~dMay 31, 1938,
n Operated by the Union Pacific H. R,
:16 Jointly controlled by the United Trust 00. as trustee for Brown Memorial Foundation and C, L. Brown
estate.
il Lines io the United States include New England and northern New York State, leased by the Western
Union Tolegraph 00, For control see No. 40,
INDEX PERTAINING TO INTERCORPORATE RELATIONS
[For use in connection with table XXXVIII}
Number
Investors TelerFhone Co~W•• 112
Kansas State elephone 00 114.
Keystone 'relephone 00. of Philadelphia 81
Kittanning Telephone Oo +~115
Lee Tele-₯hone 00_. . + __ 116
Lincoln elephone & Telegraph 00 117
Loveland &: 00., Ltd 109
Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co. (CalifQrniaL __ 104
MackaY Radio & Telegraph Co. (Delaware) 107
Magnolia Petroleum Co__________ 141
Magnolia Radio Oorporation ., 142
l\hyor and Oity Council of Baltimore, Md ll8
l\'lexican Telegraph 00 +___ 187
Michigan Alkali 00. 119
Michigan Associated Telephone 00 86
Michigan Bell 'l'elephone Co~11
Michigan Wireless 'relegraph 00 97
Middle Htates Utilitie:> 00. (DelawareL 177
Middle Stat(>s Utilities Co. of Iowa.. 178
Middle States Utilities Co. of MissourL ._. __ 179
Minnesota & Manitoba U. R~41
Moosehead Telephone & Telegraph 00 15
Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co 12
Mountain Telegraph 00 181
Mutual Telephone Oo~121
Nebraska Oontinental 'felephone 00 76
Nebraska Oontinental Telephone Oorporation._ 77
Nevada-Oalifornia Electric Oorporation 122
New England Telephone & Telegraph 00 13
6 New Jersey Bell Telephone 00 19
New Jersey Telephone 00 164
New York Telephone Co. __ . 20
Nicollet County Telephone & Telegraph 00 24
Norfolk & Cllfolina Telephone & Telegraph 00_ 124
~orthernStates Power 00. (DclawareL 152
Northern States Power Co. (Minnesota) 153
North-West Telephone Co 125
Northwestern Dell Telephone 00 21
North-'Vestern Indiana Telephone 00__ • 70
Ohio Assccbtcd Telephone 00 89
Ohio Bell Telephone 00 25
OhioT~lepho!leService 00 170
Ol)'Il'pIC RadIO 00 .. _... __ . 126
Oregon-"'ashinf!:ton Telephono 00._____ 127
Oxnard Home Telephone Co_____ 128
Ozark Central Te!elphone 00___ _ 129
Pacific Telephone & Telegraph 00 26
Palestine Telephone Co 130
Pennsylvania Telephone Oorporation 90
Perc Marquette Hadio Oorporatiou_________ 49
Pere Marquette Railway 00 .__ 47
Phillips Petroleum 00 131
Platte Valley Telephone Oorporation 113
Postal Telegraph & Cable CorporatioD __ . 101
Postal TeleKrtl.plJ-Oable 00. (Land-line system)_ 105
Press Wireloss, Inc 133
Public Utilities Oalifornia Corporation M-
H. C. A. Communications, Ine __ . 135
Radio Oommunication 00., Inc 1013
Harlio Oorporation of Amerk-a 134
Radiomarinc Corporation of America 136
Rochester Telephone Corporation 137
San Angelo Telephone 00 + 138
Santa Paula Home Telephone 00 139
Socony-Vacuum Oil 00., Ine 140
South Porto Uk-o SlIgar 00. (New Jersey)__ 143
South Porto Rico Sugar 00. (of Puerto Rlco) 144
Southea.~tMissouri Telephone Co . 145
Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph 00 29
Southern Oalifornia Telephone 00 28
Southern New BnRland Telephone 00 146
Southern Radio Oorporation_ _ 149
Southwest Telephone Co. (KansasL_. 147
SOllthwestern Associated Telephone 00 87
Southwestern Bell Telephone Co 31
Standard Gas & Electric Co • 151
Standard Oil Co. (New Jersey) + 148
Standard Power & Light Oorporation 150
Telephone Bond & Share 00 •• 74
Telephone Securities, Ine~80
Number
All America Oables & Radio,Inc_~___ 100
American Telephone & Telegraph 0o ••_ 1
American Telephone 00 166
American Utilities Service Oorporation 34
Ann Arbor Railroad 00 183
Ashtabula Telephone 00 36
Associated Compll.nies 102
Bell Telephoue ()o, of NevadtL.......... 27
Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania____________ 2
Bluefield 'l'elephone Oo~___________35
Bradley Transportation 00 .___ 161
Oanadian Natwnnl Railway 00 37
Oanadian National Telegraph 00 39
Canadian Northern Railway 00 38
Canadian Pacific Railway Co. (lines in United
States) . _ 42
Carolina Telephone & Telegraph Co 43
Central Idaho Telegraph & Telephone 00 159
Central Kansas Telephone Co., Inc 44
Oentral Land 00 . . _ __ 48
Oentral Radio Telegraph Co_ _ 162
Champaign Telephone Uo 45
Ohesapeake & Ohio Railway 00 . _._ 46
Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone 00 ._ 3
Chesapcake & Potomac Tolephone 00. of Balti-
more Oily 4
Ohesapeake & Potomao Telephone Co. of Vir-
ginia_ __ __ ______ ____ ____ _ _ __ 5
Ohesapeake & Potomac Telephone 00. of West
Virginia ,__ ... . _
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific R. R.
00 ._________________________ .so
Christian-Todd Telephone 00______________ 30
Cincinnati & Suburban Bell Telephone 00_ 52
Oitizens Utilities 00_____ ___ . 53
City of Seattle, harbor departmenL___ 55
Oolorado & Wyoming 'felegraph 00 57
Colorado Fuel & Iron Corpor:ltion 56
Oolumbia Utilities Co____ _ 58
~olusaCI!Ullty Telephone 00 00
CommerCial Oable 00 . 103
Oommerciai Pacific Cable ('0 61
Continental Telcgraph Co_. 51
Continental Telephone Uo . . __ 75
Crown Point Telephone 00 .____________ 9
Cuban American 'l'elephone & Telegraph Co___ 62
Dakota Central Telephone 00 . 22
Dei Rio & Winter Garden 'felephone 00 63
Diamond State Telephone 00. 7
Dollar 00., Robert. 64
Eastern Telephone & Telegraph 00. (M alne) _ 14
Eastern Telephone & Telegraph 00. (New Jer-
sey) .. _ 82
Firestone Plantations 00_______________ 67
Firestone Tire & Rubber 00____ 66
l<'irst-Chieago CorporatloIl__ .__ G9
French Telf'graph Cable Co__ 71
Gary & Co.. 'l'IJeodorc ___ 73
General & Telephone Investments, Inc 72
General Telephone Corporation . 83
General Telephone Tri Oorporation_ 84
Globe Wireless, Ltd__ . , 65
Great North ''''estern Telegrnph 00. of Oanada__ 40
Greenville Telephone Co 93
Home Telephone & 'felegraph 00. (Iudiana) 78
Home Telephone & Telegraph 00. of Vlrginia_ __ 94
Huron Portland Oement 00__ __ 95
HllIon Transportation Co ._ 9G
Illinois Bell Telephone Co____ 8
Imperial Securities Co. 79
Indiana Associated Telephone Oorporation_ 88
Indiana Dell 'felephone 00_. 10
Inter-Mountain Telephone 00________________ 98
International Telephone & Telegraph Oorpora·
tion_ _ 99
Interstate Telegraph Co 123
Interstate Telephone & Telegraph 00. (Indiana)_ 169
Interstate Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Oregon)_ 59
Interstate Telephone Co 85
Investments & Utilities Oor"poration 108
169
170 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
.Numbtr
TidewAter Wireless Telegraph Co. .___ 1M
Tri-State Associated Telephone Corporation. 92
Trl-State Telephone & Telegraph Co________ 23
Tropical Radio 'relegraph Co________________ 157
Two States Telephone 00. . . __ 155
Union Telephone Co. (Indiana) 173
Unitert Fruit Co . ._ 156
United States-Liberia Radio Corporation_______ 68
United States Rubber Co. 1$
United Rtates Steel Corporation .. 160
United Telephone & Electric Co . . 163
United Telf'phone & Telcl,.'l'8ph Co_______ 165
United Telephone & Telegraph Corporatlon 168
United Telephone Cos., Inc 171
United 'l'elephone Co. (Delaware)_ 91
United Tekphone Co. (Kansas) _. ._ _ 32
United Telephone Co.(Mi~souri)___ __ 167
_Vumber
United Telephone Co. (Texas) ". 176
United Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania . 174
United Telephone Investment Corporation. 172
Utilities Holding Corporation_ 176
Victor-American Fuel Co.______ ISO
'''abash Radio Cor.r0ration ._._ 184-
'''abash Railway Uo ._ "" ._ 182
West Coast Telephone 00 ._._ _ .111
West Coast Utilities Corporatlon_..__. ._•. 110
Westerly Automatic Telephone Co .... 16
Western Arkansas Telep,hone Co. 185
Western New England relephone Co . 17
Wl'-stern Radio Telegraph Co__...__ .. 132
Western Union Telegraph 00 186
White River Valley Telephone Co 18
Wiscorn:in Telephone 00 33
Wyandotte Transportation 00_ ••.. ._ 120
APPENDIX E
TABLEI-A.~Reportof broadcast section for fiscal year ending June 30, 1939
APPLICA.TIONS RECEIVED
Formal:
Broadcast _
Relay broadcast (low-frequency) _
Relay broadcast (high-frequency) _
High-frequency broadcast A_
Facsimile broadcast A_
International broadcast _
Developmental broadcasL _
Noncommercial educational broadcasL .. _
Television broadcasL _
1,087
175
174
79
21
34
17
10
55
TotaL _______________________________________________ I, 652
Renewals:
Broadcast_ _______________________________________ 1, 796
Retay broadcast (low-frequency)____________________ 151
Relay broadcast (high-frequency)____________________ 260
High-frequency broadcast_ ____ __ __ __ __ 32
Facsimile broadcasL___ ________ __________ __________ 9
International broadcasL_____________ 10
Developmental broadcast___ ________________________ 12
Noncommercial educational broadcast________________ 1
Television broadcasL ______________________________ 19
TotaL . 2, 290
Infonnals:
Broadcast 1, 650
Relay broadcast (low-frequency)____________________ 74
Relay broadcast (high-frequency)____________________ 374
High-frequency broadcast- __ ___ ________ __ ___ 76
Facsimile broadcast____ ___ ______ ___ ____ __ __ _ 16
International broadcast_ ___________________________ 15
Developmental broadcast____ __ __ ___ __ __ ___ __ _ 3
Noncommercial educational broadcast____ ____________ 1
Television broadcasL___ _______ ____ ___ __ __ __ 7
TotaL 2, 216
Under order No. 28, paragraph 2 1. )76
Grand totaL 7,334
TABLE II-A.-Report of broadcast section for fiscal year ending June 30,1939
AUTHORIZATIONS ISSUED
Formal:
Broadcast________________________________________ 642
Relay broadcast (low-frequency) ____________________ 122
Relay broadcast (high-frequency) ________________ 136
High-frequcncy broadca.st_ _____ __ __ __ ___ __ _____ 36
Facsimile broadcast___ __ ___ __ __ __ ____ __ __ 8
International broadcast • ________________________ 22
Developmental broadcast____ ___ __ __ _ ___ 6
Noncommercial educational broadcaaL__ _____________ 5
Television broadcast- __ __ __ __ __ ___ ___ 18
TotaL _
995
171
172 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE II-A.-Report of broadca8t section for fiscal year ending June 30, 1939 
Continued
AUTHORIZATIONS ISSUED-Continued
Renewals:
Broadcast _
Relay broadcast (low-frequency) _
Relay broadcast (high-frequency) _
High-frequency broadcast- _
Facsimile broadcasL _
International broadcast _
Developmental hroadcast _
Noncommercial educational broadcasL _
Television broadcast _
1,631
162
328
94
10
17
17
o
10
. TotaL 2,269
Special authorizations:
Broadcast- _______________________________________ 1, 220
Relay broadcast (low-frequency) ____________________ 58
Relay broadca,t (high.frequency)____________________ 370
High-frequency broadcast_ ____________ _____________ 75
Facsimile broadcast__ _________________ _____________ 14
International broadcast_ _____ ___ _ 15
Developmental broadcast________ 3
Noncommercial educational broadcast____ ____________ 1
Television broadcast________________________ 4
TotaL _______________________________________________ 1, 760
Informals:
Broadcast________________________________________ 430
Relay broadcast (low-frequency)____________________ 16
Relay broadcast (high-frequency)____________________ 4
High-frequency broadcast- _________________________ 1
Facsimile broadcast____ ___ ___ __ _ __ __ ___ 2
International broadcast_ _____ __ 0
Developmental broadcast___ ________________________ 0
Noncommercial educational broadcast____ ____________ 0
Television broadcast_ _____________________ _____ ____ 3
Total________________________________________________ 456
Under order No. 28, paragraph 2 1,176
Grand totaL 6,656
TABLE III-A.-Experimental broadcast stations for fiscal year ending June 30,1939
Class of slflHon
High-frequency broadcast _
Developmental broadcast-
Televisiou____ _ _
InternationaL__
Facsimile _
Low-frequency relay _
High-frequency relay .. . . __ .
Noncommercial educational . .. _
TotaL . _
As of July 1,
N.w Deleted
As or July 1,
1938 1039
48 6
,
46
14 3 5 12
19 7 3 23
13 2 1 14
6 7 1 12
143 64
,
199
266 47 38 275
1 1 0 2
510 137 64 583
TABLE IV-A.-Standard broadcast stations (550 to 1600 kc.) l1:censed or under con 
struction at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939
Class of station
Brondcast- ._. _
Special broadcast _
TotaL • • • _
As of July 1,
N.w Deleted Total
1938
743 39 8 77'
,
0 0
,
747 39 8 778
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 173
1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934193~193"6 1931 1938 1939
FISCAL YEAR
i
I
0 ,
______n
0
----
...........
I
---
.-/
I
.--
0
~....
----- -.._-
----
TOTAl.
V
............
/'
0
'"
/"
'"
-
0
,
..- ----- --'.
------
--
---
i
TOTAl.
OPERATING SIMUI.TANEOUSLV AT NIGHT
0
STANDARD BROADCAST
0 STATIONS
(I.IC£NUD OR UNDtR eONSTRUCTION AT THt
CLOSE Of' TH[ rise..!. YE"'R)
0 -----UNDER FEDERAl. RADIO COMMISSION
--UNDER 'EOERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
0
20
"
VI 80
Z
0'0
~
1-'"
VI
~50
a:
W 40
m
~30
Z
'9UfU8
IU7lUll193~IIiI34193318321931
0
0
/
I'----
V
\
0
,
,
/
~
,
,
0 ,
,
/
,
'"
, ..-
...... "'......
0
BROADCAST APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
DURING THE FISCAL YEAR
0
(RENEWAL APPLICATIONS NOT INCLUDEO)
-----UNDER FEDERAL RADIO COMMISSION
--UNDER FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
0
COMMISSION
ISO
200
300
'"
Z
o
~
u
::;
..
..
..
I-
'"
..
U
o
~
..
~100
C!
W
..
~~o
z
FISCAL YEAR
174 REPORT _OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE V-A.-New Btandard Station8 authorized for fiscal year ending June 30, 1939
CIIoIl
AppU()8nt and location
F",-
Power Hours of oPeration
letters quency
Kiloc"cle'
Wott,
KDRO____
Albert 8. and Robert A. Drohllch. doing 1500 100 Unlimited.
business as Droblkh Bros., &dalla, Mo. UO-LS
KFDA.__._
Amarillo Br08d<:asting Corporation, Ama- 1500 100 Do.
rlllo. Tex.
KOVO_____
ClIfton A. 'folboe, tradin!!: as CItizens Voice 1210 100 Do.
and Air Show, Provo, Utah. UO-LS
KTOH. __ .
Garden IsJand Publishing Co., Ltd., Lihue, 1500 100 Do.
1'.H. 25G-LS
KTSW_ •• _ Emporia Broadcasting Co., Inc" Emporlt:!., 1370 100 Daytime.
Kans.
KVAN____
Vancouver Radio Corporation, Vancouver, 880 260 Do.
Wash.
KVWO~~._R. H. Nichols, W. H. Wrlp:bt and Stewart 1500 100 UnlimIted.
llat('h, a partnenhlp dolml blUllness as
Thl;' Northwestern Broadcasting CO.,
KWAL+. __
Vernon, Tex.
Chester Howl\J'th and Clllrl'nce Berger, H2O 100 Do.
between WallBcc and Kellogg, Idaho. uo-LS
KXOX_~~_Sweetwater Radio, Inc., sweetwater
k
Tl'x___ 1210 250 Daytime.
WBAB____
Press Union Publishing Co., Atlant CIty, 1200 100 Unlimitad.
N.J. UO-L8
WBTH___ .
Willi8.m~onBroadcasting Corporation, WI1- 1370 100 Daytime.
liam.'lon, W.Va.
WCNO_~__
Aubrey O. McCabe and Trim W. Aydll'tt, 1370 100 Unlimited.
doing busil1PSS as Albemarle Broadcast.lng 260-LS
Co., Elizabeth City, N. C.
WCOS_____
Carolina Advertising Corporation, Colum- 1370 100 Do.
hia, S. C. uo-LS
WFNC____
W. C. Ewing and Harry Layman, doing 13-10 260 Daytime.
bu.,lnessas Cumbf'l'land Broadcastin,lfCo.,
Fayettllville, N. C.
WFVA..__
Frl'dericksburg Broadcasting Corporation, 1260 260 Do.
WOBR____
FredM'icbhurlt, Vo..
Ea.~tetnCarolina Broadcasting Co., west 1370 100 UnUmited.
01 Goldshoro, N. C.
WOKV_._. Kanawha Valley Broadcastlnf': Co., Charles- 1500 100 Do.
wn, W. Va.
WONe__ ..
F. C. Todd, Oastonia, N. C._.
.. _------
H2O 100 Do.
250-LS
WllMA___ Barry M. Ayflrg, AnnMon, Ala, , ___ ..___ ._.
1420 100 Daytime.
WINN_____
KentUcky Broadcasting Corporation, Louis- 1210 100 Unlfmited.
ville, Ky. 250----LR
WISE.. __ .
The Ashevilkl Daily News (Harold H. 1370 100 Do.
Thoms, owner), Asheville, N. C.
WJllL.._ W. Hanes J.Bnc:astcr and J. W. Birdwell, 1200 100 Do.
doingbusinCl'~as Johnson City Broadca.'1t· uo-LS
l1'lRP.__ ••
lnll: Co., John!'.On City,T~nn.
The Metropolis Co.,J3ck~oD1'jJlP,FllL_.___
1"'"
250 Do.
WJLS__~__
Joe L. Smith, Jr., Beckley, W. Vo. _____ . ___ 1210 100 Do.
250-1.8
WKIN___ ._
KIngston Broadcasting Corporation, Kings· 1500 100 Daytime.
ton, N. Y.
WLB1__~__
Dowling OreoD Btoodcastlng Co., Bowling 1310 100 Unlimited.
Or<'flll, Ky. 250--LS
WMAM __
M and MBroad('Mt.ln~Co., Marinette, Wis. 570 250 Daytime
WJ\fOB ____
a. B. Quigley, Mobilo, Ala _.. '- __ . _____ ._._ I2nO 100 Do.
"'MRO~_.
Martin R. O'Brien, Aurora, JlL___ . __ . ____ .
12.'10 250 Do.
WPlV_____
PetershUnf Newspaper Corporation, Peters- 1210 100 Unlimlt<,.d-cx cep t
burg, Va. 260-LS Sunday, when
WRAL____
Capitol
WBBI,opl.'tlItes.
Broadcasting Co., rnc., Raleigh. 1210 100 Unlimited.
N.C. 250-LS
WRKL____
P. W. Spencer, Rock HiB, S. C. __ --_.._-- 1500 100 Daytime.
WRSR____
Panama City Broadcssting Co., Panama 1200 100 Unlimited.
City. Fla. 250-LS
WSKB_ •• _ McComb Broadcasting Corporation,
Mo- 1200 100 Daytime.
Comh, Miss.
WSTP_.__
Piedmont Broadcasting Corporat-ion, Salls· 1'00 100 Unlimited.
bury, N. C. 260-LS
WTMA____
Y. W. Scarborough and J. W. Orvin, doing 1210 100 Do
busiooss as Atlantic Coast Broadcasting 250--LS
WTMO.___
C,)., Charleston, S. C.
John T. Alsop, Jr., Ocala, FJa ___ > __ ••• ___
I~ZI
100 Do.
WTRY____
TroyBroBdesstin~Co., lnc., 'l'roy, N. Y____ Ik DaytIme.
WTSP_.... Pinell8.'i Broad(}l\Stlng Co., St. Petersbmg, 1370 100 Unlimited.
Fla. 250-1.8
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOMMUNICATIONS OOMMISSION 175
TABLEVI~A.-Stand,ardbroadcast stations deleted for fiscal year ending June 30,
1939
Call letters Grantee sud location
Date of
deletion
KDNC .. _
EG01.-
KGVL _
WFAB._
WHAL.
WHEF.
WLMU__
WRKL .
Democrat-N.ews Do., :Inc., LewIston, Mont. (Oonstruction permit Jan. 24, 1939
expired Dec. 3, 1933. and retired to closed. files.)
OJarenoo A. Berger and Saul S. Freeman, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. (AP- Feb. 20,1939
plication for modified construction permit denied as in default Ian.
16,1939.)
Hunt Broadcasting Associstion, Fred Hort(ln, president, Greenville, Apr. 23,1939
Tex. (ApplicatIon tor nwdified constroctfon permit dismissed as
assoctatlon dissolved Apr. 3, 1939.)
Dobs Memorial R3dio Fund, Inc., New York, N. Y. (Time 8ur- Nov. 7,1938
rendered to WEVD Nov. 7, 1938.)
Harold F. Gross and Edmund C. Shields, Lansing, Mich. (Order of Nov. 28, JP38
Feb. 9, 1937, granting application vacated Nov. 28, 1938, in accordance
withmandate-(lf.oourt or,appeals.)
AttalaBroadUlllttng, Corpotatlo'n, Kosciusko, Miss. (Re8l'lwal" appii· Nov. 14,1938
cation denled as in default Oct. 3l, 1938, Nov. 25,1938, amended order
to make effective date Oct. 25, 1938.)
Lincoln Memorial University, Middlesboro, Ky. (Construction permit July 6,1938
surrondered Bnd aPDlication retired to closed mas July 6, 1938.)
P. W. Spencer, Rock Hili. 8. C. (Construction permit canceled at Apr. 24,1939
request of applicant Apr. 24, 1939.)
FURTHER STUDY OF SERVICE RENDERED BY STANDARD BROADCAST STATIONS I
(A) GENERAL
(A) CLA88l!l8'OF STATIONS
The existing regulations of the Commission provide for four general classes of
regular broadcast stations, namely, clear-channel, high-power regional, regional,
and local. Within these classes there are stations which are classified 8.5 unHmited
time, limited time, daytiIne, and shared time or specified hours. Frequencies are
assigned to each major class of station--40 to clear channel stations, 4 to high
power regional stations, 40 to regional stations, and 6 to local stations. Shared
time or specified hour stations may be of any class, but it also has been the practice
to assign limited time and Bome of the daytime or specified hour stations to chan 
nels which are clear at night, and therefore in general these latter should be
classified as regional rather than clear channel.
At present, clear-.channel stations generally utilize powers as high as 50 kilo 
watts with the exception of one which is using, experimentally, a power of 500
ltilowatts (application for extention denied 2-6-39, effective 3-1-39). Except
where duplicated by special experimental authorization, only one clear-channel
station operates on each speCific frequency assignment atni~httimeso as to make
possible the rendering of service over a wide area and thus in the aglQ'egate these
clear-channel stations reach a large percentage of the population of the country
who would not otherwise receive broadcast service. It has been estimated that
40 percent of the population of the country is dependent upon clear-channel
stations for service at nighttime. (See Appendix F of the Fourth Annual Report
for detailed analysis of the primary service rendered by standard broadcast
stations.) In the daytime by reason of propagation conditions with powers
even as high ae 50 kilowatts the total number of clear-channel stations cannot
render service to wide areas. In order to partially overcome this defect the
Commission has in the past taken advantage of the propagation conciitions in
the daytime to assign stations, in various parts of the country, on the B8.me
frequeneies as clear-channel stations; and this coupled with the fact that regional
and local stations are subject to less mutual interference in daytime than at
nighttime enables the rural population to receive as much daytime service WI it
is practicable under the existing limitations of the art and the existing regulations
of the Commission as well as the limitations imposed by lack of financial support
in small communities. I'
Regional stations are generally located in cities and towns and render service
to the communities in which such stations are located. These atations at the
present are limited to power of 1 kilowatt at nighttime and to 5 kilowatts in the
I Compiled from the "Report of the CommitteQ on Proposed Rules and Regulations Governing Standard
Broadcast Stations, Aprlll, HJ39."
f While the information~etforth berein Is as of May 1. 1938. tbe changes since that date are Insufficient
to mllt.erlally change the conditions or conclusions.
176 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
daytime except that eight high-power regional stations utilize powers of 5kilo~
watts or mbre both daytime and nighttime. The service areas of regional stations
are necessarily limited at night by reason of mutual interference from stations
using the same frequency.
Local stations are stations which use the power of 100 watts at night and 100
or 250 watts in the daytime and are extremely useful for rendering service to
smaller communities and portions of the larger metropolitan districts. Their
service areas are necessarily very limited by reason of mutual interference at
night and in the daytime by reason of lack of power.
It is through the medium of regional and local stations that the various com·
munitics throughout the country have an excellent means for local self-expression
by radio. Also, it is through the medium of these classes of stations that so much
excellent broadcasting service is rendered to the urban and suburban population
of this Nation. In addition thereto these regional and local stations render
service, particularly in the daytime
J
to the rural population who live near cities
or towns.
Generally speaking, regional and local stations afford a medium of communica 
tion readily adapted to the variable needs of many communities throughout the
country. Such an application of radio to the service of the public should receive
every encouragement possible from the Federal regulatory body because it affords
an excellent means of providing numerous communities of the Nation with in 
strumentalities for local self-expression by radio. However, in accomplishing
this result, the Commission should not lose sight of the necessity of providing
service to remote or rural listeners in all sections of the Nation in a manner con 
forming with the variable interests of the public in the different sections of the
country. The Commission should also not lose sight of the fact that clear 
channel stations which must chiefly be relied upon to furnish rural service, also
have their importance as means for self-expression
J
in terms, however, of larger
geographical sections of the country. Some metropolitan centers, furthermore,
when nearby urban and suburban centers are taken into consideration, are so
large that satisfactory coverage over the entire area cannot ordinarily be had
from other than stations of relatively high power.
(D) NETWORKS
The testimony showed that under existing conditions many stations operating
as independent units do not have available to the many appreciable sources of
talent. If left to their own devices they are dependent upon purely local talent,
largely amateur in character, and upon program material available through use
of phonograph records or electrical transcriptions made especially for broadcast 
ing use. However, many of these stations procure a substantial portion of their
programs over land wire from distant talent points. These latter stations are
called "network stations." At the present time there are 3 national chain com·
panites operating 4 coast-to-coast networks, and in addition there are 35 regional
network groups. (See annex I.) This figure is subject to change because new
networks are constantly being organized and old ones disbanded; and opinions
differ as to what comprises a network.
TableI~Bgives the estimated number of stations which, according to the
Commission files of returns from stations, are affiliated with the 3 national and
35 regional networks. This includes stations owned by chain companies.
TABLE I-:B
. IShated time
Total Unlimited L1Jplted or specified Daytime
time tnlle I hours
------------1---1----
1
----1---
Clear___________________________________________ 51 t 32 __~I 19 _
RegionaL_____________ _ 215~172 10 I 19 14
LocaL ._. .__ 105 91 ----------1 7 7
TotaL --------------- --m--m---,-o1-----"-1--"
I Includes KGO KJP, QD.d WCFL.
'Includes KPMC, WBRY, and WBZA.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 177
(0) Rl!:BROADCASTING
Another method of distributing programs that is now in the early stages of
development is the rebroadcasting of the program of high-power stations. In this
advantage is taken of special devices and conditions not available in the ordinary
household to present locally the reproduced programs transmitted froIh a distant
station. It is felt that while this method of program distribution has merit, it has
not, as yet, sufficiently demonstrated either its practicability or the sustained
henefits to be gained by the employment of such a method to discuss in great
detail at this time.
(B) PHYSICAL SERVICE
(A) DISTRIBUTION OF CLASSES OF STATIONS
The distribution of facilities by classes of stations is indicated in table II-B
which shows that as of May 1, 1938, there are 738 standard broadcasting stations
of all classes. This table is self-explanatory.
TABLE II-B
Total
Unlimit- Limited
ed time time
Shared time
or specified Daytime
hours
Clear___________ ••__________________________ ••_._
62 32 20
RegionaL_._________ . ____________________~.______
3<0 210 25 lID
"
LocaL__________ • _________ •______________________
337 220 62
"
TotaL____
-------_.--------- ------------
n8 462 25 142 11111
Of significance to the Commission are the 276 stations which share time, operate
only in daytime, or have limited or specified hours of operation. The subject is
discussed in detail later in this report.
The present distribution of the various existing classefJ of stations to cities of
various populations is indicated in table VII attached hereto. A summary of this
distribution is given in table III-B.
The Commission, of necessity, is interested in the distribution of stations of
all classes to States. This is given in table VIn attaehed hereto.
Chart 1 shows the distribution of broadcast stations by clear, regional, and
local classification. All of the stations licensed or holding construction permits,
as of May 1, 1938, are shown thereon, without regard to hours of operation, that
is, unlimited, limited and share time, specified hours OJ; daytime, except where two
stations sharing time are located in the same city, in which event, only one dot
indicates both such stations. Chart 2 shows the distribution of the population of
the United States in aerordance with the 1930 census. A comparison of these two
exhibits shows that, in general, the density of stations follows quite closely the
density of population and that the expensive higher-power Etations are in general
located in the larger centers of population. This seems to be the result of the auto 
matic application of economic laws, and perhaps shows the greatest diversity
between the application of economic laws pertaining to the business of broadcast 
ing statiOJJs and the economic laws relating directly to actual social desirabilities;
that is, in the areas where wide rural coverage is necessary generally low-power
stations exist, whereas in the more densely populated sections where the necessary
coverage is essentially urban and immediately surrounding rural sections, the
higher-power stations exist.
Size of town
178 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE III-B
-~--_.-_·~-------IE-~----N-ll-rn-be~OI-s-t-.'-'o-n~-ill-"-In-d-ln-g-al-I-"-I~-----I-~-~
'" unlimited time and others 0.~
~§~§I----,-----c------,---~I&~<a.~
Cl.e:~~Clear Regional Local I Total .?J 5: S
....~"''!;l "'!;l; ....o~
o~o~-;;--I-~I .§ g
1
0
f'~.~j I j! j!I j r f;
?; 7.~OPO~OPOC'....
Under 10,000 _
10,000 to 24,999_._ .._.
25,000 to 49,999 __ ..._
50,000 to 99,999 _
100,000 to 199,999 _ _ .
200,000 to 299,999 ._ ..
300,000 to 399,009__ ._._
4OO,OOOto499,99\L_ .. _
500,000 and ovet _
15,616
606
185
"52
16
7
6
13
,gg
I 143
, 90
'68
U48
16
7
6
13
o
•
•
2
4
3
3
3
17
•
1
1
4
4
3
1
1
,
13
18
25
31
41
27
14
•
32
23
24
13
17
15
7
7
3
30
41
63
44
27
25
7
2
1
10
24
39
19
8
7
3
3
2
12
M
81
69
60
70
37
19
12
59
47
"
33
29
26
13
It
7
47
101
Wi
102
89
96
60
3.
19
106
13.7
19.6
13.8
12.0
13.0
6. S
4.1
2.6
14,4
TotaL 16,598 1489
32 20 210 139 220 117 462 276 738 lOO.()
I 3 cities in Alllfka.
11 city In Hawaiian Islands.
3 1 city in Puerto Rico.
I In the continental United State:; there arf.! 982 cities above 10,000, of which 697 have no stations and
385 cities have~tations.However, (rom the tabulation Of stations in cities of various population groups
We have 390 cities above 10,000, with radio stations. This includes Ii outside the eontinentallimlt:l of the
United States. These are lIilo, Hawaii, with a population of 19,468; Mayaguez, P. R, with a population
or 37,06Oi Ponce, P. R., with a population ot 53,430; San Juan, P. R, with a population or 114,715; Honolulu,
Hawaii, with a population of 137,582.
(B) CITIES WITHOUT ADEQUATE FACIMTIES
It was shown in the preliminary engineering report of January ll, 1937, a.nd in
the SOCIal and Economic Report of July 1, 1937, that there was a need for improve 
ment of physical service both from the standpoint of signal intensity to practically
all areas as well as from the standpoint of availability of transmission facilities
in various communities, also while about 62 and 43 percent of the area and 92 and
83 percent of the population of the continental United States has radio reception
of some character day and night, respectively, there are many cities al.ld towns
which do not have transmission facilities of their own.
In the United States there are approximately 16,598 cities,or towns. Of this
number 15,616 have a population Jess ,than 10,000 each" 606 have a popula 
tion between 10,000 and 25,000 each, and 376 have a population in excess
of 25,000 each, Many of these towns are in metropolitan districts as described
by the Bureau of Census and some are adjacent or contiguous to larger toWDll
which are not included in the metropolitan districts, but between which there is
some economic mterdependence,
Differentiation is made between towns having population of less than 10,000
and those having population greater than 10,000, because the evidence sooms to
indicate conclusively that, in general, stations located in towns having a popula 
tion less than 10,000 cannot expect to receive sufficient financial support to sustain
a high quality program service over an extended period of,time.unless they are
In the center of a distributed population having a purchasing power greater than
the town's population alone would indicate.
As discussed further in this report, the CommiSSIon is also confronted with the
problem of making an equitable allocation to States as well as communities, and
in order that an equitahle distribution can be made throughout the Nation, in
which from a technical standpoint, each facility is capable of rendering a service to
the community in which it is located, the Commission mURt take into considera-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 179
tioD the engineering limitations resulting from the relatively narrow portion of the
radio spectrum assigned to broadcasting. This means tha.t not all the cities or
towns in the lower population bracket can be assigned radio stations unless the
entire structure is to be jeopardized.
Of the foregoing total number (16,598 cities or towns in the continental United
States) there are 597 towns each having a population in excess of 10,000 which do
not have radio stations. Of this number 464 towns, each with a population
between 10,000 and 25,000 and 138 with a population in excess of 25,000 are
without radio stations. These towns are listed by States in table X attached
hereto.
However, of these towns;
(1) Three hundred and twenty-four, or 54.3 percent, are within one of the 96
lImetropolitan districts" specified by the Bureau of Census. Each of these
districts has one or more radio stations.
(2) Seven, 01' 1.2 percent, are adjacent or contiguous to larger towns which
have a radio station. These larger towns are not lUcluded in "metropolitan
distrjcb."
(3) One hundred and fifty-three, or 25.6 percent, not included in (1) and (2)
above, are within the 2 millivolt SIgnal intensity coverage of an existing station,
which means that such cities already receive fairly good service from a technical
standpomt.
(4) The remainder, 113 or 18.9 percent, do not come within the foregoing
categories and are located in States as shown in table IV-B.
TABLE IV-B
State
I
Number,ot
towns 1U
excess of
10,000 popu 
lation and
less than
25,000
Number
of towns
in exC8S8
Qf 25,000
popula-
tion
State I
Numherof
towns in
£lxceSS of
10,000 popu 
lation and
less than
25,000
Number
of towns
in exooss
or 25,000
popula-
tion
Alabama. _
Adzona_~_
Arkansas _
California. __ ._
Colorado. __ .. _
Connecticut. _
Delaware .
District of Columbia_
Florida _
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois_
Inrliana.
l(m'Il _
Kansas _
Kentucky _
Louisiana_.. __
Maine
MarylilDd_. _
MR8Sacbusetts _
Michigan ,,_ . _
Minnesota
Missi~ippi-.
Missouri,_
Montana_
Nebraska__ ..
2
1
3
2
3
---io 
1
2
3
1
-2-
6
7
2
6
2
1
Nevada. _
New Hampshire. __
New Jersey _
New Mexico _
New York.._"_
North Carolina_
North Dakota _
Ohio _
OkJllboma
Oregon _
Pennsylvania , _
RhodeI~lalld._
1 South Carolina. _
2 South Dakota._
Tennessee
Texas _
Utah _
VermonL_
Virginia __
Washington. _
West Virginia
Wisconsin _
Wyomin~
Total
--6--------~~a
3
15 --i
1
1
1
1
4
1
2
1
1
2 2
1
101 12
There are now 379 cities and towns in the continental United States which have
only 1 radio station. The cities having population in excess of 25,000 aud which
are not within one of the 96 "metropolitan districts" and which have only 1
broadcast station, are located as shown on table V-B.
180 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE V-B
State
Number of I
towns
above 25,000
population
having only
1 radio sta 
tion and not
located
within any
metropoli 
tan district
State
Number of
towns
above 25,000
population
having only
1 radio sta·
tionand not
located
within any
metropoli 
tan district
4
7
1
--- -----------3
6
1
3
2
1
4
2
1
1
2
1
Nevada .+•••• _ ._. _ •• _ •• • _. __
New Hampshire_ ---······--i
New Jersey_. _
New Mexico ....__ . . . __
Naw York ._ .. ....._. __
North Carolina__ . __ ._._._.__ ..
North Dakota_____ _ .""
Ohio . ._.... . _
Oklahoma •.._....__ ..__ .._. . __
Oragon. . _. __ ._._ . __
Pennsylvania_. . __ . __ . __
of Rhode Island.... _ . ...
6 South Carolina._.__ . . __ .._ _
1 South Dakota ._. _. .. . __ . ._.
2 Tennessee. ... .• _
2 Texas._
2 Utah . __ . __ . ..._. _
2~ri;~i~L-~~~:~~=~=~~:.--·i
1'VashiJ:f:"t~n:______2
8~~~~~~r~~~~~~~=~~:=~~~~==~=::====:=:=;
2 I Wyoming--·---···_·--····-·-·--I--~-c::
2 I Total•. _...._._ ..._...._._ .. 88
-----------1
Alabama . _
Arizona_______ __. _
g~r~;'!E~~=:::::::::::::::~~:===__ .= ::!
ConnecticuL . _
Delaware ._. . . _
District of Columllia _
Florida • _
Oeon~ia. _
Idaho________________ I
~~~i~~a====:--===::==:::::::.=--__-
Iowa _
Kansas _
Kentucky___ _ _
Uluisiana _
Maine _
Maryland _
Massachusetts. _
Michigan_ _ _
~i:~i~~f.~::::::_
Missouri _. _
l\lontana
Nebraska_
Of the 2,184 cities in the United States having population between 2,500 and
10,000 it is estimated that 725 (population 3,487,101) of these oities do not have
adequate signal from at least 1 station during daytime and 854 (population
4,138,658) do not have adequate signal from at least 1 station during nighttime.
In addition, there are a considerable number of towns and portions of towns
having population of less than 2,500 which do not reoeive adequate signal from
at least 1 station and whirh could not be expected to support a station even
though facilities were available.
(C) SHARED-TIME STATIONS
The evidence indicates that from a social standpoint the public which has to
depend upon stations in its community which share time with stations in dif 
ferent communities are, generally speaking, at a disadvantage as compared to
the publi{" which depends upon stations sharing time in the same vicinity, because
in the latter instance the public in that community is able to receive almost 100
percent continuity in service, whereas in the former case the public receives
intermittent service only.
Of the existing facilities:
(1) Forty-three or 5.8 percent of stations share time in the same city,
(2) Seventy-nine or 10,7 percent of stations share time with stations in other
cities.
(3) One hundred and thirty-two or 17.9 percent of stations are limited or day 
time stations.
(4) Twenty-two or 3.0 percent of stations are specified hours stations.
(5) Four-hundred a,nd sixty-two or 62,6 percent of stations are unlimited-time
stations.
These part-time stations are distributed by States as shown by table VI-B,
REPORTO~'THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS CO)lMISSION 181
TABLE VI-B
State
I
S~aretime
msame
city
Share time
with sta 
tions in
other cities
L.imited. Sb
e
itled.
hmeor C
daytimeo~ll'S
stations statIOns
--------------1------1-----------
2
..
3_0
---·-------i
•
1
2-~···-·-·--i
,
1
•... .4-.
-"i'::::=:~::~::
2 .._.•
1 _. . _
7
5 _. __ •__ ._.••
132
17.9
-"--'-6-:~::::=::=::
1 __ . ._••••
2 ..•• • _
6 1
•
79
10.7
43
5.8
'rotal (276) . . • _
Percentage of licensedstatlon.~(37.4) _. _
Alabama ••_ _ . . ._ 3 __ ._•••• •
Alaska . _. _._. .___ _ ._._..__~.._ ._. _. ..••.~_. __ ._ 1
Arizona . ... ..__ .•._.. __ . • •• 1
Arkansas__ . .~.___ .( _._._ ••• •
California •. . __ . . __ . .... 2 2 12 •__ •.
Colorado . . .. 2 4. • .____ 1
Connecticut. .____ _. . . 1 2 .~_
Delaware_ _ •. .____________ 1 _..• . __ .••_~.
District of Columbla_..__ .•__ . __ .__ _ • __ •__ . • __• .••_.
Florlda . _. . __ • •.__ •__ . .__ __ __ 2 1 • .
Oeori'la . • . ._ __ 3~._••~••
Hawaiian Islands .•. • __ ••.••••__~~_..__ __ 1_~•••••
Idaho .. __ . __ . .•_._. _.. ...__ ._ ._. • ••_.___ _ . _ 1
Illinois • • ._._..._._. 17 5 8
~~~:_~~~~:=~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: i 2- f~
Kansas. . ._. .. • ._._ 2 3 2
~~~~::::::----------------.--::::=::::::::::---·····--2- .. -------2- ..-.----- -----.-.--..•
Maine '--r ··---------i
MaryI3nd:::::: :::::::::::::.:::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::: --- --.-•.-i' 3 ••_._ ••_
Massachu<;etts . .____ 6
Mic'higan . . ._. •. :: -----. '---2- :::::::::::: 3 ---------··S
S~!~~~~I~:~~~:~~~~~~=~===~~~~:::=~~~::~:~::::::::~=~:~~::::::~:::._3_~! ::::::::::::
~~~~k~·-_·:::::::::::::::::::: _::::::::::::::=::-::~:::::: -- -- ---- --i - -----.j,- :::::::=::::
Nevada. .• . ..__ ._. .. _
New Hampshire ._____ _ . _
New·Jersey_. •• .• . .___ 7
~~:-~~r~~:::::::::::::::::. . ·-·-·----io-~
North Carolina_._. ._. • .____________ 1
North Dakota_. . . ••_~.. .__ _•._
Ohio . . . __ . .".•" ..__ 3
Oklahoma_ _ . • . __ ._._..._. 2
Oregon ._ ._..._. __ .. __ . •.. 2 1
Pennsylvania_. _. ._._ 8 7
Puerto Rico.__ _ . ._._...__ . • _
Rhode Island__ _ •__ .
South Carolina __ . _... ._•• __ •. . _
South Dakota.. __ ._. .. .. ._._.•._._. _
T
Tennessee-------- --.--------------------.------------- ,-- -----.---.,-- 1-3-- .----.-.-••,-
exas__.. __ ••• •._.. •. _...•••_._ ••• _
Utah__ _ . ._ ..."... • ._._. •._.. __ ,._•.. _.. _. .._..._•••••
Vermont._. . . . . • __ .. __ .._.:~:. .:___ 3 1
Vir!!;"in Islands ••_••__ ._._. ._._. • . __ ... • . __
Virginia .4. ••••_. '_4_'_... • • _ __ _ _ __ 1
~=~~~~~~iB~:::~:~::~::~::::~:::~~~::~~::~~:=:~:~:~:~=~----- t
Wisconsln__ .____ _ •__ . .....__ . __
Wyomlnp:._ ._•. ._. __ . .•_..... ._. _ .. . __ .• _
I WCnD and WMBI share a limited assignment.
1 KGCA and KWI.. C share a da)'time assignment.
~WLB and WCAL share a daytime assignment.
• WFAA and WBAP licen"ed for different cities but use same transmitter.
Non:.-Specifled·hours stations actuslly sharing time with other stations were classified as shsrlng.
(n) GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF FACILITIES
IIIJ In the consideration of the geographical distribution of facilities to States and
communities, and the improvements to stations not operating on a full-time basis,
the Commission must make assignments under the provisions of section 307 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which are as follows:
uSEC. 307. (a) The Commission, if public convenience, interest, or necessity
will be served thereby, subject to the limitations of this act, shall grant to any
applicant therefor a station license provided for by this act.
H(b) In considering applications for licenses, and modifications and renewals
thereof, when and insofar M there is demand for the same, the Commission shall
192443---40--13
182 REPORT OF THE }'EDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
make such distribution of licenses, frequencies, hours of operation, and of POWel'
among the several States and communities as to provide a/air, e.fficient, and equi 
table distribution of radio service to each of the same." (Italic supplied.) •
In the consideration of the distribution of facilities in accordance with section
307 (b) the Commission must take cognizance of the technical facts which in
general in the frequency band 550 to 1600 kilocycles impose severe difficulties in
making a distribution of efficient transmission facilities to every community in
every State.
It should also be thoroughly understoocl that in ma,ny States there arc persons
who live in remote areas, therefore under such circumstances that it would be
highly impractical to providetra.n~missionfacilities in the specific areas, and
hence if these people are to receive tho benefits of radio broadcasti,ng service, it
is essential that they utilize the transmission of some distant station. One of the
most important social services rendered by broadcasting is that of providing to
remote areas proper programs with a sufficient signal intensity to be considered.
good service. It is considered that the number of programs available at any
time at any point in the United States should not be lesl' than two. As has been
pointed out in the preliminary engineering report of January 11, 1937, and the
Social and Economic Report of July 1, 1937, this cannot be accomplil'hedpracti~
cally by means other than clear channels. Secondary service of acceptable signal
strength must be available from at least two clear channel stations in order to
provide reasonably consistent reception of a given program at a given point.
These stations should be located so that the paths of transmission to the given
point are approximately right angles to each other. Thus in order to provide
satisfactory selection of two programs at any time listeners in rural areas should
have the choice of signals from four clear channel stations at night amI from
two such stations during the day.
The evidence shows conclusively that existing clear-channel stations render a
degree of rural service, and that in many instanccs it is the only radio service
which many rural listeners secure. A clear-channel station is capable of render 
ing service to the public in several States, and if such stations are distributed
throughout the Nation geographically in such a manner as to be near the centers
of talent, aud at the game time render service to a wide area, it is possible to have
one or more program servicesavailabl~to rural li8tcners throughout the entire
country.
From a theoretical scientific standpoint, some of the clear-channel stations
might best be distributed geographically so as to be located in sparsely settled
regions, but if such a theory were attempted in practice under the existing method
of furnishing broadcasting service, it would certainly be doomed to failure by
reason of dwindling economic support. Furthermore, such It procedure might be
most costly and detrimental, in that it would be impractical to broadcast interest 
ing programs by reason of remoteness from the centers(~ftalent. It would also
tend to lessen competition for the choice of programs in rural areas.
Inasmuch as this class of station renders service to so many people in so many
States, and inasmuch as its transmissions cannot recognize State borders, the 
Committee suggests that the State in which the station is located should not bo
charged with all the facilities.
Stations having clasRification other than that of "clear channel" are at lea,st
somewhat more susceptible to segregation within State borders, berause their
service is usually limited to a relatively small area by reason of mutualinter~
ference occurring when stations operate simultaneously on the same frequency.
However, even in this instance many of the stations are located near State borders.
and scrve a population within more than one State.
The evidence shows that different cities have different shapes and sizes, as well
as variations in the ability to support transmission facilities, andtherefo~eit is
believed that the best method of obtaining equitable distribution to various com 
munities within a State is to adopt a general rule that if a facility is to be licensed
i'n a community, it should be adequate to serve that community and its sphere
of eCOliomic and soCial influence. The criterion of whether a certain class of
statkmshould be assigned to a particular community must include a consideration
of the ability of the community and its social and economic sphere of influence
to support ll. radio station in such a ma.nner that it can render efficiently a good
service.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 183
In the Standards of Good Engineering Practice are listed the signal intensities
necessary for satisfactory service under various conditions. Due to the extreme
variations in reception ('ouditions, particularly with respect to electrical noise
levels (both hlan-made and natural static), it is impossible to acourately determine
the areas or the population theloein where satisfactory reception is available with 
out obtaining a great deal more information than is now available. However,
on the basis of the required signal level set forth in the Standards of Good Engineer 
ing Practice and in view of the evidence submitted at the hearing, it is estimated
that during the daytime 8.1 percent (9,988,747) of the total population residing
in 38.5 percent of the total land area of the United States do not receive satis 
factory primary service from eyen one station and that during nighttime 17.4
percent (21,308,453) of the total population residing in 56.9 percent of the total
land area do not re('eive satisfactory primary service from even one station, that
is, entirely dependent upon secondary service from clear channel stations.
The areas receiving satisfactory service from more than one sta.tion are mate 
rially less. Tllat is, approximately 31 percent of the total land areas receives
primary service from one station, 8 percent from two stations and 5 percent from
three or more stations.
Attention is also invited to the fact that due to high electrieal noises numerous
urhan areas within the areas above considered to have good primary service do
not receive such service at any time and that due to static extensive rural areas
do not receive satisfactory service during periods when thc static level is ahove
average.
lt \vas pointed out above that large l'ural areas are dependent entirely on the
secondary service rendered by clear channel stations and that in order to satis 
factorily receive the choice of either of two programs at least four secondary signals
mU8t be available. Table 7 gives an estimation of the areas (in terms of percentage
of total land area of the United States) that are entirely dependent on clear channel
secondary service and the number of fHlCh services of 500 uv/m. 50 percent sky
wave or greater. It also shows the clear channcl secondary services availableJn
areas within the prima,l'y service area of at lea"t one station.
The greatest need for improved signal intensity is in the southern. regions of
the country where the static level is the highest and extends for it longer portion
of the year than in other parts of the country. In the Rocky Mountain States
where the population is scattered and radio stations are scarce there is also a
greater need for improvement insofar as engineering aspects of radio service are
concerned than in other parts of the conntry. The States considered to be receiv 
ing the best radio service from a technical standpoint are: Connecticut, District
of Columbia, IIIinois, Indiana, Towa, Kcntucky, Massachu<:letts, New Jersey, New
York,and Ohio. The States considered to be most needing improvements in
technicalscrvice to the listener are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North
Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
TABI..E VTI-B
Number of clear dlannel secondary services
available 1
o
Area in percent 2 not within primary service
of all}" station.. . _....._. _
Area in percent 2 within primary .service of
one or !/lore stations_.
ToiaJ._.~._
Total
1500 microvolt, 50 percent sky wave or gresror.
'Percent of t!)tal cont,joental United States land firea (2,973,770 square miles).
TABLE VIII-B.-Distributwn oj classes oj broadcaBting stations to States
[Distribution ofst3tions of all classes to States and Possessiow]
12
3
9
10
64
14
o
2
4
W
14
"
7
32
'"
"
I'
S
13
G
8
19
22
"G
20
9
1lJ
1
3
II
8
50
13
8
25
4
1
I
1
I
4
7
1
1
2
11
7
4
,
3
I
1 __ .
1
Totals
3 _. _
2:=~~
2
1 ---•.--- -----.--
2 _._0.___ 7
1 •••__ 3
, 1 20
411
1
7
,
2
1
2
4
,
2
1
,
8
2
~~=~=~=~=i::::~:::1
38 9. 3
7
,
1
4
13
II
2
,
11
o
I2
8
8
o
4
4
13
14
13
8
10
o
5
1
2
2
4
23
7
8
16
8
-T
,
17
,
~
1
--., 
o
2
I'
10
,
,
,
7
,
,
,
I'
11
,
,
4
,
1
2
,
18
8
,
o
L""",
5 3 _
5 --------
, I 3
11 i .J. 2
;r·: 1 :
7
1
.
---~-,---- :--- ----
6 I S3 7
6 I 1 3
~!~---v3
!1····1· :
gil 3
o 2
6 _
, 2
4
3 . . _
'I \.... l
:------~-I---·--~·
6 3 • _
3
,
,
,
33
7
,
1
4
o
4
,
5
10
8
11
o
2
4
,
4
12
8
,
,
13
5
,
1
2
7
1
26
4
,
14
2
,
, ,
Regional
5
------~f
······;·1······(
__ .._... 1
.- ._---- -----_.-
. 0__ 2
3
2
,
2
23
,
5
1
4
,
,
2
5
2
,
,
2
2
4
2
2
"7
4
,
2
,
5
2
I
I
1
1
10
2
,
8
1
4
1
1
,
1
1
1
2
2
I
,
I
2
"1
n 1
01""
5
1
Daytime Share
I
Share Share
State or possession
Un· un./
Limited
time
ITotAl
Un· 1
time
Un·
time
limited
Share
Total limited .
time
.nd
limitoo
Day- .nd
Total limited
Day· Limited .nd
Total
time
time
time Region·
(clear)
sped-
time
time ilpeci-
time
time time speci·
Clear
fled ••d fi,d
.,
M"'"
hours
h""'"
Alabama •• _
Alaska. • ._. _
Arizona._ " . _
~~~if~~k-~~~~~~~=~=~~~:~~~~-- --i4-
Colorooo •• 1
Connecticut__ ._. __ . _
Delaware _
District of Columbia . __ . .
Florida . __ ...
Georgia. __ . . _
HawaiL . . _
Idaho__ ..
~j1~L~««:);I·,::
~:~~~~sett.q_.- .---.--..... -o--li1
Michigan. ._ 1
Mlnnesots ._ 1
Mis;;issippL
MissourI. _. . __ ....__ .
Montana...• _
Nebraska . __ ,,_._
Nevada. . . . _
New Hampshire_.. _
New Jersey . .._.._.
New Mexico. . _
New York. __ ._
North Carollna__ . __ .._._
North Dakota _
Ohlo . ._. __ .
---------1----------------------------------------
5 8 I
!--- --2-
•
12 I 2 If>
5 5 I 9 11 [ 3 Hi
17 8 "2
•
19 17 6
'"
3.
2 2 2 2 _._--
-- ----
2
•
3
-- ---------- ----- -----2-
3
----2-
3
•
I I
•
6
7 3
•
,
I
•
][
6 5
-----i2- --
ioT
6 13
i3
13
I'
18 34 30 9 62
2
• •
,
- -------- ---
,
3 I 2 I 3 5
with KTHS, 1,060 kilocycles, S. H. to 9 p. ro.; synchronize with WJZ, 760 kilocycles,
from 9 p. m.
12 Includes WBZ. 990 kilocycles, 50 kilowatts, synchronized with WBZA.
13 Includes WBZA 990 kilocycles, 1 kilowatt, synchronized witll WBZ.
It Includes WLB, S-WCAL (% daytime) and WeAL, 8-WLB nil daytime).
U Includes KFAB, 770 kilocycles, simultaneous day, S-WBBM-N; 8. A. Experi 
ent-synchronize WBBM-N.
'6 Includes WPTF, L-KPO; S. A. E.:tperiment--to 11 p. Dl. E. S. T.
11 Includes KVOO, simultaneous day, S-WAPI-N; S. A.. experiment-U.
18 Includes WIBO.lOO watts, day, clear.
I~Include.<; KRLD, S-KTHS; S. A. Experiment-simultaneous with WTIC.
J{J Includes KTSM, S-WDAH;~rmanentautborit)" to !!9.rty WDAH'S schedule.
21 Includes WNBX, D-LS at Erie, Pa.; S. A. Experiment-U.
ft Includes KJR, 970 kilocycles. 5 kilowatts, U,
23 Includes KIRO, 650 kilocycles, L-WSM; S. A. Experiment-1IO kilocycles, U.
._._ 1
_ 1 .
3 'i
I Includes WAPI, &imultBneous day, S-KVOO-N; S. A. Experiment-U.
S Include.<; K'rHS, 1,040 kilocycles, S-KRLD; S. A. Experiment-simultaneous day
with WBAL, 1,060 kilocycles, S. H.-N.
l Includes KQO 7f/(1 kllocydes,7~kilowatt, U.
f Includes WTIC, 1,060 kilocycles, S-WBAL; S. A. Experiment--l,04O kilocycles.
simultaneous-KRLD.
) Includes WCFL, 970 kilocycles, 6 kilowatts, U.
G Includes WBBM.17OkiiocycIes, simultaneous day, S-KFAB-N; S. A. Experlment-
synchronize KFAB-N.
r Includes WCBD, L-WBT, 8-WMBI and WMBI, L-WBT, S-WCBD.
s Includes WCAZ, 100 watts day, clear.
• Includes ROCA, n-8-KWLC and KWI,C, D-S-KOCA.
WIncludes WWL, 850 kiloaycles, S. H. (KWKH); S. A. EXJX'fiment-U; and KWKH,
850 kilocycles, S. H. (WWL); B. A. Experiment-U, 1,100 kilocycles.
Jl Includes WBAL, 1,000 kilocyeles, S-WTIC; S. A. Experiment--simultaneous day
Oklahoma.___________________ "1 4,
Oregon._._.__________________ _ 1 Ii
Pennsylvania•• a _+ .+ 3 6
Puerto Rico + •• __ 2
RhodeIsland~.• +____ 3 • . . _
South Carclins.••. •~•• ._ 8 __ . + _
South Dakota._______________ 2 1 3
~:~~~~:=:==-===:=======:-==::~i:i:-----rl~---~------~--. -------- ------2
Utah.________________________ 1 2 _
Ver:rnont. . . . .____~13
~~iril~~~~~~~==:::::::::::::----- (-----.-- -----i- ---·--3- -------- ------2- -------- ---------~---54 2 -6- ------8--~----2---- 2 12
~~~i~~~~~=====:==~~~~~-~=__z_z_~!_1~~~=:~~i=--~----isi------~I~~2 2I~I :! --- __ : f i j
Wyoming. 1 ',_ 1 2 ._ 2 3 3
Total-32---;o~_no--21----33----"'----oo-___a51_;;)----s5--62-335\462I----r09--"'------m738
TABLE IX-B.-Diatribution of Cla3868 of broadcasting .tatiom to cities
(Distribution of classes of stations to cities of various population}
,
1
1
1
,
1
,
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
,
1
,
,
Total
Total
Share
Limited time and
time specified
ho""
1 __ . ._._
~~~m.Day.
time time
ShM,
time and
specified
ho""
Local
Day·
,1m,
UnUm 
'tOO
,1m,
Regional
Shere
time
Olea<
Unlim 
ited
time
1 • __
_~.. __.• • ._.•__•.••__ •~• 1 .. ._ . __ .•..~••~•. _
________ I __~.._.__.. ...~..._.._. __ ..__ ._.. I . _
________ I .. I . _
__________________ • •...•_. .. ._•. 1 ._.____ 1 . _
________ 1 .___ 1 .~__... .
___ . .. ._.. . _.•_. __ . .______ 1 __ .. •• .•~__1.~.__._.. . _
::::==:= ::=:::=: =::::::: ::::::== ::=::::: ::::==:= =::::::===~_:::::::: --·-----i- __ ..__~_=::==:== =::=:::: --------i-
_. •__• ... 1 . __ . . ._•.•..__. __ • .____ 1 . . _
••• • .'___ 1 . . . ._.__ • 1 ••__ . • _
_.__ . . • . .________ 1 ...~_•••__ . 1 _. • . .._.
_________________ . .__ 1 _'._' . • .. ._ 1 _
_•. •._. . . __ . __ .__ 1 • .______ 1 • • _
==::=::: :=::=::: :::::=-: :==::::: :::::::: :::::::: =:==::==:=~_---'--i' ::=:::::==~_-.-. -i' =:=::==: ::=:::::::
__ ._.__•••. ._.__ 1 . ._ .~~•._~__I _•• ..••_. _
______ ._._~. . ..• 1 . ..__ ._ 1 _.__ . .. . _
_____________________________________________________________________ ._.__ 1 _•••_•.~_
• • 1 • • • 1 • ••__ ._
____ •~••~.•_...._..__ •~1 1 _
._. ••• ••_. •••••• •._~_~_••~.______ 1._.~•• 1
____________________________________________ .._~. ._ 1 .. .. ..__ 1
.•• • __._.~._.~__~..• 1~_1 _
_•• • • •••~_~__~~~.~__1 _
.•_._. . __._~_1 _. • __._.._.. • ... .__ 1
::::::=: :::::::: . ..~_::::=::: :::::::: :::::::: :==:==:::: ------i- ::=::::: :=::::::::~
~_.••••_.____ 1~._._••••__ • ••__ ._••••__ .•_. .____ 1
6,221
2, ""
4,043
3,7ll6
8,023
7,157
4,Q32
1,706
~892
2,378
7,961
8,434
7,066
9,141
4,188
8,Zl6
7,263
8,344
5,107
~400
7,lQ3
~233
7,195
6,4M
8,21}7
Q,429
Q,403
8,206
8,787
Popula 
tion
States and cities
POPULATION UNDER 10,000
Alabama: Sheffield • _
Alaska:
t~c~~~~:..== ======== == ======
Ketchikan__ • • • _
Arizona:
Bisbee _
Globe _
Jerome_ • _
Safford • ••_.
Yuma _
Arkansas: Siloam Springs _
California:
Chico • _•• _
EI Centro. •••~_
Merood •__~_~_
Monterey •• _
Reddin~-----.------_._~_._.__
San LUIS ObiSpo _
Visalia •__ • _
Watsonville._~~•__ ._._
Colorado:
Alamosa • __ •_. • _
Durango_ ••_. _
La Junta •• _
Lamar__~~_
Flor~::lEliami'BeiCh:==========
Idaho:
Coeur d'Alene_. _
Idaho Falls _
Lewiston •• _
~~P~8iiS================::=
Daytime
Unllm-I__,,~_ILimited'ImSh,",'nd
ited 1- time.
time Reglon- (clear) specified
Clear at hours
--------1---1---1------------1--1--1---1---1---1---1---1--
1~~- - --------
1
1~.~~__~__~~_.~__ •~-- 1
~~_.~~~~1 •• ,_
~_~~. .~_~__~~__~__1_~,_
____~~~..~___1 _
__~_____ _ _ 1 __~~_~__ u _
~_:~=_:=_::--~~-~i-====:::= ::==_==: ===::=:: ==::::=::=~~----------
2
2
1;1
1 :.g
1
1
~
1
0
1 ",
1
>3
1
~
1
'"
1
;;J1
'"
'"
'"
>
t"'
"1
0
1
~
1~
1 q
1
'>i
~
1
"1 >
1
..,
~
1
0
'>i
1
'"
1
1
"
0
1~
1
~
1 Ul
1
f!l
1
0
1
'>i
1
1 ....
~
1 • •~_
1 •
1~~_
1~_~~~_~• _
1 _. , _
1_~_.~_
1~__~__~______1_~~_~_~•__
___~_:=:==:=: =::::=:::: =_ ==:===:: ====:::: -------T
___________~~__~_~~~___1._~_
~__~~__ •~~~~__1
1 1
I~_._
~__ ._••• __.~_••__.~__ •~__ ,,_~_.~._~.~__ • 1_~~_.______1
_~~_.__ . __ • .•.__ •~_~____1 •_._~.__ 1 _. __~._.~.• __
__~_~1 _~~~.__ ._.__ 1 - - __ . --.--.--.-
~~~~~~~~~:~~~~~::;;:~;;:~:~:~~~~~~:~~:~~:~::~~~;::::::::~:.:::::;::~:~~::~~~~:;;:;J_.. __:::;;:;:; ;;;;:;;:::::::::~:
________ •__ •__,~_. , __ •~~~~,~__~.______ 2~__~__~~~_____2
_____________~__1~__~_~~~__1.~_~~~_______1_~~__,_~___1
==::===: ======== =====:== =:==:=== ========~====:===== ------r :===:=== =:=:==:=:: ------f :=:=:=::.~_::::= .
_______~_~~•~~~___1~~__1~~_~_
__••~__.~~.__ • • __~_~_~~~~~__~~~~_.~____1~__~_
1~__~.,__ ,__ 1
====:==: ======== ==:=:===~~~~~~~~===:=:== ======== ========== ======== ========---~---i- ==-=====~_:=:===== ·-------i-
:::::::: :::::::: :::::::: ------i- :::::::: :::::::: :::::::::: :::::::: '1::::::::: ::::::::
:::::::: =::::::: :::::::: :::::::= :::::::: ::::=::=---~-~--i-__
2,240
2,069
4,581
~602
5,658
6,121
5, ""
~662
1,557
4,38lI
6,006
2,822
8,020
5,451
8, 187
5,007
5,268
5,600
5,6",
3, '708
8,027
5, 992
698
TABLE IX-H.-Distribution of classes of broadcasting stations to dties--Continued
1
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
I
1
Total
1 . __ • _
T ======== ==========1 . ._ ...._
1_~.+ _
1 ... _
1
1
1
1
1 • • _
1 . . •._._
I ._
I~
1 .____ _ + _
1 . __ . . . . _
1 . .. .. _.. _
1 _, __ ._.~.'.' __ . .. • ._
1 .. ..•__ . __ ....~. __ . _
1
1
RegionalOlear
3,615
0,979
,,OS<
8,020
4,943
1,776
7,232
~058
4.907
3, 322
States and dtit'S
Popula· Da;ytim(\ Share Sharo Share
tlon UnUm- Share UnUm- Limited time and UnUm- Day- time and UnUm· Day· Limited time and
ited timetl,~m'd,I ,"I'
m
,) speclfied ti'!m'd, time specified,i,'me~time time specified Total
time ClearR~lon-c ear hours hours" hours
-------~-------I---------------------------_.
POPULATION UNDER lO,OOO-COD.
ore~~ValIiS. 1 7,585
La Orande~== 8,050
Marshfield .. . 6,287
Roseburg . ._____ 4,362
~~;:~~~~~~~:Grove City. ._. 6,156
Brooklngs.. __ 4,376
~~~ilioii_-_==================},m
Tex~~nkton.-.._.~_.. 6,072
Brady • . . __ . 3,983
College Station (Bryan).. 7.814
~~bWg====~======:=======.=-9,587 ======== ======== -- .. ==== ====-=== :======= ======== ..-------. ----.___ --i- ========== ======== ------i- ======== --.--_. __ 2,271 .... ._.. , __ ._, _. __ ._____ 1 . __ . .. 1 _ . .
Kilgore. __ ... ._.__ . ----s;iM- ======== ========~. ======== ======== .:~_----- i- :=========~.
~~£:~~~~==~===:==========7,311 .. __ .._. . __ . . . __ . . __ . __ .__ 1
__ 5,484 . ._ ___ . .. ._____ 1 . ..__
~~~======================:::~======== =====:== -·----i- ======== ======== =====:-: =::=. .
Utah:
Cedar City_..._. ...
Logan __ .._--- --------.- .._-_.
Price . . . . . _
Vermont:
St. Albans . _
~~~~:~~=== =====:==========
Virginia: Harrlsonburg . _
Washington:
Centralla. .. __ • . _
Chebalis.. ._. . __
Pullman ....~.__ . .
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
101232
1 _
1 _. __ , __ • _
1 _
22
1~._
1 _
1 ...••... .I __J
1 .._~~
1113
_______________~__1 • , _
1 , _
1
1
I __ . _
1~_
1_~__~~• _
1~__
1
1
1
1 • , _
"
2
1
,
----~-=---= ====
1 _... • __ • • • _
1~•• • •• . , _
13
! -------- -_._----------~--------,
________ 1~~• +~•~
_____________~.____ 1 + __ ._ _ _ • ••__~_
-------- -.----,- -------- --------------~--------- ----------
672
5, 177
~..o
~,;"
20,348 __ ••_~.__.•~._~•~._~.__ 1 , ._._______ 1 __ •• •__ • •• 1
11,625_._+_~.__~~..~..__ . .~~.__. .__ 1 ,~_.• ._ 1 1
13;060 • •.~~~.~__.~1~.._~~__I~~__ •• 1
llS,593
16, 046
24, 012
11,654
18,012
20,659
10,098
16,421
20,2:l8
10,326
20, 760
17,429
15,752
UI,842
10,636
10,247
12,200
16,598
10,465
18,554
12,111
10,700
14,507
18,192
]0, 321
21,843
11,733
16, 510
19,468
21,544
16,471
TotaL_
Alabama:
Decatur. _
Dotbau _
Gadsden , _
HUDtsvillEL~
Selma "~_
Tuscaloosa. . _
Arkansas:
Blytheville _
Eldorado~_
Hot Sprillgs . . _
Jonellboro~_
PirIe Blutf _
CaUfornia:
Beverly Hills _
Eureka _
Modesto • _
Sll1lta ROSlL- .. _
Colorado:
GraM JUbctioiL ••_~__
Greeley~.__
}'lotida:
DartoD!!, Beach~._
GalUesvl!1£L _
Lakeland • • _
St. Augustine _
Tallahagjlee < •• _
Georgia:
Albany__ , . .+_
Ath<)lls __ , • _
Griilln _
Ronle . . _
'rhoma.wille__ • , _
Waycross . . __ . _
Hawaiian Islands: :Bilo _
Idaho:
Boise . _
Poca.tello _
Dlinois:
Champaign , _
Harrisburg. _~__ •__~~~_
Urbans__ •.~.~
Wis~on:lin:
Poynette. .
Rice Lake _
Wyoming:
Rock Spring
Sheridan _
POPULATION 10,000 1'0 24,Il99
TABLE IX-E.-Distribution of classes of broadcasting stations to cities-Continued
1
t
2
1
1
1
2
I
Total
1 _
1 _
I _
I
1~_
1 .._
2
1
--- - -:::--:-1
------ - - -
I _
I __
__ === =======: :: =:------ -------- --------i- ::==----
1 _
Clear
---------1------
10,261
11,886
15,34{l
l7.373
23,304
16,198
10,059
13,726
10,136
18,145
20,155
10,350
22,765
23,025
14,635
15,791
17,198
14,434
10,997
15,500
14,299
14,789
22,904
10,169
15, 666
14,038
20,621
21,000
R'llional Low I
P1ro~a-l-u-n-li-m-_TS-h-ar-.-I-U-int-,I-dim'_I~~~~D~a~Y~t~im~~,~~~-L-ltm-,.m-it-,ed""7-tl-~-~-ar-a~-d+U-n-li-m--'--'t-i~-h-,ar-'-~-d-U-n-li-m--'--'--'-t-i~-har-,-an-'-dT--.
ited time specified itedR~;specifiedi~edR~;L~T~~dspecified Total
time .time Clear ReID
on
- (clear) hours time hours time hours
POPULATION 10,000 TO 24,1199 
continued
States and cities
Iowa:
Ames _
Boone _
Iowa C'ity _
Marshallrown.
Mason City _
Kansas:
CofIeyvllle~_
Dodge City _
Lawrence _
Manhattan _
Pittsburg _
SalinfL. _
Kehtucky:
Middlesboro _
Owensboro _
Louisiana:
Alexandria _
Lafayette _
Lake Charles _
Maine: Augusta _
Maryland:
Frederick _
Salisbury _
M8SSllchusetts: Greenfield _
Michigan:
Ironwood _
Marquette _
RoyaIOak _
Minnesot'l:
Albert Lea _
Hibbing_. _
MJ.nkat<L . _
Rochester _
St.Oloud
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 + _
1_~.~_~~_.__ +_
1 __ * __ +~__ +~_0_.4__
1_~_*__.~_._.~_.~.4_. __ ....
1 .••. 0*44·.· _
1 __ ._
1
1~, __ • 4~44••
_ __ __ -i-=::==~==
·T_::_~=_~_
1
1 -------- 1~~_---- -== =====:==------~4i-
---i- __ , ,. 1 * __ 4 • .4
1 + •• 4.~.~~__~.
1 , • • _
1 ------i- ::==:::: =::==:::=:
1 . _
I_~_
1 __ ._____ _ • . .
1 "__ • ._.~~0 •~_
1~~. __ . • __ .
1 .,_______ _ _
_,.__ 1 _
______ 1 __ . ._
1 + _
1 • _
. ------i' ::::=:::----~,--
1_~_
1 , • _
1 • __ ._
1 _. _
1._O.~.
.__ 1 _
1 ._. + _
T :=:::::= :::::::: :::::::: :==::::::= .~.=::::::: ====::::::
1 _
1~__+~._
1~__
==::==== =:::::~_.----T ==:::::: -----+---
_._. + __ •~._______ 1_~+_> 0 _
________ , __ .~___1 _ • _
________ 1~__ • •~• _
==:::=:: :::::==: ----O-i' =::::=-= __~__ > __ :::===:: ----*----- •__
11,963
20,850
18,601
18,017
12,547
22,943
16,227
14,967
21,596
16,380
11,803
H,651
10,717
12, 061
18,529
12,4/1
11,4!.l5
11,981
15,699
11,622
11,173
11,176
11),467
21,190
13,349
11.362
21,412
12,613
11,090
17, lJ2
16,099
23,301
11,2M
Hi,741
17,097
16, 136
23.283
10.349
18,901
]6,093
11;001
Virginia _
Winona • • _
:\1issfssippi:
Huttisburg _
LaureL • • " _
GulfPott__~• ,
Vicksburg _
Missouri:
Cape Girardeau _
Columbia + _
Jefferson City _
1.IQntana:
Billings + _
HelellIL _
Missoula . __ .
Nebraska:
Norfolk _
North Platttt _
Nevada: Reno_. • __
New Hampshire:
Laconia . _
Portsmouth _
New Jeraey:
Asbury Park " + __
Bridgeton__ • _
Red Bank • __
New Mexlco:
RoswelL _., _._. _
Santa Fe_. _
New York:
~r:~~~_-_~=::=::=::=:::::::::
Plattsburg 0 _
North Carolina:
Klnston _
Rocky Mount _
Wilson + _
North Dakflta:
Bismarck +_. _
Grand Forks _
Minot. _
OhiQ: Ashtabula. _
Oklahoma:
Ada + 4 _
Ardmore. • __
Okmulgee. __ • , _
Ponca City • .__
Shawnee ,_.,_. ._.
Oregon:
A.storia~,_. _
EUJrene + + __~.~_.~._
Klamath FaJls • _
Medford__ •• • • _. __ 4 __ •
TABIdIl IX-B.-m.tribution of cla8S68 of broadclUling stali.... lo citks-Continued
Clear
Regional Local Total
States and cities
p0f.ula-
Daytime
Limited
..... Bhatti .....
ton Unlim·
.....
Unlbn-
time and
UnUm
Day- time and
UnUm-
Day- Limited "mesnd
It..
It"
time lted Ited Total
,1m.
time
tim.
Re:l
0n (clear) 'tc!ftOd tim.
time svecitled
tim.
time time
'tole..
Clear ows haws ows
1
1
1
1
•
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
t
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 .•••. . __ •__ ._
1'.~. _
1 • _
1 __ •••__ •~__~.~• ._
1 •• . _
1 . ._••• •• _
------i -
1
--------i- --.-.-..
______ . ------i- __ . .- __ . _
___ 1._~_.. ..__ • __ •••_ . __ . . ._ ._. _
_ . __~.• .__ 1 _. •.
==:===== ::====== =:====== :======= ======:= ===::=== =:::------ ----·+i- ====:==:== .. __. -'---T ::====== ==::::::::
____ • • ._ __ 1._~_~_ 1 , . _
•• • __._.__~+_+ .________ 1 1 .. .. ., + _
_. • ._ . __~. •.. •~_.. 1 .. .__ 1 c _. • __
_..~. ._. __+_~.~~~~.~__1 .• 1 . __
_____ • ,_ ••• • __~._~._.~~_~•. 1.~_.___1 __.~~.._~__ • _
. ..__ ._ . , .,~_.__ • __ . • __._~_._~_____1 __ •~.._ 1 ._r . ..~_._
. . .••••• , •.~_~.___1.~_~._._______ 1 . , . .
________ ._. , .._~..__ . . .r_______ 1 .•.~.________1 .. ..__.~._. ._
16, 608
15,626
19,544
14,383
14.774
16. 4B5
10,946
10,404
10,214
12,005
22,172
23,175
13,735
22,021
15,202
12,407
20,520
11,445
10,470
15,649
Hi,713
15. 345
17,113
15, 245
22, ."
21,723
POPULATION 10/000 TO 24,OlKl 
contlDued
Pennsylvania:
~]~~f!:~~==~=~====:=====:=:
South Carolina; -
:~~:~~~~~====== ==== ====== ==
South Dakota:
Aberdeen.• . .
HuroD _
Tf\n~~~K~~=======:=========
BristoL . ._. _
Tex~~n-_----.---.------.-.-.
A~I~~~t;i::=:===== ======= :::
Brownsville • .
Corsicana. ••• ._.__
Greenville • . _
Lubbock. . . __
Palestine . _
f~~~~==~~=~~~~=:~~==~~~~=
.f;~f_l~_-~==============~=====
Vermont:
Burllngton__ •~_
Rutland • _• , ••••• _
Virginia:
Charlottesville__ • _,~
Danville__ •__._. ,_. _. _
Washington:
Aberdeen__ •• ••• _
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
1
-----T~:::~~~:~~::~~:::~
-'-'--i-~:~~:~~~:~~~:~~:~:
2 . • _
2
_._.~__ . .__ . -'---T~:~~~:~~~~~~~~::::
,,_,, . __ .. 1 . ••__ ._
1 ••_•. • __ ••__
I . __ ..__ . _. ..__
________ .____ 1
1 _••_._._ • ••.•_.
1 ,,__ . . __ ._.•__ .
1 __ •••__ . •• •
-..- ···---i-~~~:::::~~
1 •• _
._------ -_...--- -- ---.-, --------------~---------- -.-------.
2 • • • ._ ..~_~_
1 __ . __ . ••__ . __ • .•• ...__ ._
. ·-·--T::~:::.~:::::::::::::~:::::~::~::::
______ '.__ . 1 .,,_•••__ , • __ ..~_
1 ...~._._.•_••_. __.... '._. ._ ._.
1.~__ . •
_.. .~::::::::~::~:~:::~:~:::~-·--·-T::~~~:~~~~:~:~:~~~:~~:::~:
______ • __ • ...~•• , •• ,_•••₯_ , ••__ .____ 1 •••• • __ •.
1 ._._ ••_. __ .. ••
,::':::: ::::::::::: :::/:::~~:~'':::~~:::----'r~~~~::~~~:~~~J'--T::::::~:t~~::t~~~:~~:~~
1 • • _
____________ , • __~.. . __ ._. . _••.__ . • __ ._. 1 • .. . _.•_.... 1
._.__ ..._~.. _.,..~_._.._._.~'__ "__ 1 . _, ,_ 1 ••• _
.. ...'.~'__ ••.•. , .. ._____ 1 .. • ._____ 1~__ • _._ .•.•.._
_ . . ._ ••, .•.._ . __ . . __ • __ . ._._. . __ ._. 1 .._.._._ ..••.•.~_.1
, • ._, ••• ._ ._______ 1.~.'• •.-.~~_•. __ •__ • __ ._._ •• •• 1 ._.__~• __~._.__
1 ._•••__ •••__ ._.... 1 ••••.•••..~••_•••_.
_______ .••.._._.•_.~~.. .._••_.~_._._~.•_•.._ •• .____ 1 _.••_._•.•.__••••. 1 ..__ ••~.__ ._•.•• _•.•~••••_
____ ._. • ••_. __ ••_•••••~._••••_~._. 1 _••••_••.__ ••• 1 •.•_₯ ••••• .₯._._₯
••__ ._._ .'_"'__ ••__ •. • ••~~•••__._•••__ 1 • __ ._ ••_~__.~•.. •••• _._•• •.~•.••••₯.. 1
•• ._..•~•.••.__ ..__ . ••~._•.__.~.•_. __.. ••_ 1 ••__ • • __._.. 1 •._..••••.•__~__ •.•.•.••••
:::::::: ::::::::::::~:::::~:::::::::~::::::::::::~~::::::::::::::: _.._._~.I-------T:::::::: ...~.::::::::-'₯-~--T
16,619
~~:~~!-_._--
15, 976
I1,627
22,101
19,339
23,IM)
21,628
22,963
13,623
23, '68
48, US
32,506
31,429
26,Olfi
37,481
30,322
33,613
47,1)63
33,237
29,640
Zl,330
31,579
«>,425
26,610
43,131
30,930
36, '65
28, 830
42, 993
39,241
37,953
39,804
32,94//
26,240
46,M8
25,l:l19
32,493
:::::::::1
,:::]
Longview _
Olympia.~_
WalJaWalJa _
Wenatchee_
yakbna _
w{'s~~~B~rj~~_
Fairmont, _
Wisconsin:
J~nesville._
Manitowoc~__ . . __
Stevens Point . _
Wausau. . __
Wyoming:
Casper_
-------------------------------------------------
TotaL ._. __ ._ _ ._._____ 18 4 10 3 '1 63 27 12 80 42 3 20 145
= == == === ==
POPULATION, 25,000 TO 49,999
Arizona:
F,hoenlx__ _ _ • _
I UC8OD. __ • _
Arkansas:
Fort Smith . __ . . __ ._
CaHfornJa-:
Bakersfield. ._.~_
San Bernardino
Sa.nta. Ana . __ . __
Santa Barbara _. • _
Stockton._ . • • _
Colorado: Colorado Sprlub'S _
Connecticut: NewLondon_,_~_
Florida:
Orlando_. ._. . __ ,_
Pensacola. _.• . __
St, Petersburg . __ ,. _
West Palm "Beach __ ,. _
Georgia: Columbus__ . __
Illinois:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~~~~~
(Jalesbul'g . _
Joliet _
Quincy. __ . _
Rock Island _
Indiana:
Anderson. ._.__ • __ . .
ElJd:iart --- ••-- ----- __ -. _--I
La Fayette•• _••__ • • _
Muncie__ ••• . ,_. _
New Albany_. __. ,_._, _
Ricbmond••• •••_••__ .1
TABLE IX-B.-Distribution of clcuses of broadcasting stations to citieB'-Continued
49,677. __ • '. ••. • •• . ._..__ 1 _.._~, ._. _
43,573 . .~~_~._.. .~~••_.~•• 1._._._~__
47,356 ._ 1 . __ . •• ._•••~_._._~•••._ . __~._
41,390~•.~~~.._~~• ••~._____1 __~.~._____ 1
31,361 _._.~_._._______~~.. ._ 1~~._. _
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1_.~. .~__ • __
1
2
1 _. .• . _
1
1
:I~~__~_
1
1~.••
1 __~..~•••_~••_._~._____1 •~
1_~_.._~._.._.~.• __ .•"~~__
_.~_:=:=::=~. :::::::: :::::::::: ---"T :::::::: =:=:::::::
1 . . ..~__ . . . 1 . . .c_
Reglonal
Local Total
Daytime
Sh....
Sh.... Share
UnUm· Limited Unlim· Unlim·
ited time
time and
ited
Day· time and
ited
Day- Limited time and
Total
time Region· (clear)
specified
time
time specil:l.ed
time
time time
s~g~
C1""
.1
bOWB
homs
Shsre
time
Unlim 
ited
time
48,282
31,954
33,454
30,532
2S,822
26,570 __ . __ • __ ..~•• _. __ . • __ •• •~._~..•_'. . __ • __ ••~.~_
~~II->_::;;;~~~~:-C~::-:_::;~-:::: __~~:~:~~~~~~:~~m~~~;:;;;;1;:~:~:~~~::::::::[: :;;;);~~:;~~~r::::::::::::::i:
41,679
27,085
29,074
45,736
33, 541
30,729
26,028
28,749
37,747
30,861
States and cities
POPULATION 25,000 TO 49,9ll9-
continued
Iowa: DUbuque •._~~_
Kansas: Hutchinson~_.
Kentucky:
Ashhind _
₯~i~tg~~~=~=~~~~~~~=~~~=~~~
Louisiana:
Baton Rouge~__
Monroe _
Maine: Bangor _
:Maryland:
Cumberland _
Hagerstown_ _ _
Massacbusetts:
Pittsfleld . _
Michigan:
Battle Creek • _
Bay City • _
Muskegon • _
Port Huron , _
Mississippi:
Jackson __~•• _
Meridian , _
Missouri:
Joplin . _
Montana:
Butte • ._
Great Fal1!L . ._.
New Mexico:
Albuquerque. . .
NewA~~~~__ -.---.---.-- ----- I
Elmira . .
JamestowD . .._. __
~1~~~1:iDS~~=:=~~::~:~=~:==I
1 •_~_
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1.~__ • ,0 _
____ 1~_
1 __._~• _
1 _
1 _._
1
1 •~__ • _
1
1
1
1 -- ---i- ::------ ----------
1 • _
1 • _
1 _
.___ I _
___ 1 __~_
1~_
1 • ._____ 1
1_~_
1_~_
-i-~:~~~~:~~~:~~~~:~:~~~~~~_~_
1 _
___~.._.~:~--------------T~:::::::::::::::::
1 _
1 •~_
1
1 • • _
____________ • ...... • •.~_1~•• __ 1_.~~__~~_
_____________. • • >_ 1.~._____ 1~_. • __~_
___~• 1 •• • __ • • __ • .____ 1~• __
__ ... . .~. 1 • .__ 1 ._. • •. _
___ .____ 1 .. • .____ 1 __._. .________ 2~•~_
._.. .-____ 1 .. • • • • • •• • .__ 1 ••••_. • , ....__
2<;,399
32,026
2<;,266
,,<.468
36,765
48,674
25.008
45,729
37,060
29,JM
28,723
33,362
43, 132
27,741
32,618
25,308
27,366
40,272
40,661
34,417
30.823
30,567
28,866
29,623
26, 287
25,449
37,415
39,614
i~w.1::::::1:::::1,::::::::::::::,: :::::1 "'11--,
---- .. .. I --...
28,619 1 .1
42,287 _
42,560 . .~~._.•__
36,440
Nortr~~i::::::::::::::::::1
North Dakota.:
Fargo~__ • . _
01110:
Llma . _
Portsmouth__ . • _. ••_
Zanesville.~. ._
Oklahoma:
Enid • _
Muskogee >_. . _
Oregon:
Salem. _
Pennsylvania:
EflStOD•• ,_
Hazleton _
New Castle . _
Sharon. _
Williamsport
Puerto Rico:
Maya.guez. _
South Carolina:
Greenville _
Spartanburg _
South Dakota;
Sioux Falls _
Texas:
Amarmo~._. _
Corpus ChrlstL. _
Laredo.~._
San Angelo.
Texarkana
TJtllb;
Ogden. _
Virginia:
LynchlJur~_. _
Newport News _
Washington:
Bellingham __ . _
Everett- _
West Virf{fnfa:
Clarksburg _
Parkersburg • •
Wisconsin:
Eau Claire • •~
FODd du Ltw •~._._~
Green Bay • •
La CrOS8e ••• • _
TABLE IX-B.-Distribution of classe8 of broadctUting 8tatiom to cities---Continued
Regional
Total
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
Total
1 _0_0_.00 __
Sh"",
Limited time and
tinte speclfl.ed
hours
Dayo
time
1
2
I
Un!im·
Itad
time
Share
time and
specitled
hours
Day·
time
1 • ._.•.•••
UnUm
o
ltoo
time
Share
time and
specified
hours
Statell and citiell
Daytime
Unlim- Share Unl1m·I~__ILimjted
ited ited I time
____________,1
1
____ tim. time tim. Oh"" IR'~OD'(d.,,)
POPULATION 2:5,000 TO 4D'Il99-1 ----1---1
1
1---1
1
---1---1----1.-------------------------
contmued
W'"","'n-Oontinu.d. I
~~;~~:"..:.': !. :l:m ':::: :...::"';: ..~f:~:II-:---~~=:::~::~---~:-~~~:-.---~.~:~:~~~:-:~:::~~~:---J-~=-:=~~:~:::::~:::::=:-~~:l~
POPULATrON 6tJ,OOOTO 99,D99 :====1======= = ==
AI.~,:,~;,.......i """,21.. I 1I !........ .. ..
Ark~~~gomery_ :.1
1
66.079 ;.- 1 '1-·- ---.---~.. -- ,----.-- ---..----- - -- -.- -..-.-.---- .. ------ -------- -----.-.--
Cali70~~~~:RoCk81,679 \. •• 2 --------.~-----------.- ----..-- - •• • _
Berkeley .~, __ • 0 _
7~;~:~~_~~~::~-·---~~i---.---- -.------ ----------
~:r~~:nto-.i
Colorado: 1
con~~:N~t:-----------I
New Britain______ _ \
Waterbury___ _ 1
Georgia:
Augusta. ._ ___ I'
~~~ah_-:::::::-----:_:-
Illinois: I
Clcero • . __ '
n-ecatur · 1
East St. Louls :
Rockford 0 • __ •
Bprlngfielt1 • 0:
92,563 __~• ••+_ +_+. .4 0 2 . • __ • .• +,.__••• .______ 2
82.0.~4• __ +. .4~_++• • 4+ 0_+_. __ • • 1 , ••••4 __ •• 1
00,339 __ •• ••~_._1 .•_. __ . .•• •••..__.+..~._._.+ •••_ 1 1 •• •__ •• 1
~!j:-::::!!-:~~-:--,-::_--;:-:::-:-{---~!:!-~!~-!::!!::!:-!:-::--~:-:~~~j:::::::::r::::ir--,,!--:_~~]:::::<:I
2
I
I
1
i;l
2
~
I
~
0
3 OJ
2
.,
~
""OJ
~
""
l:'
1 t<
2
'"
2
0
::::
::::
q
z
~
'"
~
~
I
0
Z
2
'"
I
I
'"
2
0
::::
2
::::
I
1il2
I
'"
~
1
0
2
Z
1
H
<D
"'l
1.~__ 4 __
1_~'_4 • _
1~_
---;-,::::::-:::---::~:I
______ ._ 1
1
1_~- •__. • •
1
1
2 _
1
1
1
1 + _
1 _
_______.. _. • . ..~.._____ 1 . __ ._. ,.
______~.::::-:::: :::::::: :::::::: =:==:::= =::::::: ----·---i- :=::::::1:::::::: :::::::::: _
I
~~~~~~~~========::::::~:===========:=:=~:::=~=~:::::::~:::···--T:::::::t:::=:::~:
:::::::: ::::::::~::: ---'--i- ==:::::: ::::::::::-·--~-i-:::::::: ::::::::::
:::::::: ::::::,:--; I::::: ::::---
________ _ 1 '-
: ------i- :::::::: :::::::: ::::::::1:
::1:::::
I
1 _.~_------1-:::::~j::::::::~:::~::::::::::::: :::::::::: ------1-
,
-------<- ::-:-:;' :'::::-- ::-:,--: -:::J-:---::-:------ --:----- -:-::-::::
65,252
16,665
70,810
85,06H
55, 187
54.786
78,397
80,715
"" 9$
57,527
75,933
7~834
66,198
76,662
95,692
72,763
50,193
82,675
li2, 037
53,569
75,274
Ind.\a.na:
Hammond. _. < •
Terre Rauto__ + +_
Iowa:
~Oedar llapids. __
b:l Davt'DPort. ._
:t SlomOUy ._-----._-.-
;~Kansas:
, Topeka _
.... Kentucky:
r
Lo~f~~~on.----_-_.--------.
Shreveport . ._
..... Maine:
"'" Portland _
Massachusetts:
Lawrence. _
Michigan:
Jac\u;OD. •
Kalamazoo _
Lansing __ .. __ .. _
Saginaw _
Miasouri:
St. JQ.%ph __
Springffdd _
Nel".~~ln_.__
New Hampshire:
Manchester. _
New Jersey:
Atlantic City__ .
New York;
Binghamton..• _
Schenectady._~.
Nor~triroiina~-- --_. ----.
Asheville. __ . , *.__._
Charlotte ._._
Durham _
Greensboro . _
Winston·SalelJl__ . , __~_
Pennsylvania:
Allentown.._. _.~_
Altoona _
Harrisburg~.• • _
Jobnstown , • _
LanCBSter._. _
Wilke:>-Barre__ ._. _
York. _
puerto Rico:
P(m~_.
TABLE IX-B.-Di8tribution of cla8ses of brQadcasting stations to cities-Continued
TotalLo08lRegional
Daytime
Share
Unlim-
Share
Unlim-
Share
Limited
time and Day- time and Day- Limited time and
time ited ited Total
Rcgion- (clear)
s~cif1ed
time
time
s~if1ed
time
time time specified
Clear
al
ou"
0""
bo""
Share
time
i
Unlim 
Ited
time
Popula. 
tIOn
States a.nd cities
~~~~m-I
time \
-~~~~~~~+~~I-~-I-~+~+~-I-~-I-~-I~~+---,--I---------
Z
2
!
2
3
1
2
1
1
1
3
2
!
2
2
1
1
2
1
!
2
•
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
_____I.
1 _. __
2 _._. . __ . __ . __
2
3
2
3 __ . __ . .. .
4
1
I .. ..1
2
1 . __ . _
1
!
2
2
1 . ..._._,
2 _••__ • ••••• •
1 _._._._. ..__ , __
1
1
1
1
1
1 . . ..__ .
1
J .<--- _I'
'--_:::--
1 ..
, ..
--1---
1 .•_. __ ..
_ • . __ ._ 1 .____ 1 . . __ . _..
___ . ._.__ 1 • _.________ I I __ . . __~. _
2 + __ • .. • __ • • • __ ._ 2
2 ._. • •..__ ..__
-1-
r::::::
2
i· ==.::..--...---...
2 ._._
2 __
I ..
-1------
-- _.-
:+
102,249
Ul,94.6
100,. 426
104, Ul3
142, 5..'J9
121,857
111,110
IUi,274
100,234
112,597
149,000
195,3U
156 492
168, 592
101,463
118,700
123,356
127,412
101,740
104,906
170,002
185,389
14J,258
110,007
111,171
143,433
114,715
119,798
105, R02
153,1'.66
102,421 . _..__ ._._______ 2 1 2 3
163,447 ··2 __ . __ . __ . __ . 3 1 4
140,267 I 3 3
121),i10 1 1 1
182,929 1 1 .3 T 5
115,514 •._ _ 3 _ _ ..__ .._. _ _ ._ 1 __ ._ .1 1 __ ._ __ _. _ 4
_llOB81:"~_.-;-.•: -, - .:.1'-; --- 10";51---2-~~j-----5-~~~
TotaL
Indiana:
Evansville__ .. _
Fort Wayne _
Gary. _
South Bend _
loW8~Des Moines.
Kansas:
Kansas City .•• _
Wichita. . __
Massachusetts:
Fall River _
LowelL ._
New Bedford. _
Springfield _
Worcester _
Michtl!an:
Flint _
Grand Rapids __
Minnesota Duluth
New Jersey:
Camden. ._
Trenton _
New York:
Albany _
Utica _
Ohio:
Canton. _
Youngstown__
Oklahoma:
Oklahoma City__ ._
TuIM _
Pennsylvania:
Erie _
Readlng _
Scranton. " . . _
Puerto Rico: San JllIm _
'renness{'o:
Chattanooga
Knoxville. __
Nashville _
Texas:
El Pa50 __ ...
FortWorth _
Utah: Salt Lako City.
Virginia:
Norfolk _
Richmond. __
Wa'1hineton:
Spokane,_
'l'acorna
TABLE IX-B.-Distribution of cla8ae8 oj broadcasting 3tations to cities-Continued
3
3
,
3
3
,
•
2
3
2
2
•
2
2
3
•
Total
2
2
81>3<'
Limited time and
timeS~:Sed
Total
Day·
time
1
3
3
2
2
1
1
3
•
2
3
2
•
2
2
2
Unlim 
ited
time
2
Sbare
tlmelllld
$pecl1led
b.ut>
Day·
time
1 _
UnUm·
'",d
tim.
--,---------l~-_I--_I·--
i
\
I ..
3
~i
1
I
1 '
1
1
1
1
3
3
2
\
_O,J'_"__I Regional
I Daytime I hare
Unllm. UnUm" IJnnWl! 8
lted Share ited I I time I time and
tune time time Region. (clear) Ispecified
Clear at bGun
---l!-~~I--i
3~
1
2
1
2
2
200,(75
292, 352
231,542
259,078
284,063
287, &\1
270,366
271,606
'214.,006
:xJ9,326
255, 04.0
290,564
200,982
200,718
252,981
2.').1, U3
Popula. 
tion
::::if:
-------------~--~-----------------------------------------
3327 101.5 7 12372110.50
~',m'1=2~~~~~'==~~.~.~~~~21-~~.~..~.~~~3
307,741) 11_ _ _ _ _ __ __ __ 2 •• 2
300,746 :l 1. _ _ _ __ 4. 1 . .. 5
i~:gg__ ..~-- -- 1 - 1_-::~::1.:~:-= -= === = J .. __ 1. ==-=". __ i
301,815 _ 1 a __., ___ __ _ 1 __~_. .._____ __ •• 2 3 __ 1 3 7
_""583__:_~~~~'J1~'~~~~~,:,~:~~~;.~~~.~~;;:,:1. ,:~~.:~
POPULATION 200,000 TO 299,999
\.\a.bama:Bi1min~ham.
California: Oakland _
Colorado: Denver __
Georgia: Atlanta
Minnesota: St. PauL
Nebrll8ka: Omaha __
New York: Syrut:[Ise. __
Ohio:
Akron.._
Columbus
~~~~o~-_-~~~'"
Hhode Island: Providence _._
Tennessee: Memphis.
Texas:
Dalla.<:
Houston_._
San Antonio_
POPULATION 300,000 TO 399,999
Iwiiaua; Indianapolis_
Kentucky: l.ouisville_
MiilSOuri: Kansas City
~cwJersey: Jersey Cit)'__
New York: Rochester. __
On',gun: "Portland ,
Wasblngton: Sl'attlc_ .. __
TotaL
States and cities
POPULATION 4000,000 TO oW9,99G
=-========== --==
8
22
,
12
,
"
4
8
,
•
2
,
,
2
13
,
,
,
: ------2" --------
3 ,
2
,
,
2
1 _
1 .. ._
1_~_.. _..~
,
,
2 • _
,
,
,
,
~------2-~:=~:=::-----T ------ -g-~__~_:~~:~:~=
2 1.~~. _
2._~__{I~._.~~~__~
2 3~_
3 3_~______1
1_~_~--------~---~-2-----
I~____2
1 2
486,869 4,~___ 4 __ 4
~~~~---i-~~~~~~~:~~~~~:~:=-~---T--------i-~:~=:~:===~====:.. . 2~---.---- ------- i Z
mfJ~i --.----- -·----2- ============~===========~_------1- ======== :========= 1=====:::===~:===1~
--------------------------------------------------
________ 3 9 () 0 2 0 2 13 0 5 19TotaL _
Dl.$trict or Columbia.: Wa.shing-
ton ,
Louisiana: New Orleans _
Minnesota: Mlnneapolis _
New Jersey: Newark _
Ohio: CincinnatL _
POPULATION 500,000A~DOVER
California:
Los Anp;e!es 1,238, M8
San Franclsco~634,394
Illinois: Chicago~3,3'76,438
Marylaud: Baltimore 804,874
Massachusetts: Boskln___________ 781,188
Michigan: Detroit~__ 1,588,662
Missouri: St. lJOuis 821,960
New York:
~~:a~orii:-_==:::::=:=:::::===:6,~~:~~--'---3- ------r
Ohio: Cleveland 900,429 1
Pennsylvania:
Philadelphia 1,950,961 2 2 2 1 1 2 5 4, 10
Pittsburgh 669,817 1 2 4__ 4_.____ 1 1~__4~____4 ] li
Wisconsin: Milwaukee 0'18,249 2 _4 4 4 .._~______1 '2 3
Potal.. . === --17----,----32----,----,- ---,----,-.--'0----,----'-0------.0--9----,----,-,------r06
202 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE X-B.-CiUes in the United States having, in 1930, from 10,000 to 2:5,000
inhabitants and no radio stations at present
Alabama: Illinois-Continued.
Anniston • . 22,345 ·Park ridge .. •• .•. 10, 417
*Be:5Semer 20,721 ·Pekln. ._ •••• < ._. • • 16, lW
·Fairfiold . _ 11, mig Sterling. _. • ••• _., __ ••• _. _._. 10,012
tFlorellco . .+ • • II, 729 Streator__ . ._. • • __ •••• __ .• 14,728-
fFhanix City.•. .______ ._. 13,862 West Frankfort_••• 14,683
Arkallsa.~:'Wilmette ._••.~15,233
'North Little Rock_________ _.• 19,418 ·Winnetka•• • ..._._••••••__ • 12, 166
California: Indiana:
'Anaheim 10,995 Bedford. • •••_. • 13,2Q8.
Brawley________________________ 10,139 Bloomington__ • .• ._._•. 18,227
·Burbank. ._ 16,662 Connersville_._•••__ • • • 12,795
·Burlingame. . . __ • . 13,270 Crawfordsville....__ • ._. •• 10,355
·Compton . . 12,516 Elwood • •• 10,085
·Fullerton. . 10,860 Frankfort. ._. _•••• ._._. •• 12, 196
'Oardena Township._. . • 15,009 Ooshen ._._. ._•.•_. • ._._ •. _ 10,397
*Huntington Park . __ . __ . __ 24,591 Huntington__ . • . 13,420
*Inglewood__ • . . 19,480 *Jeffersonvillo•.._. . 11, g.t/i
*Monrovla. __ . • 10,890 La Porte . . __ ••• ._. 15,755
*Ontario. . 13,583 LOf!ansport. • • 18,508
'Palo Alto • • • . . __ 13,652 Marion_._. __ ..__ ...• ._•. . __ . 24,496
*Pomona. . . ._ 20, sot New Castle • • ._. __ ._. 14,027
tUedlands._. . 14, 177 Peru •• ._._._._. . _ 12, 730
*Richmond • .• 20,093 Shelbyville•• ._. _._. • ._. _•••__ ._ 10,618
Salinas . _. . ____ ___ _ 10,263 Vincennes . •• 17,664:
*San Leandro. . 11,455 *Whiting.__ •••_••.•_._._._•. __ • . __ ._ 10,880
*San Mateo__________ _ 13,444 Iowa:
Santa Cruz_.______ 14,395 FortDod~e_.__ • • .. • 21,895
*South Gate . . ._ _ __ 19,632 Fort Madison •••••_•••••.• • 13,779
:Sout~Pasadena_____~~,~~~Keokuk • •• ._. ••_._. 15,106
ValleJo. ._ ,/6 Museatine. .• ._ 16,778
Ventura . . __ . • __ ____ _ 11,603 Ne'.' ton . __ ._.__ . • __ • •• • ll, 560
*Whittier. •. . _ 14,822 Oskaloosa -'_. •• _•• _. 10, 123
Colorado: Kansas:
Boulder~_... ._ _ 11,2Z3 Arkansas City •••••__ •__ ._.__ . __ . 13,946
Fort Collins . ___ _ _ ll,489 Atchison_. ••~•••__ ._._. ._._. 13,024
Trinidad .______ _ . __ 11,732 Chanute_. • ._. • ._.__ lO.277
Connecticut: El Dorado • •• . 10,311
'Ansonia~19,898 Emporia • __ . • _._ ._.•••_. 14,067
Danbury._ _ . . 22,261 Fort Scott_. .._••• • .. 10,763
*Derby .. 10,788 Independenee_. __ • • 12,782
'East Hartford (town)______ _.__ 17,125 Leavenworth ._. • 17,466
*Middletown.__ _ 24, 554 Newton~__ ._••_•• . 11,034
*Naugatuck .__________ . • 14,315 Parsons__ • • • • • • 14,9O~
Norwlch... . . 23,021 Kentucky:
*Shelton .. . • _. 10, 113 Bowling Green •__ ••__ ••_. 12, 348
*Stratford (town) __ . _. __ . • 19,212 'Fort Thomas . ._._•••__ ••_•. _._ to,OO~
*Wallingford.. 11, 170 Frankfort. • ._. II, 626
*West Hartford (town)________ _ 24,941 -Hendcrson._. __ •._.~• 11,668
Willimantlc_. . __ • • 12,102 Hopkinsville. • • 10,746
Florida: Louisiana:
Key West__ • ._________ __ 12,831 Bogalll3l....._•••__ •• _•••••_•••••••••••.. H,029
Sanford._____________________ 10,100 Maine:
Georj;da: Auburn • ._. __ •• •••• __ 18, 571
Brunswick. •• ._.__ ... . 14,022 Biddeford. . • • 17,633
*Decatur. __ .._. __ .___________________ _ 13,276 South Portland_. • • 13,840
Lagrange . . ._ _ 2O,13l Waterville . . ._••• _._. __ 15,454
Valdosta .. .__ 13,482 Westbrook•••• ._ ••_. •• 10,807
Illinois: Maryland:
*Blue 15Iand..... .___________ _ 16,534 *AnnapolJs. • •••••__ .•__ ._ 12,5-U
*Brookfleld . . . _ 10,035 Massaebll3etts:
Cairo___ 13,532 Adamstown ._._._.•• . 12,697
*Calumet City . ._ 12, 298 *Amesbury (town) . __ • . 11.899
CantoD ._ 11,718 Athol (tOWll) . .._~• 10.677
Centralia__ . ._... .. 12,583 -Attleboro . • • ._ •••••__ 21,769
*Chicago Heights . • .______ ___ 22,321 -Belmont (town)~_._._•.•_~••• _._. 21,748
*East Moline . • .._ 10,107 'Braintree (town) _..• • 15.712
~ElmhursL__________ 14,055 *Clinton (town)~. __ 12,817
*Elmwood Park... _. . 11,270 -Danvers (town)~__~••__~.. _ 12,957
*Forest Park ._. 14,5,55 'Dedham (town)_. ...._._.~_••_. 15,136
Freeport_~__ ._ 22,045 *Easthampton (town)._. ._.__ ._ .• 11,323
*Harvey . .__ 16,374 *Fairhaven (town) 10,951
*Highland Park_. . __ . •. 12,203 *Framingham (town) . 22,210
Jacksonville_ _.. . 17,747 Gardner • ._,; __ 19,300
Kallkakee_ ..~20,620 *Glou('ester •.• __ .._._~24,204
Kewanee_ 17,093 Leominster ._ 21,810
*t~J~!~-~;~-::==::::.==:==:=:.:.:~.... :.:.:.:=: :.: :.:.~~;,8~~:~:r~~:~~_g_~~~~~~~~~~~:~~::-:::~~~::~=:=~:~b
"" fMethuen (town) . • • 21,069
Mattoon. • 14,631 Milford (town) • ••__ 14, 741
*~~~~~~e~~~~n~~~~:~~~~~:~~~~~~:~=:::~::~g:~i~:tr~n~~gg:~?:~=::~~~:----t~~:
Ottawa._______ _ ._1.~,094'Needham (town)______ lO,8.t5
*Within I of the 96 metropolitan districts defined by the Bureau of Census,
tContlguous to a larger city in which a station is located.
REPORTO~'THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS OOMMISSION 203
TABLE X-B.-Cities in the United States having, in 1930, from 10,000 to 25,000
inhabitants and no rad£o stations at present-Continued
Mas.~achusetts--Continued.Kew Jersey-Continued.
*Newburyport • .~15,084 *EnJ!:lewo()(L_____________ _ 17,805
North Adams. ._, 21,621 ·Gloucester______________ _ 13,796
'Northampton. . 24.381 :Hack:ensack.________ __. ._.24,568
'North Att1eborough (town). ._. 10,197 Harrlson. . . 1;;,601
'Norwood (town).___________________ 15,049 'Hawthorne. • ._ 1l,868
~Peahody-.____ _ 21,345~Rillsjde'rowZlshjp.--------------------17,601
Plymouth (town) _ 13,042 *JAnden •• 21,200
"'Saugus (town) .__ ____ ___ 14, 700~I,odL. .__ _ __ 11,549
Southbridge (towo)_ _ 14,254 ·Long Dranch •. 18,399-
"'Stoneham (townL_______ 1O,(j(jO "'Lyndhun;t'l'owliship 17,3&2
·Swampscott (town)__ _ ___ 10,3'16 ·Maplewood Township__ _ 21,321
·Wukefleld (townL_________ _ 16,3\8 Millville .. .. 14,7015
Webster (town) _ _ 12,lI'J~.1vlorristown • .. ._ __ 15, 197
:;:~tJ~~~(t~wn)_-~~~=~==:~~~=n:~~:~~~:~~~~~~~~~!:_-_-_~~=~~=::=:==~:::::~:g~~
·West Springlield (town). 16,684 ·Pensauken Townshlp 16,9I1i
"'Weymouth (tuwn)______ ___ 20,882 .Phillipsburg__ •• 19,255
·\Vincb~ter(town) . _ 12,719 .Pleasantville • ._ 11,580
·WlllthrOIJ (town) _ __ ___ 16,8:j2 .Rabway •16,O~1
Mi~~~~~__:~~;::::::ii~~:~~~~;~~~:::::~::========:==:::1lJ~
~~~11~~·Harbor-~~:~1~"'~uth~~ord--------~----.--~-----------g;~~g
·Ecorse_._ _ 12, 716:SOU~hR~ange--.-••-------.----..----- W 75\)
Escanaba__ . 14,524"'S~~mit~~'~~:=~==~:==::::==:==~=::::~:::14;056
·Ferndale. __ .~20,855 *Teaneck Township 16, 513
*Grosse Pointe Park~11, 174 .Union Township __~~=~:~:==::~=~==::=~:16, 472
Rollaod~_____ 14,346 '-Weekawken Township~• 14,807
Iron Mountain _ 11,652 .Westftcld • 15,801
"Lincoln Park_. --_ 12,336 .West Orange . __~._ 24,327
Menominee _. - 10,320 New York-
~'[onrO(L,_.• .__ _ __ IS, I/{)Batavj~17,375
"Mount (Jlemens___ __ 13,49'1 ---------------------------- 11,933
tMuskegon JTeigbts .________ Vi, 58<1 tBceacon-- • -------.---------. 23, 226
N"l 11 326 • ohoes________________________ 1" 777
O-:V~so______------~~~:~~::~:=~:=~14:49~CC'o~n'li,ngnd------------------------------- 15:043
·River Rouge_. -.-- _--- --- _-- --.--- 17, 314Dtinklrk~~:~::::::=:::::::~:==::::::::: 1
1
'6', ',0>31
Sault 8te, Marle. ._ 13,755 '"End'"'"
T:i C't 12539 ••"-------~--.-----------,-------'10,016
'averse I y------- ---------------, *Floral PJlTk~• 12,462
Mill~fs~~~ti----------- .10, 143 Fulton :::::=:::::::: 16,053
Au~tin• •~.• 12, 276g~ne'3'---.--.---- 11,430
Brainerd .~. 10,221 ·0 en ;ve . ' • 18,531
.§~~~~am~-pauC::=::=:::::~::::::::=::::~~:~~.~i~~p~s~~!e~::::::=~:==~:=~==:~:~:=~---~:m
MississiPpi: *Herkimer__:=::~:=~=::~::~::=:=:::=:=:~_10,446
gi;~~sdale-_~~:::::~~~::::~::::=:=:::=~:::~~:~~llorneIL --- ---- -- -----,~~~
3~=~N::~::~~::~:~__~:~:~:::::~~~~~l~:~t~fi~g~~~uoii(town)=~=:~::::=~:::~=:::::~:~~
Greenwood .+_ Il, l23 acfl •• ·__ l3,567
McComb______ ---__ 10,057·~~~:~~w~::__::=:~~:=:=~:~~:=:::::=::::10,801
Miss~~;y~ez---------------- 13,422 ·Kenmore .. ••~,m
HannibaL __ . .__ _ 22,761 *Lnckawanns
r
• ·____ 0: 1(}.5
'"Independence 15296 Little Falls •• • • 23, 160
*Maplewood __ --. -----~~~12: 657 L,ookbPort
k
------·-------·---------------- 11,993
Moberly________ ___ ._13,772·~ynroo -------------.------ 11,766
·8t Charles 10 491 *Uamaroneck • • ._·_· 10,631
Sedalia__ ,.::~:~..____~20: 806 1'M'!"d"d',n,a------ ---•••---.--------.--.---~21,276
.Webster Oroves 16487 I e owo • • 19,019
MontaIla: .-- -, *:North TonawandIL __ •• 16,916
Anaconda. 12,494 Ogdcnsburg_----.-----~-.--------------10,558
Nobraska: Oncida .:::~••• 12,535
Beatric(L __ . _ 10,297 Oneonta --- --------.----1~241
Fremont. ___ 11, 407 "'Ossining~ii,652
Orand Island. _ -__ 18, 041*~~clresg~ilI:~::=:::=:::::::::~:::::::~:--- 17, 125
HastiIlg8_ -- __ 15,490 Ch 22 002
New ITampshlre: ·l?ort ester- - -••-.-- -.--.--------.---- 10: 243
Derlio .__ ___.2fJ,D18 l?ortJervis -------- H 223
Claremont (town)_ _ 12,377 "'Rensselaer 13:718
Dover_ . 13,573 ·Rockville Ccntre_______ 13,169
Keene_ _ . • 13,794 Saratoga Springg._ --------- ----------- 12,681
Rochester. • lO,2G9 ·'1'ow8nads ._______ 11,700
New Jersey: ·Valley Strcam.__________ 16,083
·Burlington_ _ . . • 10,844 '"Waterv1l0l. _
·Carteret . . •._~13,339 North Carolina: Il,820
"'Cliffside Park J5,267 Concord.____________ --------.- - 10,031
·Collingswood. __ . _ _ . 12,723 Elizabeth City. ----.--------- 13,049
·Cranford'l'own8hip_ _ • 11,126 Fayetteville__ -------.-.. 17,003
Dover.__ 10,031 Oastoma_. . _
·Within 1 of the D6 metropolitan districts dellned by the Bureau of Census.
tContiguous to a larger city In which a station is lo('.ated.
204 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
"TABLE X-B.-Cities in the United States having, in 1930, from 10POO to 25,OOr,
inhabitants and no 1'adio stations at present-Continued
NorthCaroIiDa~CoDtinued.Pennsylvania-Continued.
g~~s:t~~:~~::::::::::::::::::::::::::: }1;:l.~~lr':cli~?t=_-::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Salisbury._.~_._._ ..~._#..._.. 16,951 Franklin. _._ ..__ ._. •• ._ •••.__
Shelby- - •.•• __ A •••~••-.'•••••_ ••_---.-. 10, 789 ..~.n~vv""~T~~o'w''n"'h",.p·w::•• ,',',',','•••• ,'.',',.,',.,.,••.,.
Statesvllle.__ • •~._. 10,490 v _
Thomasville.. .. •••••• 10,090 fHaITIson Township • ••• ._.
()hio: ·Haverford Township. _. . ..__ ".
•Allianoo • • _. • _. __ __ 23, Q4.7 ·Homestead • ._. •• _
Ashland_ • • ._....__ __ __ 11, HI "Jeannette • • _
·Barberton ._._••_._ '._••_. __ • "_ 23,934 "Kingston_._. .__ __
·BellaIre -_.__ •• ._. 13, 327"~!~IO.~~n-__.•,',:,:.'.',',',',',.,••••'••,',',.,','•••:.:.:.:.:.:,',.,
Bucyrus • • ._.__ ._. IO,fPJ '-"'I".., _
ClUIlbrIdge ._ ._.__ ._ • ._ __ 16, 129 ·McKees Rocks __ •• •~._.,.
·gtmf~~e~~~~:~::::~:~~::~:~::::::::::{~~~~~~g~Rfe~~t_~~~~:::::~~:::~:::~::~:::~
Coshocton • • __ ••_~.-' 10,908 ·Monessen~•• _
"Cnyohoga FaIls •• •••• 19,797 Mount CarmeL•• ._ ••__.~•••••__ ••
.~:~i~!:~~~~:::::~~~~::::~::~::::~:~:it~~:~~~~lte_~~~~~_~~~~~~~~::~:~~~:~::~~
~~:I~~~:::~::~:::::::~~~:::::~:~:~~::~~~gg:~~~hKB:~r:t;g::_~::~:::::::::::::::~::
FremonL •_~- -_______________ 13, 422 .gI,·d'CFi!Y,.;.;, _, '. '.',.,.,',','.',:., '••, .,',.,'.',', •.•,','•., •• ',', •••,
"Garfield Helght8_ •• •__~..._ 15,589 "t>~.
·~:~ter.~~:~::~~:~:::::~:::::::::~:~::~~~i~:~:r~~rx~ilie~:::::::::~:::::::~::~::::::
Marletta. • • • ._. 14.285 ·Pittston • ._. _•• ._.
:~::~~~~~~~~~~~:=:=:=:=:::::=::::::::ti:~1:~~~d;~~;s;~~~:::::::::::=:::::::::::
Palnesville __ ..~._ _. ••.• 10,944 Pottsville _
·~fq'mn••,.•',·,--.',',',.,',~,'•.• ', ',',',.,' ,....','.',',' ,',••, •• ,.... la,81l\} Shamokin - - -- - .-.-- - ._ --
16,009 Shenandoah__ • . _. __ • • •
Salem_. •• • _. ._.__ 10,622 ·Steelton ._. • • •
Sandusky .. .____ 24,622 ·Stowe Township__ ••_._. ..
..ghaker HeIghts__ • .____ 17,783 ·Swissv81e. • _. •••• •.• •
·Struthers_.• • _••• •• _. •• • 11,249 •TT••myl.O,Qn,.,~.,,--,',.,', ',','"." .,.',--••,,--.',.' •• ', '.', '.•, ',',.--,
Tiffin .,. " ._ 16,428 .
Wooster •• ._ 10,742 ·Turtle Creek_. .._•• __
Xenia " ._ 10, fIJ7 Vandergrift • _._._.~.. _
Okillohoma: Warren_. ._ •__ • • • ,_
Bartlesville . __ • ••• __ _ 14,763 ·Washington_ _ .._.~_.._
Chiekasha •. . _ 14,000 Ww',Y'tnC"hb.?.r.':_,:,:.'..,.,-, .. ', ..,'-.', '. '. '.'.,--..,', .. ',.__..,',.,
Lawton_.. • __ • • ._._.__ • 12,IZI ""'''''
MeAlrster ..... ••_. •__ •• 11,804 Rhode Island:
Okmulgee •• • .___ _ 17.097 "Bristol (town) __ " _
·~:~~~~e~:~::~::~~~~::::~:~::~::::~:::~~1:~:r~~r;~~~~~~~~::~:~:::::::~:::::::
Wewoka__ •__ •__ •• • .• 10,401 ·North Provideuee(town)_._~.••
Pennsylvania: "Warwick (town) . _
'Abington Township____________________ 18,048 Westerll (town) ._. • ._.
"Ambrldge ._________________________ 20, '8l 'West \\ arwick (town)... • _
'Arnold • • __ • 10,575 South Carolina:
Beaver Falls .._.__ 17,147 Groonwood ••• _
..Bellevue ••_. ._.__ ___ _ 10,252 Rock HilL.__ , __ ._. • • ._ ,_,_
Berwlck • •,_ 12,660 Sumter . . _._.__ ••• __ ••••_._._ •• _.
·Braddock • • 19,329 South Dakota:
Bradford . ._. __ ._ 19,306 MitchelL , • • _,_
·BristoL • •• _••_ 11,799 Tennessee:
Butler~__ •• .• • 23, M8 Kingsport.. __ • • • .• _
·Canonsburg ••• ._. 12,558 Texas:
·Carbond8Ic • • ._ 20,061 Brownwood ._. • _
Carlisle._~• • •.• 12,596 Cleburne_ •• .. - _
·Carne~le••• ...__ 12, 4g7 Del Rio • ._ .••_• ._
,g~:rUfe~~~~~~-_-_~:~:::~~:~~:::::~:~~~:~n':~~li~gen~:~::::~~:::~~::~~::::::~:~~~:
·Chelwnham Townshlp •• 15: 731 Marshall. _•• • • ._
'Clalrton . ', .•_. 15, 291 San Bonito . -- ---.-. -_ - _-_ .•
Coatesvllle ._.__ • •• _. • 14,582 Sweetwater_ _ •. • __
·Columbia .__________________ 11,049 Utah:
Connellllvllle •• 13,200 Provo _
'ConshohockeD •__ •• __ 10,815 Vermont:
·Coraopolis" _..._. • ._.___ 10,724 Barre .,___ __ -,------- ----'-
:B~c:o~~_~!~~__:::~::::~~:::~::~:~~::::::~~:vir1l~~~~ndria. • , _
'Dormont • ._._ 13, tOO HopewelL ._ ----'---------.---
Du Bois • ._.____ 11,595 Staunton_•••__ ....__ • . •••_. •
'Dunmore ._._. • ••• 22,627 Suffolk. _. -- ------- _
'Duquesne •.• . __ __ 21,396 Winchester • ._ ---- --- --- -- ----
.. Within 1 of the 00 metrolltandl!ltric~sdelln"ld by the Bureau of CenSllS"
12,323
14,359
10,2M
n,80S
17,170
12,387
21,362
20,141
15,126
21,600
10,644
13,357
18, 116
14,784
16,698
20,268
17, {l67
13,403
,~...
16, 762
,,782
22,01'
12,661
10,143
12,029
18, Z46
""Q4<
16,543
19,430
24,300
20,7'24
21,782
13, 291
13,368
,. ...
12, g36
10,428
10,690
11,479
14,863
24,5411
10,167
12, 326
11,953
10,304
10,421
11,104
22, ,96
lO,W7
17,696
11,020
11,322
11,780
10. 942
11,914
12,789
11,639
11,693
13,800
12, 124
16,203
10,753
10,848
14,766
1I,307
24,149
1I,327
1I,990
10,271
10,856
REPORT OF THE FEDRRAL COl\'[l\IUNICATJONS COMMTSSJON 205
TABLE X-E.-Cities in the United States having, in 1930, from 10,000 to 25,000
inha,bitants and no radio station at present-Continued
Wasbington:
Bremerton.•_. __ . ._.__ ..__ .. . 10,170
fHoquiam_ . ._._._. ..._._. .. 12,766
Port Angeles..__ •..__ ... . 10,188
·Vancouver .. . . __~_.__ . __ . __ .• 15,766
WestVir~inla:
Martinsburg_ ...__ ... .•._.___ H,857
Morgantown . ._ .._.• •__ .•_. 16,186
-Moundsville .._..._.•_.• .._.._.. 14,411
Wisconsin:
Ashland._._...•...._._._._. __ . . • 10,622
Beloit••._..__ .... . .._. __ ..•._. 23,611
Wisconsin-Continued.
·Cudahy •• _••.__ .._.._"'.._..__ ._
Marinette.._..•._._ •._.•._••...._.•..__
·Shorewood .....•__ .••.•. ..._._ ..•
·South Milwaukee. ...•.••.•_._ •.
Two Rivers •..._._ ..._._ •.•... .
Watertown._•••_••.•.•_•._" ..•_..•.•_.
·Waukesha .....•.•.•"'."._'.•.•.•__ .• _
·Wauwatosa..••.•._.._. __ ..•.•••••.. __ ._
Wyoming:
Cheyenne.•••_•. _ ..•••••• ._ .._..._
10,631
13, 734
13, 479
10,706
l~083
10,613
17,176
21,194
17,361
25,800'
26,94{
,)(),358
1)6,268
52,959
64,928
<'.8,368
TABLE XI-B.-Cities in the United States having, in 1930, in excess of 25,000 in 
habitants, and no radio stations at present
California: Micbigan:
·Alameda__ . ...__ ...•_. __ . ..__ . 3.i,033 Ann Arbor __ . __ ...._. __ ._.._. __ . _
·Alhambra._.. ._.__ ..__ .._.____ 29,472 ·Dearborn . __ . __ ._ ...__ ...._._ •. __ ..•
·Belvedere Township •• •.__ .•_ 33.023 ·Hamtramck . ._••_._._..•__ . _
Riverside . .._.• . ._ 29,1)00 HIghland Park__ .._•.•••_.._...._. •
·Santa Monlca_ .•_..._.•. . __ . 37,146 ·Pontiac ._. __ . •.•__ •._.
Connecticut: ·Wyandotte. . __ • _
·BristoL •.__ ...._. .• ._ .•__ 28,451 Missouri:
·Meriden_..•.. . __ . . ••_. 38,481 ·University City ._._. __ .._.
·Norwalk_ ••.. . __ ...•_•.__ .._.•...•• 36,OHI New Hampshire:
.~~8r~~:~n~~~~~~~~:~:::~~::::~:~:~:::::::~~~~~~~:~::::_~-.-.- -..:~:::::~~~:~~=~.~:~
·Wl'st Haven Hown)._..•.•_. __ ._..__ . __ 25,808 New Jersey:
liJi~lil~~n..... ._ .•._._. __ .•__ __ __ 30, 151:~:fi~~il~-_:~~~~:::==~:=:=::~::~::::~:~~:~~~~
Aurora. . __ • _.•._. • . __ . __ 46, 1iil9 ·Bloorufl.eld .. __ • ..._.~._.•• . _ 38,077
·Belleville._. _~_. . __ •__ •• __ • .. __ 28, 425 ·Cliftoll. __~__ •.._. _. . __ ..__ ..__ ._ _ 46,875
·Berwyn_.__ . __ •__ .•__ .._•.__ •.__ 47,027 ·East Orange . ..._._ .. .• 68,020
Elgln_..,.._.•__ ._•..•._.• __ .. ._ 35,929 ·Elizabeth .....__ •• __ •__ ..__ ...__ . 114,589
·Evanston_.. .._._._.. . ._ 63,338 ·Oarfield.._..__ ..__ .. ._ ..__ . 29,739
·Oranite City . ._ .•. _. ._____ 25,130 ·Hoboken_.. .._ ._.._ _. 59,261
·Maywood._.._._. • __ ._.__ .. ._. 25, 829 ·Irvington._••..••__ .._ _.._..._....... Mi,73g.
·Mollne . . .. ••• ._ ._. __ 32, 236 ·Kearny_.__ ._.__ ._. ••,._,,_.._. ..•..• 40,716
·Oak Park •. . . •__ ._ ••. 63,982 ·Montclalr_. ....._ __ .._.•.._.. 42,011
Waukegan_.. ._.. ._. .______ 33,49fl *New Brunswick.._.. _..._...._... 34,555
Indiana: ·North Bergen Townshlp " __ '_._._' 40,714
·East Chlr8gO__ • • .. .._ 54,784 ·Orange ..._.. . ".__ . ______ 35,399
Kokomo •....•._..._._. .._. . __ 32,843 ·Passaic__ . . ..__ ...__ •. • 62,959
Michigan Clty.•._. __ . .. ._. __ .. 26,735 ·Paterson. . __ .. ...._ 138,513
·Mlshawaka.._~... .•._._. __ .. 28,630 ·Perth Amboy. •• .._. 43,616
Iowa: :Pu1n"'onn.'c1d,-t.y....--_- .. :_._ .•:.:.:_:.:..•-:...._.-._ :.:.:_:_ :.:.:. -.--...~,!~~
Burlington_ • •• .._..__ ._______ 26,755 uu, ...,,,,
Clinton_. ._ ..••.__ .•__ .._•.__ ...__ .__ 25,726 ·West New York._.. .._..__ •... __ .._. 37,107
·g~g.n~~~~~.-.-:::~:::~:~:::=~:::=:_.._i:: g:gNe~W;grt~ridgeTownship__ ..•__ •..__ .. 25, 266
Waterloo_••••_•••.__ ._.._•._..__ •._.•__ .w,191 Amsterdam ..._.......••._•. _. __ ..__ 34,817
Kentucky: Klngston_._._.••••••_...._..-..•__ •••.__ 28,088
·Newport.•••_•.•._...__ • .• _._. __ • __ • 29,74.4 ·Mount Vernon...__ •••••.._.._...•.•••• 61,499
Maine: ·New Rochelle_ •._..._..•_•• ._....__ • 64,000
Lewiston_._ ..._.•.•.•_. .•. 34,948 ·Niagara Falls ._.__ ...•_••••• _..__ .._ 75,400
Massachusetts: Poughkeepsie.. __. ._..._•.. __ .•• _. 40,288
-Arlington (town)_. ••_.._. . .__ 36,094 ·Rome_. _..__ .._.. . __ ._.. ._ 32, 338
·Beverly '.'.. . _.•_. __ ._ .._. __ .._. 25,086 'VatertowD... ...._. • 32,205
·Brockton..._. __ ._.•_.. ._.__ .. 63,797 ·Yonkers__ --._.._...._. __ ••••.... .134,646
·Brookline (townL_.._. __ ._.__ .. ._._. 47,490 Ohio:
-Cambridge._._...~.. . __ 113,643 *Cleveland Helghts._•••._..._..~•._ 50 945
·Chelsea._•. •.•••.• _...__ . 45,8HI ·East C1eveland_...._.. •. ..__ .•._ 39:667
·Ohicopee. _..._..~".~._. •.__ ._. _. 43,930 Elyria .• . •__ . __ ._ ____ 25, 633
·Everett__ ._.._.....__ .._.. ._.. 48, 424 Hamllton__ ._.__ ..__ ..._.. • ..__ . 62,176
.~i,t~,I~~Ut::::'.:.-:_-:~:.-:.-.-.-.- _-.-._ -_.__-::-.:: 40,692 ·Lakewood__ ..__ • . __ ." __ ._ __ 70,509
48,710 Lorain__ ... ..__ ._.._._ ..... .• 44,512"
·Holyoke. .._._. ...~__ .• . __ ..._ 56,537 Mansfleld __ ._. ..__ ._ ••. . . 33,625-
·Lyun_.•. ._._. __ ..__ .._._. __ ••_. . 102, 320 Marion~•• ._. .. ..._._ _ 31,084
·Malden.. •.__ . . 58,036 ·Massll1on._~__ .. __ "'_"' '._. 26,400
·Medford._.~.._.•._._._._. 59,714 Middletown_ .•._. __ ._. ._ 29,m
·Newton ._ .._. .•__ . ._.____ 65,276 Newark _ ... 30,596-
·Quincy ._..__ .. . .. 71,983 ·Norwood__ • . __ ..__ .. . .. 33,411
·nevere._~.__ . ._ ... 3.5,680 Springfield __ . ._._. __ .. 68,743
*Salem.. _._. ..__ ._.__~_._.__43.35.'J Steubenville._ .. . + __ • :lIi,422
*Somerville.. ._. .• 103, !I08 ·Warren . __ _..•_+___ 41,062
Taunton . __ ._. . .. 37,355 Pennsylvania:
·Waltham _. . .._. __ . 39,247 ·Allqulppa_._. __ ._._._.__ _. . __ ._ 'J:I,116
·Watertown (town) •• . ._.' 34,913 ·Bethlehem ..__ ._ ..__ . __ _. . 57,892
• Within 1 of the 96 metropolitan districts defined by theBur~auof Census.
f CQlll,lguoU8 to a larger city in which a station is loC'ated.
206 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOMMUNICATIONS OOMMISSION
"TABLE XI-B.-Gities in the United States having, in 1930, in excess of 25,000
inhabitants, and no radio statiom at present-Continued
Uhode Island-Continued.
~'YO()nsockeL.. . ..._. _
Tennessee:
Johnson City__ •. _
Texas:
Wichita Falls . ._. _
Virginia:
Petersburg. __ . __ . . _..'.'_.._.~.
~Portsmouth..... . •
Wisconsin:
Appleton . . _
~Kenosha+ __.... _
Oshkosh__ • __.~._._.__.._..__ ....
~WestAllis_ .... . _
l'ennsylvanla-ContlnUed.
'Chester ._.~__59, 164
Lebanon. • _ _ 25,5tH
'Lower Marlon Township_______________ 35,166
·McKeesport______________ __ __ __ __ __ 54,632
·Nanticoke •__"._._ 26,043
'Norristown . ._. __ .. 35,853
'Upper Darby Townshlp._______________ -«1,626
·Wilkinsburg •• _••. ___ __ _____ _ 29,639
Rhode Island:
'Central FaUIL________________ 25,898
·CranstoD. • 42,911
'East Providence (town).. 29,995
*NewporL~•• ._ .. .______ 27,612
*Pawtucket•• __._._.~.77,149
"'Wlthin 1 or the 96 metropolitan dlstricts defined by the Bureau of Census.
AMATEURS
49,376
",080
43,690
28, "..
45,704
25,267
50,262
40,108
34,671
Numbers of amateur radio applications, examinations, and licenses continued
to show substantial increase although changes in governing regulations eliminated
numerous applications and licenses, notably when holders of class C privileges
moved to locations ineligible for that class.
Amateur radio applications
Received:
Pending JUly 1,1938 •..........
Received during the fiscalyear_~_
Total__ __ ••..............••_._._.._
Disposed:
Approved _
Returned to applicants _
Referred to other Federal agencies, etc _
Failed required examinatioIlS~_
890
38,655
39,545
25,737
6,303
398
5,878
TotaL •........................•_.•.•••.........•.••••__ .. 38, 316
Pending, close of June 30, 1939~~~__1,229
Ordinarily an amateur uses a joint form for twoapplications~forhis license as
an amateur operator and for license of his transmitter as an amateur station. The
two applications are not counted separately unless filed separately, but in smaller
number an application is counted twice if filed twice and otherwise one individual
may within the year make several applications for license issues, renewals, or
modifications. Similarly the figures for examinati.ons include more than one for
those who fail and later repeat, or who pass and later try for higher clas« ofpriv~
ileges.
Amateur radio examinations
Nature Number Passed Failed
Percent
failed
Code tests_. ._._. __ . __ ._._
12,314 8,311
',003
33
Written tests:
Class A envelope 1______ . __ ..._._.~._ 2,219 1,701 518 23
ClassBenvelope 1 ..._._.__.._. • • __ ._. 5,602 4,601 1,001 18
Class C envelope .._._ .. __ . __ ._._. ....._. ._ 2,145 1,770 375 17
Abridged (rules 405 and 406, now 151.20). ._. ._____ 1,159 1,007 152 13
TotaL. _. . _. __ •.~...__ .._. . 11:1251-9:079.1-2,046 ---'8
I In 329 instances the examination included both A and B envelopes.
•
•
•
•
•
•
,
..
DISTRIBUTION
~
REGULARIlAO,~~SYstATIONS
UNITEO stATES
(AS or WAH'...)
• CL'"
~~~~AL
208 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL OOAUfUNWATIONS COMMISSION
Heretofore an amateur gaining higher cIas.'! of privileges received an endorse 
ment on his license card without extending its term. Under the amended regu 
lations the practice was changed so that in most instances such qualifications for
change of operating privileges was recognized as basis for beginning a full license
term. This is reflected in the distribution of figures in the following tabulation
as compared to the previous year, increasing license issues and decreasing en 
dorsements.
Amateur radio authorizations
Station licenses:
~ew_
Renewed ._
Modified and reissued~~_
6,762
7,900
9,675
1,073
6,762
TotaL 24,337
24,353
662
477
TotaL 25, 492
Grand totaL 49,829
The net effect of issues and eliminations was an increase in the number ofout~
standing amateur licenses, as shown in terms of .!ltations. The number of licensed
amateur operators is somewhat less, but also passed 50,000 during the year.
Amateur radiQ atation licenaea
Valid at close of fiscal year 1938 49,911
Plus:
Expired but not deleted June 30, 1938~
New issues, fiscal year 1939 _
Total _
7,836
o
i24
2,953
i, lIi
Totai valid_. 67, 746
Less eliminations, fiscal year 1939:
Revocations _
Cance18tions~~_
I>eletions _
Expirations (renewal yet possible) _
Totai _
4, 188
Valid of record close of June 30,19~19.~~53,558
COMMERCIAL RADIO OPERATORS
To permit quick service in qualifying operators for land, sea, and air radio
stations, such licensing is largely decentralized, with 27 offices of issue. License
issues and related items are reported for a central record and dUring the year
aggregated 31,585. This was an increase of nearly 50 percent over the previous
year, reflecting increased use of radio facilities for police purposes and other
services. (See also Field inspections, Investigations, and Other activities in
these appendices.)
A detailed report arranged according to service appears in the following table:
DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION
IN THE
UNITED STATES
SHOWING~ETROPOLITANDISTRICTS
CITIES. AND CITY AND RURALPOPU~
LATION GROUPS PER THOUSAND
POPULATION
I •M~:o~~~~~~~~,,~c~?~I~~yR1CT
.N~LO'.OC'MCL£)
I
• z!>ooaaa & OVER
I
• 500000 - 2 500 000
I
. 100 000 -~OOOO
I • 25000-100000
L
' .5000-25000
I I 000(~~~~~~~f;HF'~·~~~::~:H
L 1000 "'NO .0(0)
_____~$(PHUlI[R ,.n
---- ==:-
.•..
,;...
"';'.
------ -----------------~.-
,~
'"'
'OIl
192443-40 (Face p. 208)
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COi\IMUNICA1'IONSCO~IMISSION209
Commercial licenses
-~---"
Applica.- Authod-N~wllta.·
Stations
Totalsta-
tions zations tfons
Hons JUDe
reooived issued authorized
deleted
30, 100.
EMERGENCY
Municipal police_ •• _____ 3,154 2,2'19 '68 30 787
State polioEL ____________________________ ._
'55
312 68 77 227
Interwne police____________ _. __ • _______ c_
70 45 5 0
26
Zone police ______________________ ._ -_-.-.__
161 III 16 0 63
Marine fire ______________________ .-..-- ----
2. 13 1 0
,
Forestry_' __ . _______ . _______
---------------
'"
457 247 0
247
Spccialemergency."_____ ._ '.2 8.7
••
3 1.2
AVllTlON
Aircraft. _. _______ •______________ . __
2,286 2,255 506
215 1,231
AeronauticaL _________ . __ "_____
808 663 68 14 878
.-\eroDalltical point to point____ .___ == ___ 320 261 23 8 1"
Airp(lrt _.. ------_..._-------
-------------
IW 80
• •
67
FIXED I'.UBUC
Point t6 point:
Telegrsph._____ •. ______ A _________
.<5 58' 35 12 457
Telegraph-press. _______
--------------
274 103 11 0 6.
Telephone.___ •___________
-----._-----
35. 351 58 II
'"
FIXED PRIVATE
Point to point:
Telegraph.
----.---------------
None NoDe None None None
Telephone.
--------------. --------.--
None None None None None
PUBLIC COASTAL
COBStal harbor ___ • __ . ___________ . __
158 161
"
0 126
Coastal telegraph.____________________
174 132 0 8
106
~f:J~~~~~~~_~~~=::==:==::::::
,
5 0
•
,
47 <5 1 0 41
PRI\'A,tE COAsTAL
Coastal harbor__ •.•____ ...___ .
-----------
6 0 0
•
0
Coastal telegraph_.______________
3 3 0 0 3
AGRlCUL'lUl\'E
Point to point:
Telegraph.___ •_____ . _____ •__
7 7 0 0 7
EXl'ERIYENT.U
General experimentaL___ . _____ ._ •. 650 707 18 0 372
Special experlmentllL____ . _________ .•____ "
370 357 10 0 .........~..
Class·I, _____ . ____ . _________ . _____~_____ • __
69
• • •
-_........-.
Class IL _.'______ •._._
-.--------~------.-
73 0 0 0 -_ ...-.....-
Class IlL.•.
-._---.-- -----.--------
0 0
•
0 _.........~.
)fIIlCELLANEOUS GEOPHYSICAL
(MologieaL.~..__ •.. ____•...__ • __ .• ___
410
3<'
111
,.
280
INTEJUlrrTEN'T
Motionpie~.._.•_______ •. ___ ._•. _. _____
25 2< 6
•
10
Provi8iollsL. ____ . __ .._. ____ . _____ , ___ . ___~
8
•
2 0
•
SPECIAL PRESS
~~tt~·..:::=::==:=::::::::::::==:=:::
15
• • • •
•
8 0 0 I
Sbip•.._...•••____ •• ___ ......____ .._____ ._.
6,632 6,281 ,OO 800 3,168
----
-----
----
TotsL.••.••__ ..•_•••.•_•......••_•.• 11,566 16,208
~7481,277 8,814
Wire certiflcates, telepbone-received, 46, granted, 41; televapb-reoeived, 14. granted. 16.
Grand total appllmtions received, 17.626; grand total applications granted, 16,266.
APPENDIX F
FINA:SCIAL ANI> OTHER STATISTICAL DA'.fA RELATING TO STANDARD RRO.HlCA9T
STATIONS
Tabler,; I to X, and charts 1 to 3, shown in this appendix, contain financial,
operating, program, employment, and othor statistical data relating to the
broadcasting industry in 1938. These data are, for the most part, based upon
annual reports from licensees of standard broadcast stations, filed pursuant to
section 15.11 (now section 1.361) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and
Procedure, and upon t.he responsos of the three major networks to the Commis 
sion's requests for certain information.
The following statmont shows the status of the returns from stations as of
June 28, 1939, when the data mentioned wore compiled:
CommerCial broadcast stations included in the summaries 660
Noncommercial stations (not included in the summaries) _________________ I 38
Extraterritorial stations (not included~nthe summaries) _________________ 10
Stations filing incomplete reports (not included in the summaries) 14
Construction permits for new stations___________________________ 42
764
I Includes 24 statiollS operated by educationali/lMituti"Il~,12 byI'l.'li\(iotL~group~,and 2 by miscollllnMus
orglmhatlom.
Geographical groupings.-All broadcast stationsoperatin~in the United States
have been grouped geographically for statistical purposes into three districts.
These districts have been further subdivided into seven regions as followR:
:fOHTHERN DISTRICT
NOl'theastern region.--Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New.Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Grea_t Lakes regian.-Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Vir 
ginia., and Wisconsin.
1"l1idwesl I'egion.-Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota.
and South Dakota.
SOUTHEHN DISTHIC'l'
Southeu_slernr~gion.-Alabama,Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mis 
sissippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
South Central region.-Oklahoma and Texas.
WESTERN DISTRICT
ilfountain region.-Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Ncw l\Iexico.
Utah, and Wyoming.
Pacific region.--California, Oregon, and 'Vashington.
Inveslment of networks and slations.--As shown in tables IV and V, the invest 
ment, after depreciation, of the major networks and commercial stations in
broadcast property (exclusive of goodwill) aggregated $33,826,702 at the end ot
1938. This investment is made up as follows:
Investment of networks:
Inne~vorkplant$6,917,630
In managed and operated stations . 2,358,390
Investment of stations (excluding network-owned stations detailed
above) ____________________________________________________ 24, 550, 772
TotaL . 33, 826, 792
210
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMl\IUNIOATIONS COMMISSION 211
Revenue and expense.'! of network and stations.-The broadcasting industry in
] 938 sold time for \vhich advertisers and others paid $117,379,459 (after trade
discounts). After deducting certain sales commissions to agencies, representa 
tives, and brokers and adding miscellaneous revenues, the balance, termed total
revenues, was $111,358,378. Broadcast expenses were $92,503,594, leaving
broadcast income in the amount of $18,854,784. (See table I.)
The financial data shown above are diyided between the networks and the
stations as foHows:
_______~O_
!----I-·-
,Nctwork~(ex-
<'luding owned .
and opcraterl 660 statIons
stations)
Time~ales.._~_.._... . __
Tot'll revenues_ ____ -- - . _
BroadcastexpeIlS()~. __ . . . __
Hroadcftst income • _
$35,455,510
32,229,618
27,880,172
4, 'l4f1, 446
$81,923,94\l
79,128,760
64,623,422
14, 505,3:~
____0.--_-
Program service of1Il'oadca~tstations.-The anllual reports from licensees of
standard broadcast stations, mcntioned above, contf\.ined a schedule showing the
typcs of programs broadcast during the week beginning December 11, 1938.
During that week the 660 commercial stations mentioned herein operated a total
of 67,283 station-holll's. Of this total time, 22,780 hours (or 33.9 percent) were
commercially sponsored, ,vhile 44,503 hours (or 66.1 percent) were furnished by
the stations on a sustaining: basis. (See table VIII.)
These station hours are further classified as follows:
Grand total
SubtotaL__~._
Mechanical rcndition:
Transcriptiolls _
Phonograph records __
Subtotal
Personal rendition:
Taken from nationailletworks_
'I'aken from regional networks _
Originated and broadCflSt lfleally
-----------
_____~~_I~--\-;~--~-~-:-I-;'~~for
_ 19, 644 1 29.2
_ 2,8961 403
22,616 33.6
·--45,1561-~
14,7731' 22.0
!~__7__, '__"__ 10.9
----::::::_1;;1__,:_:
Employment l'n the broadcasting industry.- -During the week beginniug Decem 
ber 11, 1938, the major networks and 660 commercial broadcast stations had
18,359 full-time employees and 4,377 part-time employees. These employees
received $830,003 and $103,134, respectively, in the form of compensation during
that week, or au average of $45.20 and $23.55, respectively. At December 31,
1938, there were 23,060 cmployees in the service of the above-indicated networks
and stations, and the total compensation in 1938 of alI employees, including
officers, was $45,663,757. (See table IX.)
212 REPORT OF THE FEDERAl, COMMUNIOATIONS COMMISSION
Tables and charts.-Tables I to X and charts 1 to 3, rererred to above, follow:
TABLE L-Com1)ined income statement of 3 major networks and licensees of 660
broadcast stations (including 1 rW.1jor network not the licensee of any such station)
(YMr CUlled Delc. 31, 19381
----------
Item
Network
opera 
tions I
23 sta 
tions 2
$5,347,388
7,837,258
637 sta 
tions
$15,810,027
.'i2, 929, 276
Networks
and sta. 
tions
20,153, liS
I Excludes stations managed and 0IJ('ro.ted b}' networks.
_!Repr~l'ntsst-atiom managed and op£'rated by networks.
PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF TDiE SALESO~'~1r.1'YiORKSAND C(J,(MmCIAL STATIONS
~
Percent
,.
~
100..
..
r
i
90
~
~
eo
70
'0
50
40
30
20
10
0
1905
Network
34.2 f.
'TS... sale
:reteti02l$
0'
".t..""
OOlIlptm1es
1907
Net..ork
30.4 1>
'l'1mB sale
retentions
0'
network
companies
T'..
1908
NetWOrk
30.0 ;1:
Nst1one.l Spot
23.8 '1>
CHART NO. I
T1mB sale
retent10ns
0'
netwOrk
companies
Tl••
001..
0'
,'"
stations
TABLE n.-Broadcast income items oj 8taUom by cloBl and network affiliation, 1938
STATIONS AFFILIATED WITH NATIONAL NETWORKS
~
Cloar channel RegIonal Local
Item 110,000 watts or mom 5,000 to 25,000 watts Unlimited Orand total
Limited
Part-time Unlimited
Day and
and day part-time
Unlimited Part-time UnlimIted
Part-time High-power Other
(1) (2) (3) (') (') (') (7) (8) (9) (10) (ll) (12)
Stations with timesale~of $2.5,000 or
more:
Number of statlons__ ••______________
31
•
"
•
8 161 11
"
..
•
'1'Revenue rrom sale of station time:
To national networks___~_.______
$9,302.760 $341,822 $926. 070 $45,355
$645.132 $7,661,101 $20.559 $373,672 $318, lOS $10,868 $19,645,447
'1'0 regfonalnetworks____________
53,'"---~--------
~963
'1'
21.071 874,712 3,805 13. 956 89.002 21,307 1,086,241
To stations ______________________
67,023 --
--i;i13:512-
4,240 6,467 187,281 ',3fi8 17,949
~1R'
210 297.323
To natIonal and regional u..<>ers ___ 12. 139. 067 ---'tin; 970 252. 350 670. 167 8. 676,102 225.943 401.801 697,259 10.4-14 2Ii,IM.6Ui
To local users _. __________________
3,36-1589 325,844 837,960 216, 159 672,203 H, 250. 916 661.4:m 649,776 2, 674. 16," 139,4-22 20,791. 471
Sale of other station t1mo ___ •__ ._ 73,597 1
----- --
2,135 - ----- ---_. 308, 579 14,IM ... 44-,090
---.------ . 443,842
Total sale of station tfmo ______ 24,999,731
1,645,637 2.984,510 520,858 2,015, 546
28, 958, 691 931,268 1,458, 140 3, 732, 309 182,251
67,428, 941
Deductions:
Payments to networks andsta~
320,679 65,222 6, 515 ... 5,881 222,055 14,961 16, 470I~665a, 822 673,059
tlOns (from sale of time)._______
Commissions to regularly es-
37,044 163,M4 1,872,341 41,352
tabUshed agencie..'l. _____________
2, 551, 376 27,251 236, 104 68,663 87,292 4,339 5,089,616
Commissions to representatives,
12,996 42,852 994,696 23,917
brokers, and others____________
538,058 34,673 97,641 36,427 82,503 2,351 1,866, 114-
Total deductions from sale of
station time __ • ___ •________
3,410,113 127,146 340,260 50,68' 212.387 3,089.092 80,230 121,760 186,600 10,512 7,628, 789
Balance, net time sa1oo __ •______
21,589,618 1,518,491 2, 644, 250 470,169 1,803,159 U,869, Ml9 851,038 1,336,380 3,545,709 171,739 59, 800,152
Incidental broadcast revenues:
Revenue rrorn the sale and pisco
35, 673 68,063 1,286, 271 36.607
Jng of talent___________________
1,299, 904 190,609 89,173 62.. 251 68,027
~------·i97-
3,126.668
Miscellaneous sales___
----_..,,- 434,394 39,781 208,464 23. 362
28,014 668,213 38, 814 25,823 7.5., 774 1,543, 336
Total incidental hroadcast
revenues________._~•• ______ ._
1,734,298 230,480 297,637 09,035 86, 577 1,954,484- 75,421 88,074 143,801 197 4,670,004-
Total hroadcase revenues ___._~23,323, QI6 1,748, 971 2,941,887 529,204 1,889,736 'J:l, 824, 083
926,'"
1,424,454- 3,689,510 17t, 936 64, 470, 1M
,
Expense&:
3.684,077 190,193 6/l.1, 170
Tecbnical expenseB __ •___________
3,245,187 1M, 690 1lO6,.07 9O,1M
'M. ""
13/J, eRg T/,431
8,83" 341
Prog'ffim expenses.__ •____~_______
6, 646, 934 607,077
834, "'"
157,401 648, 287 7,999,576 379,005 425,446 1,120,lil0 li7,782 18, n6,fJ77
AdvE.'rtlslng, promotional, and
selJlllg expenses.. ________~___ ._
1,307,967 112,304 316, 704 64.622 199.614 2,875.614 146, 923 178.960 529,973 26.330 i\849, on
General and admnistrative ex-
penses_______~"__ .._. ____ •_____
2, 3l.H-. 038 213,162 411.479 108,626 .... 001 4,411.071 151, 'l.ZO 239,9\2 712, 442 26, 1&1 8,873.016
Otber broadcast expenses__~__ •__
386, ".
94.609 92. '00 10.691 67.()p.(I
908,~126, 142 4RaM 117.6.7~...,1,756, 701
Total broadcast expenses _____ .
13,980,511 1,191,842 2, 161, 249 431,4l'l5 I, :174, 230 19.878, SS9 839,979 1.00,891 3,033, fln 14:1,188
"'''- 117,653
Net broadeast revenues________
9,343.4(}1i M1,129 180,638 97,709 615, lIOO 7.945,4948~480340.007
'''-838
29,748 20,352. ro4
Deductions (rom net broadcast reve·
nUllS I ________________~_________ . ___
1,700, 960 173, 034 347,!w2 43, 782 197,871 2, 617, 358 94. !OS 102, 317 314, 291
~34'~5M,595
Broadcast income______ , ________
7,642,445 384,09.5 433,096 63.927 317,635 5, 328, 136 -7,008 23R, 240 341,547
26. "'"
14, '157, 009
-
All commercial stations:
Number of Rtations____~_____________
31
•
"
,
8 161
"
1J
.,
I • 350
Broadcast revenues ____~_____________
$23,323,916 $1,748,971 $2,941,887 $529,2G4 $1,889,736 $27,824,083 $945.381 $1,447.701 $4.1OD,9OR $251. ROO $65, 012. 637
Broadcast expenses __________ . _______
13,980,511 1,191.842 2, !til, 249 431.495 1,374,230 111,878,589 872, 125l,107,~2, f61\ 133 n4!i6 44,667,214
Net broadcast revenues____________
9,343, 406 557,129 780.638 97,709 615,506 7,945,494 73,2.'16 340, lI7 «)43,775 48,394 20,845, 423
Deductions 'rom DO' broadcast
revenues 1___ • _____________________
1,700,960 173,034 347,052 43,782 191,871 2,617,3$ 98,723 l00,3(}$ 867,538 40,852 4600,978
--~
Broadcast tncome__~___________ ._
7,642,445 384.... 433,086
".ll27
317,636 5,328,136 -26,467 236.800 276,237 7,642 14, 6M, 445
STATIONS AFFILIATED WITH REGIONAL NETWORKS ONLY
0,309
,~'"
.W--ii3~256·::::::::::::-~--iiO:6M-·-~-iiKo2r
I, 2;JO.~__._~.li,7119 1,006
56, 295 •~._~64,210 26."'59
]35, 333~_______210,234 78. 713
6, 2'10 ... __ •__~~~__ w. • _
Stations with time sales Or $26,000 or
more:
Number of statiOllS••_•• • • •••__ • ? • ._. • 4
Revenne from sate of station time:
To national networks • • •~•• •• __ ••_~._.•__ ._.___ $478
To regional networks_.~• •••~~._~? •_~._._ 26,582
To statlons__ • • • • __~~••_. __~•• ••w •• 280
f~!~!t::rt:~;:~~;~-:~~:::::::::::=:::: :::::::::::: ::::=::::::: :::::::::::: =:::::::::::~~~~_
Total sale or station time__ •• •~..w • ._? .__~.__ _ __ 469,863
Deductions:
Paymenh to networks and sta·
tions (rtom sale of time)_~__ • • ••w_.~._.~__.~.....__~__~~~__ •• __~.__ •__~
CommiRs1ons to regularly estab-
lished agencies_•• ••__ ._.~__~_~_~~~~_.~~~.__~~~~~_~.~_.~~~._.~__~~•__~
See footnotes at end Of table.
/)--_.~----~--
211,3.';4
~8GO••••••••••_.
8
280.808
732
6, U17
3
123,895
~'"
~067
17
$478
68.li21
8,914
179,986
822. 781
~24.
1,0&'1,920
TABLE n,-Broadcast income items of statiuna by class and network affiliation, 1938-Continued
STATIONS AFFILIATED WITH REGIONAL NETWORKS O::iLY-Contlntied
$34,249
(l2)
------------
107,474
935 103.427
935 210,901
lil,l08 1,191,038
15,716 192, 710
2i',613 553,677
16,481 144,058
26,214 226,821
2,601 42, 486
88, 625 1, 1.'i9,752
22,48,1
31; 788
I,ocal
$2,932
------------
$100 $2,400
8,782
------------
7,029 13,722
202,572 273,779 110,173
Regional
$28,817
---------- -
- 1 1_-'-'-_1--'-'--1-='-'----1--=.:.1-.:.::.=:...1-...:::2=
Clear channel
(2)
Unlimited
(1)
Item
Stations with time sales of $25,000 or
more-Continued.
Deductions~Continued.
Commissions to representatives,
brokerS', and others ----- 1_
T~~~i~~d~:~~~~~r_~~_~~~~~1_ __ 75,750 105,283
Balance, net time sales : - ---________~I~~~-="'F~3~9~',~t~13=fl~~~~I=~"'=-~~I,~~.;;.;~-I=~~,;;;;+~~O~'~O~'"";;;,7
Inc;5r5fj]ff~~~~:~~~~;t"c::::::::::::::1::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::1::::~J;il: . :1:-:.:::.::..
T~~~enu~~i~r-~~~~__~~~~~~~~t_.: __ _ , 1__1~..~~~~.;il=~"'~5,~2~25~I="='~,~"~I+~~--~-~.-;;;;.I-.---..-.-..-.-..-.1----'-'+---'-=
Total broadcast revenues ,;; __:.~;;:--=:..:.1_-'--.:.:--=1-----------11 =__~__599,33~207, 3131~~2~7~3'~7~79~1~~~"'=1~~~;,,;;;~
EX~':~~icalexpenseB-T----- I _ _ I 9.';,510 34,545_~I 46,939
l?!.f;~~:~r:~oiioniI,.-"nd::-·:::.. 1: . ··-:l:: .:.1::.-.1.-. ':::::: :':::>i ::.:
~~~~~~~~if~r,,~~i~~::;-;i:::::::::::·[·::::::!::·::::+~:·:-:::I~~;'~~I1:~~~~1-_-_·_:~::~2~~~1:~~'~:::1::::~~~~+--:--:--:-
_...~_-_,ooo--~~-~t->~-o~,~m-,,--,,--'~~5~,00~~O~t~o~2~5'~Ooo~~,~,_~~_~t_,~-~--_~~~n-lim-i-to~~T-~':l~:dPort.ti~~-~~ImltedDaY~:d-Orand total
l
aud day part·time
Part·time Unlimited Part-time Hlgl'-power Other
(3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8J (fJ) (LO) (Il)
------------1-----1------------ - - --- ----------.----------------
3,141eo,21261,184117,899222,802
66,074 24 781-~-_.----_.-31,791 23,485 14.4,131
141,219 15,009
-----------~
14,807 1,002 112.345
•
,
----_..__... 8 '3 20
$500,338 $207,313 ._-------_.- $337,659$1l~;1(18 $1,255,418
674,483 169,463 -_...---.---- 284,371 88,625 1,216,9t
-73,145 37,850 --------_... 63,288 2.4$ 38,476
66,074 22,781
.w ___•____ ._
38,560 28,486 160,900
-141,219 15,069
----_.".----
14,728 .... 1.002 -112,424
23 33 13
.. I
20
1
152
$12,133
-----$i;384
-
-------i298-
$1Z- 823
28,658 --------_.--
".
30,834
5,634
----740:004 ---$497:001"
1,200
50:507-
6,834
951,131 52:5,285 2,76«,084
2,271,471 1,739,493 1,137,4911 2,817,463 769,3911 8,735, 325
12,269 28,041 37,328 5,746 730 84,114
3,281,296 2,509,482 1,671,924 3,350,878 820,934 11,634,514
52,M7
------------
5,250
---------.-- _._--------- 58,097
368,331 174,937 124,782
." ""
H,W 7bI,570
151,207 154,736 90,445 107,862 18, 921 523,171
072,385 329,873 22tJ,4f}7 176,861
""-""
1,332.838
2,708,911 2,179,809 1,451,467 3,174,017 781,472 10,301,676
Total sale of statioll tIme_ -- -- --I;;;;;;;;;;;-~-'I;-;--~-;--~-;--;-~.";1;--~'~--;;;;;;;;1;;;-;--~-;--;-~--~-'I;-;-;-";;;;;;;;;1~;;;;;;;,;;;+;;;;;;;;;;;I;;;;;;;;;;:;"i~;;;;;;;;;;"I"=;:;,;;,;;;;,il;;;;;;;;;;:~
Deductions:
Payments to networks and sta-
tions (from sale oHime) _
Commissions to regularly estab·
lished agencles _
Commissions to representatives,
brokers, and otbersi-~~-.~:.cl----''----I------'+''':'---'''':':-I-----'--I--'--'-+---'---'I---''-+~----'-I--''':''''':
Total deductions from sale of
station time__ ---- ---- --- - --I;;;;;;;;;;;~I;;;;;;;;;;,;;;I;;;;;;;;;;;;+-;-;--~-~-;--~-;--;-I;-~-;--;-;--;-;--;-~-,I='~~~9="""~;,.,;;",I'="~~=1="",,";;';;;,.1.=5':;';;';=1=,';;;;;;;';;;
Balance, net time 83100_____ __ _ ._ _ . _
~Dci~~ffif~t~.e~~~~_~l~~. , ..-------.---J----~----_._
See footnotes at end of table.
D:~~:~:_O;:::::~:~:~~~:~:~::::::::::::::I::::::::::::::::::::::::1===1:~:~:-~_:~:~~~~:~~~~:l----;'i-=+-..::c--:::'-I~~-"~-l--.:,c':::=-l----"::_:::._I--::.::..::~
An commercial stations:
~~j':Is~fr~~~t~~~~:~===:===:::::::: ============ :::::::::::: :::::::::::: :::::::::::: ::::::::::::
Broadcast expenses. •• ._. • • .• , , .• • _
D~~:~~~~~~~~n~~::~:-:'v:::_::::::: _::::_-:::::1-:_::_:::::: ::-:-:::-::::::::::::_::I---'---I--'--'-"+----I'----'~...:.-I~-~'--'-I.--...:....:..:
STATIONS NOTAFFILIA'I'ED WITH NETWORKS
Stat~~~~~:o~~~:~~~~~~~~~~~_r_~~~~:_I~~~~__",_;_ j,. __ .
Revenue-from the sale of station time:
To national networks. . . _
To regional networks_ _ ,~_
To stations . . . _
To national and regional users ..~" _
To 10caJ users____________________ _~._" . . _
Sale of other station time________ _~_
TABLII H.-Brood.o.t in.om, it''''' oj .loUon. by dOl. ond n./..ork ajJilioUon. tOSB-Contlnued
STATIONS NOT AFFILIATED WITH NETWORKS-Continued
~
....
CO
(12)
Grand total
DaYllond
part·time
(11)
Loc",
(10)(6)
Part·time UnIlmlted
(8)
Limited
and day
Regional
(7)
$94,446 $27,524 $8, ,<0 $46,038 $3,378
$180,126
317,248 145,423 60,924 106,250
6,51.9 645,364
3,026.159 2,325,232 1,521,391 3,280,267 793,991 10,947,040
474.2,j2
39.1.974. 233,671 4.6'11,052 11'11,5-13 1,691,462
1,253,001 840, OM 569,245 1,004,595 23li,002
3; 993, 709
270,312 273,051 159,816 430,988 110,702
1,254,760
680,37li 483,<06 280,315 764,004 144, g61
2,353,157
82,000 70,315 83,140 IliI,I94
21,~.408,234
2,71'A),8W 2,003,702 1,326,187 2, 900, 923
641,619 9,702, 381
265,269 261,530 195,204 310,344 152,312
1,244,659
.
305,000 232,371 114,300 200,423 83,038
t, ll3t, 182
-39,781 2il, 159 80, {lO4 10,921
69,274 2l0, 417
30 51 18 128 83
226
$3,169,662 $2, 579, 673 $1,598,336 $4, 167,396 $1,365,138
$12, 860, 706
Unlimited
(') (6)(')
6,(1OO to 25,000 watts
-1----,---
Cloar channel
(a)(2)
00,000 watts or more
Unlimited Part·time Unlimited Part-time High-power Other
(l)
Item
Total. broa.dcasteXP0nSeILI;·;--~-;--~-;-~--~-;-1='~-;-~--~-;;--~-;;--;I;;;;;.;;;.;;;.;;I;;;.;;;.~;;;I;·;-;;--~-;;--~-;'"~-;',I~~~~+,;;~~;:=Id.~~~,I~~~~+=~~~I==~:.;;;~~
Net broadcast revenues_~.~_~~_I;;;;;';:;;:;;-1;-~-;-~--;-;--~-;.•/;;;;;.;:;;:;;;1,~'~--~-;-~..;-;-'~'I;;-~--~-;;--~-;;--~';'II=="";;;:;;;;;;+=;;;;;;;;;;;"1="';;;;;';;;;'1~-::::;;;;;;;:~I~=.;:;::;;::;.;I=.::;~~
Deductions from oet broadcast reve 
nues 1__ .~-~~~-----~-------.---~---", ,-c.-::'"c.--::-c.--c.-::--l-C.-::--:C--::-c.--C.-:C-l-::-C.--::-c.--c.-::--:c-'-I::--:c--::-c.--c.-:c--"'-'OJ ::--c.-::--c.--::-c.--::-C-,--=::.cc:...I!--='::'::":"I--=2::":"I--=;::::='j--"::::::='/--::'=:'=
Broadcast lncomo_ --.-~.~••-- ----I;-~-;;--~-;;--~-;--~-~'I;;--~-;--~-;--~-;';'I;.~-;-~--~-;--~';--;I~'-~-;--~-;--;-;--~-+-~-;--;:;;:;~l==;:;;;;;+=';;;;';;:::..J="';;;;;;;;"I==';;;;;;;;;"I.=";;;;;;;;;'l--==~:;:~
All commercial stations:
Number ofstations. _.~_."~__._~_.~_~• _
Broadcastrevenues~_~~~_~.__~_~__~~~~~__~~~• ••~~•~.~~
Statlon~with timesales ol$25.000ormore 
Contlnued.
lucid 'uta) broadca:strevenues-Con.
Miscellaneous sales•. ••••_._. ,. •••_. __ ••••_._.0 0 • __ . ._._•.
Total incidental broadcastI----+---~I-~---I-----I----I---'--+--'--'--I--'--'---I--'--'--'+---'-"---1---'-"-''-'---
revenues.. •__I;;--~-~--~-~-~--~-;-II;-;-~-~--~-;--~-;--;I~--~-;--~-~-~--~-~--;I;;·-~-~--~-;;--=-=--;;-·I··~-;;--~-;--~-;--;-=-I-=:~~~=I=~~~~I=__;~~~·I=_:;=:~~:=I·=c:::~~I=;:;=~~~
Total broa.dcast revenues•• _
Expenses:
Technical expenseS. .._._._._.._ ..__ .M. ._ .•~~_.~~~~_
Progrant expenses .~_._._~~~.. __~~• #~_~_
Advertising, proIllotional, and
selllne expenses . .~__ •__~._~_~_~~_
General and administrative ex·
panses. •• ._.~__~~__~_
Other broadcast expenses .~. .~_
2,875,061 2,390,066 1,410,257 3,748, 982 1,191,778 11,616, 144
284,601 189,007 188,079 408, 414 113,960 1,244,001
320,523 267,944 123,054 416, 2M 163.469 1,281,244
-35,922 -78,431 6G,025 -7,840 26,491
-......
Net broadcast revenUes . ,,_. ._-. _
1=~=I===I==~I=~=lo~=I=='===·I=~=I=='====I~='====lo===I===='==
TOTAL STATIONS
BroadC9St expenses._. •• . . ._ •._~•~_.~,_._
Deductions (rom Det broadcast reV&-
DUesI--~.---~-.---------------.---·F~;~·;·;..;~;~;..;~;~I;~·;·;·=~·;·;..;·;..;I;;;;;;;;;I,;;;;;;;;;I;;;;;;;;;+=;;;;;,~I,==;;~~+=~~;I,=;;';;--==1==="';;;;=1=;;;;;;;;;;;
Broadcast lncome • ._._..__. ._ ..~..__ •~__
Stationswithtime/lales of $25,000 or more:
Number of staUons•••________._. _. __
81
,
"
,
8 188
,.
.,
132 28 l8"
=
Revenue from thl'lsale ofstation time:
To nations.] networks _________ . __
$9,302,760 $341,822 $926,070
$4~"'5
$645,132 $7,673., 712 $'2<J, M.
$3~:~
$318, ros $10.868 $19,6S8, 748
To regional networks. _______ •___
63,695
--_..~---~--~...
319 21,577 929,952 18,445 101,0.')1 39,633 1,185, 696
To statioUlL. _.•.. __ ._. __________
67,023
----917;971:, --i;2i:.i;5i2-
4,240 6,467 193, 19.'5
~"8
11,949 15,694 1,905 313, 071
To national and regional users___ 12,139,067 252,350 670,167 9,611,255 1,022.802 81l8, 8Il8 1,176, 754 86,410 28., 109,185
To loeal users. _.._...____ ••_••__
3,363,589 325,844 837,000 216,159 672,203 13, 920. 888 2, 536, 265 1,787,215 S. 701, 862 987,534 30, 349,579
Bale uf other station time_.___ •••_ 73,597 1
-'----'-.__.
~''''
---.-._-._-- 320,848 47,435~81449,888
".
083,100
Total wealstatJon time_______
24,999,7JJ 1,645, 637 2, 984, 0.10 h20,"", 2. 015. 546 32, 709.850 8,1\52, 104 3, 130, 004 7,363, 005 1, lZ1, 080 80, 149, 375
Deductions:
Parments to networks and sta·
M'
14,961 21,720 17,5371~071745,452tlOOS (from sale of time), ... __ .. 320.679 66,222 6, 515 5,881 280,211
ComJ.l]ls.~lonsto reguJarly estab-
lillhed agencies ____ ...._______
2, 551, 376 Zl.251 236,104 37,044 163,6M 2, 282, 296 222, 139 193,625 162,488 21,941 5,897,924
Comml!lsions to representatives,
brokers, and otbers._. ____ • ____
688,058 84,678 97,641
l~'"
42,852 1,174,720 J81,0851~872190, 41Ui
"'6'"
2,423, &34
Total deductlons from sale or
station tlme._•• _._••______._.
3.410.113 127,14.6 340. 260 50,689 212,387 3,787,227 418, 685 342, 217 Il1O, ... 117.696 9,066,910
Balance, net time sales.~••_____ 2J, 6S9. 618 J, M8, 491 2, tl44, 2511 4('0. l&9 1,800. M9
28, 972, 623 3. 233,4l9 2, 787,847 6,993,005 1,069.384 71,082. 465
IncidentAl broadcast !'E'venues:
ReVl'Dlle from the sale Bnd pls<l-
123,4.35 128,239 3,141 3,699,380
Ing of tall'Dt __ .. __~_•••__ ••__~_
1,200.904 190,6tl9 89,173 35,673 58,003 1,615.436 155,617
Mlsrel1aneQllS sales••____ ••_. ___ •
434.39f 89, 781 2fJ8,4M
23,'"
26,514 861,521 69,968
... "'"
121,812 4, 510 1,826.889
Total Incidental broadcast rev-
e.Ques•• _•••~__ •••____ ._.___ ._
1,734,298 230.480 291,637 Gtr,08fi 86, 677 2,416. 951 225, lI85 157,998 250, 001 7.BhJ
~.... """
Total broadcast revenues. _•___
23,32a.9J6 r
J. 7-18, 9.1
2.
94I
,
887
l
629,204 ! 1,889.736 1 31,449,580 3,459.004. ! 2, 945, 8451
7,243, 556
I,C!l7,OO6! 16,008, 734
See footnotes at end of table.
TABLE II.-Broadcast income items oj stations by class and network affiliation, 19S8-Continued
TOTAL STATIONS-Continued
Clear channel Regional Lo'al
Item 50,000 watts or more
5,000 to 25,000 watts Unlimited Grant tvtal
Limited
Part-time Unlimited
Day and
and day part-time
Unlimited Part-time Unlimited Part-time
High-power Other
(1) (2) (3)
(4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (0) (10) (11) (12)
Stations with time sales of $25,000
"more:-Continued.
Expenses:
$154,690 $506,407 $90, 155 $264,348" $4,.253,839 $567,208 $423,864 $162,660 $10. 747, IU9
Technical expenses__~____________
$.'J, 245, 187
$1,069,161
Program expenses ________________
6,646,934 607,077 834,559 157,401 548,287 9,637,591 1,282,176 994,691 2,293,940 321,357 23,324,013"
Advertising, promotional, and
$16,7IM 64,622 199,614 3,194,573 162, 513 7,247,838
G~~~~:~W~~riifnistraiive-ex:·
1,397,967 112,304
440,216 338,776 1,020,549
penses__________ ---t- __________
2,304,038 213,162 411,479 108,626 294,901
5,227,316 677,875 520,m 1,498,024 197,346 11,452, 994
Other broadcast expenses
--- ---
386,385 94,609 92, 100
10,691 67,080 1,000,643 105,669 132,526 289,102 28,616 2, 2m, 421
Total broadcast expenses _______ 13,980,511 1,191,842 2,161,249 431,495 1,374,230 23,313, 962 3, m3.144 2,410. 084 6,170,776 872,492 54,979,785
N~bruMc1lSt revenues ________ 9, M.3,4{l5 557,129 no,,," 97,700 515,5I)l3 S,135,1)18 385,8605~7611,072.780 204, 543 21,628,949
Deductions from net broadcast rev-
enues 1___ • __• _______________ • ______
1,700,960 173,034 347,552 43,782 197,871 2,988,482 349,240 216,617 645,505 109,865 6, 772, 908
Broadcast income______________ •___
7,642,446 384,095 433,086
53,927 317,635 5,147,136 36,620 319,144 427,276 94,678 14,856,041
All commercial stations:
Number of statlons_. _______
--------
31 4 14
•
8 ... 68 23 227 76 00.
Broadcast revenUe8 ______ •___~___ •___
$23, 323, 916 $1,748,971 $2,941,887 $529,204 $1,889,736 $31,583,083 $3,732,267 $3,046,037 $8,604,963 $1,728, 696 $79, 128, 760
Broadcast expenses __________________
13, 980, 5U 1,191,842 2,161,249 431,495 1,374,230 23,428,133 3,431,6.54 2,517,841 7,499,486 1,483,859 57,500,300
Net broadcast revenues. _________ 9,343,405 557,129 780,638 97,709 515,506 8,1.54,950 300,613 528,196 1,105,477 244,837 21,628, 460
Deductions from net broadcast rev-
enues ,_________________
-----------
1,700, 960 173,004 347,552 43,782 197,871 3,003,955 389,448
226,362 822,352 217,806 7,123,122
Broadcast Income_______ •_________•
7,642,445 384,095 433,086 53,927 317,636 5,150,995 -88,835
301,834 283,120 Z7,OOI 14,li05,338
1Inclndes depreciation, amortization, plant losses, taxes, uncollectible revenue, and rents, all assignable to broadcast services.
Non A.-The term "part·time" as used in this table refers to share-time and .qpeclfled-hour stations.
NOTE B.-Dash[-J indicates a deficit or other reverse item.
TABLE III. ---Income items oj broadcast stations by broadcast region and State
Stations with time sales of $25,000 or more
Time sales
~-.
,
Network Spot
Deduc- Incidental
tions from broadcast
Broadcast
To local time sales I rcvenueg 2
revenues
To other
To national
users
'rotal
To national '1'0 regional
networks
,nd
networks networks
and stations
regional
users
$318,054 $97,126 $528 $355,062 $396,732 $1,167,502 $99,949 $39,314 $1,106,867
423,825 9,784 1,178 365,117 571,108 1,371,012 143,456 193,949 1,421, ros
120,607 37,745
-- --- -----
115,647 177,754 451,753 32,373 20,258 439,638
861,582 158,768 1,318 879,707 1,274,881 3,176,256 369,031 81,389 2,888,614
448,517
----T3M-
-----------
1,889,973 698,53iJ 3,032,{)23 523,509 341,9& 2,800,479
2,630,230 4,298 2,878,997 3,341,470 8,859,349 996,825 487,752 8,350,276
1,314,228 62,342 82,637 1,925,273 2,057,661 5,432, 141 571,143 336,216 5,197,214
234,109 42,34.0
----------
131,581 244,790 652, 820 65,494 7,071 094,397
308,110 3,175
------- ----
284,788 483,599 I, 079, 672 12fl,019 87,184 900,787
,
6,659,262 415,6M 89,959 8,816,145 9,241,528 25,222,528 2,917,799 1,545,048 23,849,777
1,124,098 8,352
--------245-
2, 778,465 2,033,303 5,944,218 601,946 498,060 5,840,332
237, fiS3
--**_.------
371,198 702,691 1,311,817 72,165 68,872 I, :J08, 524
35D.724
-----57:63ii-
4,318 310,671 377,164 1,042,877 105,785 42,200 979,298
755,003 280 1,468,156 1,186,090 3,467,159 552,074 464,156 3,379,241
2,900,473
------------
22,590 2,712,295 1,327,152 7,061,510 1,349,704 496,834 6,208,640
39,730
---------- ',900
189,278 344,930 575,838 49,823 29,151 555,166
100,883 319 57. :Us. 926 872, 471 1,383,175 79,196 100,101 1,404,080
5,697, 1i94 66,301
29. ""
8,148,989 6,843,801 20,786,594 2,810,693 1,699,380 19,675,281
,
8
5
"5
34
29
,
,
110
25
14
6
"21
•
12
100
Numbe
of
stations
Broadcast region and Staw
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Northeastern region:
Connecticut~_________ _ _
~~~~~~:~~m·m~~~mm~mm~m~m~!
New Jersey_._._~.__ •.~• _
New York~~_
Pennsylvania •_*~._
Rbode Island~_
District of Columbla _
Total, Northeastern regioll _
Great Lakes region:
llUnois .*_,~_
Indiana__~•~._.~
~1~~~::l-_-_-~~~::::~~~:::::~~~:::
Ohio _
~r:Jo~~~~~~:~:~~~~:~~:::~~~~::~_~~~-. -------- ----
Total, Great Lakesreglon . _
See footnotes at end of table.
TABLE III.-Income items of broadcast stations by broadcast region and Slale-Continued
t.:l
t.:l
t.:l
StaUoua with time sales o( $25,000 or more
TIme !Ullcs
1::
~
Broadcnst region and State
Number
Network SpOt
Dl'duc· Incidental
~
or
I
tion", (rom hrowtcast
Broadcast
0
stations
To national
To local
time sales revenues
revenues
'"
Total
To national To regional
To other
and
users
~
networks
networks networks
andsta.tiOll(~
regional
llscrs
'"
'"
NORTBERN DIBTRICT-COntinued
'"
MIdwest region: liJ
Iowa. _~•• __ ••_. __ •___ •_____________ •••____________
SlO
$414.915
-----$i:423-
------------
$85.'l.668 $S24, 20fl
$1,792.789 $189.303
$143.437 $1,746,923
~
Kansas. _•• ________•••_______ •••________~___ •••_____
a 123,7\l2
-------$726
219,875 398,947
14.4,037 :n,171 M,733
762.5-99Minnesota._•••_______ ••________ •___________________
J2 434,972 ----------- i42, 162 1,000.415 2, 178, 27,i
194,679 167,868 2, 151. 46i
Misstlurl
18 89ft,516 4, U50 1,268.979 1,327.386 3,498,931
337,3fl1 361. 0U6
3,522,576
C
NehrMka~______::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
7 353.935 _.---------- ------------ 413,888 299.8S6 1,0117.709
14.;,7117 64,339 986,251
0
North Dakota ______ •••. ______~.____________ •••____ ,
53,8'lS
.----------- ------------ 151,577 1«.{l8.9 355.494 38,467 ....,
32\,972~
South Dakola_. _______ •••________ •____ •______ •_____
3 22,830 ------------ 121,978 101,53.; 246,343
22,968 1,3;9 224,754
;;:
Total, Midwest reglon______~__ •________ •__ •••__ .
63 2.302,738 1.423 4.776 3,7~,127 3,798,464
9,883,578 005.746 798,707
9.716,539
~
Tota'. Northern distrIct. _._. ______ •___ •__________
27'
14.659.644 483.358 124.644 20,743 2m 19,881, 793
55, 1l1'l2, 7011 6.694,238 4,043,135
53,241.597
~
C
SOUTHERN DISTRlcr
~
Southeastern regIon:
0
Alab.tmll __ • ___ •__ •• _••~____ ••______ •____ •__ ••~_.__ • ,
78,996-----_._-~-
'<9 148,182 340.329 568,1511 29,6llO
33,489 572,045~
M~i;!~~!~=======~~==:=::==::::==:::~:=:::::~=:~::}
3192,92~145,6f>9
OJ,
78,466 135,5l',3
362,932 36,624
",OOlI 369,346
C
11 2117.9·12
-----~------300 289,1181 59·" 2611 1.182,489 71.150
9.843 1,121,182
0Oeofl!ia______________ ._._____ •__ •______ •___~_••_____
8 210. un
-----------
8.316 4[4.2,;6 443.884 I,f18~,4ii8
121. 574 20,123
P88.111J7
~
LOuL~lana_____ • _______ •____._.________ •______ •_____
,
238. ,:}:,8
.-.-----._- 5,3UO 299,423 424.864 968, 12.'i tOO, 4-12
30,~4388\1,026
;;:
North C8rollna______._~.______~_____._.___ •__ •_____
10 18!',487
-----------
4Sr" 293 406.418 1,078. Ill,!!
111.768 83.817 I, rl70, 247
South Carolina. _____ ._••___________ •••••• ________ .. ,
2il.667
----------_. 1,373 111. 918 12,i.418 267'.4011 30.0~810,794
248,102
i1l
Tennel'.~ee_____________ •__~.__ •_____ •__ ._.____ •_____
13 3.'il.!J27
--778-
4,573 56g.93.'i 6.'.4.268
1,580,703 I."*!, 752 79,193
1.501, 1t4 OJVlrginla._•••_. _______._~________ •___ •______ •________
10 1Q3. ti5 2,684 29\.2(19 43(1, 702
918.6Q8 86.600 43,225
875,323
~
0
Total, Soutbetlstero ragioo___________ ••_____ •_____
'"
I, (170. 170 J, 0117 26.150
2, 741:l. 820 3. 50.i. 928 8,010. Ill.''; 73.'';,1'>08
1159,865 7,6.~4,422~
South Central regjOJJ:
₯:.i~~~~~~:~:~~~~~~~~:~:~:::::::~~:~::::::::::::::
,
265,048
5"
43 4li',811 381,392 1,010,915 118,441 46,381 1,003,8115
30 639,li5 36, fiB lti3, ISO
1,165,682 1,761,035 3,755,586 387.195 247,228 3,615,619
Total, Bouth CentralTegfoD.~••_____._*_____ • ____
37 lJO<l.223 a7. Of';9 15.1,223 1,583.1't!i9 2,148.427 4.826,501 500,636 293.559 4,619,424
=
Total, SoutherD di.strict__._*.~._.*____•••* __~__ • __
113 2,574,393 38.166 179.373 4.330.379 5,71t.355 12.830, (',(In I. 23f1, 244 653,424 12, 253. 846
WBBl'ERR Dl8TRfCT
293,788 23,802 30.333 300.319
998,058 98, l20 106, M4 1,006.482
166:3i7--.----7~OO6---'-----264" -·---iS9;425
802,986 8,086 33,094 327,994
183,640 S. 712 6,679 180,001
740,005 50.804 8,850 698,051
2,684. 794 100.620 J84, tm 2,672, 778
t Includes revenue from tbe sale and placing of taleot, and miscellaneous sales.
NOTE-Dash [-) indicates deficH or other reverse item.
Pacifl.c region:
CaJifOtDia___ • _____ • ___~.____ * ______.*_____••••____ •
"
1,106,83..'i 639,04~
------------
1,766.522 2,607,107 6. II'I, 597 760, R80 423,697 5,782, 414
Oregon ____ ••_________ ,_*_____ • __ *_+ _________~____ •
S 273.077 17. /'69
--------i5~-
211,908 457,701 1100. 461 61.884 81.923 93(J. {jOG
Washington __ • ________~__ •____ •______~._+____ , _____
17 423.226 6,454 335.232 890.091 1,655,157 117,044 189,486 1,727,5119
Total, PscUlcregion_~______••~._________ •__ ______
'0
1, BOO.. J38 663,266
'M
2.313, fl62 3. Oj4, gil!! 8.735,215 939.808 64.5, 106 8,440.513
Total, Western distrlcL____ * _________••••__ .*••__
03 2,424,711 664.072 9. OM 3, 035,54.~5,2811.627 I 1\'4:10.009 I. IM,428
829, 710 I
11,113,291
Total, UnIted Btates•••_____ •____ ••_. _______~_••__
'SS
19, lWJ, 748 1,185, S96 SJ3,071 28, 109, 185 30,882, 775)80' 140,375 9,066,910 5.526,269 76,608,734
I Includes payments to networks and stations (from 881e of time), rommlsslons to regu 
larly estabUsbed agencies, commissions to represen.tatlves, brokem, and otbers.
TABLE IlL-Income items of broadcast stations by broadcastregion-and~State-Continued
Stations with time sales of $25,000 or more-Con,
All commercial stations
NORTH.lUtN IHSTR1C'l'
__._ .. .__-"-__..__... ..... --------1----1--'-- --_.--_..- --·-1---·1-------
$97,511
401,234
319, 1M
26,358
492,081
740,815
140,155
39,931
Broadcast
income
181,487
60,703
165,677
243,124
86,924
40,532
$137, il75
88,714
Deduc 
tions from
net broad·
tM'
revenues'
500,641
87,061
657,758
983,
939
1
227,079
80,463
$235,492
489,948
Net broad 
"'"revenues
1,277,100
716,774
1,572,340
2,549,530
8Il,597
286,095 I
Broadcast
expenses
Broadcast
revenues
11 1,777,741
13 803,835
16 2,230,098
19 3,533,469
10 1,038,676
8 366,558
Number
or
stations
Broadcast
income
DedUC 
tions from
net broad·
tM'
revenue I
Net broad·
tM'
revenues
Broadcast
expenses
Broadcast region and State
Total, Northeastern region __
Total, Great T,akes regiofl __
Northeastern region:
Conneeticut ._. . . .• _
Delaware__~._. . . _
Msryland_*.. .. _
Malne_ ..... _
New Bampshire . __ . _
Vermont ..__ .._. _
Massachusetts....._.
~::~~~ll~._._.~~~~~~~...
PeIlI1Sylvama_ .. _. _
Rhode Island ._._
Dlstrictof Columbia _
$871,375 $'t36, 492 $137,975 $97,617 Y $1, 10ti, !Sti7 $il71,375
::::~:~::~}931,469 490,036 88,452 401,584 \) 1,423,010 1J33, 062
--------} 290,195 149,443 32,461 116,982 15 603,452 485,876 117,676 54,767 62,809
2,007,884 880,730 459,659 421,071 19 2,888,614 2,007,884 880,730 469,659 421,071
2,288, 726 571. 753 187,239 384,514 10 2,940, 199 2,369,706 570,493 195,539 374,954
6,021,681 2,328,595 763,018 1,565, 5i7 41 8,435,976 6,119,263 2,316, 7J3 786,169 1,529,944
3,I50,261l 2,037,945 57:3,751 1,464,194 36 5,309,412 3,265,361 2,044,051 588,008 1,455,543
355,892 TJ8,5U5 57,920 180,585 3 594,397 355,892 238, 505 57,920 180,585
_______ 718,31J3 272,394 210,509 61,885 4- 990,787 718,393 272,394 210,509 61,885
"-16,644,884-'i,~204,893:W0,984~9~~~14~6~lo~24~,~211~2~,'~'~4ol~'~'~'1~26~,~8~.~2.1~~',~1~6~5,~OO~'~!.~':,~58Il~,~a60~!~~4~,5~8~5.~5::.:42
Great Lakes region:
Illinois _.._.. __ ._.__ .____ . 4,283,608 1,556,724 436,526 1,120,198 31 5,937,304 4,402,881 1,534,423 445,970 1,088,453
Indiana "_._________ 1,05:3,1115 254,009 92,816 162,093 18 1,351,713 1,101,476 250,237 10<1,630 145,607
Kentucky . ._ __ 712,669 266,729 97,173 169,566 'I 999,548 735,583 263,965 101,974 161,991
Michiga.n_~~__ ._____ __ _ 2,6JO,421 768,820 257,558 511,262 I h,9 3,456,693 2,676,009 780,684 263,690 516,994
Ohio.. .. __ .__ " .._. __ ._____ 3,926,907 2,281,733 455,272 1,826,461 6,222,602 3,944,3431 2,278,259 459,371 1,818,888
WW""oot!!rg.n'.n.'.' - ._ . ._______ 470,848 84,318 59,334 24,984 578,692 493,9431 84,749 64,439 20,310
'"'" _I 1,067,380 336,700 113,906 222,794"c..!._lc..,_4_45c...c..86c...+_'c...~lOc..5~.24=4i_...:..a4='~,6=2J)::..I__'='c..8=.263=.I__~m,:::::.:35~'
_. 14,12[',348 5,549,9331 1,512,585 4,037,348 120 19,992,416,,~14;.~45;9~.4~7;'"'i~5~.53;;;;'.~';a';...I,~1.~5~58~.~a~37~I,".....;a~,'~'~4~.600~
MIdwest region: - I I
Iowa_ " . __ 1,238,855 508,068 174,271 333,797
Kansas__ . ._____ _. 680,749 81,850 56,651 25,199
Mlnnesota ._ .. __ .. . . _.___ .__ 1,490,606 660,8581 156,1891 504,669
MissourL~~.._. . . __.._ 2,540,764 981,812 243,124 738,688
Nebrasks__ ...• . -.--.------ 7
2
'3'9','206
57
Z2
8
',',','68' I 'a',',40'23
a
I 14
50
2','a'63'
North Dakota_. __ .._..._._ .. __. ,. __ .
,
199,573 25,181 23,503 1,678 6
270,
439
1
2M,851 15,588 >T,"" -11,006~,
I
7,151,810 2,564,729 768,264 1,796,465 83 10,020,816 7,468,287 2,552,529 806,001 1,746,528
=
37,922,042 15,319,555 4,791,833 10,527,722
'"
54,305,946 39,064, ,578 11'),251,3118 4,944,698 10,306,670
-
457,311 114,734 36,509 78,225 12 653,031 524,664 128,367 47,597 80,770
}
280,749 88,597 17,855 70,742 17 521,575 426, 16$ 93,419 43,024 00,385
821,748 299,434 69,962 229,472 15 1,168,683 910,500 258,093 72,981 185,112
6JI),084 368,923 84,935 283,988 14 1,065,823 677,538 ass,285
94, 247 294,038
580,334 308,692 63,712 244; 980 12 939,857 617,138 3j!2,719 67,096 255,623
767,547 302,700 94,504 208,196 13 1,120,94481~,96$ 31)4,981
96,035 208,946
212,977 35,125 12,341 22,784 5 267,350 2ZT,936 89,414
14,529 24,885
1,210,094 291,050 99,589 191,461 13 1,501,144 1,210,094 2{lI,050
99,589 191,4.61
639,407 235,916 98,796 137,120 11 897,020 691,573 205,447
98,796 106, 651
5,589,251 2,045,171 578,203 1,466,968 112 8,135,427 6,103,652 2,031,175 633,904.
1,397,871
~~712,755 291,050 95,691 195,359
I'
1,117,443 844,643 272,800 112,081 160,719
2,376,809 1,238,810 283,445 955,365 45 3,801,185 2,551,952 1,249,233 311,122 938,111
3,089,564. 1,529,860 379,136 1,150,724 69 4,918,628 3,396,595 1,522, (l33
423,203 1,098,830
-
8,678,815 3,575,031 957,339 2,617,692 171 13,054,055 9,500,247 3,553,808 1,057,107 2,496,701
==.~-=-- -
~.
I
258,537 41,782 16,675 25,107 8 347,578
294, ,.., 52,658 21,535 31,123
I
734,627 271,855 182,033 89,822 13 1,098,915 815,$48 283,067 187,556 95,511
-~. ---- --- ._--~~
3 53,803 40,562 13,241 5,756 7,485
134,614 24, 811 13,061
-----ii;750
8 207,165 173, 0S9 34,076 21,332 12,744
231, no 96,8S4 28,753 68,131 7 376,458 264,787 lIl,671 37,404 74,2fi7
:)
143,668 36, 839 26,600 10,239
,
252,413 205,348 47,065 36,650 10,415
.~559,712 138,339 43,624 {J4,715 6 728,212 .588,746 139, 466 47,763 91,703
2,06!,268 610, lilO 310,746 299,764 52 3,064,544 2,383,300 681,244
357,996 323,248
~. 4,442,164 1,340,250 515,620 824,630 52 5,881,632 4,528,139 1,353,493 553,116 800,377
~.588,104 342,396 59,101 283,295 14 1,019,899 680,378 339,521 65,864 273,657
~- 1,286,392 441,207 138,269 302,938 22 1,802,684 1,353,658 449,026
144,341 304,685
6,316, 660 2,123,853 712,900 1,410,863 88 8,704,215 6,562,175 2, 142,Q40
763,321 1,378,719
-- 8,378,928 2,734,363 1,023,736 1,-710,627
140 11,7118,759 8, 945, 475\ 2, 823, 284 1,121,317 1,701,967
-- 54,979,785 21/628,949 6,772,908 14, 856, 041
660 79,128,760 .57,'500,800. 21,628,460 1,123,122 14,505,338
c· .', •
Mountain rcgivll
Arizona. _.
Colorado_
Wyoming
Idaho__ .._
Montana .
Nevada _
New 1\-Iexiro.
Utah_._
Total, Mountainre~oD_
Pacific region:
California __ . • . _
Or('gon. . . . _
'Vashington. _. ,. •__ • _
Total, Pacificregion_~_
Total, Western dlstrict. •• _._ •....
Total, United States. .~_.. _
South Dakota..~._
WESTERN DISTR I('T
i Includes depreciation, amortization. plant losses, taxes, uncollectible revenue and rents, all assignable to broadcast services,
Total, Midwest region_
Total. Northern distrlct _
SOUTlIEltX' DISTRICT
Southcast~rnregion:
Alabama ... . _. __ .. __
Arkansas__ ... . _
MlssissippL ._. __ . _
Florida .. . _
~~~f:i~iia-_-~~~:::::~~~==~==~======. =====. _.. .
NortlJ C/Vo)jna . _
South Carolina . . . .
Tennessee . ..__ . . __ . __ . _
Vlrginia .. . __
Total, Southeastern regioIl __
South Central r('gi{lu:
Ok]llh01lla~_._
'rcxas. _. . . _.._
Total, South Central r('glon
Total, Southern district..
226 BEPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TABLE IV.-Analysia of investment of broadcast 3tations a88ignable to broadcast
8ertliC6 (including es stations managed and operated by networks)
[Year ended Dec. 31, 1938]
Replace-
Deprecla·
Depreel-
t1onto date
ment Cost to the under
"ed
Item
value licensee OWDp.rship
value at
new by the
clo.e:e of
liOOlLSOO
ye",
JlroadCflllt plant In sen'ice of the licensee 1__________" ____
$45. 732. 227 $46, 273, 936 $21, tHO. 828 $24. 763,108
Broadcast plant leased to others , ______________ • ________
10,290 10,MO 2,6lT 7,923
Improvements and replacements of broadcast plant
~:I~~~t:£:;·iDia'iiiib~·iiib;06dcasi'se;;iceof
1,167,873 1,494,386 380.661 1, 113, 72IJ
licensee ' __ •___ •• _. __._.__ •___.~•••_____________•_____ •
-------.--..
1,341,064- 316. 658 1,024,406
---------
TotaL__ •_•• _.~____ p __ ' ____________________••___••
47,500,390 49,119,926 22,210,764 26,009,162
I Represents data for 651 stations.
• Represents data for 2 stations.
• Represents data for 44 stations.
• Represents data for 106 stations.
NoTlt.-Data shown for 666 stations, 5 stations reporting no owned plant.
TABLE V.-Inve8tment in plant asslgnable to broadcast 8ervice oj major networks as
at the close of the year
[Year ended Dec. 31, 1938)
Allocated to 23 man·
aged and operated
stations
Item
Allocated
to network --, 1
servioo
9 key 14 non·key
stations stations
Total
Owned broadcast plant in service of licensee (depreciated
value}..••_. _, ••••.•••_. . ." ___ _______ _____ $5,571,332 $862,912 $628, 672 $7,062, 816
Improvemente and repl8C'f'ments of broadcast plant leased
from others (deprecletrd va'ue) ._ ••.'. 772. fI..'19 38,798 828, 106 1,639,563
Broadcast plant hfased to others (depreciated value}_._.__ 89.921 2 89,923
-------------------
SubtotaL.-. ••••__ ._•••_•••••_••• .._.__ 6, 433. 912 901,710 1,456, 680 8, m.302
Plant under construction ._..__ .. ••_ _ _... 483,718 ••••.•••.• ••••.•••.••. 483, 718
GoodwUL_._........•....•...._...._....._. __ ..•_•.•••._ 4,135,082 •._.._•. ._._.••_... 4,135,082
Orand totaL•.••••••.•.••••_•••••••••..._. ...... 11,052,712 001,710 1,456. 680 13,411,162
NOTB.-Aggregate cost to the present owners of all the foregoing Items before depreciation, $22,116.000.