wNbc

[badjef]

Wolfman Jack first came to WNBC in the early seventies riding the success of "American Graffiti".

As well as the early success of "Midnight Special," on NBC-TV. The TV show was first. Then he was hired for radio. This first incarnation didn't last long, because a few years later, NBC hired Cousin Brucie. But he returned in the 80s.

ABC had a music show as well. It was simulcasted on WPLJ. "Midnight Special" was not simulcasted. They had 2 themes. The second one was "Midnight Special". I can hear it in my head, but I can't remember the original one.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[TheBigA]

ABC had a music show as well. It was simulcasted on WPLJ. "Midnight Special" was not simulcasted. They had 2 themes. The second one was "Midnight Special". I can hear it in my head, but I can't remember the original one.

ABC's show was In Concert. It was a long form concert show. Midnight Special was more of a hit oriented show. The theme was Creedence Clearwater Revival's song Midnight Special. Shine your ever lovin' light on me.

There was also Don Kirschner's Rock Concert, which was syndicated.

 

[gr8oldies]

"In Concert" was part of ABC's Wide World of Entertainment, and I think ran 2 Fridays per month.

 

[badjef]

"In Concert" was part of ABC's Wide World of Entertainment, and I think ran 2 Fridays per month.

I thought it ran every Friday, but I could be mistaken.

Was the WPLJ simulcast in true stereo?

Some stations used to take the TV feed and run it through an EQ to simulate Stereo.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[gr8oldies]

Could be. I remember WWoE running Jack Paar one full week of the month and Joey Bishop another one then movies and specials the other weeks. Could be Paar and Bishop only ran Mon thru Thurs.

 

[TheBigA]

Was the WPLJ simulcast in true stereo?

Some stations used to take the TV feed and run it through an EQ to simulate Stereo.

WPLJ had direct access to the TV audio, so it probably was true stereo, in sync. But this was when ABC Radio still used AT&T long lines for the interconnect. So I think radio stations had to make arrangements with the local TV affiliate for a stereo feed. Satellite didn't come to ABC until around 1980.

 

[BobSmolarek]

Jack Sterling was on WCBS, before my time. But I do remember hearing music on WCBS, and I remember Yankees games on WCBS in the 60's!! Of course the Yanks are on 880 now so we've come full circle, hi!

 

[gr8oldies]

Wasn't there an overnight guy who played music on WCBS?

 

[badjef]

Was the WPLJ simulcast in true stereo?
Some stations used to take the TV feed and run it through an EQ to simulate Stereo.

WPLJ had direct access to the TV audio, so it probably was true stereo, in sync. But this was when ABC Radio still used AT&T long lines for the interconnect. So I think radio stations had to make arrangements with the local TV affiliate for a stereo feed. Satellite didn't come to ABC until around 1980.

I figured it was just easier and cheaper for radio stations to EQ each channel and call it stereo because back when that was being done, there weren't that many stereos next to the TV in the house. and the combo units would not allow for the radio and TV to be on at the same time. So, the radio station only cared about the percieved marketing.

The stations didn't have to fill programing during that time, either. Just a bored-op, err, I mean, board-op.

But I was hoping, during that time, it would be a step closer to true Stereo TV.

After FM, the FCC dragged their feet on stereo for the other mediums.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[TheBigA]

I figured it was just easier and cheaper for radio stations to EQ each channel and call it stereo

If they said it was stereo, it was stereo. Not all stations had access to it. But the idea of "EQing for stereo" died in 1964.

They needed to get clearance from the TV network to do a simulcast. That's where the audio came from. The TV network was on satellite by the 70s. So real stereo audio should have been available in most places.

 

[badjef]

I figured it was just easier and cheaper for radio stations to EQ each channel and call it stereo

If they said it was stereo, it was stereo. Not all stations had access to it. But the idea of "EQing for stereo" died in 1964.

Not so. I saw it done in 1978 in San Diego.

They needed to get clearance from the TV network to do a simulcast. That's where the audio came from. The TV network was on satellite by the 70s. So real stereo audio should have been available in most places.

That's what I would have thought as well. But the facilities to receive it may have been deemed too expensive for an hour or two a week.

Somebody on this board must have the real answer.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[TheBigA]

If they said it was stereo, it was stereo. Not all stations had access to it. But the idea of "EQing for stereo" died in 1964.

Not so. I saw it done in 1978 in San Diego.

Actually now that you mention it I've seen an outboard rack mounted device called a "stereo simulator," which probably did what you're talking about.

That's what I would have thought as well. But the facilities to receive it may have been deemed too expensive for an hour or two a week.

That depends on the situation. Once again, WPLJ had access to internal tie lines from WABC TV for stereo audio in sync. If you were at a radio station that hadn't have a regular relationship with TV, you ordered a pair of equalized lines from AT&T. You had to specify that the lines should be in sync and in phase. This was a new and exciting technology at the time. The TV station might run a scroll at the bottom of the picture saying the stereo simulcast was available at the radio station. And the radio station would promote it on-air as a tune-in event. They could sell the simulcast to an exclusive advertiser for a special price. This was a very different time.

 

[butchfm]

Jack Sterling was on WCBS, before my time. But I do remember hearing music on WCBS, and I remember Yankees games on WCBS in the 60's!! Of course the Yanks are on 880 now so we've come full circle, hi!

Jack Sterling is not John Sterling......

 

[gr8oldies]

Wouldn't there have been a radio feed with radio commercials?

 

[TheBigA]

Wouldn't there have been a radio feed with radio commercials?

That's a good question. This is all before my time. Ultimately by the 80s, it was more formalized, and yes they ran specific radio commercials. But in the 70s...I don't think they could because the radio networks were still on land lines.