WOR & Gin

"Those listening in from dry states may now tune out this station, for the next program is not intended to offer alcoholic beverages for sale or delivery in any state or community wherein the advertising, sale or use thereof is unlawful."

Thus one night last week did an announcer at Newark's WOR preface a radio act put on by the Mount Rose Gin Distilling Co. of Trenton, N. J. Immediately thereafter a male trio called "The Sizzlers" burst into "Sweet Adeline." Mount Rose Gin was mentioned more than once.

Even though it had censored "The Sizzlers" and their gin program, WOR was taking a grave chance of losing its broadcasting license. The prudish Federal Radio Commission, which always points out that it has no powers of censorship but which nevertheless can brush an offending station off the air overnight, had just laid down the doctrine that alcohol advertisements must be kept off the air. All broadcasters were thus warned:

"The Federal Radio Commission calls renewed attention . . . to that section of the radio act of 1927 which provides that stations are licensed only when their operation will serve the public interest, convenience and necessity. . . . Although the 18th Amendment to the Constitution has been repealed by the 21st, and so far as the Federal Government is concerned there is no liquor prohibition, it is well known that millions of listeners throughout the U. S. do not use intoxicating liquors and many children of both users and nonusers are part of the listening public. The commission asks broadcasters and advertisers to bear this in mind. The commission will designate for hearing the renewal of applications of all stations unmindful of the foregoing. . . ."

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