AFRTS Archive

AFRS Asmara 1972-73

2013-05-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

Roland Richter shares his memories:

We were running a Gates BC-1G transmitter with 1 kilowatt into a quarter wave tower with a really good ground system...120 radials quarter wave long...had good processing for the time, The Gates Solid Statesman compressor and limiter at the transmitter and an older Gates Sta Level at the studio with an equalized phone line to the transmitter site. I have a couple air checks from there and one tape that was sent by a DX-er from Finland who picked us up. We were live a lot more than most stations...live from 6am-11, from 1-2, and from 4 to midnight. The AM was top 40 most of the time, with two hours of country. The top 40 had a heavy soul mix in. Weekends were mostly oldies. The FM was automated taped beautiful music except 7-10 pm weeknights when there were specialty shows...classical, folk, oldies, album rock, etc. FM was 200 watts. TV was 100 watts on Channel 2. We were on 3 pm till 1 am weeknights...noon til 2 am on weekends...did half hour of news and weather at 6 and 10 every day and a live kids show on Saturday morning...for a time did a Saturday dance show and a quiz show sort of like College Bowl. I was there 1972-73. The station was actually on before it was an AFRTS affiliate. Kagnew Station was an Army Security Agency site and we had no trouble getting anything we needed! There were 4 am studios including a news room with 2 reel to reels, cart recorder and 4 cart playbacks, FM stereo studio with 2 Scully reel to reels and cart recorder and playback, gates automation system for FM with 4 reel to reels, two carousel cart players and three single play carts...a small and large AM production studio. Control room in AM had Gatesway II, and there were Sold Statesman boards in the smaller studios and in FM control. TV control had a Grass Valley Switcher and a Sparta ten pot audio board...we had Norelco cameras but I can't remember what the film chain was. No tape in TV in those days. We did shoot both film and slides for TV and the post film processor was across the street as part of PAO and they did processing and film editing for us.

Program Shipments in the 90s

2013-05-23T07:43:00.001-05:00

Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) Program Materials, DoD Directive 5120.20-R, Appendix F.

AFRTS-BC ships 80 hours of radio program materials to their AM outlets per week. More than half of the weekly package consists of current music programs featuring major-market DJs. The music heard on these programs is the same as played on many popular music FM stations across the United States. Another portion of the weekly package consists of recordings of the latest hits according to various music charts. To provide the widest possible variety of radio programming, AFRTS-BC includes religious, talk, drama, variety and other program formats in the weekly package.

FM stations also are furnished with program packages. The stations receive a basic FM package along with taped stereo music shipments consisting of vocals and instrumentals.

RADIO UNIT PACKAGE (RU)

The radio unit package (RU) contains approximately one-half (30 hours) of the total radio programming package and is generally undated. It is routed through circuits of one or two outlets. In the RU package you will find weekly religious shows, dramas, features, variety shows and information "fillers." Under normal circuiting (routing), one unit is available for broadcast and two other RUs are either at the station or enroute.

RADIO PRIORITY/LIBRARY PACKAGE (RP/L)

Teaming with the RU package to provide full AFRTS radio entertainment is the radio priority/library package (RP/L). This weekly package has two parts - the radio priority package (RP) and the radio library package (RL).

Radio Priority Package (RP)

The RP package contains approximately 45 hours of timely (dated) materials, including chart music programs, and is shipped to each authorized radio station for immediate broadcast. Because the RPs contain timely material, they have no value after they are aired and include instructions for immediate local destruction. RPs are authorized only for stations that receive the RU package.

Radio Library Package (RL)

The RL package contains approximately six hours of individual recorded music cuts on CD for retention as permanent library material. Because RL material is designed for permanent library retention, shipments continue during temporary periods when other programming may be suspended. A computer floppy disk, containing artist and title information, is included in each shipment. The CDs in the RL package are accountable items and periodic inventories are mandatory.

40-C

Stations authorized to receive the RP/L package also receive the American Top 40 and the American Country Countdown programs as a separate RP shipment labeled 40-C. Like the RP unit, materials in 40-C are destroyed after airing.

RADIO TAPE PACKAGE (RT)

The radio tape package (RT) is a weekly audiotape shipment consisting of approximately 84 hours of RU, RP, 40-C and special information items for authorized ships and selected shore-based stations. Packages contain 14 7-inch tapes recorded at 3 3/4 ips in a fro-track monaural format that can be run on simple automation or manual playback systems. At the end of each recorded track, a 25-hertz tone cues tape reversal and automatic switching to the next track, enabling small radio operations with the proper equipment to automate a full broadcast day. RT units are returned to the duplication contractor after airing so the tapes and shipping containers can be recycled. Outlets authorized to receive the RT package will not receive the RU, RL or 40-C shipments.

RADIO MATERIALS (RM)

Occasionally, your station may receive the radio materials (RM) shipment. It may contain entertainment or information programs, holiday specials, special features, spots or production aids. The type and timeliness of the material will determine whether the RM is shipped on CD or tape and which outlets will receive it.

FM TAPE SERVICES

The three packages available under the heading of FM tape services are FM library (FML), FM program (FMP) and FM religious (FMR). These tapes provide alternate programming for authorized outlets with second broadcast frequencies or cable distribution channels. Tapes are recorded in four-track stereo at 3 3/4 ips on 10 1/2-inch reels. Cue tones are prerecorded on the tapes for automation equipment.

FML

The FML unit is a monthly shipment of roughly 24 hours of library music in three formats - beautiful music, adult contemporary and country. It is designed for permanent retention by the station.

FMP

The FMP unit is a quarterly shipment consisting of about 26 hours of hosted stereo programs.

FMR

The FMR unit is a religious music program service that includes 12 55-minute hosted programs in each shipment.

Wolfman Jack 1975

2013-05-18T20:58:00.002-05:00

Last year I was visiting a radio pal "Somewhere I have a Wolfman ET, want it?" That's an easy question. The disk was trashed and I've spent most of a year trying to get it to track.

This is one of the Air Force recruiting shows and the Wolf is on a tear...

Hope that you like it!

Wolfman Jack 1975

These Air Force recruiting shows usually ran during the Sunday morning PSA ghetto on US stations. The interesting ones were done for Roger Carroll's company. Roger had Wolfman, Country's Gene Price, Soul's Roland Bynum and Roger himself doing a soft-rock show. All of them were also doing daily shows for AFRTS. The recruiting shows were recorded at Watermark rather than the AFRTS shows. While I'm sure some of these were run on AFRTS stations, they were never a part of the official package.

New Book from Gene Price

2013-05-17T06:55:00.002-05:00

Gene Price has a new book out:

"I have published a book titled Lukas’ Maiden Voyage. The story revolves around Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, as seen through the eyes of the young donkey that carried him. I wrote it for young people, ages 9-14 and I wrote it as a Christian mystery story…I hope I succeeded! I just wanted update you on what I’ve been doing in retirement.

The publisher is Westbow Press…which is a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson, the largest Christian publishing house in the world.

I’d love your HONEST opinion of what you think of the book."

It's available as an ebook, softcover or hardcover, the holidays will be here sooner than ever.

Order Lucas' Maiden Voyage by Gene Price

AFN Ed Tooma 1973

2013-05-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

Ed Tooma

Phil just transferred another great broadcast. It's 1973 and from Berlin, Army Specialist Ed Tooma has your soul favorites on "The American Music Hall"

AFN - Ed Tooma 1973

Keeping busy...

2013-05-14T21:49:00.002-05:00

I thought you may wonder where these things come from. Last week I heard from a friend who located several hundred pounds of primarily AFRS transcriptions. There are way too many to catalog at this time.

My friend is in Carolina, I'm in Minnesota. The disks are in the northwest. Naturally.

In the 70s, apparently in conjunction with a station closure at FEN (which stations closed in the 70s??), these ETs were rescued, shipped back to the states and simply stored for about 30 years and almost found their way to the dumpster...again.

Stations that closed in that timeframe include: FEN-Beppu, Nagoya, Wakkannai, Itazuke, Chitose ,Osaka, Kobe & Iwo Jima...

Someone with no connection to AFRTS or even broadcasting wasn't sure what they were but knew they were special, he stored them for about ten years and now needs the space and they could end up in the dumpster. So we've been working on what would be involved in getting them heard again.

How often do these things get trashed?

If everything goes the way I think it will, there are going to be some happy listeners but these things take time.

If you ever run across these things and they need a good home please let me know...

Harry Newman 1980

2013-05-13T09:28:00.001-05:00

Harry always told the story of the music. Harry was on the air in southern California for 30 years including KBLA, KBBQ and KLAC. Last word I could find had him retiring in 1995 and living in Central California.

Harry Newman 1980

Facebookery

2013-05-12T21:01:00.002-05:00

Looks like facebook is at it again...they updated their EDGERANK system. Facebook has recently begun limiting a page’s post exposure by forcing administrators to pay to promote each post for a larger reach. To make sure you are seeing the daily posts and pictures in your news feed PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING:

1) Go to the afrtsarchive.blogspot.com facebook page
2) Hover your mouse over where it says “LIKED” and click on “ADD TO INTEREST LISTS”

Herman Griffith 1967

2013-05-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

Jim Pewter, Herman Griffith and Roger Carroll

Herman Griffith kicked up a storm, with KGFJ and with AFRTS. I wish I knew more of his story. Roland Bynum says that Herman helped him get his job with us.

Herman Griffith 1967

Charlie Tuna 1983

2013-05-09T08:39:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine was visiting family in Duluth MN. I was texted "Charlie Tuna's on the radio up here!!!" Charlie has a syndicated show heard from coast to coast (through Black Card). Call your local radio station and tell them to get this The Charlie Tuna Show

Today is a 1983 visit with Charlie. Once again, this is what radio is all about.

Charlie Tuna 1983

Bolero Time 1970

2013-05-05T11:12:00.000-05:00

On July 4, 1933, Graham gave a live interview with Amelia Earhart just prior to her Independence Day airplane flight from "View Park Airport" (LAX today) in Los Angeles

Vance Graham 1906-1984 had a pretty amazing career. By 1931 he was working in Los Angeles radio. During WWII, the bilingual Graham was recording programming for AFRS.

The Bolero Time broadcasts started in the 1950s at KMPC. In the 1970s he decided to develop the Latino "Victor" character which he used for Bolero Time and a similar program called Viva.

Bolero Time 1970

Adventures in Good Music 1970

2013-05-05T09:32:00.001-05:00

Karl Haas at WJR

Classical music had a home on AFRTS. The lead for that was Karl Haas. He started his program in Detroit in 1959. Somewhere in the early 60s it was picked up by AFRTS. "Adventures in Good Music" became the world's most listened to classical music program.

The theme music for Adventures in Good Music was the 2nd movement from Beethoven's "Pathétique" Sonata (Sonata No. 8 in C minor), performed by Haas himself.

Adventures in Good Music 1970

Chris Noel 1968

2013-05-03T09:10:00.002-05:00

To celebrate Chris Noel's new book "A Blonde Bomb Goes To Vietnam" (get a copy by clicking here , proceeds benefit Chris's veterans shelter "Ceasefire House"), it's time for A Date With Chris.

Date With Chris - 1968

Gene Price 1975

2013-05-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

From 1975 Gene Price has the reasons you should join todays Army!

Gene Price 1975

These were done for Roger Carroll's company and were a centerpiece of Sunday morning radio listening. Gene, Wolfman, Roland Bynum, Billy Pearl. Great stuff all.

Mary Helen Barro 1983

2013-05-01T09:17:00.001-05:00

Mary Helen Barro kept the Latino beat alive. She started with the network in the late 70s and was there a long time. Bailar!

Mary Helen Barro 1983

Joe Ferguson 1983

2013-04-29T09:20:00.001-05:00

A young Joe Ferguson had done some shows at FEN. Years later Joe was jocking in Portland OR. AFRTS had done one of the coolest things they ever did. Asked jocks from around the country if they'd like to do shows for the network. Joe, Bob Moke and several others signed up.

A couple of years ago Joe was telling me that he had saved his shows and would like to make them available once again. Thanks Joe!!

Joe Ferguson 1983

AFN Park Seward 1973 "Old Gold Retold"

2013-04-29T06:56:00.001-05:00

Thanks again to Phil. He recorded this from AFN Munich. From Frankfurt to the network Jimi Hendrix, Spike Jones and the Association. Business as normal for "Old Gold Retold"

AFN Park Seward 1973 "Old Gold Retold"

Jim Ameche 1965

2013-04-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

Jim Ameche

Jim Ameche was the first to really capitalize on a syndicated DJ show. We were lucky enough to have him on the network with beautiful, relaxing music. After Jim, John Doremus and Pete Smith played the music but they each brought something different to the table.

Jim Ameche 1965

Jim Pewter - 1980

2013-04-26T08:13:00.003-05:00

Jim and Laurie Allen (another Minnesotan!!)on tour

The weather's getting nice in Minnesota. Our most famous Minnesotan was Jim Pewter. Jim was on the network shortly after leaving AFKN and stayed on until 1996. Here's memories of memories from 1980.

Jim Pewter 1980

AFN Jim Sampson 1973

2013-04-23T07:01:00.000-05:00

Good morning Munich? Phil found more great material and is sharing this 1973 look at a morning in Munich.

AFN Jim Sampson - August 1973

Laura Lee - Jazzbeat 1986

2013-04-22T08:55:00.002-05:00

Laura Lee kept it very jazzy with the Jazz Beat.

Laura Lee - Jazz Beat 1986

Gene Weed 1970

2013-04-20T13:01:00.002-05:00

Gene Weed was with the network for a long time. He was a longtime talent with KFWB. In the early 60s KFWB was the big rock station in Los Angeles. By 1961 he was the assistant PD for Jim Hawthorne, who we've also heard here. He developed the Shivaree television which ended up running in 150 countries. Later working for Dick Clark productions. Gene came up with "Song Films" or as we call them now, music videos. A big career. Let's take a look at 1970 with Gene Weed.

Gene Weed 1970

AFVN - Orient Express - Paul A. Bottoms 1969

2013-04-19T08:58:00.001-05:00

Last week Paul Bottoms sent the story of his AFVN years. If you haven't read it yet, you should.

From 1969, Here's Paul and the Orient Express.

AFVN - Paul Bottoms 1969

Charlie Tuna - 1984

2013-04-18T08:42:00.003-05:00

Greatest (disk) jockey

Charlie sure inspired fans. We're lucky enough to have a LOT of these because Steve Orchard was a military kid. He'd listen to AFN and really like "Staying Tuna'd" and saved hundreds of cassettes. I had a great time transferring them.

Charlie Tuna 1984

AFVN Paul Bottoms

2013-04-14T20:33:00.001-05:00

By Paul Bottoms,

AFVN Saigon 1968-1970

Well, AFVN meant a lot to me because I spent almost two years ---two tours---on the air in Saigon. We were the network and had seven AM stations up country carrying our signal. They were required to produce three hours of their own programming each day.

Music was the central part of what we presented and we tried to emulate stateside radio in its various formats. But besides the music, we copied the elements of programming we had either learned or heard on stateside radio.

I did the allnight show , The Orient Express from 1 to 4 a.m. for much of the time I was there. I was on the board until 6 a.m. when Pat Sajak (he spelled his name Sadjak then) would take over. To show you the variety, after my three hour show ended, we had an R&B show by Herman Griffith at 4 a.m. and a country show with Joe Allison at 5 a.m, both shows from AFRTS.

We had a ten minute newscast at 6 a.m., a five minute sportscast then a feature that ran about three or four minutes….a chaplain giving us a dose of religion. A different chaplain would come in every week and record five programs. Then came the famous "good morning Vietnam" show opening.

Later, after Pat left, I was moved to days and also did the Dawnbuster which ran until nine (although at 8 a.m., the up-country stations cut away to do one of their local hours). The war was winding down in 1970 and we had fewer people to work with. After 9 a.m., there were two hour-long shows from AFRTS then from 11 a.m., we had another local show. So by 1970 the guy who did the morning show also had to do the 11 to noon show. There was a half hour newscast at noon and from 12:30 to one, a lady from the USO came in. One of our jocks, Roger Ashworth married the USO lady at the time.

it was very hard to please everybody. In fact, we didn’t. We only had an AM and an FM in each area. The FM in Saigon had a morning show geared to older people then later in the day, they aired what we call beautiful music. On the AM, we did what stations did in the old days before a station specialized in just one kind of music: "block programming". So we'd have a two hour top 40 show from 7-9 p.m., a two hour country show in the afternoon, a morning show that played the top 40 stuff, except the hard stuff, and even throw in a march.

We tried to cover all types of music including "underground," those guys were always ticked off at us. They didn't want to hear the hit from the album, they wanted the other cuts. We had a Hispanic sergeant on the weekend with a program of Spanish music called “Bolero." We also had a two hour oldies show on Saturday night.

We had a good news department. There was a newscast at the top of every hour around the clock.

They had to walk a tricky line because of what they could report about the war. We also carried Paul Harvey who didn't like the Vietnam war and kept throwing in phrases like "that dead end war" that they edited out.

For sports, we also carried some big games live, like the World Series which means that because of the time difference the game might start at 3 in the morning and end about 7 or so.

Radio stations stateside have commercials. But we had PSA’s, public service announcements which stateside broadcasters use for charities and other good causes. They were our commercials. We tried to make them as interesting as possible, often with nothing more than some talented people, an idea, some copy, music and sounds effects.

We made every reference possible to home, stateside, the world. Getting out of the Vietnam, if even for a week on R&R, was a very big deal and we made it sound as glamorous as possible. We had announcements about taking the weekly malaria pill (guaranteed to give you the runs although we never brought that up).

We ran things about the dangers of getting VD, warning to buy savings bonds and announcements about re-upping and doing another tour. Once, we ran an announcement saying the mayor of Saigon wanted us to ask our maids in our hotel not to hang out uniforms so they could be seen from the street. It ended with something like "for a better looking Saigon."

I'm very proud of my association with AFVN. In more than 45 years of doing radio, in some pretty big cities like Chicago, D.C., Dallas/Ft. Worth and Phoenix, I think the audience at AFVN may have been the most responsive. But they usually didn't have a lot of choices. They needed us more.